I Miss My Best Friend :-(

[MadBadger]

Any dog lovers on DU? My dog, a loveable, golden retriever named Zuko (after Danny from Grease) had his cancer come back. It was all over his Lungs. My Dad called me to tell me this on Friday cuz Im at college. He told me that he was to be put to sleep to stop his suffering. They wanted to see if he could last until I came home but he just couldnt do it. He was 11 years old and I miss him terribly. Its true what the say, a dog is your best friend. My dog has been there for me whenever I needed some company when any shitty thing had happened to me. And I feel weird saying this around people. BUt I miss my best friend.

[goldcanyonaz]

1. I am so sorry for your loss. So very sorry.

[FourScore]

2. I am so sorry for yur loss, hnmnf.

When losing a pet, you really do lose a family member. Time will help. And you have your memories. But I am so sorry.

:hug:

[rurallib]

3. My heartiest sympathy

When I was young I lost my best friend - a cocker named King who had raised me from the cradle.
But a few days later this sad looking dacshund came into my life looking for a home. Love at first sight.
Friends like Zuko are hard to replace.
:cry:

[OhioChick]

4. I'm Sorry to Hear This....

And it's not weird to feel that way. I lost my "best friend" a few years ago to Hemangiosarcoma which in turn led to lung cancer. She was 12 and I'll never forget her. She always seemed to know how I felt and was always there for me, as I was for her. I still miss her.

You're not alone. :hug:

[ruggerson]

5. Remember him like this

He will always be stitched into your heart.

[MadBadger]

20. Thanks...I'm glad I wasnt here yesterday or watched the Derby

I would have been a wreck watching it and reading the posts from the certain heartless thugs who call themselves human beings.

[Cerridwen]

6. Dogs give us unconditional love. The loss feels as bad as losing a human

friend for those of us who have been owned by our pets; sometimes it feels worse.

My sympathy for your loss.

:hug:

[Bozita]

15. Amen.

My sympathy to hnmnf.

[Jane Austin]

42. I think it sometimes feels worse

because we don't have mixed feelings about our pets.

Sometimes with people, there is so much damage and so much baggage, our feelings are mixed.

[Cerridwen]

43. I agree with you and for the reason you posted.

There is not the complexity with our pets as there is with our friends and family.

[MadBadger]

47. Not to mention, you know if you're lucky, you will only get 15 years.

I got 11.

[roguevalley]

52. the smaller the dog, the longer the life. my robby just got over cancer.

I wish you had the same luck. Please know you and your baby are loved.

RV, wishing all of you good hope and much peace tonight.

[MadBadger]

54. I just love those goldens. They are so beatiful, so loving.

[Jane Austin]

61. My heart aches for you.

The one who got under my skin and right into my heart, died at ten from a blood clot brought on by (successful) brain surgery and radiation for a brain tumor.

That was two years ago this June 15, and I guess I will never get over him.

Here is Romeo with one of his Corgi friends.

[justinboston2008]

7. So sorry

So sorry to hear of your loss. :(

[yewberry]

8. Oh, I'm really sorry.

I lost a deeply loved dog, too. She had cancer, too, and once treatment began, it became clear to the surgeon that she was too sick to save. We didn't get to say goodbye, either.

I'm really sorry. It will take some time before it gets easier, but it will get easier. As silly as it is, it helps me to think that my girl knew how loved she was; your Zuko knew, too.

I'll be thinking of you.

[UrbScotty]

9. You know there are MANY dog lovers on DU!

And all of us join together to offer you our love and sympathy.

:hug:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

10. I'm really sorry.

I feel your pain. I've had to do it with another of my buddies and now my best friend for the past 17 years is to the point of needing to be eased into a peaceful slumber.

All I can offer you is the knowledge that Zuko is no longer suffering. It's better, we both know that, but that doesn't do a damn thing to ease your loss. :grouphug:

[MadBadger]

14. You know, this thing came out of nowhere, literally

One day he was fine and the next, he couldnt breathe and the cancer was all over. My parents brought him into the vet a week before and they thought he was acting strangely cuz of arthritis...but it was cancer.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

27. Sounds like your parents were doing a great job acting as his caretaker.

Thanks to their being observant and concerned (and no doubt in part to the fates taking a gentle hand with him) he didn't have to suffer. Be grateful for that. In a way you're fortunate since you'll always be able to keep the memory him happy and healthy in your heart.

