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Riley

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Our boy left us yesterday afternoon.

My heart is broken in two.

After a weekend where he had been getting up more and moving around, he took a turn for the worse later on Sunday.  On Monday, we called the Vet who had diagnosed Riley’s condition and made an appointment. We knew he would be totally honest with us. And he was. It was now time. Don and I had always felt we would know when it was time and the doctor confirmed it.

Don went home to get Scout so she could say goodbye to her brother.

Then it was time. We were with him until the end.

This sweet boy was a blessing and gift. He was a teacher. He had been abused as a young dog and was found wandering the streets of Paterson NJ. If we hadn’t rescued him when we did, he would have died in a few months because shortly after we adopted him, we found out that he had heartworm. He was two years old. Thank goodness I had him tested. He lived for 9 more years because of that test.

He was rather wild. He had no social skills. Because he had been abused, he didn’t know how to ask for affection. He bit us both at one time or another. He was scared that someone might hurt him again.

It took a long, long time to show him that we loved him unreservedly and forever and that he was safe with us. He learned to play (a little,) he loved Scout, he loved us. We loved him.

We love him.

I can’t imagine life without him. I can’t stop crying. My little boy is gone. The house seems terribly empty.

I know he’s free now, running and playing with abandon. I hope he’s with our beloved dog, Winston.

I’m happy for that.

But back here there’s a hole, an empty space.

I miss him so. I’d give anything to have him back again.

Thank you, Riley, for coming to us. Thank you for being my boy. Thank you for making me a better person. Thank you for everything.

I love you.

 

Comments

  1. Every animal lover knows the depth of your pain right now, and we cry right along with you. What you did for Riley was a true definition of love … you took his pain yourself, suffering so he wouldn’t have to. Riley knows how much you love him, and a piece of him will always be with you in your heart.

    Sending love and hugs for all of you,
    Connie

  2. Dear Claudia, I’m so sorry for your loss! Our pets are family, and I know how hard it is to say goodbye. He sounded like a very sweet boy!
    May God give you peace today,
    Leslie

  4. Claudia my thoughts are with with today as i know it will be hard . I hope you find peace knowing you were with him all through his journey!

  10. Claudia, I’m so very sorry. Words cannot convey the depth of feeling I have for your loss. Like you our animals have replaced children we did not have. How dear they are to us. God knows….He is taking good care of Riley who runs free in Heaven. He is happy there carefree with no pain.

  11. Dear friends, this came as a shock this morning and made me realize once again how fine is the thread each life hangs by. The sorrow I feel may not come across the miles, but please know it’s there. I’ve seen you so dedicated to keeping Riley safe and comfy these long months, you are a truly good and compassionate person Claudia, Don too.

    Riley boy may be far away but I know he’ll always be close in your hearts. The lovely memories of those 9 years together, where you gave him a real home and so much love, will eventually bring back smiles and dry your tears.

    I hope Scout will be OK too.
    Love and prayers to you all today.
    Mary XXX

  12. I too, am so sorry for your loss.

    I’m also in hopes that after you have grieved, you will take joy in remembering all those wonderful things about him, which you have said. And many, many more.

    Gentle hugs,
    “Auntie”

  13. Hi Sad Claudie, my heart is heavy for you, so so sad to loose a beloved pet. Thank God you rescued Riley, what a beautiful boy, always makes my heart happy to hear a rescue story.The house is never the same after a pet leaves, hope you find peace soon,Blessings Francine.

  14. Eu sei exatamente como você está se sentindo,não faz muito tempo que perdi minha nenê .A Lindinha ficou comigo durante 10 anos,minha amiga e companheira de todas as horas e até hoje choro quando me lembro dela,a saudade é grande,depois que ela se foi ,meus filhos e amigos me convenceram de adotar outros dois cães,amo eles mas no meu coração a minha querida Lindinha sempre estará.beijos e me desculpa por não ter te escrito em inglês,mas eu não podia deixar de postar

  15. Oh my, oh I am so sorry. Riley, a beautiful boy, a dear friend, a member of the family – cherish the memories, and today we’ll hold you up with encouragement and tissues. Just so very sorry. Hugs ~ Mary

