Tribute to my golden/yellow lab

[lablover]

His name was Ralston, I had him since he was a puppy. He lived to be 14 years old. A few months ago I had to put him to sleep. I found it very hard to do. He was a very kind and loving dog. He got along with everyone. I miss him so much!!! :(

[SHGrrl]

I'm so sorry...it's horrid to have to well, put down a dog! especially a sweet one...but i guess it's all for the best. Will u get another dog?? Dogs just lighten up ur day u know!

[lablover]

I have another dog. But am looking to get another one of my own.

[Squawksx3]

Im so sorry for your loss :( . Ralston sounds so wonderful.. they're never really gone when they live in our hearts. Sending prayers to you.

[JustJo]

Soooooo sorry!! It sounds like Ralston had a great and long life. He left the world a better place than it was before because your love for him will go on and on.

Hugs to you....Jo

[Lano]

Wow... sounds like he was a great dog. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Cat&Dog mom]

Sorry for your loss, it sound like Ralston had a wonderful long life with you, and you will always keep him alive in your heart with the memories of him.

[DachshundDuo]

I can imagine that was one of the hardest things that you have ever had to do. It would be a wonderful tribute to him to adopt a "good used dog" from the local animal shelter. Those dogsare always so grateful to have a loving home. I know that in my area (South western West Virginia) there are lots of labs up for adoption at the animal shelter. I woul adopt one, but I already have three dogs (Two dachshunds and a 40 pound mixed breed) and I live in a single wide mobile home. Needless to say, I don't have the room for another dog, much less a big dog. And I won't adopt one so it can stay on a chain outside all the time. I have no good use for an outside dog. Dogs are companions, not possessions. :D

Anyway, I hope that you will find a loving dog to fill the empty spot left, not to take the place of your loving friend. I know you must be hurting inside. God bless you. ;)

[lablover]

I'm already looking for another lab. I'm also in the process of opening up my own animal shelter. I plan on working closely with the ASPCA and the AHS. Eventually I will go into wildlife rehab at the shelter also. I have to complete some training courses for that part. Thank you all for your responses to my post.

[krazy4birds]

WOW Lab lover!!!!!! Thumbs up to you for aiming your energys toward such a wonderfull thing. I can not say enough for what you are doing. God Bless You and I wish you the best of luck. And you have all the sympathy that I have to give over losing your friend Ralston. May he live forever in the hearts of the many animals you are going to save and give them a chance for a better life.

[lablover]

My fiancee and her daughter have shown an interest in helping me with the establishing and running of my (our) shelter. I'm in the process of looking for a big enough building to start it in. An old farm house with standing barns would also work for the building, I could convert the barn into the hospital and caging area. If anyone has any helpful suggestions don't hesitate to give them.

['too crazy]

Sorry to hear of your loss and yet I am happy to hear of you starting a shelter. What a great idea and what a wonderful way to introduce your future step-daughter in caring for animals. The only suggestion I have to help is to maybe name it Ralston's Rescue in honor of Ralston.

[DachshundDuo]

That's a really great name, 'too crazy! I never thought of that! Hopefully opening a shelter and taking care of "throw aways" will help to heal the hurt in your heart, lablover.

Take care!

[lablover]

'toocrazy, I think I might use that name. "Ralston's Rescue and Rehab" sounds like a good name for it. My future step daughter loves animals as much as I do. But I won't let her help out with the rehab part until she's older of course.

[labsRus]

Hi Lablover,

Really sorry to hear about your lab, my heart goes out to you.

I have a labrador puppy, whom i adore.

Are you getting another lab?

I run a site dedicated to labradors, if you fancy a look just go to labradorforums.co.uk

I hope you find another one soon,

All the best to you.

[mdmossburg]

I had to put down my 13-year-old Oscar, a grumpy mini Dachshund that I had since he was 4 months old. I never thought I would miss him this much with five other wieners and all my rescues, but I do. He was a grouchy boy and now his brother, Hunter, has taken up the torch and is grumpy now too to all the younger dogs. Hunter is 13 1/2 and he will be the next to go. I know I will miss him a lot too so hopefully he lives a long, long time.

I know what you are going through and it always hurts but I try to concentrate on the years of happy memories instead.

Margo