Remember when you were a puppy? You used to sit by the front door all day and wait for your mom to come home. Because this is what all dogs do.
One reason you did this was because whenever your loved ones would arrive and see you sitting patiently by the door, they’d be so full of emotion they’d blurt out, “Who’s a good boy?! Who’s a good boy?!” And inevitably food would follow.
The truth is, all you ever wanted to hear was that you were a good boy. This phrase made all the front-door waiting worth it. Although you don’t feel too “good” right now.
Right now you’re lying on your side and there is a tube attached to your paw, and the veterinary doctor is injecting something into your bloodstream. Your mom is holding you.
You are panting slowly. You’re trying to wag your tail to show everyone that you’re a good boy. But nothing is happening, your tail muscles are too weak. And you’re struggling to breathe. Your heart is slowing. The lights are dimming. And everyone is grim.
“Buddy,” says your mom. Because your name is all she can mouth through her tears. “Buddy.”
Somehow, within the innermost depths of your brain, you know what’s happening here. This is something big. Something frightening. Something final.
It takes a moment, but you eventually realize why the vet has a drip line attached to your veins. You understand why this room is getting so dark. This is your end.
You’ve been sick. Violently sick. You’ve been in the ER, the doctor said you have liver failure.
You are briefly sad about this. Mainly, because you are REALLY going to miss your mom. Oh, if you could only communicate to your mom in human language right now. If only there were a way, you know exactly what you’d tell her.
First off, you would thank her for being your mom. Because she is awesome. In fact, out of all the moms in this whole world, she is the mommiest.
Then you’d tell her how wonderful she smells, and how delicious her shoes were. You’ve tasted a lot of shoes in your life, hers were up there.
But then, if you could truly communicate, probably the main thing you’d tell her is what you’ve always wished you could tell her, which is: “I love you, Mom!”
In fact, that’s your primary feeling in this world. Love. Love for her. Love for everyone. Love is all you ever felt. This is the feeling that got you out of bed.
You see, humans have long believed that dogs weren’t that smart. But this is a myth. In many ways, they are wiser than humans.
Some humans could never feel as intensely as dogs can feel. Most humans could never be as loyal, diligent, steadfast, or selfless as a dog. And these canine virtues don’t come easy, they take real brains. A lot more brains than the human race has, apparently.
Don’t believe me? How about this? Throughout history, how many wars have dogs ever started? How many cars do dogs hijack? Do dogs ever embezzle millions of dollars and end up in prisons with tennis courts?
No. And that’s why you’re not scared to depart from this world. Because your doggy heart is true, and it knows about the beauty that awaits. All dogs know about The Far-Off Place.
Heaven is practically instinctual within all animals. It’s a given. It’s obvious. It is only humans, educated beyond their own intelligence, who doubt the existence of a hereafter. But a dog possesses awareness of the divine. If they didn’t, they could never treat life as they do. Like an adventure.
You can already feel your paws and tail getting numb. And your mother is really sobbing now. You don’t have long.
It occurs to you that you need to get a message through to your mom, and fast. You want to tell her something important. You want to bear your soul. But all you can do is lock eyes with her.
She stares back at you. And in this flickering moment of mutual acknowledgment, you hope she can read your mind.
More than anything you want her to know how much you enjoyed being her baby. And how much you love her, and how much joy she brought you. You also wish she’d quit blaming herself for your end. It’s nobody’s fault. This is merely part of being a dog. Nobody said it was going to be easy. You knew this going into it.
Soon, your eyes close. Slowly. And you can feel a final breath exit your lungs like a great gulf breeze. Your chest collapses. And you are gone. It only takes a moment.
Then…
You open your eyes.
You find yourself in a world of blinding light, greeted by giant abalone gates, swinging outward. Beyond these gates are pastures, hayfields, and zillions of dogs just like you. Every animal is running, chasing butterflies, tongues draping out, eyes like puppies, barking with joy. They are having the times of their lives.
What a marvelous place this is. It’s just like you thought it would be. You can’t wait to sniff every tree, lap from every creek, and roll in every meadow.
