My heart is in pieces and mind is in a fog

My best friend passed away this morning by my side unexpectedly. Al (Almeta) my dog who was always by my side at work many times, going to the store almost always. Almost 14 years old, as of yesterday seemingly perfect health with the attitude and spunk of a 5 year old. She was/is a female Large Munsterlander out of Elk River and from my recollection from a litter of 13.

Al was one of those dogs that everybody fell in love with. How could they not as being so beautiful and the gentle soul that outshined her beauty. She had her way to get into the hearts of whoever she came across even those that were not dog people. Kids loved her and she loved them, well, tolerated them as far as they could throw the frisbee. The look she would give me when she would bring back the frisbee to the child that only went 5ft was precious and only affirms the gentle soul she has and the connection Al and I have.
She was always by my side and always had to know where I was at. She would do her best to please me as I did the same for her. Though she would be a bit stubborn at times when the frisbee was around and if you threw it even if I warned you to be prepared for the consequences you got stuck throwing it until you said no more or I would say no more in that tone she knows to say when.
I never hunted with her but her favorite place was in the woods or the water as long as I was with her.She was fearless charging through the thicket and if you were on the side came out of the thicket you would have sworn it was moose charging through.
She and I went through some tough times and she held me up every time. Though there was one time where it was my turn to hold her up when Misty the Schnoodle, pretty much raised Al when Al was a pup, passed away. That was a tough time for the both of us but for Al that was a rough period.

I dont know how I can get along with out her. The car ride will no longer be it will be just a drive. The walk to the car from the store will hurt. The nose prints on the window I can not see my self erasing them.
The worst of all will be sleep time. She always laid next to me until I fell asleep then move over to her own spot.

Well I could go on and on and I know all can relate. I think I will stop here.

I am honored and so blessed to have Al as a friend and more so as family. Al was the most important thing in my life.

My heart is in pieces.

So sorry for your loss, they say time will heal but the memories will last a lifetime.

Sorry to hear, that’s a big blow out of the blue. It’s a real tough time and we always miss those creatures.

Im sorry for you loss also. Pets are are so enjoyable to have around, and bring so much love into to our lives.

Sorry for your loss. Sounds like you were lucky to have each other. Time helps but it’s tough.

I lost my lab two years ago and buried her myself. It was much harder than I thought it would be and can still choke me up from time to time thinking about it.

Hang in there, it will get better.

Those of us that have been there know what a kick in the pants it is. It’ll be 5 years this summer since we lost our Floyd, and while time has healed the pain (mostly) the FW and I still have so many memories of him, and our kids ask about him regularly, though they were not old enough to remember him.

Sorry for the loss, and rest easy, Al!

That’s a tough deal I’m sorry for you. I will be going through the same thing soon enough. My old girl is 15 plus. Still has all her faculties and mobility she is just getting slow and sleeps a lot. But my son brought his new pup Boxer down today and she still had enough sass to pin him down on the floor and not in a playful way to let him know who’s house he’s at. She’s pretty amazing.

Let some time pass. You sound like a superb dog owner. When the time is right find a shelter dog that a terrific owner like yourself can give a wonderful second chance at life to. You will never replace Al but there are so many life companions out there just waiting for the chance to meet someone like you.

hlsinker,so sorry for you loss,I know exactly what you are going through and I feel for you.
I had to put my Gracie down a week ago this past weekend.
its damn tough and there is nothing wrong baring your soul like this as it speaks volumes about you and your love for the critters we bring into our lives.

Al will always be with you in heart and spirit and I can bet you she is waiting for you to join her when your time comes,what a reunion that will be !
I know I have a bunch of fantastic friends waiting on me when its my turn and all we have to figure out is how to throw several frisbees and tennis balls all at the same time for them after they get done mauling us on that day.

RIP AL

Another good girl joins the great IDO dog park in the sky.

Hang in there, it is tough. I just had tears rolling down my face last Sunday when the song I sang Athena came on while I was painting.

Hope she’s playing with Athena and Tuffy.

So sorry for your loss. RIP Al.

I’m really heart sunk reading this. I am sorry for your loss. I went through a really hard time losing my lab a few years ago. It was a very hard time.
Just be pleased your pup is in a great place now and running with all the other animals up there.
My thoughts are out for you.

Thank you all for your thoughts, especially for Al. Means a lot.
Al has another name I call her when I speak to her “Goofy”. We were staying at a friends house and they had a small doggy door maybe 14″x10″. I was grilling out side and I turned around and she was there and I swear she didn’t come out with me. Anyways , go back inside to get supplies and yep there she was. Took me a bit to figure out she figured out the doggy door. It’s funny watching go in and out of that door. Funnier yet is when I was outside in the real cold stuff she would be inside poking her head out to see what I was doing. Goofy

Did I mention how grateful I was with her in the end. I would not change that for the world. She got her hug before the end.

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Sinker,
So sorry about your loss.

Sinker sorry for your loss.Take comfort in knowing Al had a great life thanks to you and she made yours wonderful.RIP Al.

Damn sinker, I feel for ya. I know the feeling. O got 2 now getting up in age, and dread the day.

Never an easy thing…..that sucks man.

My first beagle Gunner is coming up on 13 this spring. I know he probably doesn’t have much time left, but it will still be a terribly sad time when he goes.

People always say “enjoy the times you had”, but that never seemed to cut it for me.
As a guy that will never own another dog until I’m sure it will out live me, I feel your pain.

Sorry for your loss.

Beautiful dog!

Have always wanted a munsterlander.

Amazing what a gift we borrow for a time, when a dog so completely, utterly and willingly gives you all their heart, and accepts you so fully, even with all our flaws.

RIP Al

Sounds like Al was one lucky dog.

WS

Thanks for posting pictures, she is a cutie. And I say is on purpose.

Beautifully written. I’m sorry to hear that Al passed away. She sounds like an amazing friend and I loved reading about her. Incidentally, prior to browsing IDO tonight, I spent an extra amount of time snuggled with my two GSPs Fritz and Remi with their huge pile of blankets (they get cold). And I didn’t really know why I just felt like holding them extra long tonight. Now I know. RIP, Al.

Good dogs give us an unconditional love. They ask little of us and do so much in subtle ways. So sorry to about your loss of Al. Very tough time to endure for sure.

You feed me when I’m hungry, [ A dogs poem For you.]

You keep water in my dish,

You let me sleep on anything,

or in any place I wish.

You sometimes let me lick your hands’

or even lick your face,

Despite the fact I’ve licked myself

In every private place.

You taught me how to come when called,

you taught me how to sit,

you always let me go outside,

so i can take a $#!@#-stroll.

You”ll always have my loyalty,

up to the bitter end,

cause after all, its plain to see….

You are a dog’s best friend.

Man, these are the toughest posts on here. There’s a reason it’s so difficult, they provide so much to our lives.
Stay busy and pray for time to pass quickly.
Hang in there man.