  17. I’m so sorry Claudia ~ this is a huge loss and my heart goes out to you all. Give yourself time to adjust, and please (I think I may speak here for others) continue to share your thoughts and feelings about Riley and what he meant to you. We’re hear to support you. Consider yourself hugged. xo

  18. DEAR CLAUDIA, MY HEART ACHES FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY……YOU ARE SUFFERING A GREAT LOSS……YOUR RILEY WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL…….
    I LOVED ALL YOUR PICTURES AND STORIES ABOUT HIM……HE IS WITH THE LORD, AND HAS NO MORE PAIN…..SOMEONE TOLD ME THIS LITTLE STORY ABOUT LOSING A CHILD, AND RILEY WAS YOUR CHILD…..
    IT GOES LIKE THIS…..THERE WAS A LINE OF CHILDREN IN HEAVEN WALKING IN A STRAIGHT LINE CARRYING A LIT CANDLE….EXCEPT THE LAST CHILD….HIS CANDLE WAS NOT LIT….
    SOMEONE SAID TO THE CHILD WHY ISN’T YOUR CANDLE LIT,,,,,THE CHILD REPLIED….IT GOES OUT EVERY TIME MY MOTHER CRIES…..GOD BLESS YOU ALL…..SCOUT WILL MISS HIM TOO….
    TAKE CARE MY FRIEND….RIZZI

  19. Claudia, I cannot stop sobbing. Because of your beautiful posts and photos over the years, I feel like I know Riley. How wonderful that he was rewarded with you and Don to love him after such a painful start in life. From that point on he knew nothing by kindness and love.

    I know only too well the pain and grief that you and Don are going through and my heart breaks for both of you, and for sweet, sweet Scout. My thoughts are with you, Claudia…

    Donna

  24. Dear Claudia, I’m crying as I write this. Reading your beautiful words about Riley makes me so sad. But happy that you had him and he had you. I’m so sorry.
    Leslie

  25. I am such a dog person. I loved reading your posts about your pups. My heart goes out to you, Don and Scout this morning. Please know that we are all here for you…
    Sending love and hugs,
    Balisha

  27. Claudia, I am very sorry for your loss. When you are ready it would be a great tribute to Riley for you to pull together a memorial post. Blessed be.

  28. Our dogs become our greatest companions, as they love us without inhibitions and without restraint. Riley was blessed to have you, giving him a wonderful life after two years of heartache. I will be praying for you guys, the hole our animal counterparts leave behind is unequivocally noticeable.

    Take care.

  29. I am so sorry! I was thinking of you yesterday when I didn’t see a new post all day.
    I don’t have any words to make this any better or easier for you.
    Take care of you, Don and Scout.
    pam

  30. Dear Claudia,
    My heart is breaking for you and Don and Scout right now. I know only too well the pain of losing a beloved pet. Please know that all your friends out here in blogland are thinking of you today and hoping that time will take the sting away and leave you with lovely memories of your precious Riley. Hugs, Martha from poetryandacupoftea@blogspot.com

  32. Oh Claudia my heart is broken for you, Don and Scout. I know the depth of your love for him and the hole his passing leaves. Know that we are here for you and share your grief. Sending you all a big hug, Linda

  34. My heart aches for you, Claudia. I’m so very sorry for your loss and the hole that’s been left in your life. May you, Don, and Scout bring comfort to each other in the coming days, weeks, and months.

    Glenda

  35. So sorry for your loss. I still miss my dog Max after 2 years so I know what you’re feeling. Riley is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge…

  36. So very sorry that Riley is no longer with you. Rest easy knowing you and Don gave him all the love and kindness he could possibly want and his life was blessed because of it. You have memories that will always be with you. Blessings, Ann

  39. I am so sorry you have lost your baby. I am crying for you and Don and Scout but there are no tears for Riley. He is at peace now, I’m sure and he had a wonderful life with a family that loved him to bits. You truly did rescue him and now he will be your angel forever. J

  40. So sorry to hear about Riley. I know that no matter what we say the pain will still be there, but you gave him a good life and he is no longer suffering. I have cried more when losing a pet than with any human. They are like our children. You will meet again one day – he will be waiting for you.

  41. Claudia I am so sorry..When I scrolled down my blog list and just saw the one word Riley, I knew the day had come and I misted up before reading a word…

    Those of us who are wise enough to share our lives with these creatures know the love we give and the love that is received between the species.