[Jane Austin]

64. Sounds like hemangiosarcoma.

It gets so many Goldens - as well as other breeds.

It is cruel to the owners, but kind to the dogs.

They have no symptoms, usually, until a tumor bursts and they bleed out, or it has affected almost every organ.

The dogs do not suffer at all, and are absolutely themselves, romping and playing and eating, until suddenly they go down.

To their people, though, it is so cruel because it happens so fast, and you have no time to adjust - or often even to say goodbye.

One day they are their goofy selves, and the next day they are gone.

The Zeke Cancer Fund of the Golden Retriever Club of America <grca.org> funds research into hemangiosarcoma and other cancers.

I pray that we may soon have a treatment. For the 15 years I've known about it there has been no treatment at all.

[xchrom]

11. for Zuko

Dear God, you have given us care over all living things; protect and bless the animals who give us companionship and delight, make us their true friends and worthy companions. Amen.



Dear God, protect and bless all beings that breathe, keep all evil from them, and let them sleep in peace. Amen.
--Albert Schweitzer, "Memoirs of Childhood and Youth"


Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.
--Franciscan prayer


Eternal Spirit, we bring you our grief in the loss of Zuko and ask for courage to bear it. We bring you our thanks for Zuko who lived among us and gave us freely of his love. We commit our friend and companion Zuko into your loving hands. Give us eyes to see how your love embraces all creatures and every living thing speaks to us of your love. Amen.

[Jane Austin]

62. Thank you for those prayers.

They are beautiful and I have saved them.

[tavalon]

69. Here's another. Everytime one of my beloved pets has had to go, I read it.

The Rainbow Bridge

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....

Author unknown...

[Jane Austin]

86. Thanks.

That's a wonderful one.

This thread has had me crying a lot, remembering my lost ones and reading about everyone else's loving pets.

Last night I did some actual sobbing, but I found tears pouring out of my eyes even when I was going about doing other things.

This morning, well, here we go again.

Oh, well, empathy is a good thing to feel, and I needed to change my contacts anyway.

Still thinking about you and Zuko, hnmf

[Bluebear]

12. I am so terribly sorry for you.

I have been through the same and it's horrible. Thinking of you tonight.

[hlthe2b]

13. There are many many of us here...

I mourn for the loss of your beautiful boy.... My 4 legged girl is my best friend as well. Someday she will leave me to join some wonderful friends that went before her...I treasure every minute with her and know that you did with Zuko...I'm very sorry for your loss--one I truly appreciate.

[Warpy]

16. It hurts just as much when you're older, too

Cats and dogs are always our best friends. They don't care if we're having bad hair days, if we've put on weight, or if we screwed up at work. They're completely uncritical of us no matter what is going on. When that unconditional acceptance is gone, we miss it horribly.

They really are our best friends and it hurts like hell when it's time for them to move on.

[MadBadger]

18. I lost one three days from my birthday when i was in fifth grade

Cocker Spaniel named Pebbles. But I never bonded with her. She wasnt very nice. But Zuko was the nicest thing in the world. Awful watch dog, cuz he would have attacked a thief with his tongue instead of his teeth...was a 100 lb lap dog, or at least he thought he was.

[Tikki]

17. I am so sorry....

I know your pain...
In a little while you will remember vividly special times
you and Zuko shared.
Go with the pure joy that will be in those moments...

:hug:


Tikki

[Kceres]

19. Time will help heal, dearest, and the memories will always make you smile.

Damn dogs break your heart every time, but IMHO the joy and unconditional love they provide is well worth the pain. My healing thoughts are on their way to you.

[zabet]

21. Sorry for your loss.

[alittlelark]

22. I'm sorry. I have lost wonderful animals as well.

The loss can create a hole in your soul. This sounds like your first experience w/a pet's death. I wish I had words to make you feel better.