Even so. You don’t wander into eternal joy. Not yet. Which doesn’t surprise the ancient one who made you.
Instead, you sit beside the tall gate, at attention, completely still. You’re watching. Waiting. Your eyes don’t blink. Your tail isn’t wagging. And all the other dogs in heaven know exactly what you’re doing. And they know that you will sit in this spot for as long as it takes until your mom comes home.
Because as I said, this is what dogs do.
97 comments
Marilyn Ward Vance - January 28, 2021 9:49 am
Is it dusty in here?
Mary Bales - January 28, 2021 10:57 am
This one should have come with a warning! Now I have to go to work with pink eyes. And a softer heart. Thank you, Sean.
Chris - January 28, 2021 11:04 am
Grown man, tears in my eyes…knowing Monty will wait by the gates until I come home. I hope he does not mind waiting, but who knows how long it will take….
Robin George - January 28, 2021 11:28 am
That was the most wonderful explanation of a loving dog I’ve ever read, My Ginger is always in site of me, watching and waiting for a pet, a gaze, or hopefully a lease for her. The unconditional love takes my breath away, She is my heart and I am her’s.
Thank you for your seeing into a dog’s heart and mind, and being able to put it on paper. ❤️
Diane Engel - January 28, 2021 11:37 am
Proverbs 12:10 says that “whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast.” Thank you for this righteous tribute to Buddy, and may God comfort the hearts of his mom and dad.
Deanna Cignetti - January 28, 2021 11:46 am
I could not finish this article. The pure , true love that was portrayed broke my heart with its pi’s being the kind of love that we all should have, We all need a Buddy in our lives
,
Jean - January 28, 2021 11:51 am
I am sitting here sobbing. I had to put my calico kitty down monday and I am very sad. I do hope they are in heaven…and my dobie and mizkat will be waiting for me.
Jean P. Stone - January 28, 2021 5:20 pm
We had to put our Riley down and my husband could not take it and waited in the car. I just could not leave him-there was no way!
This brought many tears but the good kind!
Cindy Neill - January 28, 2021 12:02 pm
I can hardly see to type. This one is killing me, Shaun. Oh how I miss my babies. I sat holding Vegas just like in this story. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I hope my beautiful Bostons are there at the gate waiting for me. Gotta go right now and hold Biskit and Rocky and let them lick these tears away.
Leigh R Amiot - January 28, 2021 12:16 pm
Be a good girl, Maggie, I’ll be back.
RIP Maggie 2009-2020
Julie Patterson - January 28, 2021 12:23 pm
My friends had to say goodbye to their dog last night. I think you must’ve unknowingly written this for Mare. Thank you.
Frank - January 28, 2021 12:26 pm
That was just beautiful.
No, it was on beyond beautiful.
No, it was somewhere on beyond that even.
The only problem, Sean, is that I don’t see how you are ever going to top that column.
Also, fair warning, I am definitely stealing your line,
“humans, educated beyond their intelligence,”
Tell me how many stamps you need, and I will pay for you to send this column to all those folks who told you you couldn’t write.
Melanie - January 28, 2021 12:27 pm
And that’s the way it is. ❤️
Ann - January 28, 2021 12:30 pm
Whew!
Cheryl Andrews - January 28, 2021 2:17 pm
Beautiful! Of course, I am crying and remembering my babies waiting for me.😥❤🐕🐈
Frank - January 28, 2021 12:31 pm
That was beautiful.
No, it was on beyond beautiful.
No, it was somewhere on beyond even that.
Fair warning, I am definitely stealing your line,
“…humans, educated beyond their intelligence…”
If you will tell me how many stamps you need, I will bring them over for you to send this column to all those people who told you that you couldn’t write. We can both laugh all the way to the mailbox.
MermaidGrammy - January 28, 2021 12:45 pm
You are absolutely the B.E.S.T. Thank you
Amy - January 28, 2021 2:21 pm
I am sitting at my desk at work sobbing. Thank you Sean, you are absolutely THE BEST!
Debbie g - January 28, 2021 12:59 pm
Thank you beautiful !!!!
