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Dino (August 1, 1991 – September 16, 2008)

September 16th, 2008 by Eric Giguere Leave a reply »

I don’t talk much about my personal life in this blog, but today is a sad day because I had to put down my dog Dino. He was 17, which is ancient for a dog, and had almost completely lost the function of his back legs, so it was time. If you’re not a pet owner you probably can’t imagine how sad it makes you feel, even if you’re expecting it. I got Dino from the local humane society when he was about 9 months old, which means he was my constant companion for over 16 years. Our remaining dog will miss him almost as much, as will my wife and daughter. He wasn’t a cuddly dog by any means, but he was my friend and I will miss him.

45 comments

  1. I’m sorry for your dog… You seemed to really love him… Anyway, life goes on!

    Nicholas

  2. Rick says:

    Eric;

    Being a dog lover and owner myself I feel your pain. I have a 10 yr. old Wheaton Terrior and I often think about that day that I will ahve to deal with that type of loss. Oftentimes some people do not realize how attached one can become to an dog. They really are mans best friend and they do give their owners unconditional love….

    Respectfully,

    Rick

  3. Mats says:

    Eric,

    I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss. Dino was a lucky boy. That he lived so long speaks volumes about the care and love you had for him. He’s Home now and I have no doubt you all will see him again. God bless.

    Mats

  4. Eric, I have many pets, past and present and have experienced the loss that you feel. I recently put down my old cat of many years, and two years before we had to put down one of the old family dogs. I know how much it hurts – I’ll say a prayer for you and your family.

    Best Regards

    Carl Ringwall

  5. James Hoag says:

    Eric: I wanted to leave my condolences for your loss. He’s not the same dog as was in your Invisible Fences product was he? I have lost animals also. Last year we lost two of our dear cats – each about 18 years old. They are like members of the family.
    Jim

  6. Eric Giguere says:

    Thank you all for your kind words. Yes, Dino was one of the stars of the Invisible Fence Guide. He was (sadly and much too early) predeceased by Taffy.

    You know, of course, that when you first get a dog you’ll eventually have to say goodbye to him or her. Doesn’t make it less sad, though, when the time comes, even if the dog has lived to a ripe old age.

    But yes, life goes on… as it should.

    Eric

  7. Eric,
    I am so sincerely sorry for your loss. Pets become more like and it’s always hard saying goodbye to someone you care so deeply for.
    It seems like Dino had a loving home and a full life, you were truly blessed to have him be apart of your life!

  8. Christyawan says:

    Hai Eric, I am so sorry for your dog. Hope you and your family could handle your feeling. Today, I read two blog about funeral. …

  9. gaver says:

    Its bad to loose at good friend! You tell that it was not a cuddly dog, often those kind of pets have more personality, wich I love. What breed was it?

    Best regards!

  10. Beth Fork says:

    Aww am sorry to hear about your dog thats really sad, its horrible losing a pet :-(

  11. Paul Treggs says:

    I’m still on my first dog he’s just under 3 and a Staffy, I know he’s got a long time left but its going to hurt more than anything never had a human friend as good as this one, hope he lasts as long as yours and has a good life

  12. Dave says:

    Hi Eric,

    I’m sorry, I feel your pain.
    I have had to put 5 dogs down over the years.
    It never gets any easier.

    But on the bright side you will always have those great memories of Dino and time does lessen the pain.

    Also I have noticed that each new dog I get is somehow a bigger part of my life.

    Best Regards,
    Dave

  13. Eric Giguere says:

    Dino was a mixed breed dog, I’m not sure what exactly. I always thought he was a mix of beagle and border collie, but I had no way of knowing for sure. He had a nice face, as you can see from the picture, and he was super intelligent — he could open cupboard doors with a flick of his paw and a push of his nose :-)

    Thank you all again for the kind words! Now time to get back to some AdSense stuff…

    Eric

  14. Irish Gifts says:

    Sorry to hear that Eric. We had to put our cat down not too long ago, and I fear that one of our dogs may be headed in the same direction. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that it does not become the case, though.