Time is the only thing that seems to work.

It's sad you couldn't make it to see him one more time, but he knows you love him.

:cry: :grouphug:

[MadBadger]

25. I had a cocker spaniel that died when I was 11

But I think she had been battered by the time we got her because she wasnt friendly at all. This dog was so loveable.

[alittlelark]

57. I was 34 when I lost my best friend... Tara, a beautiful kitty

she was 18 years old - I had her through college, she shared all my highs and lows.... she was the love of my life.

Your fur baby sounds like he filled the same kind of place in your heart.

That void will be with you your whole life, but you can slowly start to fill the void with happy memories and likely new fur babies.

:hug:

[juajen]

23. I am so sorry. I lost my beloved golden retriever a couple of years back, and

it still hurts terribly. She also had cancer and had to be put down. That night I cried myself to sleep, as I did many, many, nights and days thereafter. She slept beside my bed every night, and we would chat back and forth. I swear, she could talk.

The night of her death, I had a wonderful dream. I was beside her as the vet gave her the shot. As the shot began to take effect, her eyes, brilliant again, opened and she hopped up with more energy than I had seen in her for months. Behind her I could see a meadow where my wall used to be, full of flowers, bees, trees, just beautiful. She wagged her tail and barked happily and ran off into a meadow leading somewhere.

I thanked the powers that be for giving me that dream, and every time I grieve for her now, I see that dream, and I can rest.

I hope you will get another "best friend" soon, and that my dream will come to you also.

Peace,

Juajen

[texastoast]

24. I'm so sorry

There's nothing like a dog. Their unconditional love cannot be compared. Try to remember you will meet up in the Summerland. Zuko will be waiting for you.

[dawgman]

26. I have lost two dogs

in the last 3 years with another about to go soon. The relationship between dog and human is unique and special. My condolences and I hope a new pup warms you up soon.

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. --Roger Caras

[kentuck]

28. Sorry to hear of your loss, hnmnf...

I love my dog. When I am off from work, he goes wherever I go. Just before I sat down here at the computer, he met me as I came down the stairs. He wanted to go out and check the perimeter. I understand how you must feel.

[bonito]

29. Ya it definitely sucks I know the feeling

On more than one occasion all I can rest on is I treated them with much love they might not have had, I don't know what else to think but that.
Peace

[housewolf]

30. Oh, I am so sad for you...

I have an old big dog - he's 13 and is very old for his size. My heart breaks every time I think about not having him with me any longer. So tonight, my heart breaks for you and with you. If it helps any to know that others know and understand what you are suffering, I and many others here on DU are right there with you offering our love, compassion and support.

Hugs, hugs, hugs to you. I am so sad and so sorry about your beloved friend.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[flvegan]

31. I feel your pain. I lost my big boy last June.

Cancer. Did all we could, didn't matter. There's still a hole in my life as a result.

In better days:



I run a rescue, and I've lost dogs before and it sucks, but losing him is selfishly what I can say ruined me for the last year.

[mitchum]

32. My thoughts are with you and everyone who knew and loved Zuko

[NOLALady]

33. So sorry.

:cry: :hug:

[cal04]

34. I'm so sorry for your loss hnmnf

they are part of the family and are always there for us. Lots of hugs for you and know that there are a lot of us who know exactly how you feel.

:hug: :hug:

[StarryNite]

35. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I have lost 3 dogs over the years and I still miss them more than words can say. They're not just best friends, they're family. :hug:

[Freedomofspeech]

36. So sorry...

we animal lovers can all sympathize with you. Peace to you.

[mahina]

37. Our golden has cancer too...

her brother Beau died of cancer a year ago. Our Molly doesn't know why she feels junk, she's just sleeping a lot more, and only goes a couple of houses down the street on our walks and turns around to go home.

She is a real live Wonderdog. I know just what you mean. She's 13, and she's my best friend too.
Big hugs :hug:

Some little kid somewhere said the reason we are here is to learn to love each other, and dogs don't live as long because they already know how.

