Goodbye my precious Graham

[AdoreMyDogs]

It was love at first sight with you. I saw you and I knew I had to have you, even though in the university apartment complex I was living in we were not allowed dogs. I adopted you anyway, and we had you undetected and illegially until I came back to live with my mom after college.

You became my first dog. The first dog that was mine and I picked out. I looked at your sweet little angel face at the dog shelter I volunteered at and it was the most instant love I've ever experienced. You truly had an angel face, the most angelic face I've ever seen on an animal. You became my heart dog and my best friend.

You had been threw some of my most difficult times. It's never easy to go threw the things we people have to go threw, but it's always bearable, especially when you have precious fur angels waiting for you with hearts of gold when you get home every day.

I want to thank you, Graham, for being my dog. For helping me find myself and helping me make it threw my life trauma. I want to thank you for being such a gentle, kind spirit to the people in the nursing homes we visited when you became a therapy dog. I wanted to thank you for being the most adorable agility dog and making me so proud. I wanted to thank you for being the very best dog I have had the pleasure of knowing. We are truly kindered spirits, you and I, and you will live on forever in my heart precious boy.

[finn's mom]

Graham will always hold a special place in your heart, as well as many others. Although I didn't get to meet him, and, for that I will always be sad, I, too, will miss him. Leslie, please know my heart is with you today. I hope we can meet soon, as I would love to give you a hug and the gifts of friendship, love, and empathy.

[KYS]

I know the pain will not go away, but in time
it does get easier.
Graham will always be with you and watching over you.
He is in a happier place and well again.

HUGS

[Karen]

What a nice tribute to Graham.

Rest in peace, sweet boy. As sweet and brown and humble as the crackers that bear your name, you forever changed lives wherever you went. Humans, yes, and canine, too. We know Kersey learned so much from you, and I bet even that obnoxious kid brother, Boone, picke up a lot about how to be a good dog from you, even if he hasn't exactly showed it yet.

You were your Momma's heart, beating steady and true in her lowest moments, and I know you will be there, always, in her heart, and woven into the fabric of her life just like the little brown hairs that are indubitably woven into every garmet and carpet in her home and car.

[Kfamr]

I've been viewing the thread in general ever since you posted it.

Last night I had a dream that you and Graham visited Simba and I. They played and played like they did in Findlay - and then you posted a thread on Pet Talk saying he was all better.

Graham has always held such a special place in my heart. I stare as his picture everyday, as it is at the top of this month's PT calendar. He makes me smile and with continue to as I remember him as he was.

I truely wish there were something I could say or do and Graham would be "better."


I am sorry Leslie. I feel as if I'm losing one of my own...
I remember so many times you've shared with us..

[lizbud]

Leslie,

I would like to re-print the beautiful poem that Alicia posted in Dog General.
It says it all my friend. Graham will live on in your heart & mind forever. He is
gone, but never forgotten. Rest In Peace sweet Graham.


FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.
That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.
Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.
So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.
And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.
I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.

(c) Karen Clouston

[Sudilar]

I could not read your tribute just yet. Just reading the thread post broke my heart.
Sending you hugs and tears for your Graham. I am so sorry. I will read your tribute later, when I can see.

[Cataholic]

This has just torn through me. I cannot fathom the pain for you. I am so sorry. RIP, Graham. I had the pleasure of meeting you once. You were much loved. {{{hugs}}} to you, Leslie.

[Daisy and Delilah]

My heart breaks for you. I'm so sorry your sweet boy has made his journey to the bridge. Live free and happy now Graham--run and play like never before. Rest in Peace sweetheart

[cyber-sibes]

loosing one's best friend is such a sad, painful thing. Your Graham was such a sweetheart, he'll be looking down on you from the bridge with all of our beloveds, except he won't be in any pain anymore, and will have a big smile on his face. (((hugs))), I wish you peace.

[zippy-kat]

Leslie, I've read this thread a couple of times today and couldn't come up with anything to say. We all know that words just can not soothe the hurt and loss you are experiencing.

Many hugs and prayers of strength for you and your family.

Rest sweetly, Graham.

[Corinna]

So sorry to hear about Graham Hugs and prayers to you.

[delidog]

Leslie,
My-heart-Breaks-for-You
Dearest-Graham
I-didn't-know-anything-was-wrong
Graham-was-a-Mainstay-at-Pet-TALK
Graham-was-one-of-the-Originals
We-LOE-YOU-GRAHAM
Godspeed-to-the-Bridge,My-Boy

[ramanth]

Leslie, I'm so so sorry about Graham.

*HUGS*

[zoey]

*gentle hugs* I'm so sorry.