My friend is sick...

[harryball]

Many of you know Henry, my dog and companion. He is only a little more than 4 years old but about 2 weeks ago he suddenly fell ill. He spent several days in the animal hospital, had a blood transfusion, IV's, meds and round the clock care. We brought him home this past Saturday and continued around the clock care.

He was improving but this morning about 4AM he took a sudden turn for the worse. It seems my friend is slipping away and may not have the strength to recover. I've already promised him if he does go downhill again, I won't make him come back this time.

/RB

[harryball]

Here are two of my favorite vids with him...

What's it like Working with Henry your Husky? - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCJ8Bw7fC8U)
How is Henry doing? - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3g2Vtlh0yQ)

[blackhawk]

I really hope he gets well. Animals are stronger than you think a lot of times. They have a strong will for life.

[GlenP]

Sorry to hear this Robert. I hope he recovers soon and back to his ole self. My friend and work/shop companion (Abby) is very close to me and I can't imagine if she got sick. Keep us posted on his recovery. They are a extension of our family and become like another child or sibling. At least ours is. It is Abby's birthday today. She is now 7 or 49 in doggie years.

Cheers,

[Ernie Balch]

What are you feeding him? A couple years ago thousands of dogs were killed by bad dog food and treats. Sudden kidney failure was the symptom.

[harryball]

I am sad to report that at 11AM this morning... Henry has passed away.

[GlenP]

I am so sorry to hear thatHenry has passed. I am sure he will be greatly missed. I read a poem once about the rainbow bridge for our pets after they have passed. Iwill try to find it but it tells how our pets are at the rainbow bridge waiting for us when we pass on too.
Take care Robert and your family.

[kurt_rose]

Sorry for your loss Rob. I have a shop dog also and I feel your pain. They call them mans best friend for a very good reason.

[zeykr]

Sorry for your loss. I'm pretty attached to my shop dog too.

[MogulTx]

Gee I am sorry to hear that, Robert. My best buddy of nearly 14 years passed away 2 summers ago. It was heart wrenchng. Especially difficult because he was so close to me, and I to him... I get misty eyed thinking about it.

As you work through your grief, remember this: He had you as his friend. You cared for him. You saw to his needs and even his health. He responded to your love and brought out the best kinds of feelings in you. It is a wonderful relationship....
Now: I was an imperfect recipient of my dog's love- but I was the best at it that I could be. And I would bet that your pup loved you with all his heart and was comforted by the fact that you were there with him to the end. Not only did he appreciate your love and care- he left some of that in your heart, as well. Remember him well and fondly.

I wish I was closer. I would help you find a pretty, quiet, shady spot for him to rest.

If you have time, maybe you can make him a nice wooden box for his final resting spot- on your bot. Or maybe a marker might be more appropriate. And surely a frame (or plaque) with his picture for your wall...

[Brady Watson]

Sorry you had to go through that, Robert.

I read this a week or two ago, and thought it was fitting:


Six-year-old Shane observed his beloved dog being euthanized after a long battle with cancer. Shane’s parents felt as though he might learn something from the experience. Shane seemed very calm, petting the old dog for the last time, the adults wondered if he understood what was going on.

Within a few minutes, the dog slipped away peacefully. The little boy seemed to accept his dog’s fate without any difficulty or confusion. Shane joined his parents and their vet in a small quiet room where they discussed the sad fact that humans tend to outlive their pets. Shane, who had been listening attentively and quietly, piped up, “I know why.”

Startled, they all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned everyone. They’ve never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life– like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The six-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

-B

[pappybaynes]

I've had them all my life, and you never get use to losing one...got this sent to me the other day.... www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ7AfSO2fKs

[myxpykalix]

Harry,
The hardest thing you have to do as a "parent" of a pet is to let them go. It isn't the same as a child, but for some it's awful close. It's ok to shed some tears and grieve over your loss, most of us who've had pets have done the same.
It's a funny thing, the bond we establish with our pets. The unconditional love they give us, even over the complex relationships we have with humans isn't as simple as the love from a good dog:)

It's funny how we think it is a natural thing, to talk in funny voices, as if he is speaking to us, this is what he would say, and have conversations with our pets. And WE KNOW they understand everything we say!

The crazy thing is that if someone walked into your shop and we heard you talking like that but you were alone, we would think you are crazy, but if you have a dog there, it is accepted as normal...because we all do it:eek:
He had a good life and a loving family, is the best consolation...
R.I.P. Henry....

[mark_stief]

Sorry for your loss Robert I have a shop dog also there is a special place for dogs
Brady I read that one also kinda brings a tear to your eye Kids know more than we do sometimes

[Bob Eustace]

Robert the Bot can help. Just put all the love you have into doing something for Henry. We made a bush seat for our last Border Collie. Rather sadly we made six grave markers in the one month for close friends torn with grief. Chin up old son.

