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Comment by Paul Cobb on February 21, 2010 at 10:43pm

I wish to thank all of you wonderful people for the caring response to my moment of weakness and grief. As you can tell by my photos of Cyber, I did everything with him. As soon as I got him from the breeder, I put a pair of sunglasses on him and harnessed him on the back seat of my Honda Goldwing motorcycle. He loved to ride and went to all the lower 48 states with me. Just the mention of the word motorcycle got him excited. When he contracted DM, I spent almost all my savings to help him with diagnosis,treatments,carts, accupuncture, etc. The bill at the University of Florida was almost 10K for the MRI's, CAT scan, RAPID test, etc. and my electrical business has been slowed by the bad economy. I would have sold all my possessions to save him but it wasn't to be. It's funny how the little bunny butted guy had a personality that tied me in knots and made me laugh hysterically at a moments notice. I'm sure all of your corgi's are the same in that respect.

Comment by Deborah Smith on February 19, 2010 at 6:06pm

Be sure to scroll all the way down & read the thoughts at the end. They are the best part of this email that was forwarded to me.

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
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 6 year old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Comment by Nicola Porter on February 19, 2010 at 5:29pm

The whole family was by Max's side at the vet as he went to Rainbow Bridge. I hurt physically and emotionally. I wrote him a poem. All of us who have loved and lost feel the way you do. I said I could never get another pet, but I did but I still miss Max and it's been 18 months.

For Max, always and forever



When I hear bells ring
I shall see your face
Laying there, gracefully
Full of regal poise
♥
When I hear thunder roll
I shall hear your voice
Loudly barking, fearfully
Full of false bravado
♥
When I fill a dinner bowl
I shall see your eyes
Watching me, hungrily
Full of starry brightness
♥
When I see your picture
I shall think of you
Cherishing you, heartily
Full of ferocious love
♥
When my heart is sad
I shall remember you
Loving me, fondly
Forever
♥

Comment by Cindy P on February 19, 2010 at 4:50pm

It will be 2 years next week since I lost my Dixie. I just recently moved her "shrine" from the mantle to a less conspicuous place. The grief doesn't ever end but it becomes less intense over time. I wasn't going to get another Corgi after she died. I didn't think I could. But my friend was getting a corgi pup for her daughter and happened to show me a picture of the litter. When I saw those sweet faces I knew I had to fill my corgi void. Cragar will never replace Dixie but he is equally wonderful in so many different ways. Even though their personalities are very different, they both exhibit those special qualities that all corgis seem to possess. Those little buggers seem to wrap themselves around our heart strings with that happy smile and positive outlook on life. Those corgis bring such joy to our lives that it seems we crumble when we lose them. I think its time for you to think about honoring Cyber's memory by welcoming another corgi into your heart. I think it helped me more than I ever thought it would. I will cherish Dixie's memory until the day I die and I still cry sometimes when I see her picture or remember a funny story. But Cragar and now Brody have filled my heart up again with that irreplaceable corgi love. I wish you all the best and take each day as it comes and just know that it will get better.

Comment by Jenn on February 19, 2010 at 4:30pm

I'm crying just thinking about this... I understand the grief and the little triggers. It will be stupid things. I lost a cat about two years ago and walked into the kitchen the other day and something that was laying on "her" chair looked like her and instantly I thought of her being there. I wanted to cry. But it gets easier. You're still going to have days where you just cry at the memories... but they were good memories. Keep remembering.

I also agree that replacing the pet has been the best medicine for me as well. It's not for everyone, but for me it was nice to have a new animal to throw myself into, to make new memories with.

Comment by Bev Levy on February 19, 2010 at 4:21pm

Well Paul he was a really great friend to you and I can say from experience you will never forget him. When I lost Buffy at too early an age I felt so cheated I went out and got another corgi right away and I have to say it has been the best medicine for my loss. While I still remember Buff, it is so much easier to focus on the wonderful loving girl she was and not so much on her death when there is a "not to be ignored" puppy around. It is not for everyone but it sure worked for me. I cried for all my sweet furry friends no longer with me when I read your post. I hope the understanding you get from those of us that understand your loss helps a little. Corgi hugs!

Comment by Cindi on February 19, 2010 at 3:24pm

I feel your pain. It has been almost 6 years since I loss my beloved Otis in an accident and I still tear up when I see a picture of him or another corgi that looks like him. I think the grief has softened and now the tears are of happy memories. I have my Tucker now to help with new memories, but still long for Otis. He was one of a kind. Thank you for sharing your feelings and I hope your heart will start to heal a little each day.

Comment by Beth on February 19, 2010 at 3:09pm

We love them all, but some are special. Having just lost a much loved cat a few weeks ago, I know what you mean about the triggers. The other day I put on a CD to do some cleaning, and had a vivid flashback of singing to Alice while I cleaned my apartment when it was just me and her.

You won't forget but it will get easier. Sometimes you need to give yourself a break away from it and need to avoid those triggers for awhile to give the wound a chance to heal. Have you considered a new puppy? I only allow myself to spend a little time in the areas the cat haunted, and then go downstairs and even if I've been crying, seeing my two happy, healthy, smiling dogs forces me to cheer up. A new one will never replace Cyber, but would find its own place in your heart.

No matter how long we have them, it's never long enough.

Comment by Andrea De Leo on February 19, 2010 at 2:27pm

I know exactly how you are feeling Paul! When I lost my Ricco in August it felt like I lost a part of me. Actually, I did. He was my little shadow.... There are still triggers and I think there always will be that set me off. Sometimes those triggers take me to a happy place though. When I get sad, those are the things I try to focus on. It took me the longest time to be able to take a shower without crying during it. Ricco used to run after he would hear the shower turn off and push the shower door open to let me out. Now I think about it and it just makes me smile and laugh. I don't know how he started doing that..... Ricco will forever be in my heart and not a day goes by that I do not think about him. So the magic you speak of I can totally identify with 110%! Hang in there.

Comment by John Wolff on February 19, 2010 at 2:01pm

Think of the good times you two shared.
Sounds like there's room for somebody else in your life. Don't expect it to be the same.
Seeing a corgi on wheels always touches me; the love and commitment it shows is so instantly obvious.
I don't like to think about having to face this myself, but I know it will come if I don't leave first. There's a log crossing in the lonely valley beneath this rainbow; after I took the picture, I told Al & Gwynn to wait for me there after we get separated.

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