We took her to the beach today, and she swam and swam, and made some new doggie friends, and had a great time. I wonder if the vet will give us the injection to give her, it would be so perfect for her if we could let her last moments be at the beach she loves.

Anyway, just wanted to say, we're going through it too, and send you much aloha.

[MadBadger]

39. Thanks, soulds like the same thing

Zuko has been sleeping a lot for the past year, sometimes was fearful for going down the stairs, but we didnt think much of it.

[tularetom]

38. Nothing harder than losing a dog

My buddy (a siberian husky) was 16 years old when we had him put down eight years ago and I still get blubbery when I think about him. And I'm 66 years old. And I've lost lots of pets in my lifetime.

They demand nothing. And give everything. Especially unconditional love.

I have three dogs now - a female husky and two labs.

I'm sure I'll feel just as crappy when they go.

Just remember the good times and you'll eventually be able to smile.

[Jane Austin]

40. I'm really sorry.

Zuko will have good friends "at the bridge" to greet him.

Just the ones from our family - Taffee, Angel, Winnie, Skip, Poppy, Romeo, Striper and Shaq - will give him a good old Golden romp, a swim and endless ball chases.

I do know how you feel . . . believe me, I do. But be assured that he has done his job here and won't mind going now.

He was, after all, your best friend.

[Stinky The Clown]

41. They *are* our best friends.

They demand nothing but give love in amounts most of don't even deserve. They accept us exactly as we are.

I feel your loss right along with you.

[JPettus]

44. I'm very sorry for your loss

We have five dogs and they are like our children, and when something happens to one of them we are devastated.

Hang in there, the pain eventually morphs into happy memories of the times you spent together.

[shireen]

45. my deepest condolences

Dogs are sweet loving little souls, the best friends we'll ever have. I am so sorry for your loss.
:hug:

[FloridaJudy]

46. My sincere condolences.

It's so sad our furry family members have such short lives.

[satya]

48. I am so very sorry. Dogs are very special people.

It must be so very hard for you, knowing that he would comfort you now if only he could. Please don't feel weird saying this, or feel like you shouldn't be grieving for your friend.

:hug:

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

49. We lost Rocky and Bodhi over the span of 6 months.

Both were golden retrievers Bodhi was 11 and had bone cancer, Rocky was 7 and had mangiosarcoma, his spleen ruptured one morning we lost him 6 hours later. Bodhi lasted almost a year with the bone cancer. Right now Danny is at my feet he's a 4 year old golden, Linus is in the bedroom with my wife he's 3 year's old another golden, he was a rescue that we couldn't adopt out because of aggression, then we found the cancer in him, he'll be with us till he's gone, another permanent foster. There are 5 other dogs here, 6 out of 7 are rescues. I haven't cried over a person dying in years. I cried like a baby when we lost Bodhi and Rocky. My sincerest condolences, I'll say a prayer for you.

David

[GreenPartyVoter]

50. Almost all my childhood pets died when I was at college. One dog died not of her cancer but

the chemo did her in. It was so very hard that I never got to say goodbye to her or any of the others.

I know how much this hurts your heart. :hug: Just try to hold onto happy memories and hope that they are in animal heaven somewhere doing what they love most.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

51. I am so sorry for your loss and am sending you hugs (((hnmnf)))

[Raejeanowl]

53. I'm So Sorry

Wasn't it great that you two had each other? There's nothing like a loving animal companion to keep you grounded and knowing you're loved and appreciated.

Maybe you'll be in a position to get that kind of relationship going again someday with another great dog, in honor of what you shared with Zuko, and what he taught you.

[Laurier]

55. So sorry to hear the sad news, hnmnf

There is nothing weird about saying what you said. Animals can be close friends just as much as humans. My sincere condolences to you.

[Skittles]

56. so sorry hnmnf

Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you.....
I loved you so --
'twas Heaven here with you."

--by Ilsa Paschal Richardson

[Voice for Peace]

58. my dog died last october

for a few weeks it seemed like she was still there with me, only invisible.