[Ajcoholic]

Sorry to hear about your loss. I know what it is to go through that (lost my female Shepherd in 2009). She was with me every day at work for nearly 11 years. One of the only times in my life I saw my father cry was the day we had to have Teak out to sleep (she had cancer and multiple organs were failing).

I found talking about her to my family and friends made thigns easier - as well as having pictures of her around (I still have a few in my bedroom and a painting my mom did of her in the hall).

My current dog buddy, Gibson (who is 7, and also a rescue from the local pound) just had a very intense operation on her leg. We've been working hard to get her back in shape. I adopted Gibson less than a week after I lost Teak. It was also good for me to both find a good dog a good home - and make a new best friend.

Time does heal all wounds - even losing a best pal. But it is hard to deal with, for sure.

AJC

[Ernie Balch]

Sorry you lost your dog. It is very hard to lose a close friend so suddenly.

[shilala]

I'm awfully sorry for your loss, Robert.
Our new pup got terribly sick a few weeks ago and I was worried sick. We got him to the vet quickly and he came through it in time, but my nerves were shot over the whole thing.

It's wonderful how much love we get from our little buddies.
I'm sure you count yourself blessed to have had Henry in your life, and I'm absolutely certain you gave him the best life anyone could give. That's as good as it gets, my friend.

[beacon14]

Very sorry to hear about Henry, Robert. Of all the things that happen and we say, "it's only a car" or "it's only this or that, it can be replaced" - some things can never be replaced. We are left with unforgettable memories but also an unfillable hole. We move on and it gets easier, or at least less constant.

Take some time off, reflect, remember - be careful in the shop while you are not thinking 100% about your work.

[GlenP]

Here is the poem 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...

[harryball]

Thank you for the kind words. I can't tell you how much I relied on Henry, I don't think I knew myself. Everything feels so alone right now. I don't want to travel, go outside, work in the shop. He was always there watching after me, letting me know everything was OK.

[ssflyer]

Robert,

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a dear friend like that is so hard. One of my best friends lost her companion of 12 years a few months ago, and I made a marker for her. The image is of the preview - the real thing was cut on a live edge redwood slab.

I don't remember who the quote is from, but it kind of sums up our canine friends nicely, I think.

[gundog]

So sorry for your loss my pets have always been special to me and when we lose one it really hurts. My new best friend Hank is like that too me and the thought of losing him someday is scary. No dog will ever replace him but you will find room in your heart to love another one.

Mike

[khaos]

So sorry. I know its rough. Remember you never get over only through.

:(

[cabnet636]

Sorry to hear, his Presence was certainly welcome here !

[harryball]

Thanks Jim. I only have a few pictures of him in his vest. He mostly didn't wear his vest at home which is where I took pictures and filmed most of the time. I buried him with no collar or vest, he is free now.

[JimDav]

So sorry to hear about Henry. They ARE family. it is VERY hard. I lost my beagle 'Tuesday' (he was found on a Tuesday) of 15 years Feb 3, 2012. He was my buddy. He used to sing at the piano - really did change his pitch, not just howl and bark. After he passed I did not even touch a piano for 7 months. Too many memories. Even still I have touched the piano but a few times. Just not into it anymore. He now has his special place on the piano. : ) It takes time to move on. Even still on Fridays I go through the sequence of events of that day. That pretty February afternoon he enjoyed time in the yard as I worked. We took a break and an hour before he went into his final seizure he was 'singing'. It helped knowing he really enjoyed his last few hours doing what he loved. I could say "You want to sing?" and he would go to the piano as he did that day. It took my other dog about 6 weeks to get over his passing. She always wanted to be held which was not like here prior or since. I did finally get another beagle 6 months after his passing. I just was not ready before that. My heart goes out to you. Loved the vids. Henry was such a pretty dog.

