I have always dreaded this day...

[WELOVESPUPPIES]

Dear Boo,

As a mommy I know sometimes I have to make very hard decisions, letting you go is the hardest decision I have ever had to make but because I love you so I knew I had to do right by you regardless of the excrutiating pain it has caused me. I still have a hard time grasping the fact that you were fine, your normal self yesterday morning and at around 5 p.m...you were gone. I stayed with you as I promised, I did not want you wondering where I went and I know you would stay with me.

You have changed me as a person. You had a paw in creating the person that I have become. You showed me love no matter my mood, stood beside me no matter the choice I made. You were there, always with soulful loving eyes and listening ears. You are my heart dog.

I was lying in bed last night, crying, thinking of you, listening to hear you breathing, the silence was maddening...when suddenly Champs breathing grew louder, the rhythm changed, she sounded just like you. I believe you were letting me know that you are still here with me. I looked for you this morning. You did not come over to get me so you could eat your breakfast or go out to potty. You did not bark when Oma showed up this morning to check on me...no one did. There was no happy "where's my cookie" dance and bark. The house is not the same. It is to quiet here...the silence actually hurts my ears. I listen so hard to hear something, your bark, your sigh, anything. We missed you at lunch today...you were not there to tell us it was taking us to long to eat...there was no airy whine coming from your spot telling us to hurry along your belly was hungry.

I slept with your pillow last night, I needed you near me. I smelled you this morning in the bedroom. I know it was you. There was no smell...then all of a sudden you were there...right beside me where you always were.

I cry and I try to remember all the wonderful times I had because of you, the laughs that you brought me. I would swear there was a person in there somewhere, a loving caring person. You are forever my Boo.

My life changed forever in September of 2000 when I saw that boxer puppies 4 sale sign and turned around "just to look". I knew you were the one, I felt it immediately. You came home with me that day. You wowed me with your intelligence and I think for the first time I had a dog, that wasn't "just a dog"...you were my family, my son, Jordan's brother. I have always known the bond between you and I was one of a kind...a bond I think only we could truly understand. I remember the sighing you would do in my ear when you were content. The kisses you would give me, the soft warm kisses of true love. The stare you would give when you were trying to communicate something...those deep brown eyes looking right into the heart of me. I knew you...I knew what you wanted.

I knew our time was closing, I wanted more but I guess even if we had been given a year I still would have wanted more. There would never be enough time. I would give anything in the world to have had you forever.

I thank you for loving me, for making me smile, for being my best friend...I thank you for being you.

My life will never be the same because of you, I am forever greatful for every moment that we had together. I am greatful that I worked at home and you were by my side always. I am greatful for all the times that you opened the bathroom door so you could see what I was doing...or the times you waited outside the door for me to come out. You were always there...I don't exactly know how to handle you not being there.

Love,
Your forever broken hearted Mom

Duke "My Boo"
8/7/00-01/20/10


The day my life changed...
http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv241/marmadukechamp32/temporary%20pics/newestpics.jpg
The way I will always remember you.
http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv241/marmadukechamp32/temporary%20pics/10130_1128620421191_1397627132_3033.jpg
http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv241/marmadukechamp32/January%202010/DSC_0034a-1.jpg

[lvpets2002]

:( Oh my I am so in tears right now Honey.. I am so sorry that Boo had to go so soon.. Well it was so dear you was there for him.. And I know it was for the best.. RIP bigg boy Boo.. Play hard at the Bridge ok & keep watching down & winking at your mom.. Huggss Huggss

[pomtzu]

How heartbroken you must be. I know your pain as I have been there too many times.

We were all hoping that Duke had more time, but only you could know when the time was right. Don't ever doubt yourself, because Duke never will.

RIP Duke, and peace to you and all of your family, Traci. :love:

[Taz_Zoee]

Traci, I am so so very sorry. I am also in tears here at work and I just had one tissue left. I can now say I know exactly how you feel. This is what I went through with my Taz. That was my first experience and I dread any more. But I know there will be more. And I'm thankful to have this place called Pet Talk to come for support. That's exactly what I would like to give you, support. If you weren't half way across the country I'd give you a hug.

RIP Duke, keep visiting your mom, let her know you are okay.

(I need to go find more tissue)

[AdoreMyDogs]

I'm so sorry to hear about Duke :( Rest in peace, beautiful friend. I am glad to have gotten to know your sweet boy through PT. He is in a good place now but I know how bad it hurts. I STILL cry over the loss of my Graham Dog.

I'm so sorry for your loss :(

[Cataholic]

I am so sorry for your precious loss. What a beauty he was, and what a wonderful, long life he had. May he be restored to full health and doing the famous boxer wiggle at the Bridge, holding it back just a bit until he sees you again.

[Whisk_Luva]

Traci, I am so sorry :( I know how much you loved your sweet boy, and I am positive he loved you just as much. He had a great life, with one of the best dog owners I know.... ((hugs))

RIP gorgeous Duke... have fun at the RB and make sure to watch over your mummy ok?

