Smokey has gone to be with Phred!

[4 Dog Mother]

Smokey died this morning at 2:00 am. He got sick with what we thought was a stomach ailment on Friday evening and had not be able to keep food or water down. We called the vet tonight because he was having trouble walking and though we thought it was because he as weak from not eating we wanted to talk to the vet. Our vet has combined with another vet who has a small practice by himself in a small town south of us but which still makes it about a 15 mile trip. And of course every time one of our dogs need help on the weekend, he is the one on call. He is excellent but I just hate having to take the dogs down there and especially tonight since Smokey started to fail so quickly. That was about 9:00 when I talked to him and we decided to wait until morning. About 12:30 Smokey started breathing heavily and whimpering. We called the vet and made the trip down to the vet as quickly as possible. Smokey was no longer able to walk and we had to carry him in on a blanket. Smokey's legs were out stiff and the vet said that was sign of something neurologically wrong and he thought it was probably a brain tumor. Then Smokey began to seize and the vet said he wasn't going to make it and we should go ahead and put him down. It was obvious that he was right and the only fair thing to do was let him go.

We have had Smokey and Cinder for 2 and a half years now and it has been like they have always been with us. But then they practically have. Hearing their many escapades here on Pet Talk and then seeing them 3-6 times a year has made them pretty much like we have known them forever. Phred did such a great job in raising them that they have been such a joy to add to our family. This has hit Carl and I pretty hard as we were not expecting this at all. I am getting too tired to write any more now.

Smokey, you were a great addition to our family and we will miss you forever. 5640956410

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry for your loss.:( Smokey was such a wonderful dog and had many admirers here on PT. I'm sure that Phred was there to greet him when he got to Rainbow Bridge. RIP sweet Smokey.:( Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[chocolatepuppy]

I'm so sorry about Smokey.:( He's with Phred now.:love: Bless you for taking both Smokey and Cinder in when Phred passed.

[robinh]

Such sad news! I am so sorry to hear this. RIP Sweet Smokey!

[Alysser]

I am so sorry to read this about Smokey! :( He is with Phred now, that is true. Rest in peace, cutie, you were loved by so many:love:

[Pinot's Mom]

I'm so sorry. RIP Smokey - go be with your Dad now. :love:

[Freedom]

Smokey has had quite the life, being a PT dog for so many years, being so well known by so many around the world. And living in not one, but TWO PT homes!

I'm sure this leaves a hole in your heart, and I am sorry for your loss. Smokey will bound over and meet our Phred, and then, I bet he goes looking to check on "da Silver Cloud."

[Lady's Human]

:(

Having just gone through this with Lady, I feel your pain.

Play hard at the bridge, Smokey!

[Randi]

I'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to Smokey. :( He has had a good long life and we have all enjoyed him here on PT for so many years. Smokey is now at peace and Phred has surely welcomed him to the RB.

Rest in peace, dear Smokey! :love:

Thank you for caring for him, Diana.

(((hugs)))

[cloverfdx]

:( I am so sorry Diana and Carl, and family. You did a wonderful thing when you welcomed Smokey and Cinder into your home.

Rest easy Smokey <3.

[Taz_Zoee]

I can't believe it's been 2 1/2 years since Phred left us. But now he has one of his mutts back with him and the rest of the pets there at the bridge.

RIP Smokey

[Karen]

Oh, the joyful reunion at the Rainbow Bridge that must have been. Diana, I know you and Carl are probably hurting, but we love you for taking them in, so Phred would know they were in good hands. We love you! Our deepest condolences.

[lizbud]

I am so sorry to hear about Smokeys passing.:( :( It's shocking how fast they can leave us. Smokey is at peace now with Phred.
Thank you Diana & Carl for taking such good care of both Smokey and Cinder. They couldn't have had a better home.(((Hugs))):love:

[Bengalz]

My condolences to you and Carl - it was just the most wonderful thing to have Smokey and Cinder in your loving arms after Phred's passing. They could not have found a better home:love:.

Rest in Peace dear Smokey and be sure to bring your Dad up to speed on all that is happening on da ole dirt ball:D. Cinder will miss you terribly and fortunately has Carl and Diana to love her.

[cassiesmom]

Oh, I am so sorry to read this sad news. Sending you big hugs. (((HUGS)))

[Grace]

I'm so sorry, Diana. You and Carl did a wonderful thing, taking those two in. Smokey is at peace now - with Phred :love:

[kaycountrygal]

I am so sorry for your loss. It is always hard to lose a beloved pet. My condolences to you.

[Killearn Kitties]

I'm so sorry to hear this news. It is never easy on us, but how lucky was our Smokey to have such fabulous owners! What a great life he had, and you made sure it stayed that way right to the end.
Bless you.

[Karen]

I had to post again to say - I love that picture you posted at the end ... classic Smokey, being petted and stretching toward the person at the same time!

[Queen of Poop]

So sorry for your loss. It's never easy to lose a furkid, but in this case, knowing Phred was waiting for Smokey perhaps it's a little easier. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

[Bibette & Lulu]

Thank you, Diana and Carl, for taking such good care of the Prayer Pups. Smokey was at times, I believe, a challenge for Phred to socialize him (I believe he had had some rough times with a previous owner - if I'm remembering correctly) and I remember the time Phred was trying to break him of his barking habit when they were visiting our mother at Frienship Village - he didn't always like being left out in the car while we were at dinner!!! But Phred had a special way with his furkids and loved them dearly. I know there was much tail wagging, jumping around and barking as Phred welcomed him at the RB. Having a part of Phred with you every day is special treat. I'm hoping that Cinder is not missing Smokey too much. (((Hugs))) to you and Carl and a special pat for Cinder pup.

