Emerson David

[Clarity]

My companion Emerson was killed a week ago today. Before I explained how he died, let me tell you how he lived.

Emerson was only four years old and was a very special dog! He was a mix (All American) of Chow and Golden Retriever (and best of everything else). I got Emerson from a shelter at the age of 8 weeks. From the time he was a puppy, anyone who met him would stated how he was such a happy dog. Even at the age of Four everyone would say what a great puppy, how old is he and when I would say 4 they would say months, polite fully I would correct them it was years, not months. He loved to jump (leap, bound, through he was a cat & deer all in one), run, very smart, watch TV, bark at the TV, play with other dogs, polite fully greet my friends when they came over and play with anyone or anything. Because of all of his fur, he had a deep admiration and love for mud. On the side of lake, creek, river, sidewalk, and the more the mud stunk or was black, the more he liked it! I am a firm believer that a dog should be a dog, although this was one of my least favorite of his habits, but watching how much fun he had rolling around in the mud...made the clean up worth it! And surprisingly with all the fur he had, it was amazing how quickly he would clean up! He was such an awesome dog and touched everyone he ever met. We did everything together; traveled, camped, hiked, kayaked, played, picnics, volunteered through Delta Society, holidays, evenings home and even went to work together when the schedule allowed. I never worried about him being with children, other dogs or any setting. Although he was not fond of most cats, from the time he was little, he watched cats walk free outside, and never understood why they walked so slow in front of his window and taunted him relentlessly. This love/hate for cats was probably his demise.

On August 11, 2006, I let him outside in the back yard after our morning routine of snuggling. This week I had painters on property and they had left the gate open, so sometime in his normal ½ hour of running around outside he discovered the gate left open. I am sure being provoked by a cat, he was excited about the final potential to catch/play with this cat that has taunted him from afar. As a result he darted out in the road and was hit by a car. When I found him, directly across the street from my house, he was probably dead. Although whenever greeted with a shock like this, it is hard to believe, my neighbor was outside at the time and is such an animal lover rushed Emerson and I to the emergency clinic. I really don’t know how I would have survived that morning without her! After rushing to the animal emergency clinic (luckily less then 5 minutes away) and realizing I was covered in his blood they came out immediately and told me he was dead. It was the worst thing I have ever gone through…the 20 minutes seems constantly replay and with out my neighbor I would not have been able to make it.

"Cataholic" is my neighbor and she asked me to take the time to post something on this website. I am so thankful for her support, as well as the support of my family, friends and the friends from my pet community. Everyone realized how much Emerson was a part of my life and has been so thoughtful and caring. I know it is going to take time to get through this loss and with people to support me like Cataholic, I know it will be possible!

Emerson David was my first dog and that makes so much harder to loose my best friend, companion and son all in one. He definitely left paw prints on my heart and everyone who met him!

[sasvermont]

Well, such a sad, sad, story. I hope and suspect he died having fun, chasing a kitty etc. The photo of you together is a precious one for sure.

So many of us have lost pets, all different ways and reasons and it never feels good. I trust you will find another pup to love and cherish and spend time with you. There are just so many out there in need of a good, solid home.

((((((((((((((((Clarity))))))))))))))))))))

Welcome to Pet Talk - even though your circumstances are not the best.

((((((((((((((((Emerson))))))))))))))))))

[Cataholic]

Ah, Clarity, now I am crying all over again at work. Emerson might have been the coolest dog I ever had the pleasure of loving on. He was always right there by the fence, to give a lick, as I leaned over. I remember when I would sneak Emerson under the fence, to play with Binx, and return him to your yard all slobbery and stinky. Emerson had such a way of just looking at you, you just knew he was a people doggie, and needed lots of contact.


I did what any other pet lover and compassionate person would do. I saw the need, and filled it. I will remain forever saddened that it wasn't the outcome we prayed for.

Johanna

[Dorothy39]

Your Beautiful Story about Your Dog, Emerson, along with that photo was so very touching.

Saying I am so sorry is just not enough. :(

You allowed me to KNOW this dog, on a Memorial Thread!!! :(


Many of us on Pet Talk have lost our beloved companions, and we fully understand your grief. We have to learn something, from this bittersweet relationship . With each passing day, you will know what Emerson gave to you, and, is still giving to you.

He will never be taken away, not even by Death!! He is locked into your heart and soul, forever.


My Deepest Sympathy To You.

[Cinder & Smoke]

http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/frown.gif




Emerson ... let me tell you how he lived.

He definitely left paw prints on my heart and everyone who met him!

http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/frown.gif
WELCOME to Pet Talk, Clarity!

My sincere condolences on loosing Dear Emerson.
May he Rest In Peace.
Take some comfort in remembering all those Fabulous Days and Nights
you were able to share with him.

Emerson will be busy at The Bridge with all his new Bridge Buddies -
spinning tails of all the Fun Times he and Mom shared ...

Be a bit patient, but check at every opportunity ... Emmerson is surely
looking for just the right Pup to send your way.

Here's a {{{Hug}}} - come back when you need another one.

