We lost our little Sage on the 17th of August. Last evening we said good-bye to DH's Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Chelsea.In 2003, she was dumped out along the road in a very rural/sparsely populated area. She laid in the ditch beside the road for 4 days waiting for her people to return for her. Finally, someone called the dog warden, who picked her up and took her to the shelter. She was there a couple of months.DH fell in love with her, and brought her home. She was estimated at about 2 yrs of age. She was hard-headed and stubborn - which I believe is characteristic of the breed. She had a sound temperament and was extremely loyal. She was healthy, never sick a day in her life -- her only trips to the vet were for vaccines and wellness check. At least until the last few months.Last winter she was really slowing down. We've had her on anti-inflammatories and pain meds for a while. Things declined for her and it was time to release her from the pain she was experiencing. She couldn't walk without assistance and was turning down food.She saved my life this past winter when the exhaust pipe on the woodstove malfunctioned and the house filled with smoke while I was sleeping. Had she not persistently been barking, I wouldn't have woke up and wouldn't be here to tell this story.She's not in pain any more. Until we meet again.....

So sorry to hear. Losing one is bad enough-two back-to-back is almost unbearable. We lost our last Gordon and our Bloodhound a few months apart. We had gotten Jesse in the interim so there was a bit of a cushion but losing two in such a short time frame is very hard. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

A number of years ago, we lost two only 4 days apart, and that was right before Christmas that time.That's what happens when you have multiple seniors. We took in an 11 yr old boy back in June. I knew Sage wasn't doing well, but really expected her to last another year. And Chelsea was declining, but again, didn't expect things to spiral downhill as fast as they did. Certainly wasn't the right time to add another dog in our minds, but some days the heart rules.I truly believe everything happens for a reason, even though it may not be clear at the time.If we hadn't taken in the new boy, our Cowboy would be alone now. He has never been alone without another dog in his entire life. So we are really glad to have Robbie here with us.Cowboy has struggled with losing Sage, but is coming around. I see the two boys' bond with each other growing. They are starting to bounce around together and interact more. All in all, it was an easy fit with the new boy.It's never easy losing any of them.

We're so sorry to hear of your loss, RainDove - especially so soon after Sage's passing.You're right - it's never easy.Thank you for giving them both (and all your furry ones) wonderful lives.

Run free, Chelsea! She will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.We lost both of our dogs earlier this year. Golden Retriever, Gentleman Gus, died in January of sudden heart failure. Tripawd Lab/Chessie, Murphy, left us in April due to an aggressive bone lesion In his remaining hip. It was the first time in our 38 years of marriage that we were dogless. Our Ollie, a year and a half old yellow Lab, joined the family in June and has done a masterful job of filling the huge hole that Gus and Murphy left.

Oh Wanda,I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a gem Chessies are. She looked like a sweet girl. Letting her go was a gift to her.Bless you and DH. I'm sure he needs lots of support now and we send our condolences.Next month has to be better.

The house keeps getting quieter..... | Good Sam Community

xteacher
Explorer
Sep 13, 2015
I'm so sorry for your double loss, especially so close together. We've had and lost several seniors over the years, and it's tough to lose them, but their undying loyalty and love makes it all worthwhile.
rwj146
Explorer
Sep 10, 2015
I'm sorry for your loss. Words don't mean much but I know how you feel.
AZPops
Explorer
Sep 10, 2015
So very sorry for the loss of your Chelsea. In regards to the story about the truck. Baby was the same way with motorcycles, and Harlee was to white pick up trucks.

Pops
raindove
Explorer
Sep 10, 2015
Thanks to all for the condolences. It means a lot.

A funny thing -- probably about 10 or 11 years ago, DH had Chelsea on a leash and he was talking to the neighbor across the street. I've always insisted that he put his hand though the loop on the leash and then hold the leash part with his hand. One time I had a dog bolt unexpectedly and jerked the leash right out of my hand. I managed to catch her, but that made me paranoid about the way I hold a leash.

Anyways, that day, a pick-up truck went by that was loud and made a very different noise. Chelsea immediately bolted -- if DH hadn't had hold of the leash the way I told him, she would have jerked it right out of his hand. She kept pulling and lunging to go after that truck. It took all he had to hold her back. Even the neighbor was amazed at her reaction.

I've often wondered if it was actually the person who dumped her or if the truck just sounded like the one she was in. She never reacted like that before or after that incident. We never heard or saw that vehicle again.

There was definitely some kind of connection to the past for her -- that just goes to show that even after being dumped like that, she still wanted them. Dogs are amazing creatures.
nabi
Explorer
Sep 10, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss...
CA_POPPY
Explorer
Sep 10, 2015
Oh my, what a touching and amazing story about Chelsea! To go from being tossed out like trash along a highway, to live out her life as a cherished family member, and then to thank you by saving your life in the woodstove incident. pets are all angels sent to rescue us from something, I have no doubt. My sympathies in your loss of a very dear friend.
magnusfide
Explorer II
Sep 09, 2015
GMandJM wrote:
magnusfide wrote:
I'm sorry for your loss. It's hard having two back to back funerals . It happened to us some years ago. Herself couldn't stand the quiet anymore and went to the shelter to get a new kitten. She came home with 4 because she couldn't bear to separate them. I love my wife. :C

After reading that, I love her too. (Hopefully, that's okay ;) )

Yep, it's okay. She's a lovely loving lady. The cats are happy and she's happy.
GMandJM
Explorer
Sep 09, 2015
magnusfide wrote:
I'm sorry for your loss. It's hard having two back to back funerals . It happened to us some years ago. Herself couldn't stand the quiet anymore and went to the shelter to get a new kitten. She came home with 4 because she couldn't bear to separate them. I love my wife. :C

After reading that, I love her too. (Hopefully, that's okay ;) )
magnusfide
Explorer II
Sep 09, 2015
I'm sorry for your loss. It's hard having two back to back funerals . It happened to us some years ago. Herself couldn't stand the quiet anymore and went to the shelter to get a new kitten. She came home with 4 because she couldn't bear to separate them. I love my wife. :C
dspencer
Explorer
Sep 09, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about your loss and I truly feel the pain. I have lost seniors and young one's both and it is so hard. She was a beautiful girl and Thank You for giving her 12 great years of love and care.

Doug

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