    They fill our hearts and our lives, and the space they leave behind is as profound as any left by anyone we love.

    I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I hope knowing that we all wish to comfort you helps in some small way.

    Suzan

  42. I’m so sorry for your loss; I lost my beloved, wise, old cat last year and it tore me wide open. I understand what you are going through, they may have fur but they are still our babies.

  43. Dear Claudia,
    I`m so sad for you all, also Riley that he had to leave you now.
    But he went with a beautiful life with you, in his baggage, and you will forever have fond and happy memories from your time with him.
    I send you a warm hug, and many warm thoughts.
    xx,Dorthe

  45. I’m so sorry for your loss, Claudia.. I’m crying right along with you. What a beautiful life you gave Riley, take comfort in the truth of that deep affection you gave him, the quality of life he had with you, finally.

  47. Dear Claudia – I am so sorry for your loss. It is so painful to say goodbye to a beloved pet. I will be praying for you and Don and Scout. God bless!

  48. I am crying with you right now. So very sorry for your loss and also wanted to say thank you for saving this sweet boy and not giving up on him. Rescue dogs are the best!!!

  50. Oh Claudia, I am so sorry. I know your dogs mean the world to you. And you meant the world to Riley too. Try to remember all the good times you had with him. Yes, I truly believe that he is with your Winston now. They are chasing after sticks in a big field filled with soft green grass and yellow buttercups. I’m sure right now you feel that nothing can fill the awful hole in your heart. But maybe someday, when the time is right, you will find another beautiful boy who needs you as much as Riley did all those years ago. Hugs to you, Don and Scout. And thank you for having a kind heart and for your loving care of God’s innocent creatures.

  51. Dear Claudia,

    I know all too well the pain you are feeling.

    Riley was blessed to have had such a loving home and family. He is painfree, young and is waiting for you, Don and Scout. You WILL be reunited one day of that I am sure.

    I will include Riley and Scout in my Blessing of the Pets prayers through the Sisters of St. Francis.

    ((Hug))
    Marsha

  52. Claudia, oh the memories Riley has left you with, all the wonderful times together. You gave him a beauitful home and safe environment, plus a loving companion in Scout. He will miss you, Don and Scout, but you will see him again.

  53. Oh dear Claudia, my heart is breaking. I am so sorry to hear about your sweet boy. I know how much you love him, and what a terrible loss this is for you and Don.

    I pray you will find comfort and healing in your sweet, loving memories of him.
    Sending hugs, Debi

  54. I am so sorry for your loss! He fought to the end. Rallied this past weekend to give you a glimse of the old Riley! But you can rest knowing that you gave a dog that other people would have given up on a great life. Do something in his memory. Plant something that will remind you of him and make you smile. (as if you need a reminder). Maybe some day you can bring another mistreated animal or not nistreated animal in. I know that is WAY too early to be thinking a long these lines though. Prayers for all of you. Hugs, Teresa

  57. Dear Claudia, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I hope over time the empty space in your heart will be filled with all the wonderful silly loving memories of your ‘boy’ and the knowledge that you made a huge difference in one another’s lives. It was so clear in your posts that the devotion was a two-way street. I hope that will be a comfort when you feel your lowest. Thinking of you with love.

  58. My heart broke for you when I saw the title of this post. I was crying for you before the page even loaded. I am so, so sorry for your loss. I have wonderful furry members of my family that are so dear to me and I feel your loss. One of mine is a rescue too, and has taken a while to understand that he has found a forever home with me. Please just know I am thinking of you.

  59. Claudia, I’m so sorry. Riley was greatly loved and well taken care of right to the end; you taught him love and kindness. That is all any of us can hope for in life. Rest in peace, Riley.

  61. *hugs* I’m sorry for your loss. Those words don’t cut it, I know, but I will be thinking of and praying for you and Don …

  62. Last night I went to bed thinking: Claudia’s crying. I woke up this morning thinking: Claudia will wake up and Riley won’t be there and she’ll be crying. Crying is good. It cleanses the soul. Your love knew no measure. Tell Don I am wrapping him in a virtual hug, because I know he is crying too. I love you both.
    Brenda

  63. Dear Claudia,

    You saved Riley when he was two and provided him with a wonderful life for his next 9 years.

