Simba, the dog who started it all.

I've been struggling to create this post simply because I get far too emotional when trying to type this up.

Two weeks ago today my family and I said our good byes to Simba. It was truly the hardest decision I have ever made. His body was failing him but his mind and heart were there. He even wagged his tail and tried to greet me when I arrived at my parents house, but his body wouldn't let him.

I am so grateful that I work with a group of amazing veterinarians. We were able to say good bye to him at home, his home, the place he made home for us the 16.5 years we were blessed with his physical presence. My mom and I sat on the front porch with him, one of his favorite hangouts. We took turns to the efrigerator and brought him several different delicious meals before the doctor arrived. I held him and spoke to him as we were letting him go.

Simba is the reason I am who I am today. He was my very first dog and the biggest project of all of my rescues. He was a young, scared, fear aggressive 8 month old puppy and I was a lonely ten year old girl who always dreamed of having her own dog. He taught me how to deal with the numerous fear aggressive "I want to eat your face" patients I deal with on a daily basis at work. He helped me build confidence in myself and we tackled the world together.

I go through spurs of being highly relieved that we were able to end his pains of being an old dog to bawling my eyes out because I feel part of my heart being ripped away.

He may have been the one who needed safety that day 16 years ago when we adopted him, but it was him who brought us safety.

My dear Simba Lou, my heart dog. Everyday, I help several dogs and cats, through work and rescue work, and it's because of him.

Dear Kay, I am sending you enormous HUGS HUGS HUGS HUGS as I read this. You and Simba had many happy years together. :love: You adopted each other, in a way. He knew fun, happiness and love throughout his life with you.

Aww, Simba was such a faithful dog, we knew he loved you very, very much. The time we met you, your Dad and dogs in Findlay, one could find you just by seeing where Simba was focussed. He came to you when you most needed a friend and someone who would teach you so much. And through him, you found us here at Pet Talk, and we were able to help you and watch over you through your struggles when you are young, and watched you grow and mature into the young lady you are today.

Yes, I know you have his pampering tattooed onto your skin, but even deeper is his face tattooed on your heart, and there it will stay forever, never fading, untouched by time. You learned so much about dogs, were able to teach so many people how wrong breed discrimination is, how to deal with a frightened dog, and finally, how to help an aging beloved friend.

These are lessons no book could ever teach. He will always be part of you, as surely as his golden hairs have woven themselves into the carpets, the furniture and all sorts of hidden places. And when you are an old woman, many many years from now, you can tell children the story of Simba, the dog of your heart.

Kay, I am so sorry - a heart pet is like no other. Sweet Simba - he could not have had a better, more loving home...he had heaven on earth with you.

I'm sending gentle hugs and I hope, in time, that memories will bring more smiles and fewer tears. :love::love:

Sending you cyber hugs, Kay. Losing a friend is never easy, and Simba was a unique, special friend in so many ways.

The highs and lows you describe are all a part of the grieving process. I am so sorry you have to work through this; but as I often say, the hardest part of our pets is that their life span is so much shorter than ours. Thank you for making this tough decision, for your dear Simba.

Kfamr, I am so sorry to read of Simba's passing. (((HUGS))) What a wonderful life Simba had with you. I know what you mean about him being your heart dog. It is that special one that comes along, a once in a life time & remains in your heart forever.

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.

So sorry for your loss Kay. :( Simba was one of the first dogs I remember when I came to Pet Talk.
Yes, he made you what you are today. He will live forever in your heart. :love:

So sorry to hear about Simba. He will always be with you in your heart.

Simba is a PT legend, never to be forgotten. Sending massive hugs Kay xxx.

Rest easy Simba. If you see my big red girl on the flip side send my love.

Simba was one of the first dogs I fell in love with through cyber-space when I joined this forum. I always came back to see the pictures of him and his siblings and hear the stories of their adventures.

Even though I already knew of Simba's passing, I still got LES as I read your words. I feel your pain. I am so sorry. :(

RIP Simba

I am so sorry for your loss of Simba. It is obvious from your writeup that you loved him very much and vice versa. I believe you will see him again one day. Meanwhile, he is no longer in any kind of pain or discomfort. You loved him enough to let him go. My Condolences.

Kay,

I'm so very sorry to read about your loss of dear Simba. Your heartfelt tribute to him is beautiful, and it is clear that the pair of you drew strength and courage from each other in so many ways. He did a good 'job' with you. :)

Thank you all for your kind words. It means so much to me that Simba has had an impact on people hundreds of thousands miles away.

I knew this time was going to end sooner than later, and I find myself having a harder time than I expected. I miss my boy so much.

I am so sorry, I don't get on pettalk much so I missed this. My heart aches for you. Run free handsome boy.

Just seeing this now, I am so sorry to read about Simba, Kay. Can't believe he was gone, but you can live knowing you saved his life and that he had a good long life with you and your family. Rest in Peace, handsome guy. :love:

I'm so very sad to see that Simba has left for the Bridge. He had such a full and happy life, all thanks to you. Of course you feel he is your hero, but the reverse is true too. I'm very glad I got to "know" Simba even if just from afar. He will always be your special heart boy.

Kay, I am so sorry to hear about Simba.
I haven't posted on here in years but over the years I've often thought of you and your pups and sweet Simba. I think my heart skipped a beat when I found this thread. :( Simba will be forever in your heart, watching over you. Rest in peace sweet Simba.

:love:

Oh Kay!
My hearts breaks for you!!! Sending you huge huge huge hugs across the miles.
He sure was a beautiful dog, and I remember how much you adored him.
Play hard at the RB sweet boy ....
HUGS again Kay ...

I shed a few tears when I saw the picture of you and Simba. He reminds me of my "oldie may" dogs. As posted previously I have lost 9 in the past 32 years..........they were all a ripe old age. It hurts to let them go and it hurts even more to send them on their way but thank God you loved Simba enough not to let him suffer. He's waiting for you you know.

It really does help to come back here and read everyone's comforting words. It makes me feel less alone in the hurt. I still have great days but then there's just some dayso that seem unbearable with the thought of never being able to hold him again.

Thank you.

Big hugs Kay xxx. Just try and get though one day at a time.

I'm so sorry for you loss of Simba. :( I hope it will be a comfort that he had a wonderful life with you for more than 16 years, and that he is free of pain.

Rest in peace, dear Simba! :love:

many thoughts and prayers for you Kay and family. Run Free Simba with Keegan. Look for Phred and Gini and Corrina and Terry for treats!

I am so sorry for your loss of Simba

I am so sorry for your loss.

Just now seeing this. im terrible at coming to the memorial section of PetTalk cuz i never really know what to say in these type of times =/
but sorry for loss an very late hugs to you

Kay, I am just reading this now....and I felt dizzy when I read the title. I am soo sorry for your loss of Simba. He is the first dog I remember on Pettalk many years ago...all the beautiful pictures you shared. I hope that those good times come back as happy memories and help to comfort your heart. Huge hugs to you!