Spare a thought for my mom; her dog passed away tonight.

[WilliamPitt]

Gypsy was sixteen years old and lived an extraordinarily wonderful life. She was never more than three feet from my mother in all those years, never once taking her eyes from my mother's face.



Gypsy is the black-and-white beauty on the left.

Rest in peace, Gypsy.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

1. Sorry to hear it.

[miss_american_pie]

2. Oh how sad.

I'm sure your mom misses her friend.

[yvr girl]

3. That's so sad

Your mom always talks about her dogs. It will be strange for her to have Gypsy gone. I remember when my dog died. I'd go to pet her (assuming she was on the floor by the end of the couch) and she wasn't there.

[Terran]

4. Sixteen! That's a very long life

and I'm sure a good one. A good thought for you mother and sad sigh for Gypsy. It is very tough.

[Call Me Wesley]

5. Sorry to hear it,

and I've seen a few wonderful dogs passing. I'm sure she lived a wonderful life, and that's something that always should be remembered. She spent her life with your mom, and that is propably what she wanted to do.

Great picture, her eyes tell everything.

Safe passage, Gypsy.

[threehensandacow]

6. it's tough

to lose those we love. pets, people, even ideas. but it's those bittersweet times that make it even more real and help to push that love and appreciation even further into us. that make us real and whole. at least your mother got to love and be loved. by a gorgeous puppy that probably never told her she was getting fat. (this, of course, does not imply that your mother is, was, or ever will be fat) my thoughts go out to her though i don't know her. pain seems to bring a lot of people together.

[abbeyco]

7. I'm so sorry...

I'm sure your Mom is grieving but I hope she takes comfort that Gypsy had a long, loving life.

:hug: for your Mom.

[WCGreen]

8. Sixteen years.... A wonderful life shared with a woman who

obviously cared greatly...

A simpatico relationship that makes life worth living....

[SOteric]

9. Will, please tell Raven that my heart goes out to her.

Those little fuzzy critters sure to get into our hearts.

[dolo amber]

26. What SO said

:hug: Raven... :(

[SoCalDem]

10. RIP , Gypsy..

16 is practically ancient in "big-dog" years.. Our Momma Lab only made it to 13, and her daughter 11..:cry:

Hugs to Raven:hug:

[Texasgal]

11. Awwww....

I am so sorry Will!

Was that the same dog that you had in pictures when you spent time in a cabin? While your mother was out of town?

I am so sad for your Mom, It's so hard losing a pet after that many years. :cry:

[WilliamPitt]

15. It was

Here's one of Gypsy napping with the kitty:

[Midlodemocrat]

12. So sorry to hear this, Will. Please send you mom

my condolences on her loss.

[Thtwudbeme]

13. I JUST asked her how they were too

when she posted in the Lounge.

Please tell her that I am so sorry--

Stephanie

[ismnotwasm]

14. I'm so sorry

My husband had a dog for 17 years, Shelly AKA "shithead" She was like a soulmate to him. They were completely in tune with each other, and she loved to perform her tricks for him. He's never been able to completely get over her loss. We have a beautiful pastel picture someone did of her many years ago over our bed. Give your mom a big hug from us.

[In_The_Wind]

16. I'm sorry for your mother's loss.

16 years of unconditional love was a wonderful gift to Gypsy and your mother.

I know how heartbroken you both must feel at this time.

Rest in peace, Gypsy.

[LaurenG]

17. You all have mine, I am very sad to hear this

she was a beautiful dog. :hug:

[cwydro]

18. i never knew Gypsy

and tears just came to my eyes reading your post. I know how important my girls are to me; 16 is a long life for a large dog....but that is small consolation to your mom right now. I'm not very religious (mainstream speaking), but I always feel that the ones I have lost along the way will be waiting for me one day with bright happy eyes and wagging tails. RIP Gypsy.

[Taverner]

19. That's terrible :( My heart goes out to you and your mom Will

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...

[trof]

20. Aw, man. Sorry.

Our German Shepherd-before-last was Gypsy.
We should have named her "Velcro", because that's how she was with Miz t.

Give my regards and condolences to you mom.
Been there, done that, too many times.

[astonamous]

21. Heaven's doggy door opened today to welcome an angel. n/t

[GOPisEvil]

22. My condolences on your mother's loss.

[China_cat]

23. What a wonderful age, though

for such a large breed. It's a testament to your mother's love and care that Gypsy lived that long. I wish we could keep them forever.

[SeattleGirl]

24. How sad for your mom.

But it's wonderful that she had so many years with Gypsy. A hug and a good thought to your mom, Will.

[Raven]

25. Gypsy had great courage and a huge heart.

Will brought her to me when she was six weeks old. A friend of his in high school had gotten the dog from a kennel in NH as a birthday present for her boyfriend...the boyfriend said "no way" so the poor little puppie went from house to house without a home. Will explained the problem to me and I said... "oh hell. bring her here". That was one of the best decisions I ever made. We named the puppie Gypsy because she had been in so many places.

This dog was near perfect. She was gentle and kind and obedient but frisky. She never took her sharp eyes off me. She loved to ride in the car. She loved the cats. She loved me and Will.

She would have soldiered on for me forever if I had not seen the signs in her eyes that it was just too much for her.

My decision came from watching her struggle and realizing that I was keeping her here for me...not for her. She had terrible hips and a tumor in her spleen. The doc said, with medication, she could go on for years maybe. I decided that after a lifetime of her giving to me, I should give her some permission to go...to get away from the pain that I am sure she felt but never showed.