Twice I have had vivid dreams in which she appeared. They weren't really
at all like dreams. It felt more that I was in another dimension where she
could come into being for short periods of time, and it was every bit
as real as waking life with her, except that I knew she had died, but I
knew also that she didn't totally die.

Anyway, it seems some part of her is everywhere now, and that's a
sweet feeling.

[Laverdadtelibrara]

59. sorry...........

for your loss

[Ellen Forradalom]

60. I am so sorry. Dog is indeed man's best friend

Or, as my son astutely points out, woman's best friend.

My hyperactive little buddy has driven me distraction a few times but we've always worked it out. He's truly my faithful pal. I'd be distraught if anything happened to him.

[calimary]

63. Bear and everybody else at casa de calimary send our condolences.

Our dog is still quite young and we joke that we should send him to the Democratic National Committee because he's very good at herding cats around here (we have two that do not like each other).

My sympathies. We recently lost Ernie, our tuxedo cat of 15 years, and I miss him every day. He was my "familiar." I sympathize with your loss. At least Zuko isn't suffering. Yeah, I know, not much comfort, but sometimes it's all we have.

:hug:

[EFerrari]

65. I'm sorry, hnmnf. I felt the same way when I lost my 11 year old girl.

There's nothing to feel weird about. They are our best friends. :hug:

[kas125]

66. I'm sorry.

Our thirteen year old dog had to be put to sleep Wednesday. My kids, who are your age, and I, are feeling the same things you are. Our vet got out his calculator and figured out that he was the equivalent of a person who is 110 years old, so he had a long and happy life, but it's still hard. He had congestive heart failure and was on medication, but had a heart attack and was struggling to breathe and wouldn't eat. He wasn't going to get any better. My son who came home from college today is very sad that it didn't happen a few days later so he could have said goodbye. Please don't feel weird about missing your dog, it's the most normal thing in the world; and know that you aren't alone, we miss ours, too.

[MadBadger]

67. Souunds like a very similar situation

My sister at least has her own little dog that she can curl up with. I just keep getting more and more sad thinking about him. Cuz when I last saw him in January, he was his usual self.

[tavalon]

68. I'm so sorry

They are very special, our fur people. I'm really sorry you couldn't see him again, before he had to go.

[Eurobabe]

70. Oh, poor Zuko...

I am really sorry for your loss hnmnf. :hug: It's never easy to lose a furkid. My cats always come to me when I am sick or not feeling quite right. They know us.

Hope in time the pain of losing him settles, and you can remember the good times you had with your best friend. :hug: :grouphug:

[Solly Mack]

71. They tail wag their way into our hearts and become family

And when they pass there is a void... and we grieve.

Hugs and warm vibes to you, hnmnf

RIP Zuko.

[comtec]

72. **HUGZ**

My cat died some years ago, I had her for 15 years - my formative years :)
It hurt as bad as when my grandmother died (we were close).
My kitty was my only link of love sometimes, and I still miss her.

My dog is 5 this year, and I hope we have him for 10 more. He has more lives than a cat it seems, based on his affinity for chocolate.
It's impossible to stay mad at him because he has pathetic down to a science! :)

People who don't understand the bond between people and their pets,especially long time ones, just don't get open, and complete love and affection. There needs to be an end game for them.

My heart goes out to the horse that had to be put down. But a horse with ONE broken ankle, let alone two, will be in pain the rest of her life, assuming the leg can even heal. Two legs incapacitated for a quadruped, esp a horse who NEEDS at least 3 to stand, is really a unrecoverable injury.

Horses just don't heal that well if at all from bone breaks. In the wild they;'d be food, so I think the species never really developed that ability, like humans and most other animals do.

[MuseRider]

73. Don't ever feel weird

about loving!

I am so sorry. It is always hard, especially if you did not have the chance to say goodbye but you know Zuko knew you loved him.

Dogs really are the best and they will stick with you through it all as you would have done for him.

:hugs: to you. Grieve but know he is at peace, resting without pain and that as he left he knew you loved him. His life was good because of you and nothing is more important than letting those we love know that we love them. Dogs know, he knew.

