And just like that..........

[MyBuddy]

I MISS him!

My words, after I lose a pet! No matter how many wonderful words are said to me, or how much they may be better off if they were very sick, I still MISS them! That's the bottom line.

I'm so sorry for your pain.

 

[Viemarangelrock]

Today marks 2 months. Is it any easier? Some days. I can talk about him without completely losing it. Sometimes I actually smile at the memories but there is still this big painful hole in my heart. I MISS him!

A lot of the high schools around here host craft shows to raise money for the marching band. We went this past weekend and one of the band members walked up to me. He started with "You probably don't remember me..." And proceeded to tell me how the team of Drake and Greta changed his life. He was that nerdy kid that didn't fit in and somehow our program to stop bullying gave him the confidence to be him and do it proudly. No doubt D &G don't get all the credit here, my guess his parents did their share to help, but it was a wonderful feeling to know my dogs help plant the seed. This kid now owns a dobie name Roy that does therapy work. He also hopes to attend a prominent music school and go on the play in a symphony orchestra. How cool is that?

Wow, That’s amazing! They certainly touched the heart of that young lad. Incredible story, @GennyB

 

[LifeofRubie]

Not sure how I missed this thread but I'm so sorry about Drake... Run free sweet boy

 

[Rodyboy]

My heart hurts for you and I think back, with that poem with tears in my eyes, there will be five waiting and I loved them so much. It is so hard to let them go and accept that they are gone. Rue is pulling you into the moment because they think in the moment. Follow her, it will help, I promise.

 

[GennyB]

Today marks 3 months. There is still a big ole hole in my heart.
I don't really know how to explain to others but Drake brought a certain security to my life as well as lots of little "quirks" that were him exclusively. I miss them.
One thing that I really find odd is Rumor has not been back in the pond since we lost Drake. My boy LOVED that pond and was always in it...year round. Rue would join him and they seemed to enjoy their romp time in the water. Now the pond is home to just fish.

 

[MyBuddy]

One thing that I really find odd is Rumor has not been back in the pond since we lost Drake. My boy LOVED that pond and was always in it...year round. Rue would join him and they seemed to enjoy their romp time in the water. Now the pond is home to just fish.

Maybe she just liked it because HE liked it and without her partner, she's just not that interested. Has she shown any signs of depression or just changes in her personality?

There is still a big ole hole in my heart.

I don't know if that hole every leaves. Missing them, just missing them next to us, is the worst. But I'm sure his spirit is right by your side.

 

[Viemarangelrock]

 

[luckybeemer]

Aww, I am so sorry. I am sure it meant more to her with him romping about in the water with her. As I am positive she misses him as much as you do, too. Prayers and hugs to you both.

 

[GennyB]

Has she shown any signs of depression or just changes in her personality?

At first she really did. She didn't eat for a few days and pretty much hung by my side, even during her free time.
But honestly it's really hard to tell what's going on with her. She's different, not in a bad way by any means. She is my first service dog. So she was trained differently and her overall lifestyle is different than any dog I have ever owned. Some of that is on me. I didn't really know what I was doing training a service dog. I found there is not a lot of help out there if you already have the puppy. Places that train service dogs want to pick the pup for you. When you already have the puppy, you are on your own. Through trial and error, we figured it out. Challenging? ABSOLUTELY! It was a struggle. Keeping in mind Drake was diagnosed shortly after Rumor came home. So you have to add in a broken heart to the struggle. I was devastated because Drake was a special one for me. He always had my heart. Looking back now, it was like he was my natural service dog. Always there for me.
Hubby and I were talking about it and he thinks we need another dog. He feels Rue won't take the time to play and just be a dog because she has a certain devotion to me. Dobe owners talk about the velcro thing so I know you all will understand when I say a doberman service dog takes it to a whole new level of velcro.
Drake was my first puppy. The first dog I ever even considered taking into a show ring or train beyond simple house manners. Together we traveled all over the country trying new things. We did tons of therapy work together where I got to see the heart of an angel. We encountered a few things where showed me what meeting the devil would be like. I loved his temperament. He had a very keen sense of who was good and who was bad. I saw him lay in the arms of a dying child, kissing her face, yet I knew if a bad guy walked in, he wouldn't hesitate to protect the ones he loved. I don't know what else to say except experiencing a dog like Drake is a very powerful thing. The loss of a dog like that is devastating. I MISS HIM.

 

[MyBuddy]

Looking back now, it was like he was my natural service dog. Always there for me.

He WAS special! And he is still there for you... as a silent partner.