/s/ Phred

[Daisy and Delilah]

Rest in Peace Dear Sweet Emerson :(
I'm so sorry to hear this. We know that that handsome boy is playing hard at the bridge right now with his pals, doggies and kitties alike.

(((((HUGS)))))

[Ginger's Mom]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Emerson was a very handsome boy, and the picture of the two of you together is one you can cherish forever. I was particularly touched when you said that he was your first dog. They do leave special pawprints as they teach us humans what it means to live with a creature as perfect as a dog. Many hugs to you. The pain will eventually be more bareable. And I also think that Emerson will eventually send you someone else in need of the special love you can give.

[lizbud]

I am so sorry for your loss. :( It is hard enough to part from our dear
furry friends when they age, but would be twice as hard to lose them through
an accident before their time. :( Rest in Peace Emerson. You were a very
beautiful pup.

[Sudilar]

Oh, Emerson was so handsome! I am so sorry for your tragic loss of such a wonderful furbaby. I'm glad Johanna was there to help you. Emerson will be waiting and watching over you from Rainbow Bridge. Hugs.

[Clarity]

Thank you everyone for your words...it really helps to have so many people that understand the gift our companion pets give us on a daily basis. I am really having a hard time...if anyone has words of wisdom for getting through such a tramadic loss...I would love to hear them! Please watch the tape if you want to truely see my precious Emerson...in his wild, hoppy wisdom with his cousin Tonka and Aunt Barb...oh and my silly dog voice! Again..it really helps to hear from you...please keep writing your thoughts, poems, etc......It all makes a difference!

[sasvermont]

I know its early, but geeze, puppies have such healing power.

Chin up. You didn't do anything wrong. Fate has a way of punishing us sometimes.

Chin up. RIP Emerson. Play hard with your new buddies.

[zoey]

I'm so sorry you lost your friend. I hope that carless painter will not do that again in the future. (I too lost a dog that way.) Welcome to the boards!! Come here and talk about Emerson, anytime.
zoey

[chocolatepuppy]

I'm so sorry for your loss of Emerson. :( I'm sure he meant the world to you. Having lost my precious Mandy just a few months ago at 5 years old I know it is so hard to lose a pup so young. :( Only time will help to ease the pain, a little at a time. Your heart may ache for him forever,but your memories of him will help to comfort you.
I hope you continue to visit with us at Pet Talk, there are so many wonderful people here, just like your neighbor.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Clarity ~

Look at the PetLoss.com web site - it's quite helpfull.

http://petloss.com/

/s/ Phred

[Clarity]

Well, I actually had a decent weekend. Woke up on Saturday morning with a plan, I wanted to not only have ceremony to give Emerson to God, bless his ashes and also help with beginning to accept he is gone. There are three places I want to scatter his ashes; backyard, Red Bird Hollow favorite place to walk (dog's run free, woods, paths, hills, stream; similuar place on earth as rainbow bridge), and a church camp where we spent time since he was a puppy. I am going to hold the ceremony at the last, as I has already scheduled a camping trip for several of my friends and Emerson was typically our mascot. I have picked the bible verses, songs, prayers and poem..

For those who can not attend this ceremony, I am going to have a celebration of his life picnic. People can bring their dogs, come to say hi or stay for the day. I am hoping to have it on a Sunday afternoon in October, which would be my four year anniversary of getting him. And I am going to make a scrapbook with memories, pictures, poems, sympathy cards, famous quotes, emails recieved to express sympathy and in the back will be room for others to write their favorite memory of Emerson.

Finally I have some good news, I cannot imagine my life without a dog in it! I have made arrangements to adopt a puppy at the beginning of September. His name is going to be Whitman and he is a Wheaton Terrier, Chow, Retriever mix. I am excited to have a new puppy to get to know, and tell him stories of his big brother.

[Dorothy39]

Your reaction to this loss is so heartwarming and so postive!!!

I am happy for you. Thank-You for the postive vibrations !!!!

;)

[Cinder & Smoke]

Emerson will be sorry to miss his Party! :(

Now ...

Is this >>

http://petoftheday.com/talk/attachment.php?attachmentid=29874

Whitman ??

WAY too cute for his own good!!

Where's he coming from?
And why wait till September - August is good for a Gotcha Day.

:D

[AdoreMyDogs]

Oh how it hurts, I know. I just lost my heart dog, my precious dog of 12 years. He, also, left before his time due to a terrible, rare illness that we tried to treat, but treatement prooved ineffective.

I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I am in tears, because my loss is still so fresh and to hear about loss brings back all kinds of painful memories. Your dog was absolutly gorgeous. He really looked like an angel. What an absolutely precious, adoring, gentle face he had.

On the happy note, what an absolutely precious bundle of fluff you are welcoming into your heart! I just LOVE him to pieces! There is absolutely nothing better to mend a broken heart then the welcoming of a new furangel into your home and heart.

(((((((((hugs to you and your new bundle of fluff)))))))))))

[Clarity]

http://petoftheday.com/talk/attachment.php?attachmentid=29874

This is Whitman...he is coming from a Human Society. This is a picture of him at 6 weeks. He will not be ready for adoption until next weekend and I have already scheduled to be out of town for two weeks. My plan is to pick him up on September 7th! I cannot wait to have a new family member in my house....he is such a doll...and looks so similuar to Emerson as a puppy! I know he will help heal my heart...