Nancy (Phred's sister)

[Scooter's Mom]

I am so sorry to read of Smokey's passing.
I am certain, though, that Phred was there to greet Smokey with wide open arms.

((hugs)) to you for taking the pups in, and loving them so well.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I am just now seeing this. I am so very sorry!!! I think everyone on Pet Talk who knew Phred loved Smokey and Cinder too. I know I sure do. You gave them both a very loving home when they would have been so lost without Phred. Thank you so much for that!!! I'm not sure there are any two dogs on this planet who have had so much love.

Please take comfort that when he left your loving care, he stepped into the loving arms of his favorite fireman!!! :love::love::love:

[Catty1]

I hope and pray there is a Heaven. I hope and pray that Smokey was happy and wiggle-butted and tail-waggin' all over the place as he was running to Phred. :love::love::love:

Thank you and Carl for giving two special dogs their forever home.:love:

[wolflady]

I was also sorry to see this news, but am glad that he and Phred have been reunited! The prayer pups will always be a part of all our families and many thanks to you guys for taking them in! *hugs*

[shais_mom]

I've talked to you since this happen and you know my heart breaks for you. You were such a blessing to take them in and give them the love that they have known since "Dad" has been gone. I thank you from the bottome of my heart for opening your heart and home to both of them. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love to you both!

[gini]

Staci, thank you for directing me to this horrible news. Oh, I know - we should be glad when we can ease our pets past their pain and suffering across the rainbow bridge. I am glad, but I also am selfish enough that I have a hard time letting go. I feel as though I have a huge weight on my chest - in sorrow that Smokey is gone.

Diana and Carl - none of us will ever be able to properly thank you for taking these two precious dogs into your home. We know that they received the best of care and lots and lots of love in your home. All of us are beyond grateful.

This loss will be hard on Cinder - please give her extra hugs for me.

It is just life - but things are changing aren't they? I felt it ever since we lost Phred - how many of us loved loved loved that man - he was so good to all of us. I learned a lot from him.

Diana and Carl - I send you warm gentle hugs and many thank you's for all you have done.

[captain]

Diana and Carl - huge huge hugs to you both from across the miles.
Thank you so much for taking SmokeMutt and Cinders into your loving home. I am sure Phred was there at the RB with ChawKlitt cookied for SmokeMutt.

Once again, as so many have already said, thank you so much for taking care of the Prayer Pups.

Love
Michelle and the Spotties

[Randi]

Diana and Carl, I'm sending lots of comforting thoughts to you, and to dear Cinder. :love: She also must miss Smokey, after so many years together. Please give her some hugs from me, too.

Here's the thread about how Smokey came to live with Phred and Cinder - excellent reading
http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?3850-Cinder-wants-to-keep-the-Stray-she-found&highlight=cinder+wants+keep

The thread also won best thread of the year 2001. Go read it!
Winner - Thread of the Year 2001 - Winner First place, with 42%, or 12 votes was "Cinder wants to keep the stray she found"

[Vermontcat]

I'm sorry I didn't see this thread until now. I'm so sorry to hear that Smokey has gone to the Rainbow Bridge.:(
You did a great job taking him and Cinder in and giving them a great Pet Talk home after Phred left us.
I'm sure he was happy to be with Phred again, I hope that Cinder is doing ok and not missing him too much.
Sending hugs to you and your family.

[ramanth]

Bye Smoke Mutt. :( :( We will miss you so much but I know Phred was happy to see you. Diana, so very sorry for the families loss. You were so sweet to take them in when they needed you most.

[anna_66]

I was so glad to see Cinder is doing good with Smoke gone. It just goes to prove she's in a happy home :-)

[ramanth]

I was so glad to see Cinder is doing good with Smoke gone. It just goes to prove she's in a happy home :-)

This needs a like button. :D

[Cataholic]

I was looking at old photos this week and J asked me who the man with the two dogs was- I mean there must have been 30-40 pictures, and he centered in Phred, Cinder and Smokey. I had to share with him two had gone on already. Hugs to you, Diana, and Carl and the fur kids.

[Kirsten]

This is so sad, I'm really sorry! And I hope Cinder is fine, this must be so hard for her as well. :(
Now Smokey is with Phred again, which is a comforting thought...

[MoonandBean]

I've been away from PT for too long :( and I'm just seeing this now. All I can do is echo what everyone else has said. I was so happy when I found out that Smokey and Cinder would be going to live with you after Phred's passing... and while I am sad that Smokey has died, I know that both of those dogs were truly blessed to have such love and care in their lives. Thank you again for loving them and give Cinder a kiss from me and a special head butt from Bean (The prayer pups helped him find his way home) :love:

[cyber-sibes]

just seeeing this, Diana, so sorry to hear that Smokey has passed. But it must have been a joyfull moment at the RB when Phred saw Smokey! Treats for all!!!! Thanks so much for giving Phred's pups such a great home. we miss all of you.

[RobiLee]

Rest In Peace, Sweet Smokey.