Ernie - January 28, 2021 1:02 pm
Completely, totally unfair. I can’t go to work like this! Red eyes, runny nose … they’ll think I have COVID. But now I have hope. I know at least one friend is waiting for me at the pearly gate. And I miss him still. Won’t be long, buddy. Won’t be long!
Darlene Vale - January 28, 2021 1:03 pm
Oh my, I am sobbing. I used to be owned by a dog During the divorce, I got the two cats and he got the dog. I travel a lot for work so this was kind of an understanding. I have ALWAYS looked into my pets eyes and said “God is in there”. I BELIEVE he’s watching through them and he’s here to comfort me through my pets. After all, God created them for us, for comfort and love. Sad for you and yes, Buddy will be waiting…..I found that two brand new kitties to love healed my heart only two says after my Taz left for kidney failure too. I know you’ll find another puppy to fill your heart! Big big hugs!
franfluker - January 28, 2021 1:04 pm
that was the most heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, sad dog story ever.
Kate - January 28, 2021 1:04 pm
Tears
Michael D. Milita - January 28, 2021 1:36 pm
Very good, if only we were so loyal
Jan - January 28, 2021 1:39 pm
Too beautiful for words! I could not have understood this fully until my kitty adopted me last year. Now I know what unconditional love truly is …
Wendy - January 28, 2021 1:49 pm
I really need to learn not to put my eye makeup on until after I’ve read your post. Thank you for yet another beautifully written tearjerker, Sean♥️
Rich Owen - January 28, 2021 2:06 pm
This piece is exactly why I read your writings, Sean. While I and my wife are not pet owners, just seeing this reminds me of the dogs my parents had. It would be great to see Skippy again on the other side.
Denise Walker - January 28, 2021 2:10 pm
This touches my heart, as does most of your stories. I have an Annie, who has been waiting for 15 years. I still miss her.
Laurie Wasilewski - January 28, 2021 2:15 pm
Can’t stop crying long enough or think straight enough to write anything more than thank you, Sean, for putting into words something us animal lovers know and have experienced.
Joey - January 28, 2021 2:16 pm
Oh, Sean.
Laurence Church - January 28, 2021 2:20 pm
Wonderful picture. I have experienced this, losing a dog. We have framed pictures of the last five we have loved. Not long ago I stopped in front of their shelf and gave thanks for each of them. I expect to see them all not so long from now. As you say, they are waiting for us but enjoying themselves in the meantime.
Thanks
nana2caleb - January 28, 2021 2:21 pm
This is us this past Monday, January 25, 2021 with my dear grandson’s, son’s and daughter-in-love’s dear lab, Buddy! Our hearts are broken, but we know he is no longer in pain and waiting for us to let him go. He was a good boy and he will live in our hearts forever!
Marlo Kirkpatrick - January 28, 2021 2:24 pm
This broke me. I have many loyal dogs waiting there for me, but there is one little black dog in particular that I know will not budge until I get there. Be patient, my fierce little Batman. Batmom will be there soon.
Rebecca S Daffin - January 28, 2021 2:34 pm
What a beautiful tribute for all of us who have suffered the agony of putting a dog to sleep; however, Mary Bales is correct that we needed a warning. My first appointment of the day is pushed back as I wait for the red blotches to disappear.
Sharon Brock - January 28, 2021 2:34 pm
Not fair. Crying like a baby.
Linda Wynn - January 28, 2021 2:36 pm
I’ve sat like that mom too many times—it never gets easier. The only comfort is in knowing it’s the last gift of love we can give our sweet companions. You probably don’t have a lot of time to read. If you can, give a look to “Unsaid” by Neil Abramson—an excellent book about love and commitment of humans and animals to each other.
Sally Speaker - January 28, 2021 2:37 pm
I’m not crying. You’re crying.
The same thing happens with a cat who races to the door so fast she sometimes slides into the wall.
AlaRedClayGirl - January 28, 2021 2:38 pm
Just beautiful! If true, there will be a menagerie of animals waiting for me.
christa weber almestarihi - January 28, 2021 2:40 pm
Still crying.
