I must admit that I too, had a good cry right before bed. We got our Penny around the same time you brought Leena into your lives and I guess it just hit home. I've been thinking about you and Leena all day. I must say though, it is absolutely wonderful to see the rally of support here on the forum. 

For what it's worth, I wanted to offer a suggestion. For some, going out and getting a dog is a way to fill the void. I can't say I won't do the same myself when I lose one of my pets. However, I always thought a wonderful solution would be to foster an animal. That way, you temporarily fill the void and save a life. Who knows, maybe you'll end up falling in love with your new friend. If not, then at least you played a very important role in finding a forever home for a very deserving dog. Just food for thought ...

Like others have said, no dog will ever be Leena, but when you're ready I'm sure there will be more than enough love in your heart to welcome a new friend into the family.

Still thinking of you,

Laura

Just wonder how Bliss,Labrador is fairing with Leena gone?? Has he laid on her bed? Picked up any of her toys? He is a handsome boy and just love the picture you posted when Leena was a pup and his head rested on top of her. That pic is on my desk top screen. Special time with Bliss will help heal your heart too. You can dry your tears on his ears!!I have been drying my tears on Rocky's long GSP ears . Rocky's ears were there too in 2006 to dry my eyes when we lost our Snicker, Chese/lab girl. Just love all the poems our forum members have posted about losing a dog so close to you.

So sorry didnot know Bliss was a girl.  Glad she is doing OK. For Rocky, left Snickers bed there for Rocky to sniff  and laid on it a few times. Rocky even carried a few of his toys and placed them on her bed. Rocky spent 3 years with her when he came to our house so I felt he needed some closure time with her things as a way to say good-bye to her.Had people tell me I should let Rocky see Snickers dead body so he could see she was not coming back, but I just couldnot do that...  Bliss is a beautiful Labrador, glad she is adjusting ok! Can certainly understand why you didnot have time to do Service Dog Fostering with a new GSP pup. Maybe you will have Golden Retriever in your house soon as Service Dog Trainee.

I am so sorry for your loss. I am writing this with tears in my eyes. You and Leena are in my prayers. As time passes your hurt will ease, and you will remember Leena as the young, beautiful, vibrant, active pup that she was (she will always be young) and she will forever hold a special place in your heart. Many years back, the James Herriot (a vet from England) books were very popular, and I read them all. In one of them, he talks about the subject of replacing a dog. I don't remember the words exactly, but to paraphrase: Getting a replacement is a tribute to your former dog. It shows that your dog was such a great dog. Your dog would want you to get another dog, she would never want you to hurt. Caring for a new dog helps transition you through the mourning period. He also talks about, and agrees that dogs do go to heaven.

I am so sorry, it is such a tragedy to lose a young dog. Field training and hunting dogs often times puts them in harms way. … but it is their purpose and driving force. Leena lost her life in pursuit of what she loved most; exploring the outdoors with those she loved the most. I can’t think of a better epitaph for any sporting dog. God bless.

We said our final goodbyes yesterday.  We spread Leena's ashes in one of her favorite (soybean) fields to run in.  Everyone took some of her ashes and said a few words.  It was really nice.  We had a big audience of deer

One of my coworkers gave me a card today.  I thought it was so nice. She is one of the real animal lovers at my work. 

There must be a heaven for the animal friends we love.

They are not human, yet they bring out our own humanity...sometimes in ways that other people cannot.

They do not worry about fame or fortune...instead, they bring out hearts nearer to the joy of simple things.

Each day they teach us little lessons in trust and steadfast affection.

Whatever heaven may be, there's surely a place in it for friends as good as these.

been a way from the forum for a while now and just read your thread. i don't know what this says about me but i can watch the news every night about someone getting killed in a car wreck, or dying from some other cause without emotion. but when i read this thread i welled up. i hugged the girls a little tighter tonight. i feel for you and your family and y'all are in my prayers.