Diamond Southwestern Ontario
 MH Posts:349


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| 08/23/2007 7:07 PM |
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upon returning home from my one week vacation I had to do something I have alwasy dreaded, but knew one day would have to do.
I was really looking forwards to seeing Winston again, but at the same time dreading the experience...and the first up close sight confirmed my worst fears. His teeth were covered in plaque, his breath fowl, and the tumor had grown to an unbelievable size, almost filling the roof of his mouth and covering one of his pre-molars. It was also dripping a lot of blood from one area, most likely caused by his almost constant frustrated pawing....................
we took him on his very last walk last night.
This was that last thing in the world that I ever wanted to come home too. But in someways I knew that I'd have too. My only regrets are that more people didn't get to experience his good nature and obedience. And at least I know that the nine months that I was blessed to have him he had a good life and was allowed to be a dog.
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Ace1cappuccino Carp Lake, Michigan
 MH Posts:1618


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| 08/23/2007 7:16 PM |
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So sorry for your loss. Just think that now he is in a much better place. Now he is chasing birds and running and healthy in heaven with all our other loved ones. Atleast you got to share your love with him for a while. |
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Cornell's GSP'S- Mocha cappuccino, Lili Belle Lotte, Sir Leopold Vom Hunter 1, Lil Miss Lotte Doddi, Ace Hunter Twisted Mister(GSP'S)  
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Marie Wisconsin
 MH Posts:2671


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| 08/23/2007 8:20 PM |
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Deepest sympathy for you and your family at the loss of Winston. He sounded like a real gem and a love of a dog. You did the right thing as not to let him suffer. Winston is over the rainbow bridge.He will live in your heart forever. Hang on to the many happy memories you had with him. Winston was so lucky to have you. |
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Marie and Rocky, a tall, high energy GSP http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab18/Annette_Merryfield/100_0285.jpg?t=1287205231 |
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Trey SW Iowa
 MH Posts:516

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| 08/23/2007 8:28 PM |
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Wow, when I saw your post I really didn't want to hear this. I was wondering how he was doing. Just know you gave him a good life, and took care of him when he needed you the most. |
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prairiefire Western Wisconsin
 MH Posts:409


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| 08/23/2007 9:04 PM |
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I'm so sorry to hear about Winston, he sounded like a really special boy. And he was certainly lucky to have found his way to you. Hopefully, it won't be long before his memory brings smiles instead of tears. |
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MegC Ellensburg, WA
 MH Posts:988


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| 08/23/2007 10:39 PM |
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Oh man, I didn't realize it might go this fast.... much sympathy for you and yours tonight. |
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Megan + Dulcie (Lehmschlog's The Right Spot) + Rogan (Lehmschlog's BR Rogan) + Anya (Lehmschlog's Anya O Conchobar) Intro to harness sport/mushing- start here! |
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everbell Kanata, ON
 MH Posts:2860


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| 08/24/2007 6:04 AM |
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I always enjoyed reading your posts about Winston and what he was up to. Rest assured he will live on in the memories of all of us who got to know him through the message board. Please accept my best wishes on the loss of a family member. |
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Joce and Rich Bogart and Shiraz (GSPs) Roxane (RIP: 1995-2009) and Tiger Lily (Cats) The Everbell Adventures |
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kmoalbany
 MH Posts:107


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| 08/24/2007 6:27 AM |
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| I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful dog who lived a wonderful life with you! |
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Katie - GSP Rescue in NY |
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tucker WAY NORTHERN MINNESOTA!
 MH Posts:599


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| 08/24/2007 7:18 AM |
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Rainbow Bridge Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown... So sorry about your loss, he will always have a special place in your heart. Alice, Ruger, Tucker & Gunner |
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Alice, Ruger, Tucker RIP 1995-2009, & Gunner 'To love a dog that has been discarded by another proves to that dog that love really does exist.' -Christi Cooper
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wgspr rescue Milwaukee, WI
 MH Posts:630