Sarah - January 28, 2021 2:44 pm
Oh my goodness! This is the very best expression of love I’ve ever read!! And, indeed, love transcends time, space, and species.
Donna Melikian - January 28, 2021 2:59 pm
I am in tears. We have sat beside two dogs and our loving cat as they passes away. Thank the Lord, we did not have to have them put down, but were holding them as they took their last breath. Ready to adopt from a reputable local shelter. We are in our seventies and it has been about six years since our last pet. All bought for our daughter but eventually lived their last years with us. She has a dog and five cats. All from shelters. We love to visit. Holding one of them is truly peaceful and they love us. Our daughter and her husband love us also. Come running out when we can visit. We are truly blessed. Donna Melikian
jstephenw - January 28, 2021 3:00 pm
Sean, for those of us who have had to put our furr babies recently, you have opened a fresh wound. But you did it in a way that it becomes a sweet memory, not a nightmare. Thanbk you Sean. My 105 lb German Shephard male put 100,000 miles in the back seat of my F-150 crew cab. He was my best friend and my boon companion. I will see him at the rainbow bridge. Thanks Sean, and prayers for you and Jamie.
Ted Land - January 28, 2021 3:05 pm
One of the sermons I have preached in many churches over the years is entitled ALL DOGS GO TI HEAVEN. I quote Martin Luther, Billy Graham, Will Rogers and two popes. The next time, I will include a quotation from Sean of the South.
Bob E - January 28, 2021 3:21 pm
Been there…had to put Charlie (aka Buddy) to sleep due to serious health issues. Have wondered whether we would reconnect in the afterlife – so thanks for the insight.
Te Burt - January 28, 2021 3:24 pm
Oh, hell, man, you just had to go there.
Joan Crowson - January 28, 2021 3:47 pm
I can’t even……
Karen Erwin-Brown - January 28, 2021 3:54 pm
ok. trembles. Arrow, Sabett, Baby, Fremont, Val. All at the gate.
Patricia Gibson - January 28, 2021 4:08 pm
Well that was a tearjerker! But very true, I have lost one in my arms and don’t look forward to the next time but I thank God every day for my sweet loving furry boys. There is nothing like that unconditional ❤️ love!
Terry - January 28, 2021 4:09 pm
Oh Sean I can’t stop crying 😭. I don’t believe our beloved pets are waiting for us at the gate, I believe they are waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge. Playing running around until we are once again reunited with them.
Christine Ross - January 28, 2021 4:16 pm
Sean- I’m crying The sheets of tears down your f e crying. This hit home HARD. You are a beautiful writer.
Karen Johnson - January 28, 2021 4:17 pm
I wish you had warned me… I’m a blubbering mess.
Robert Sheppard Smyth - January 28, 2021 4:22 pm
WOW – How Wonderful
Paul Ellis - January 28, 2021 4:36 pm
Sean, just when I’m afraid you’ve gotten too big for your britches with your new TV career… Then you write pure gold like this one. Maybe your best ever in my humble opinion. Thanks, fellow dog lover. Keep them coming.
Linda Holmes - January 28, 2021 4:50 pm
You broke the damn. I tend to hold things in rather than saying things I will regret, hurt someone’s feelings or start an argument. All the pent up emotions came pouring out. I feel better after a good cry. Thank you, Sean
Judy - January 28, 2021 4:54 pm
Oh my…………..
Paul - January 28, 2021 4:54 pm
You’ve done it, Sean. Tears are flowing. Been there–done that. Thanks so much.
MAM - January 28, 2021 5:06 pm
Our Jackie went out that way Jan. 1. You made me outright BAWL. We miss her so much, but know she’s in a much better place.
Jerilyn Blom - January 28, 2021 5:32 pm
Sean, I, too, am crying! That was absolutely beautiful! I have not stayed with the cats and 1 dog that we sent to the Rainbow Bridge, I was too afraid to be there and see it happen. How selfish of me. I did stay with the last one, held my arms around her, told her what a good girl she was and how much I loved her. And watched her eyes close.