((Hugs))

:(

[Moesha]

What a touching post. I am so sorry you lost your Duke. Cancer is a terrible thing. I can't believe how many dear pets and people I've heard of that have contracted it in the past year. Time will help that terrible searing pain subside. You'll always have the memories and you will always miss your dear boy too. Hugs to you and the rest of the crew.

[Karen]

Rest in peace, handsome boy, knowing that your legacy of love will last forever.

[CountryWolf07]

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Duke.. Big hugs going out to you.

[Cinder & Smoke]

:(
A Loving Tribute to a Loving Friend.

Rest In Peace, Dear Duke.

{{{Hugs}}} for Traci

:(

[Queen of Poop]

I am so sorry you lost Duke so soon. I was praying like mad that you'd get much more time with him. You've written a lovely tribute to him, he'd be very proud. Hugs for you dearest, I know you need them.:love:

Duke, dear boy, you were so lucky to have been loved so much. I am glad to know you are no longer in any pain or discomfort. I've got a couple of girls there that you could look for, Sami, she's been there since '03 and Sasha, she just got there 3 months ago. I know they'd be good friends.

[chocolatepuppy]

I'm so sorry.:( Traci, this came in a card from my vets after I had my RB Mandy PTS. It made me feel a bit better. Duke will always be in your heart.{hugs}

Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you...
I loved you so -- t'was Heaven here with you.

[Freedom]

Traci, I read your loving tribute to Duke a bit earlier and was crying too much to be able to post. I've had a few who touched my heart, and I've had to make that final decision a few times as well.

Bless you for all the wonderful things you did for Duke, and which you do for all your fur kids.

Duke is now flying about happily pain free at Rainbow Bridge.

I loved seeing his puppy photo, and of course the recent ones I remember so well.

[Alysser]

Traci, I know you are heartbroken right now, but please know you did the best thing for him and no one can argue with that logic. :love: Duke loved you and he was a gorgeous, handsome boy. I am so so sorry for your loss, I support you 100% and please accept my deepest condolences.

[Seravieve]

Beautiful tribute to a handsome man! Reading it made me cry, I must admit. It's so hard to be the one to make that decision. It helps some to know that you're doing it out of love.. and you know that he'll be happier when he's no longer suffering.

Run free and play hard, Duke!

[slick]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute and Duke is so handsome.

Play hard at the RB Duke. :(

[K9karen]

OMG! How I dread checking Dog Memorial, doing so, only out of love and respect for our beloved babies.

My heart almost leaped out of my chest. How I also prayed that Duke would be around longer. But the spirits at the Bridge had a different plan.

i can't start to explain how sad I am for you. I loved your endearing memorial for Duke. It's obvious he had a happy life and loved you dearly, and visa versa.

Have a safe trip to the Bridge, darling Duke. My Cody will greet you and protect you. Your memory will be with us forever.

[cassiesmom]

Traci, I am so, so sorry to learn this news. What a darling puppy Duke was and what a handsome fellow he grew up to be. Please accept my sympathies.

(((HUGS))),
Elyse

[caseysmom]

I am so sorry for your loss, RIP Duke.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Traci, I'm so sorry to hear that Duke has passed on.:( You both had a very special bond and you'll be together again some day. RIP sweet Duke.:( Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[cloverfdx]

:( I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Duke.

[Pinot's Mom]

I'm sorry you had to lose your Duke; it was a loving and fitting tribute to your dear friend...beautiful.

RIP Duke, play well at the Bridge, you were deeply loved.

[lvpets2002]

:love: I posted this on Traci's My Space for Tribute to Duke as well.. Traci Duke is just resting & asleep right now at RB & may he always be in your Dreams..

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae328/bogart2009/10868Duke.gif

[Lori Jordan]

I am deeply sorry to hear of Duke's passing,You are right no matter how long we have with our babies,It surely is never long enough.What a beautiful tribute you wrote for your dear boy.

Rest Well Duke.

Hugs to you and your family.
xx

[MoonandBean]

Our inability to completely protect and keep from harm those we love is a painful but inherent part of the human condition.

Let solace be taken, however, in knowing that we gave the best we had to our little friends, and that they knew, without an inkling of doubt, that they were deeply loved.

For, beyond all else, that is the greatest gift we give to them, and in turn, the greatest gift they give to us.

Thank you for giving Duke such a great life! :love: :love: :love:
__________________

[jennielynn1970]

Play hard at the Bridge, sweet boy, you will be so missed!


Hugs to you, Tracey.

[HoochsMommiee]

oh no i am sooo sorry to hear this

He will always be around you

He sure was a handsome boy and will always be that way

RIP Sweet boy look in on ur momma sometime Look gracie girl up she will show you the ropes and show u where all the treats are


:(

[Animalhouse26]

Omg, I am soo Sorry for you loss of Duke! It never gets easier. I could only imagine what your going through. Your a strong person and will get through this. Duke will be there with you.

Someone once told me.. The reason pets don't live as long as people is because they are here on this earth to teach us something. Once that has been taught..and they know it.. They go up to the Rainbow bridge to watch over what they have done. :)

You learned love. You learned unconditional love. That is what Heart dogs and cats do. They teach us the love we never would have known without them!