[makeCNC]

Hi Rob I saw your post showed my wife Julie and just had to let you know we are so sorry to hear about your loss.
Julie and I Lost a Loved Boxador about a year and a half ago from pancreatic Cancer only 7 yrs old and Born in our living room Titch was the same as a child to us and we suffered long and hard at his loss enough to make us sell up and move from our house to another state to recover ..after a year or so we spotted on the net one day a little fella on death row in a pound about fifty miles away and we went over to see if we might rescue him and give him a chance at life. it was hard to do as we still morn Titch but we realized after this amount of time we were in an emotional position that we might be able to bring some happiness to another little four legged soul
and when we got there he was gone ...but while there a little fella came to the side of a cage and his pleading eyes were too much...and now Gunta sleeps in bed with us every night...and we love him..He does not replace our Boy Titch but he has a home and love and has helped us heal ... so we both hope you find some solace in the fact that your Boy can watch down from heaven and know you are looking after his brothers. when your time comes to heal and take in another little soul

pictures

Black dog is our boy Titch Brown Dog is Gunta

http://www.makecnc.com/titch.JPG
http://www.makecnc.com/gunta1.jpg

[dubliner]

Do not stand at my grave and weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

[harold_weber]

You need to get another "friend" ASAP. My wife and I have had to put to rest 5 "friends" over 47 years, but we have always had one or two other "friends" in the house to help ease the pain.

Here are a few words you may find helpful:

[harryball]

Thanks for all the kind words.

I won't try to "replace" Henry any time soon. The training involved takes a long time and getting him to recognize when I need help... Henry seemed to have a knack for that, no guarantees another dog will. He kept me focused and centered too. It's hard to explain so I won't try. He'd become more than a pet or just a dog and he knew things about me I don't readily share with anyone.

I'm not sure how I'll cope yet, I'd gotten so used to him being there and not worrying about things. I certainly can't afford to go the full service dog route and I wouldn't pressure insurance to help pay for it. So many other people need the dogs much more than I and they are in short supply. I was fortunate to find Henry and train him. That took a year.

I didn't know what I was getting into when I decided to try this. I remember the first time he alerted me in the shop... I didn't know what he was trying to do and it was more like he trained me in a way. When I withdrew, Henry was with me, he could be with me but now I'm alone again.

In hind sight, I'd say it was worth it, but I don't know when I'll be ready to do all that again. I've had pets, dogs, horses, cows, goats and I've watched them die and put many animals down, some myself but I have never had to do this with an animal that shared so much of my soul before and the depth of pain here has surprised me. I was prepared that in another 8 or 10 years this would be inevitable, but never expected it now.

/RB

[genek]

Rob very sorry for your loss. I know how it hurts, My best friend and pet for 15 years was stolen out of our yard the morning I had surgery. I searched all that afternoon. I grieved his loss for almost a year. My new buddy-friend Skipper, acts and does the same things that Scruffy did. Although Skipper is my new best friend and travels every place with me I still miss Scruffy. I will pray for you and your family to find relief and for you to find a new friend.

truly very sorry for your loss

Tina and Gene

[harryball]

I put this video together but have not been able to completely watch it myself yet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0muZU0IJCyY

Wish I could do a better tribute.

[myxpykalix]

Harry,
I guess i'm not too proud to admit I shed a tear when he was laying on the blanket.:(
Something like this tribute is cathardic for you to look back and see all the fun times he brought you. It took me about 10 years between pets. Give it time and you'll know when it's time to get another one.:)

[GlenP]

I too will admit it brought me a tear as well. I love animals and our dog Abby so I cannot try to comprehend the pain of your loss. It is amazing the bond we get and how much they impact our lives. They truly are mans best friend imho.
Very nice tribute Robert. It also made me realize that I should take more videos of Abby as we never know how long we have with them. Thank you for that Robert.

Take Care and all the best to you and your family.

[harryball]

Thanks guys, it does help to share and hear comments. It should remind all of us, despite our differences we are all in the same boat and none of us are immortal. I know the pain will ease with time, part of the honest struggle is admitting you don't want the pain to ease, it seems wrong but it's not.

I had a dream about him last night. He was happy and his tail wagging. I gave him a bowl of water and he just looked at it then sat down and looked at me. He then picked the blow of water up by the edge and took it over to a small area and sat it down next to a small bat that was hanging on a ledge. The bat drank the water. Henry watched, then turned to me, tail wagging, pushed up against me like he does then he ran off up the hill. He stopped briefly and turned to look at me, then ran over the hill and didn't come back. I looked and the bat finished drinking and began to fly around. I then woke up.

I have no idea what that means and wouldn't even begin to interpret it. If there is an interpretation or just random thoughts caught up in a dream.

He will never be replaced, only joined.

[roney c]

So saddened by your loss. 5 years ago this wk, we too lost our best friend of 14 years, and understand the pain.

[genek]

robert,

i'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a dear friend like that is so hard. One of my best friends lost her companion of 12 years a few months ago, and i made a marker for her. The image is of the preview - the real thing was cut on a live edge redwood slab.

I don't remember who the quote is from, but it kind of sums up our canine friends nicely, i think.

ron that is beautiful... Would love to know how you did that. I have over 100 dog patterns that I use with the laser... Would love to be able to use them on the cnc...

[ssflyer]

Eugene,

PM sent...