Christina - January 28, 2021 5:38 pm
You are a dog whisperer Sean. Or are you sure you weren’t a dog your previous life?! 😂 thx for this precious piece
Tom Wallin - January 28, 2021 6:07 pm
Beautiful pictures and thoughts. I am smiling and the dog is smiling even bigger. Who said you weren’t a writer? Good thing you never listened to them.
pattontriune - January 28, 2021 6:26 pm
WOW! My eyes leaked so I had trouble reading. Believe this is your best writing yet!!!
Suzanne Moore - January 28, 2021 8:43 pm
This just breaks my heart,because I know it must be what our beloved dogs have felt as they left this life. How can you know so much, Sean? This is as beautiful and as profound as it is heartbreaking. I am overwhelmed.
carolanne78 - January 28, 2021 9:50 pm
Hey Buddy! While you are waiting, get your ball and play with Rinnie, Pete, Ringo, Fitzy, and Danger Boy! Tell ’em Mom misses them. xoxoxoxoxoxo
Chris Spencer - January 28, 2021 9:51 pm
The only difference between what you wrote and what I experienced last September 1, 2020 is I am a doggy Daddy and my bestest old buddy and sweetest old baby’s name was Ben. I still miss him more than I’ve ever missed anything or anyone else.
But God blesses me with His peace of heart, mind and soul in knowing that Ben is with God now and is healthy and happy and having the best time with all his new friends. And I would not bring him back to suffering for anything, no matter how much I miss him.
I love you Ben and will miss you until you see me coming through the gates to be with God and you for eternity, where there is no more sorrow, no more tears, no more pain.
Daddy Chris
PS I know bestest isn’t really a word, but it works for Ben and I.
Linda Moon - January 28, 2021 10:42 pm
Pyper. Our beloved Pyper communicated very loudly to us as his life ended. Love enveloped us as he passed and tears, too. He’s been in the Far-Off Place for a long time. Our dog Pyper got his name from a young man who was very much like John Dietrich in his passing. They’re all home now. I’ll see and embrace them when I get there!
Cheryl - January 28, 2021 11:14 pm
Sean, I’m crying right now, after reading today’s column. I have a few dogs waiting for me at the gate. I have one now, seventeen years young, who will be at the gate someday. I just wanted you to know you touched my heart today.
Elizabeth - January 29, 2021 1:12 am
My eyes are leaking. I lost a fur baby last year and have another one that probably doesn’t have much longer.
Deb Canter - January 29, 2021 1:14 am
2020 was horrible. I lost THREE of my babies last year – 2 wonderful dachshunds and my sweet trusty cat. The most wonderful vet came to my house and I held each doxie in my arms and rocked them to Rainbow Bridge. My sweet cat escaped out the back door one morning and was hit by a car. All three deaths ripped my heart out, but I know they’ll be waiting for me when it’s my time to go. Thanks for sharing Buddy’s final thoughts and passing.
Adrienne Johnson - January 29, 2021 2:39 am
Sobbing & Tears. Held 2 of my cats when they had to go because of cancer. The last one passed as I got to the vets office. He was the last cat that I have had. I sat in the car and cried so hard. I am sure Stubby, Scooter & Bubbakitty & Shoebootie will be there waiting. Loved those crazy cats.
Bill - January 29, 2021 3:51 am
I almost always avoid articles, movies, columns and books that might involve the death of a beloved dog. I just find it too upsetting. I’m like the old saying, “Old men mourn many dogs”… I’ve mourned my share and will again. But having some familiarity with your style and point of view, I decided to give this one a try. I’m glad I did. Touching, sad and yet hopeful. I finished it, my eyes only slightly moist, but in a ref!active mood. I’ve often found the company of dogs preferable to that of humans, and believe they posses attributes to which we can only aspire. And while we love them, I certainly don’t know why they put up with us, much less give us loyalty and love. But they do and you captured that so well. Kudos.
Tawanah Fagan Bagwell - January 29, 2021 4:15 am
You got me with this one Sean! I had to do this to my Pepper last week. It was all I could do to let him go.