He was a beautiful and amazing dog! I know I am not on here often. But I Always seem to remember you and all 4 of your beautiful dogs!

I am here for you if you need someone to talk!

*hugs*

[cyber-sibes]

Tears are flowing as I read your post. Boo will be by your side forever. just think of him and he'll be there. GodSpeed, dear Boo.

[MonicanHonda]

It's so amazing how fast they go. One day they are perfect sweet little angels... and the next... you just know it's time. Those last pictures you posted of him and his trip to the store made me so happy. I can't believe he's gone... Boxers were the only dogs Honda really loved... so I'm sure she's found him and is showing him the ropes up there. May they RIP together. Poor Duke <3

[boomersooner]

I'm so sorry this day had to come. It will be a year in March that I had to make that decision about my Cassie. Someone told me then that a dog's only fault was that they leave us too soon. You'll see sweet Duke again one day...I truly, truly believe that.

[Bonny]

I am so sorry Duke passed away. The hardest thing in life is saying goodbye to a family member that gives us unconditional love.

[KYS]

RIP Duke, your memories will live on forever. :love:
Hugs

[luvofallhorses]

Oh I am so, so sorry Traci. :( (((hugs)))

[*LabLoverKEB*]

I am deeply sorry and sad for you and your family during this hard time.:(:( I KNOW how much Duke means to you, and it's never easy to let our furry friends go.:(
But please know that you did the right thing for Duke. You took excellent care of him his entire life, and took care of him when he was sick.... and you loved him so very much. He had a wonderful life with you and your family, it's obvious. Duke was a handsome boy, and he loved you.
(((((((BIG HUGS)))))))
:love:

[anna_66]

Traci I seen this post yesterday and couldn't bear to reply because I started getting teary eyed just reading that he had passed and I didn't want to cry before going in to work. But now after reading what you've said the tears are flowing:(
There's nothing I can say to make it better just know I'll be thinking of you.

RIP Dear Duke

Many (((HUGS)))
Anna

[Cincy'sMom]

So sorry for you loss. Duke was such a handsome boy. He will be missed.

[WELOVESPUPPIES]

I wanted to thank each and every one of you for your condolences. My home is not the same...neither is my heart. I keep trying to focus on all the good times I had because of Duke, then I get a smack in the face that there will be no more good times with him. We had gone to the dog park last Sunday, he enjoyed running around peeing on everything...twice. That was my Duke. I still cry every morning when I wake and realize he is gone.

Yesterday Chopper took a piece of his food out and put it on the blanket that Duke and Champ share and he started dancing around and playing with it just like he did when Duke was here, his game of teasing Duke trying to get him to take the piece of food. He was wagging his tail and looking in the direction where no one was. I like to think Duke was giving us a visit...

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=27342706

[wolf_Q]

I'm very sorry to hear about Duke. :( You could tell just by looking at his pictures that he was a sweetheart of a dog. I hoped that you would have more time with him after his diagnosis, of course no matter how long it was it is never enough. :( I'm truly sorry to hear that he has passed and I know it has left a big hole in your heart, good-bye sweet Duke, you'll be missed by all of us.

[sabies]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.

[Casper]

Rest easy, sweet Duke. :love:
You will be very missed here on PT and by many other, too.


((((Hugs)))) going out to Duke's family. :( I am so sorry for your loss.

[Husky_mom]

I am so sorry... and I bet Duke was there.. seriously.. he seemed such a sweet dog he wouldn´t want to leave you sad.. so he made sure you got the signs he was right there and won´t leave your side...

loosing a dog is awful.. be it 1 day, 1 year or 20... it always is hard

[shais_mom]

a little late but please accept my sympathy.
I am so sorry for your loss.
RIP Duke....

[WELOVESPUPPIES]

If only I knew a week ago today what I know now...I would have called in sick, spent the entire morning and early afternoon with you. It would not have mattered if it was spent at the park or the pet store or just lying on the floor snuggling together reminising.

Mommy misses you Boo.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm so sorry, Traci. How heartbreaking. The pain must be unbearable.

Rest in Peace Handsome Duke :( Play hard at the bridge Sweetheart :(

[bevrice]

My heart goes out to you. I know the feeling of having a furry friend be fine one day and gone the next. It's so hard, especially when it happens unexpectedly. Boo will always be with you in spirit and in your heart forever.

[WELOVESPUPPIES]

Thank you everyone.
Still adjusting to the house without him. It is amazing the presence they have when they are hear and the emptiness when they are gone. Duke was definitely the life of the party when it came to the pups here. They all seem to be a little lost without their leader.
I can't believe he has been gone over two weeks...my heart still aches for him.

[WELOVESPUPPIES]

I am thinking of you today, I think of you every day. Three months ago this morning I had no idea it was our last day together. My heart still aches. When I sit outside with the pups in the sun I close my eyes and picture you there. You loved laying in the sun soaking up the rays. That beautiful boxer smile plastered on your face. The content sigh you would make as you laid your head down in the grass. I miss you so.

Love you always,
Mommy

[pomtzu]

You never stop missing them, no matter how much time passes.

[elizabethann]

Oh gosh...I am just seeing this. My deepest sympathies. RIP Duke.