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| 08/24/2007 9:36 AM |
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While I never knew Winston, my heart bleeds for you and this horrible experience. I'm so sorry. I hope my BIGS is at the gate to welcome Winston home and show him where the birds are. |
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Lisa C. Rossman WI GSP Rescue, Inc (wgspr.com) "Until there are none, rescue just one!"
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Pointer Fan Westminster, Colorado
 MH Posts:953


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| 08/24/2007 12:22 PM |
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| I was so sorry to read about Winston. What a blessing for him that he had a loving home for his last few months. It is hard to lose them but it is much more humane than putting him through a lot of pain that he would not understand. You were lucky to have each other. |
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vnrose53
 MH Posts:335


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| 08/24/2007 2:46 PM |
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I'm so sorry too. The hardest thing about owning dogs is that not only do they trust us with their lives, they trust us with their deaths as well. It hardly seems fair that we often have to make that decision. Remember what Barbaro's owner said when they had to make that decision for him--"Grief is the price we pay for love." |
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Diamond Southwestern Ontario
 MH Posts:349


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| 08/25/2007 11:47 AM |
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Thank-you everybody...all your posts are much appreciated Even though I didn't have him for long I definitely do not regret getting him! He was such an amazing giving dog...it's just hard to imagine ever getting another dog like him...though I would have said the same thing about Diamond when we lost him last November...they are all really special in their own way. It still sometimes just feels to unreal, and whenever I hear a dog bark it makes me sad to know that I will never hear his again. I would also love to be drooled and dripped on, slip in his drinking water puddles, and hear his funny chirpy whine again... |
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Terra's Owner Planet Earth
 MH Posts:256


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| 08/25/2007 3:28 PM |
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Do you have photos of Winston? Especially good ones?
If so, make him a memorial web page or even a framed memorial plaque.
At the vet's office, they have all kinds of framed memorials to their owner's pets - dogs and cats.
I had to put my Moon girl to sleep back in January 2007. I had had her over 12 years, since she was a 6 week old, 9 lb pup. She wasn't a GSP but love isn't specific. I made her a memorial web page. I had been thinking about it for a while before she died. I still have to finish it but most of it is there.
HickorySpurFarm.com/My_Friend_Moon_1.htm
Of course I still miss her. When I want to see her, I just go to her webpage. My human friends can visit with her there too.
(note that my website isn't loading right now for some reason, I hope it hasn't gotten hosed.)
I love the Rainbow Bridge poem. I'm going to have to steal it for Moonie's page. I knew she was up there waiting for me but I didn't know she was back to her prime and had meadows and hills to run around in with her new friends.
Just about all ISP's have webhosting services for their customers. It is pretty easy to put together a simple page with photos. I might even be able to find time to put it together for you. Start writing up his story to go with the photos. It wouldn't be anymore deluxe than Moon's though, I'm not a web designer. |
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John (human), Bearoff (gsp), Jenny (Plott), Sunshine (Heinz57 rip 11/4/2010), Terra (missing but still in my heart) |
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GSP4619
 MH Posts:180

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| 08/27/2007 8:18 AM |
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I am so sorry to hear Winston passed. I feel bad for you. I really liked reading your post. Take Care.
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markerdown Las Vegas, NV
 JH Posts:21


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| 08/27/2007 11:03 AM |
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So sorry to hear of your loss. It's never easy when you lose one. Treasure the memories and take comfort in knowing he's in a better place and pain free. He can never be replaced but in time, another pup will capture a piece of your heart. ......................................markerdown |
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Live simply Love generously. Care deeply, Speak kindly. Hug your GSP often Leave the rest to God. |
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unowhoandwhy Middleofnowhere, NH
 MH Posts:1804


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| 09/10/2007 12:31 PM |
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| I am so sorry to hear about poor Winston. I bet he is glad he had such a great life with you, even though his time with you wasn't very long. |
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Daniel Yankee Flyer - 8/2002 Lady Layla - 1/2006 |
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