    It’s heartbreaking to loose a good friend. I hope you’ll remember that you did the best you could for him. You’re right, it was his time.

    I feel for your loss, and that of Don and poor Scout.

    With sympathy,
    Karen

  64. Claudia – So sorry for your lost. Just remember all of the love between you all. Such a special bond. So glad Don was home with you.

    Love ya,
    Judy

  66. Claudia & Don I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in knowing that you gave Riley a wonderful life after a such a horrible start to his life.

  67. I am so very, very sorry. There are no words that I can say that will comfort you at this time. I know. I have been in this terrible spot you are filling right now. I hope that Riley is now happy and free and that maybe he will have the chance to meet my Bitterman, Binkie, Charlie (2 of them) Martini, Buffy and Bonnie. They are all somewhere over the rainbow waiting to meet up with us again. Love to you and Don and to dear Scout.

    Big Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

  68. I grieve for you, Don and Scout. For the family member that has left and for the hole he left behind. I can only imagine the pain you are in. I am sending my hugs and prayers to you all. Patty

  69. I am so sorry for your loss, this is the hard part of having a beloved pet in your life. Take comfort in knowing you gave him a wonderful life, a loving home and that you taught him to love and trust again. HE was blessed to have you as you were to have him. Take care.

  70. Dear Claudia, I’m so sorry to hear that Riley is gone. I know how hard it is. My dog, Toni, was with me from the age of 2 until I was 17 years old — we had to put her to sleep when her kidneys finally completely failed (I had been doing the same as you, carrying her outside to go to the bathroom or to bathe her because she hadn’t made it outside) — that was 30 years ago and to this day, I still wish I had her back. That’s always the way it is when we truly love someone. Sending hugs and blessings of comfort to all of you. Tammy

  71. Claudia, Don and Scout, so sorry to hear of Riley’s passing. As you say, Riley is now running free and telling all who have passed over the rainbow bridge how lucky he was to have found you and the great times you all had together. Graycie sends kitty hugs. Cherish your memories and give Scout a hug from me. Hugs to you and Don, too.

  73. Oh Claudia, I know how hard it was to write this. He is whole and still loving you, just as you are still loving him
    Love you sweet sister,
    Mere

  74. Claudia, my heart is breaking for you and Don right now. I’m so sorry that you have lost your baby.
    I’ll be thinking of you.

    hugs
    Sissie

  75. Oh Claudia. Big (((((HUGS))) for you and your hubby. I am so sad hearing about Riley. I knew this was coming. It is so hard to say goodbye to these special pets. They take part of our hearts with them. So Sorry.

  76. Oh- My heart is broken for you- I just got around to reading blogs today and now I am bawling like a baby. There is such a deep sadness to losing a pet- because we know that we are their ALL…their alpha and omega. God bless you and soothe your heart. He is free of pain and illness and that is the only blessing to be found in the loss. xo Diana

  79. Oh Claudia, I am so sorry for your loss of Riley. My heart goes out to you and Don. You gave him a life that he would not have had if you had not rescued him. Please try to find comfort in the fact that Riley is now free of pain. I know the both of you are just heartbroken.

    Michle

  80. I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in knowing that you gave him a happy home, and years of peace and comfort, and he knew how much he was loved.

  81. Claudia,
    I feel your pain – been there before and know how you feel. Only time heals a broken heart and than all the neat memories will warm you heart.
    Sending you (((((hugs)))))) and healing thoughts.
    Riley was so fortunate to have you and your husband in his life.
    Hugs,
    Connie

  82. Claudia, I’m so sorry for your loss, but glad that you had the blessing of Riley in your life, and were able to let him go in the way you planned. Thinking of you, Beth

  88. Dear Claudia,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets are our family and when we lose one we are so sad. Please know that all of us at ladybug cottage are in our prayers.Riley will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.
    Suzan, and the puppies at the cottage.