I also think that Emerson will not miss the picnic to celebrate his life...he will be there with us in our memories and hearts. He really did touch so many people's lives....it will be amazing to have so many people together in one place, that knew him. When making my list of those that will come I am already at 50 people and several people I have told are even going to drive in for the event!

Thank you all for your support...i know how good it feels to finally have positive days.....although there isn't a day that goes by that I don't feel sad that Emerson is not going to be with me in his physical being...at least i know he will never leave me in spirit....I miss him terribly!

[Clarity]

Whitman has come home.....and it is so nice to have a puppy in the house again! He is such a cutie and lover...and so good. I adopted from a humane society, at which they host their pets in a correction facility with a handler/prisner. Whitman was born in the correction facility with his 8 brothers and sisters. I received a daily diary of his life...it was amazing! I know so much about him and at 10 weeks he already knows how to sit, shake, lay down and roll over! He is such a wonderful pup! Can't wait to continue to bond with him and watch him experience things for the first time....I am constantly telling Whitman about his big brother, Emerson.

I am spreading Emerson's ashes next weekend. Some of my friends and I are going camping in a place where Emerson and I went on a regular basis. I have written a short service to dedicate his ashes and release him to God! It is will be a brief service with a prayer, two bible verses (Eccleissastes 3: 1-8 and Romans 8: 18-21) and reading of the rainbow bridge. Yesterday, I had a tag made to put on Emerson's collar, it is a red heart that says "In Memory of Emerson David Hartz". I am goiing to place the collar around the tree where I am scattering his ashes....it will be a way for me to mark where he has been laid to rest. His old tags I am currently using as a key chain..so that I can have him close to me at all times! Emerson will never leave me and has opened my heart to love animals....I am very thankful he was a part of my life!

[Clarity]

It's been a little over a year since I lost Emerson! There are days that I can't hold back the tears, but am thankful that my heart has remained open. Whitman entered my life last September and then on Whitman's birthday he gained a sister Emily! I am so thankful to be able to have them in my life!

[lvmypets]

My Thoughts Are With You. I Am Setting Here Crying Has I Am Looking At Your All Picture Together. It Has Been Three Months The 19th That We Lost Of Girl Esther. So I Know They Are Up In Heaven Playing With The Others. They Say In Time It Gets Better. I Know For Me Their Are A Lot Of Good Days But Their Are Some Sad Days But I Just Think Of Her Running And Jumping And That Puts A Smile On My Face. So God Be With You.

[pitc9]

{{{hugs}}}

[dukedogsmom]

I don't know why I'm just now seeing this. I can't imagine your sadness over this loss. Your story of Emerson has touched me and I never even met him. I can tell how much you loved each other. I'm so terribly sorry that this had to happen. Your heart dog separated from you way too soon. I lost mine last November to lung cancer. He was 13. I was very blessed. I'm so sorry that your time was cut so short. But, it's evident from your words about him that you enjoyed every moment just as much as he did. He was a beautiful boy that had a great smile. I wish there was something I could do to take away the sorrow but I know from experience that nothing can do that. So, I hope our words have been some comfort to you.
**My apologies. I just now realized it's been a year.**

[luvofallhorses]

OMG! I am so sorry. :( Emerson David sure sounded like one in a million. your story of him brought tears to my eyes. I am so, so very sorry for your loss. You'll be in my thoughts. ((((HUGS)))) he was a gorgeous boy.

[Cataholic]

I know not more than a day or two goes by that I don't think of Emerson. I loved him. Binx loved him, too. :(

[loveallfurryfriends]

I am so sorry you lost your beautiful friend!! Emerson was beautiful! Adopting another dog who needs you is the best way to honor his memory. Don't forget that you will see him again one day!! Until then he will watch over you and your new puppy!! Emerson is playing @ the RB now, chasing cats & running free!! RIP Emerson

[Cinder & Smoke]

THANKS, Emerson!

You've been a busy pup up there at the Bridge ...
First you sent Whitman, and then Emily ... GOOD WORK, Em!!




Whitman entered my life last September and then on Whitman's birthday,
he gained a sister Emily!

Hey Emerson ~

Think you could send Mom some directions for her camera?
Be nice if we could *SEE* some snappies of Whitman and Emily.

;)

[cyber-sibes]

What a beautiful boy! Emerson will keep an eye on you from the Rainbow Bridge. Sadly, I know how it feels to lose a dog quickly. - I lost my Rosie at age three when she too was hit by a car right in front of our home. Her loss was my introduction to Pet Talk too, and the kind words & heartfelt sympathy extended here was a comfort. People here understand. Several months later, Sherman entered our lives. (We lost our sweet boy Sherman, who was 4, 6 weeks ago to lung cancer. 4 is way too young for any life to end.)

EDIT - I just realized this was last year too.

Whitman is adorable! I think we need an updated picture, and one of Em, too, to make the story complete. I'm so glad you have such wonderful furkids now.