Sunday night our faithful little golden lab mix passed away. She was 6 years old and had been picked up (rescued) by us as a stray when she was about 6 weeks old. Unfortunately, we moved to a part of the country where heart worms are very prevalent (a fact of which I was unaware) upon which she contracted heart worms. The treatment that was meant to save her proved to be her downfall. There is much sadness in our home, especially in the eyes of my 6 year old son, who loved her dearly. I feel responsible since heart worms are preventable with an inexpensive monthly dose of heart worm preventative. My heart is broke everytime I look at my son as he cries over a picture of his beloved Princess.

What is the point of this post? One is to get it off my chest and grieve a little. Another is, I guess, some sense of seeking someone to say "its okay, you didn't know the risk." The last is for those that have pets: know what the risks are in the area you live and take the appropriate precautions or you may be looking in the eyes of a 6 year old boy trying to explain to him why his friend is gone and will never come home all the while knowing that it is your fault.

Thank you for reading what is obviously the ramblings of someone that is hurt and is posting information that has no bearing on your lives.

Though if it affects a member it does, and sometimes it is just good to get it off one's chest. Best wishes...

Chicken (...and WHT staff)

Sorry to hear about your loss =(

James R. Clark II
Nethosters Inc.
http://www.nethosters.com

Sorry to hear that, Marty. I also have a lab so I feel your loss and know how much you come to love them. Think about how much happiness she has given you and your family.


Best Regards,

Jonah

Wow, that hit home for me marty. I love my dog soo much that it kills me sometimes. He's a Golden Retriever / Yellow Lab Mix who is the sweetest dog in the world. When I first got him I was told to make sure you give him his heart worm chewables from April to October (the summer months here). I didn't think it was that important, but nonethless spent the $40/year the past 2 years. Now I read your post and feel that $40 isn't a whole lot of money for someone you love so much.

This may sound nuts, but the best remedy to the loss of a wonderful companion is to get another one. I'm sure that there is a wonderful dog just waiting for you at your local spca/human society. Not only will you be filling a void in your and your son's life, but you will be providing a life of happiness for another lucky canine.

Here is my pooch 2 years ago: http://www.webfors.com/ericandaustin.jpg

Wait till you see your sons eyes when he makes a new friend! :)

My thoughts are with you.

[Edited by tabernack on 01-31-2001 at 03:12 PM]