  91. Claudia– I hope that you are comforted through this.
    I’m so sorry for your loss. The loss of a family pet and member is never easy.
    A Noble Dog. Riley.
    I know he will be missed. ~Pat

  94. Oh, Claudia…I am so sorry for your loss. Riley knew he was loved and had such a good life once you rescued him. He obviously brought a lot of love to you and your husband, too. Big hugs to you…

  97. Dearest Claudia, my heart is just breaking for you. I am so sorry for your loss. I know that you all are hurting deeply. Thank you for blessing Riley with such a wonderful life while he was here on earth. He is definitely running free in Heaven now.

    Hugs,
    Laura

  99. Many years we have had many dogs, but none loved as much as the 2 we have now. I dread the day when we are going to have to say goodbye. My heart goes out to you and your husband. I can hardly read your post without crying myself. This is the very thing that makes me feel sorry for people who will never know just how loving a family pet can be. And this is unconditional love at it’s purest. Is it no wonder that we grieve the loss.
    (((HUGS))) Susanne :)

  100. Claudia, Your love of Riley came across the pages of your blog so warmly and tenderly. It is heartwrenching to lose a member of the family. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

  101. claudia, don and scout….i was so sad to read about dear riley..and i knew that this post would be coming, but really hoped it would not be so soon. your riley was meant to be yours and he gave you unconditional love in the best way he knew how..and likewise. loss hurts so bad…we lost jordan’s cat, miss socks, in january. it was like losing the both of them all over again. so my heart is breaking in a million pieces for you because i feel your pain, your loss, your love. sending you big hugs and so much love….to all of you…always, your friend, becky.

  102. Lucky Riley, who came from abuse and abandonment to people who would love him enough to hurt as much as you do now. It takes people who can feel this strongly to care for the Rileys of this world. I’m so sorry for your loss and so happy for your humanity! ~ Maureen

  105. Rescue Rainbow Bridge Poem

    (Author Unknown)

    Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch.

    It wasn’t long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often.

    He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be.

    But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge.

    With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They weren’t playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.

    One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn’t understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for a while to explain it to him.

    You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge.

    The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, “So what will happen now?” As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life.

    “Watch, and see” said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.

    “What happened?”

    “That was a rescuer.” The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of his work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn’t place on earth, across The Rainbow Bridge.

    “I think I like rescuers,” said the first animal.

    “So does GOD,” was the reply.

  107. Claudia, please accept my deepest and sincere sympathies; I have been dreading this day for you. I am glad you let Scout say goodbye too. Bless you all. We are all so sad for you and Don and Scout, but we are glad that Riley is free from the battle.

  108. Dear Claudia, I feel the pain you and Don are going through. The only comfort that I get when I lose a pet is to know that they are not suffering anymore.. I cannot stand to see an animal or a human suffer..
    Rest assured that you gave Riley a wonderful home. That’s all any animal can ask for.
    I understand about the biting because we had a Lhasa Apso puppy who was a biter.. We got him from a Pet Shop and he had traveled from (I think) a Kansas puppy mill to Virginia. I think he had been mistreated along the way. However, we loved him to pieces..
    I know it will take a long time to feel any ease to the grief you are feeling right now. I totally understand and will be thinking about you, your husband and your sweet Scout.
    Know that you did the most humane thing that a pet owner can do for a beloved pet who is not well.
    Blessings, Charlotte

  109. Oh Claudia, I am so so sorry for the loss of your sweet Riley. I felt every word you wrote for your sweet boy.
    My Frankie (the Walk ‘N Roll Dog) passed 6/21 and while the edges of pain do get softer as you move through the days, there are moments I feel like I’ll never stop grieving the loss of her. I understand what you are feeling and I just wanted you to know.
    Someone said to me that the joy was so deep and that is why the pain is, too. I think about that often and know I’d never give up the joy because of the pain, though at times it has felt so very heavy.
    Give yourself lots of time and do whatever it is you need to do to grieve.
    My heart is with you.

    Barbara Techel

  111. Hi Claudia, I totally understand. My pets were my only babies too. It’s a huge loss, and it takes a long while to feel OK again. But eventually you’ll feel really good again, which is good to know. I’m so sorry for your loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with you, Riley, and your whole family. xo Jennifer

  112. Dear Claudia, I am so sorry. I have no comforting words except to say I have been through what you are going through a few times. Its hard..so hard..but please believe me when I tell you as each day passes, the heart hurts just a teeny bit less..we never, ever forget our precious babies, but I can tell you that Riley IS waiting for you and is playing with Winston, and probably also playing with my precious Missy, Daisy, Casey, Sandy and Lindley. I know they were waiting too welcome Riley to that heavenly place. Hugs to you, Don and precious Scout..