I am so sorry.

[MountainLaurel]

74. Oh no

:hug:

You have my complete and utter empathy. My golden retriever friend had to be put down due to cancer the weekend after I left for college. My mother, who didn't want to ruin what was supposed to be such an important time, didn't tell me until the first weekend I came home. He was my best friend as well -- the one I told all my secrets to. Mourning a friend, even a furry one, is perfectly natural. And if anyone uses the phrase "It's just a dog," tell me and I'll kick their ass.

[driver8]

75. I am so, so sorry for your loss.

I lost my dog when I was away at college...I still remember the night my Mom called to tell me and it happened 25 years ago!

Your sweet Zuko is no longer suffering and had a wonderful and loving life with you and your family. It really sucks that our pets don't live as long as we do.

Again, I am sorry for the loss of Zuko.

[Dorian Gray]

76. I"m very sorry for your loss.....

losing a pet is always tragic.

[Sundoggy]

77. Know how you feel... very sorry

My ex and I had been told we couldn't have children so we lavished all our love on our dogs. When our favorite, Sam, a 5 year old dalmatian, died, we were heartbroken for years.

Then amazingly we had a son, then two daughters. We finally had children to lavish our love on. Then our son got cancer, suffered for two years, and died at 19. He will have been gone a year this Friday.

I only thought I knew what heartbreak was. Our dogs are our companions and friends but what they teach us is that life is ephemeral, and that you should never love someone or something without knowing that it will end someday, and that what counts is not wasting a single moment.

Sorry if this seems overly dark, you'd understand if you were in my shoes.

[renate]

79. I am so sorry

You have known far too much sorrow. What a harsh way to learn one of life's most important lessons. :hug:

[liberalla]

78. I'm sorry for your loss and your pain

The joy and unconditional love that a person receives from their pet is absolute and pure. I was in college when my cat had to be put to sleep. It was so hard to get this news by phone from my mother. We both cried. Keep Zuko in your heart, and remember the good times you two shared.
:hug:

[renate]

80. dogs are so special

(Especially goldens...!)

I'm sorry you couldn't be there to say goodbye but at least you know that he didn't suffer while waiting for you. He might have tried to wait--dogs' hearts are so loyal and loving--but it's a good thing that your dad was there to make the right decision. I've always remembered the end of "The Dog's Plea": Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

A connection like the one between you and Zuko doesn't end with death... but of course you'll still miss him terribly. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[SaveOurDemocracy]

81. It's never easy, but the ones we grew up with are especially

difficult. They were our one reliable constant through all the changes.


I'm very sorry for your loss.

The dog of your boyhood teaches you a great deal about friendship, and love, and death: Old Skip was my brother. They had buried him under our elm tree, they said — yet this wasn't totally true. For he really lay buried in my heart.

Willie Morris,
My Dog Skip

[kineneb]

82. so sorry, ...pets are our animal family

I understand. Henrietta(the chicken) got sick before Christmas, and was unable to eat. I spent $400 at the vet's place, getting her help. I am so glad she survived, because she is a great comfort to me since my husband died.

[Blue_Tires]

83. lost mine 11 years ago and still miss her

[janetle]

84. I have lost three Goldens to cancer

liver cancer, leukemia and lymphoma--three different kinds. But I have another one and he is six now and I love him just as much, too. I am so sad for you. I know exactly how you feel.

[B Calm]

85. My best pal was a Yellow Lab named Dusty. I won the puppy at

the Indianapolis Boat Sport and Travel Show. He grew up to be a beautiful dog. The only dog I ever had that would swim under water. We were together constantly, hunting, fishing, swimming and just going for joy rides in my old jeep with the top down. I was cutting firewood one day and downed a huge white oak tree. Dusty was with me that day and the last time I saw him he was chasing a squirrel back into the woods. After the huge tree fell, I started cutting it up into logs. That's when I discovered my best pal was crushed under the tree. In tears I cut the limbs off his dead body and loaded him up for his final Jeep ride. This happened around 15 years ago and I still tear up thinking about that horrible day, GOD I LOVED THAT DOG!