    All the best,

    Mark

  15. gaver says:

    My brother had a beagle once. An intellegent dog. But yeap, thats the spirit, back to Adsense. I tried adbrite.com the other day as an alternative. But wouw, 1 click per 1000 impressions and only 0.15 dollars. Bad! I will stay with adsense. And a beagle. Hehe.

  16. watch heroes says:

    he lived a long time, but have to say putting a pet is like loosing a family member..

  17. David says:

    I’m so sorry about your dog. We recently lost our dog who had been part of our family for almost seven years, and it has been hard on our whole family.

  18. bad news
    i love dogs
    but i only have a cat

  19. freebies says:

    Really sorry to here about your dog. My dog Scamp is really getting on in years now and I’m dreading that day.

  20. Jerry says:

    Having had dogs in my life for the past 34 years, I empathize. Losing a long time beloved dog is a very sad occassion. I’m sorry for your loss.

  21. watcher says:

    It’s always sad when animals or people leave us. I had doberman for 8,5 years, and when he died I was very sad to say the least.

  22. Dana says:

    Thats why I dont have animals. I can b arely handle hearing about your dog. Sorry

  23. Dear Eric: deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family on the loss of your sweet, loving dog — and family member — Dino. What a gorgeous and gentle presence.

    We can totally and completely relate to the devastating heartfelt loss on every level. We know that one day you and your loved ones will see Dino again across the Rainbow Bridge where all our beloved pets who have left this dimension live and love and laugh and play in complete happiness and health.

    With loving understanding for the depth of your loss.

    Your friends at DoggieCats.com

  24. Granite says:

    im sorry for the dog

  25. Bean says:

    That sucks
    sorry

  26. Sorry to hear about that. I am a volunteer in SPCA so I do understand the pain.

  27. domain names says:

    I’m sorry for your dog.Its horrible losing a pet .

  28. Jane says:

    I am so sorry for the loss. I’m sure he had a great life, go make sure you will too and people you care about.

  29. I’m sorry about your dog.
    It’s always sad to see a loved one go.

  30. doxie says:

    very sad indeed. but I believe that dogs get out 10 days out of one “human” day and I hope Dino enjoyed all of them!

  31. Mark says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss, we put down our dog roughly a year ago and it still affects our family. Our other dog did mourn the loss as well, but got over it faster than the rest of us.

  32. i miss my dog.. My dog died too last month.. and it hurts so bad..

  33. tom schavo says:

    sorry to hear about your dogs condition. Yeah i know the feel when you beging to lose something.

  34. Ice Rabia says:

    I lost my dog Missy(a rottweiler) 3 months ago. And I am still missing her. She was such a nice dog… I am sorry for your loss…

  35. Eric,

    People go through grief for a lost pet just like they do for a lost family member. It’s not as intense a grief, but it still hurts and takes time to recover.

    Be patient with yourself, and feel your feelings. Trying to escape them is the worst mistake that many people make during grief.

    I lost my second husband 10 years ago. I knew what to expect from grief. I let myself feel the pain and bounced back in about a year and a half.

    My son refused to deal with his pain. He was 11. When he turned 15, it hit him. He went into deep depression for about three years.

    I suffered for about half as long as he did because I felt the pain and worked through it. I regret that I couldn’t help him do the same.

  36. jogja says:

    So cute smile.. but the dog looks sad..

  37. Eric Giguere says:

    Wow, thanks everyone for all the kinds words. This may be the most-commented-on post in this blog! Much appreciated.

    Eric

  38. Mal Milligan says:

    Now I have to get a dog for my kids. We have fish but they have always wanted a dog.

  39. Oftentimes some people do not realize how attached one can become to an dog. They really are mans best friend and they do give their owners unconditional love…

  40. Toney says:

    Dogs are human beings’ faithful friends.It’s surprising that you ever owned an ancient dog.

  41. black tea says:

    Sorry for you loss. Our dog is 12 now, so I can userstand the attachment.

  42. Dom says:

    Eric,
    my deepest sorrows go to you.
    I to own a dog, and i have had imagined what it would be like if my dog died; almost makes me cry. After being attached for such a long time you must be feeling such agony and despair.
    Very sorry.

  43. oliver says:

    So sad i can relate. My condolences

  44. My condolences. I love dogs, and I hope you will find a new happy dog to spread joy in your life :)

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