 

[jazzies mum]

If we can feel your pain through words on a page, I am absolutely certain that Rumor feels it very clearly. Maybe she feels that things aren't right but not sure how to deal with it?

Wish there was a magic potion to take for heartache. I love hearing about the special dogs.

 

[strykerdobe]

I think the hole in our heart is never filled again. But we need to look at all the great times we had with them and until we meet again! It will be 4yrs in February since we lost Stryker and we still have a hole in our Hearts also think of him every day. Every time we take his brother Yago to one of his Holistic Vets (she is also an animal communicator) appointments we always ask her how is Stryker doing. Another animal communicator said to us once they can see and hear us so talk to them often. She also said Stryker will come back as a Doberman some day.

 

[Gelcoater]

At first she really did. She didn't eat for a few days and pretty much hung by my side, even during her free time.
But honestly it's really hard to tell what's going on with her. She's different, not in a bad way by any means. She is my first service dog. So she was trained differently and her overall lifestyle is different than any dog I have ever owned. Some of that is on me. I didn't really know what I was doing training a service dog. I found there is not a lot of help out there if you already have the puppy. Places that train service dogs want to pick the pup for you. When you already have the puppy, you are on your own. Through trial and error, we figured it out. Challenging? ABSOLUTELY! It was a struggle. Keeping in mind Drake was diagnosed shortly after Rumor came home. So you have to add in a broken heart to the struggle. I was devastated because Drake was a special one for me. He always had my heart. Looking back now, it was like he was my natural service dog. Always there for me.
Hubby and I were talking about it and he thinks we need another dog. He feels Rue won't take the time to play and just be a dog because she has a certain devotion to me. Dobe owners talk about the velcro thing so I know you all will understand when I say a doberman service dog takes it to a whole new level of velcro.
Drake was my first puppy. The first dog I ever even considered taking into a show ring or train beyond simple house manners. Together we traveled all over the country trying new things. We did tons of therapy work together where I got to see the heart of an angel. We encountered a few things where showed me what meeting the devil would be like. I loved his temperament. He had a very keen sense of who was good and who was bad. I saw him lay in the arms of a dying child, kissing her face, yet I knew if a bad guy walked in, he wouldn't hesitate to protect the ones he loved. I don't know what else to say except experiencing a dog like Drake is a very powerful thing. The loss of a dog like that is devastating. I MISS HIM.

He was your heart dog.

The day I saw this thread I knew what I was about to read, and I understood and related to the title. I’d experienced it.

The hollow feeling that can never be refilled.

I’m not sure what the answers are. I struggle to find it myself.
The only one I’ve found so far is move forward.

We were on the list with a breeder but it wasn’t meant to be.
My daughter lights me up on occasion with various dogs that need a home.

I’m not sure what the right sign is. You probably feel a bit the same
You have to do what feels right to you. No matter how long or short the time may be.
It has to feel right.

 

[GennyB]

He was your heart dog.

He certainly was. I've had a lot of them over the years but something about Drake was different from the start. He was my boy from day one. Understanding no dog is perfect, Drake was perfect for me. I loved him and now I miss him.

If we can feel your pain through words on a page

Yes, it is still very painful for me. However I think I have a better handle on it than it sounds. I can talk about him with a smile on my smile because we shared some GREAT memories for me to think/talk about. I've recently had some wounds opened when we lost a dear friend very unexpectedly. I think it brought all my pain to the surface, not a good time for me to lose someone else.
I'm very grateful I got to spend all those years with an amazing dog.

 

[GennyB]

Today marks 6 months.
Most days are better but still a struggle to find a way to move forward with out my heart dog.

 

[MyBuddy]

No matter how many great memories we have with animals or people, the fact remains that we still just miss them! Thinking of anyone I lost brings instant tears. I'm not sure how to deal with that either, Genny. I feel everyone's pain here too. [[[[HUGS]]]]

 

[Viemarangelrock]

I feel for you, Genny. The sadness can be overwhelming

 

[Gpcoguy]

I’m so sorry.

So many thoughts here I can’t wrangle them into words.
Your last 3 sentences. I can so identify with.
It just doesn’t feel fair.

 

[Gpcoguy]

So sorry. I hate all the stories I read about this disease. I had a Dobie several years ago. I was blissfully ignorant about DCM(perhaps it wasn't as prevalent then?) I'm waiting for a new pup now and am really concerned.

 

[GennyB]

The sadness can be overwhelming

Overall I'm okay. Yes, I'm sad but I'm grateful I got to experience him. Not everyone gets to have a dog like him.
It's gonna take some time. I understand I'll carry some of this grief for the rest of my life but I was the one that had the pleasure of being owned by him. I'll carry that with me also.