When we went into the doc's office this afternoon, he bent down to pat her and she collapsed...her back legs just gave way. The doc looked at me and said "you were right, its time." They gave her a shot, I had my arms around her neck and was speaking into her ear. In less than a minute I could feel her relax and sink into my arms and she was gone. Peacefully, with dignity...as she had lived her sixteen years.

I'm home now dealing with the puppie, Tinker, who is beside herself that her big sister is not here...it is tough to watch...but Gypsy loved Tinker and Tinker has a long live ahead of her.

I have great memories of an excetional friend.

[hickman1937]

29. I'm so sorry.

I hope for you that, as time passes, the hurt eases.

[KatyaR]

35. Aw, Raven, I'm so sorry . . . .

Sometimes I think it's harder to lose a pet than a human, because our pets give us such unconditional love. They trust us to do the right things for them, and you know you did that for Gypsy. I hope that gives you some comfort.

My Maggie girl (my avatar) is celebrating her ninth "birthday" on Sunday (I don't really know how old she is because she was a rescue). She's really starting to gray up all over, not just the few stray gray hairs she's had in the past. I found myself telling her the other day, "Don't get old on me, I need you here with me." I don't know what I'd do if I lost her. She has been such a blessing to me--we sorta saved each other.

Anyway, both Maggie and I sent our sympathies to you and Will both.

[sonias]

41. That's such a beautiful story Raven

Gypsy had a great life thanks to you and Will. You made a tough but compassionate choice for love. I'm sure Gypsy appreciates that you let her go in peace. May you meet her again somewhere out there. I know the pain of having to make that choice.
:hug:

Love and peace to you.

Sonia

[Crewleader]

44. Raven...

I am so sorry your Gypsy was suffering, she suffers no more. She lived a good life with you and Will and the loving memories you have will always be with ya. I lost Max this past summer, he too with the hips but now he and Gypsy are at peace.

I know Tinker misses her big sister,and I'm glad you have her.
Please email when you feel up to it.

Big Hugs To You and William! :hug:

[Hand]

50. So do you...

It's hard to make that decision for one who brings such love and joy to our lives, but it's the greatest act of kindness, too--to release a beloved companion to journey onwards whole and free from pain.

Thank you for holding her close as she passed onward. She must surely have felt safe amd understood that the love you shared never really dies.

What wonderful gifts they give to us by just being who they are with all their heart.

Take care, Raven.
:cry: :hug:

[ET Awful]

27. Rest in peace Gypsy, you beautiful dog you.

She looks like a wonderful (and wonderfully hugable) dog.

My best wishes to your mom. :(

[CaliforniaPeggy]

28. I found this poem, Will......I hope it helps your mom.......Blessings

to her.......:cry:

Last Night
I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peek.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said " it's me."
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me.
- Author unknown

[johnnie]

30. Rest in peace Gypsy

I'm sorry to hear about this Will. I know how hard it can be.

[newyawker99]

31. Rest in Peace Gypsy.

:-(

[lizziegrace]

32. What an amazing life

for Gypsy and for your mother. Unconditional love is so very hard to find unless you see it in the beautiful eyes of your dog.

Rest peacefully Gypsy.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

33. 16 was how old my doggie was when she passed last year

Even though we now have 3, I still miss her.

[merh]

34. What a beautiful dog, I'm sorry for your loss Raven.

Rest in Peace, Gypsy. :-(

[RebelOne]

36. Condolences to your mom. but I am certain Gypsy

had a happy life while she was in this world.

[Bzzzz]

37. I'm so sorry...

I know what your mother is feeling and going thru right now. We lost 2 of our beautiful babies this year...one, was our granddoggie and the other our faithful rottie. Their companionship was immeasureable.
My heart goes out to her...

[GoddessOfGuinness]

38. Aww...I'm so sorry to hear that!

It's tough when our furry buddies pass on...
:hug: both you and your mom :hug:

[jus_the_facts]

39. RIP Gypsy.....

....my condolences to you and Raven! :hug: :hug:

[djeseru]

40. I'm so sorry. =(

My condolences. :hug:

[salin]

42. peace to Gypsy

and comfort to Raven and Will. It is so very hard to lose such a treasured member of the family. :cry:

[6000eliot]

43. I'm sorry

I just lost my cat two weeks ago, after 13 years together.

[chookie]

45. See you at the Rainbow Bridge, Gypsy

My heart goes out to Mrs Pitt in her time of loss. :-(

[Scout1071]

46. So sad.

My thoughts are with your mom. Rest in peace Gypsy.

[madrchsod]

47. i know how you feel

sorry for your loss, i know how much you loved her and she loved you.

[UrbScotty]

48. So sorry

:hug:

[texanwitch]

49. I am sitting here next to my dog, I am sorry .

Have a good, peaceful journey Gypsy,

www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html - 4k

[NMMNG]

51. Hugs for your mom and Gypsy

:grouphug:

May Gypsy rest in peace.

[SW FL Dem]

52. My heart goes out to your mom.

Our furkids are family and they are never with us long enough.

[Lavender Brown]

53. What a beautiful dog.

I'm sorry. :hug:

[philosophie_en_rose]

54. I'm sorry, Will. My condolences to your family.

:hug: It's so hard to lose a beloved animal.

[driver8]

55. Sending good thoughts and hugs to your Mom...

Gypsy was gorgeous!

I had to put my Border Collie to sleep this past summer -- what a shitty feeling.

All my best to your Mom.

RIP Gypsy, you beautiful girl.

[tavalon]

56. Give your mom my condolences

It is wonderful that he had such a great and long life. They do leave such holes behind when they have to leave.

[Robeson]

57. Sorry to hear it Will. Your Mom and Gypsy are in my thoughts....

...It sounds like Gypsy had a good life, and was well loved.