    Barb

  113. Dear Claudia, I know the emptiness you feel over your sweet boy leaving you. The good part is that you rescued him and gave him a home, love, and Scout so he spent many happy years feeling safe under your watchful and loving eye. I hope he meets my beloved Reilly who is also there ‘cross the Rainbow Bridge. Sonja

  115. oh claudia,
    my heart breaks for you, don and scout. will be thinking of the three of you as you grieve and am happy you have so many wonderful memories of sweet riley.
    xo,stacy

  116. Oh that sweet Riley is running for certain. Happy he was blessed with a loving home, parents and dear Scout too!

    My heart is heavy for you, Claudia. I can’t get you out of my mind, knowing what sadness you are carrying with you. I know you’re keeping your memories close to your heart, remember no one & nothing can EVER take them from you!
    xoxo~Tracie

  119. I’m so sorry for your loss. I cried reading your post as it stirred all the feelings of losing my own sweet boy. Knowing that our babies are no longer in pain and are free is what makes it okay for me. Take care. Hugs to you.

  120. Oh, sweet Riley. I am so sorry for your loss. I know how heartbreaking it is to lose a constant companion. My thoughts are with all of you now.
    hugs,
    Beth

  121. I came over after reading about Riley on Brenda’s blog. I am so sorry. I lost my Newman suddenly last year during this week. I thought I would just stop breathing. I didn’t care if I lived. I was in so much pain…I thought it would never stop. But you learn to live with the pain and it is always there but not as gut wrenching. I still miss him as much as I did the day he died.

    I rescued another six months later and that helped more than anything to give a happy life to one who would not have had it. I never would have gotten him if Newman hadn’t died. And even though I still had three other dogs when Newman died….it did not help….all I could see was the empty spot where he should have been.

    Anyway…I know your pain….and I’m here to tell you …I did live through it…anti-depressants helped. I had to have them…my best friend was dying too and I had been in such a depression after losing my father…I knew I just could not go through it without some help.

    Everyone on these blogs helped me get through it so much. I’ll be thinking of you and hoping you get relief from your grief soon.

  122. Claudia,

    Thank you so much for sharing Riley with all of us on your blog. I was hoping and praying that this time wouldn’t come so soon. I’m crying as I write. This brings up my own grief about lost pets over the years.

    Yes,our fur babies teach us so many lessons about trust and unconditional love. I’m so glad that Riley found his way into your life. You and Don were blessed as was Riley. It’s painful to say goodbye but I knew you would all be together right until the end. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. All of your readers are supporting you.

    Love and hugs,

    Sandy

  123. I am so sorry for the loss of your Riley. I felt the same way every time I have lost one of my beloved dogs. They give so much love and they fit themselves into your life and never whine or complain. I know Riley will be truly missed by you, Don and Scout. Take all the time you need to get through this loss.

  124. Oh gosh, Claudia… soooo very sorry to hear about Riley having passed. Bless his little heart for giving you such good years with him. :-( Do take care and let the tears flow until there are no more tears. It will help you heal from this loss,

    xox

  126. Dear Claudia:
    You know that I understand the depth of your grief. I know how you all loved each other and how difficult your decision was. As you said so eloquently, Riley now runs free and healthy. God knew what he was doing when he put Riley in your path. Have faith that someday you’ll all be reunited. I know that Scout is getting a lot of attention right now. We always hold them a little closer when we lose another.
    Sending long distance, healing hugs, my friend.
    xoxo
    Donna and Tag

  127. Dear Claudia,
    I am sobbing as I read your sad news and I can’t find the words to explain to you the sorrow I feel at the loss of your beloved boy. You can only try to find comfort in the knowledge that his sufferings have ended and he is frolicking happily with Winston, and that his life was so happy once he became part of your loving family. My prayers will include you, Don and your pretty girl Scout. Linda (and Nellie)

  128. I’m just really and truly heartbroken for you Claudia. Our pets are so much more than pets, aren’t they? He was so lucky to have found you and to have been loved so well and deep. Hugs to you. Jen

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