Susan - January 29, 2021 4:24 am
Beautiful. I’m still crying and know my fur baby will be wagging her tail and ready to play fetch when I get there
Kate - January 29, 2021 11:19 am
I cried the first time after reading the article, I cried the second time this morning, after reading the comments. We are all a mess in a sweet wonderful way
Robert McCullar - January 29, 2021 10:34 pm
Sean,
I write this with tears flowing down my cheeks. You have put into word the emotions I have felt since I lost Piper, my Boxer. She died from GDV about 2:00 A.M. on Sunday morning, January 17th, with very little warning.
Piper had been with me constantly for the past ten years. She got me up at 4:45 each morning, ready for our morning run. I never had to set an alarm; I could depend on Piper to put a paw on my arm sometime between 4:40 and 4:50 to let me know it was time to get out of bed, although it did take her a few days to adjust to and from daylight savings time.
After our run, I would shower, we ate breakfast together, and then we headed for my office during on the weekdays, or for whatever we had planned on the weekends.
My staff and clients loved having Piper in the office. She was the perfect receptionist. If clients came in while we were away, they would ask about Piper; seldom about me. That was okay; I completely understood.
If there is such a thing as a perfect dog, Piper was the perfect dog. While I am fortunate to have owed many Boxers in my lifetime, there have been none quite like Piper. Piper was special. She was the smartest, the sweetest, and the most loyal of them all. She not only understood the common words all dogs are expected to know – down, sit, treat, No! – she understood compete sentences. When I would ask, “Piper, do you want a shower?”, she would go and stand in the shower and wait for me for as long as it took me to get there. If I said, “Piper, it’s time to trim you nails,” she would head to the spot where we trimmed nails. Her attitude was that if I said we need to do something, she considered that it must be okay, so she would do it.
Her primary goal in life was to please me. It started the day I brought her home with me for the first time. She was ten months old, and I had driven to Louisville, Kentucky to pick her up from the breeder. It was during the winter, and on the afternoon we got back here after a very long drive, I took her to the beach. The beach was deserted, as it sometimes was during winter days ten years ago, and so I let her off the leash to run, and oh, did she run! Out and back, out and back, round and round, occasionally coming up to me for approval and encouragement. For a moment I took my eyes off of her while fiddling with the settings on my camera, and when I looked up she was coming toward me as fast as she could run, with a flip flop in her mouth and a smile on her face that said, “Look what I found for you!” She was doing her best to please me from day one, and that was her goal for ten wonderful years.
When I would leave the office, she would slightly cock her head, pleading with her eyes to go along, but on the rare occasions I didn’t take her, she was always there at the door to greet me when I returned.
I never realized how much energy she created in my life. The past twelve days have been sad and lonely beyond belief. I wake up in the morning to the sound of an alarm, expecting to find her staring at me, ready to go for a run, but I run alone. I come into the office expecting to find her by the door, but then… I realize that she, too, is sitting by the gate, at attention, completely still, staring into the distance, watching and waiting.
My heart goes out to you for your loss. I know all too well the pain you are feeling.
All my best,
Robert
Bob Mosley - January 29, 2021 10:57 pm
Sean, I think it was Einstein that said (When I pass I want to go where dogs go, wherever that is.) . Or was that you that said it.? Well whatever I can buy it. I just hope the Keeper at the gate issues passes for us to go check on the others, the critters and humans, and so on. Thank you for putting things like this in words so well.
Alice Roose - January 29, 2021 11:41 pm
Dear Sean can you pass the box of Kleenex please??it is so sad when that day arrives it is so hard to say goody to the sweetest friend you had❤️Dogs are so wonderful and so loving they are men’s best friend in my book❤️😭😭
Jerry Hamilton - January 30, 2021 1:47 pm
You made an old man cry, you win an Oscar for this post.
Susan Kennedy - January 30, 2021 5:26 pm
I am wrecked. That was beautiful and the tears flowed freely.
Cheryl - January 30, 2021 10:22 pm
I have never cried so much in my life! What a beautiful, heart wrenching story. ❤
Charaleen Wright - January 31, 2021 7:36 am
💖
Eric Seidel - January 31, 2021 3:09 pm
Paul Harvey”s “Ten Commandments for a Responsible Pet Owner” as dictated by the pet.
