Pretty darn sad in Washington

[KimF]

Today I had to put down my 8 year old beautiful Yana. She had hemangiosarcoma and was just too tired to fight. She was terribly anemic and we would have had to start blood transfusions, surgery, chemo and so on. I loved her too much to put her through all that. Until she became sick, she was incredibly active and lived to go for walks, ride in the car, ride on the ferry, swim and play with her best friend Tasha. She was loving, faithful and my best friend. My husband travels a lot and he never worried about me knowing that Yana would protect me with her life.

She didn't let us know she was sick until just a few days ago. It happened too fast and I wasn't prepared. Are you ever prepared? This is the first time in 20 years that I can't hear a dog in the house or feel one leaning against my foot or put an arm out to pet in the middle of the night. I can't stop crying. I feel absolutely desolate...

I grew up with three German Shepherds. The first one my dad brought home from Germany where he was in charge of the army canine command in Nuremburg. That was Reiker. We then had Rex and Max. My husband also loves GSD's and we had our Hallie for almost 13 years. I was also devastated by her loss, but I had Yana to take care of, although in reality, she took care of me. We know that these wonderful dogs are not long lived, but based on past experience and her good care, we thought we had a couple more years at least.

I can't tell you how much it helps to write this. These are just very special dogs and though it might sound odd, the only relief I have had today is to look at pictures of and read about GSD's. If you've recently lost your dog, my heart goes out to you. If you have a young dog, just enjoy the heck out of them and love them, love them, love them! They will return it 100 fold!

[JakodaCD OA]

I am so sorry for your loss( She was a beautiful girl!

I am down to one, who is 2 years old, I've always had atleast 3 gsd's in the house, the worst part of living with one is having to say goodbye to soon(

I hope at some point, you'll find another special gsd to share your life.

[jakeandrenee]

I am so sorry...

[bianca]

My thoughts are with you. I am so very sorry for your loss of Yana, she looked beautiful. Rest In Peace dear Yana.

[rickaz80]

I find this poem helpful. So sorry for your loss.

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....

[Wolfiesmom]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[Zisso]

While I do not know you, I am so sorry you lost your girl. It breaks our hearts to lose them no matter how long they have been with us. I know the empty feeling too, having lost my Miss Lizzy Oct '08. I said I would never have another dog.

In Feb '09 I saw a boy on CraigsList. I went to meet him, all the while telling myself I will just meet him and his brother who were both advertised as up for adoption. That day changed the quiet atmosphere I had endured for 4 months. He brought life back to my home and gave me something new to live for. Having grown up with two siblings, he was lonely tho, especially when I was at work. Cruising the urgent section here took me to PetFinder where I always looked at local dogs available too. On June 1 '09 I saw Nadia. Went to meet her too. And once again, the dynamics of my household changed. Each dog was 16 months old when I went to meet them and brought them home.They will both be 3 years by the end of the year and I could not imagine my life without them!

So I hope that you too will find a time and place in your heart for just one more

[Cluemanti]

Very sorry for your loss!

[arycrest]

I'm so very sorry for your loss!
Run free at the Bridge beautiful Yana!

[katieliz]

please add my voice to those who've already told you how sorry they are. it seems like hemangio is so prevalent now, many of us here have had personal experience with this dreaded disease.

what a beautiful girl your dear yana...rest in peace sweet girl, bless your heart...