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, and yet I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
10. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.
Chasity Davis Ritter. Daisy’s mom - January 31, 2021 8:17 pm
Two years ago on January 28th (which would have been today but I didn’t read it till now) my Daisy made the same journey you did. All I could say through my tears was mommy loves you. I hope you meet her there. Run free Buddy. Run free…
Jill Harris - February 1, 2021 3:16 am
Beautiful
Julie - February 8, 2021 6:33 pm
WOW…just Wow💔🐾🐾
Susan Patterson - September 2, 2021 1:25 am
I haven’t cried like this over my girl who I had to let go four years ago March 13th, since that day and the weeks after. It was Exactly Like That. I held her until she was gone. And I felt as though I’d lost a child. You’ve written so many beautiful things but this…. for me it was heart wrenching but in a healing way.
I can’t wait to see her. Thanks.
Jane Hampton - September 2, 2021 1:59 am
You are just an amazing writer.😢❤️
Debbi Smith - September 2, 2021 3:35 am
Crying again for my Daisy that I lost Christmas day2020, and my Lacey that I lost 6 years ago. They were very “Good Dogs”. Thank you, Sean.
Anita Smith - September 2, 2021 4:07 am
Took awhile to read this one, I had to stop several times to sob….
Ann Beaver - September 2, 2021 2:03 pm
Could not read it…
Steve - September 2, 2021 6:21 pm
Beautiful! I’m crying, thinking of when we had to have Clutchie put down a couple years ago, and Pita last year… Always been a dog kinda person, since childhood. I’m also convinced that all dogs go to heaven, so there will be several waiting for me there!
Karen Snyder - September 3, 2021 6:28 pm
Sniff. . .must be the onion wafting up from my salad bowl.😥 It will be wonderful to see Skye and Minnie again someday. They really were the best girls! 🧡
Rhonda Duncan - September 4, 2021 8:10 pm
Sitting here crying, with my little Lhasa Apso, Harley, beside me. He is 13 and has congestive heart failure. And I feel guilty that I can’t save him and sad that I will lose him. I feel as if God spoke directly to me, letting me know it will be alright. And Harley will be alright. Thank you
Debbie Corder - October 14, 2021 1:45 am
Thank you Sean…it’s all about the beauty of unconditional love gifted to us by the Ancient of days.
Lana - October 14, 2021 4:17 am
Sat here still heart broken over losing my Buddy Nov.2020 and Ella from liver failure Aug.2021. Too close together. The dad and baby of my cockers had lost Sophie in 2018 of kidney failure. Tears can still come so easy. The broken heart my never heal
.had to get 2 more pups t o help fill the gap in my heart
Thanks for a wonderful story of how a pup feels about leaving us.
Stephanie Sanders - October 14, 2021 12:05 pm
Thank you for this and bawling my eyes out. All good because I needed a good salt bath! I just lost Jaspar and Scrounger within 6 weeks of each other this summer. The were senior dogs, Jaspar a shelter dog we rescued when he was a year old and Scrounger I re-homed from a family who could no longer keep him. They both lived long lives and were fine until they weren’t. It came suddenly for both. I held, patted and talked to Jaspar until he left with our family vet friend there. He was daddy’s dog and the thing that made it easier was I new that big daddy would be there waiting, with the game of flashlight and belly rubs ready. it would be an uncontrollable moment of pure joy and excitement. Scrounger left with me holding him in my arms in the big chair, and I think he just wanted to be with Jaspar. I know that Jaspar introduced him to big daddy and all three are now playing together with the boys running, playing and chasing squirrels to their hearts content, all with big daddy egging them on!
Joan Vibert - October 14, 2021 2:13 pm
Just wonderful and so very sad. There will be many pets waiting for me when I pass. What a great thought.
Carole Moormann - October 19, 2021 6:56 am
Wow I have a two year old Australian Cattle Dog mix named Buddy who rescued me in June of 2020 I love him so much. Thank you for writing this.