Smokey is at the Rainbow Bridge

[apcrs5122]

Oh, Amy, I'm so sorry for you and everyone else. RIP beloved Smokey, you are missed dearly

[AvaJoy]

May prayer and the passing of time ease your grief over the loss of dearest Smokey. Please accept my sincerest condolences, and find comfort in knowing that Smokey will be enjoying all the glories the RB has to offer.

[kimlovescats]

My sincere condolences for the loss of precious Smokey.

[luckies4me]

Reading the part about his bed being gone just made me so sad. I am so sorry for your loss and please offer my condolences to your mother, and of course they are offered to you as well, and Nebo too. I am Nebo misses him too. What a sad day it's been. Terribly sad.

[Crikit]

God Amy, I just saw this otherwise I would have posted sooner.

You have no idea how sorry I am to hear about Smokey. He was a great grumpy little old man and the lose of him will leave a hole in all of our hearts.

You'll be in my prayers and thoughts tonight my friend, and if you need anything anything at all. Even if it's just to chat, you let me know okay?

Much love Amy, and R.I.P. Smokey.

[rg_girlca]

I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Smokey.
May the loving memories comfort you and help you overcome the pain.

Rest in Peace dear Smokey.

[EssTer]

I made this card for Smokey...

[Rachel]

Oh, Amy! We've known Smokey for a long time and I've always taken great pleasure in the pictures of him on those outdoor adventures. He was truly amazing in his advanced years always eager to be with his family whereever the road took them. Smokey was a true Dog of the Day type dog, if there ever was one. I bet your mom could write a book about this little guy. I am so sorry that she and you have to face the grief of his loss. Smokey's spirit will always be in the heart of those of us who came to know him through you and your pictures. Thank you for sharing your dear little Smokey.

[tatsxxx11]

That was a beautiful gesture, EssTer

[wolf_Q]

Thank you so much everyone. I really appreciate the replies, pms and gorgeous pics and signatures.

I know I didn't talk about Smokey as much, and now I'm feeling awful about that. I loved that little guy so much though. He was a part of my life. My parents brought him home when I was 2 years old. I don't remember a day without him. We didnt always get along, I have battle wounds to prove it...he had his grumpy moments, but we still had some great times together. He went on all of our camping trips. Never a foofoo dog, he was always the first to jump into a lake after a fish and he always prefered to lay right in the dirt.

He was my mom's absolute shadow. He didn't want to be more than a few feet from her. Even the past few months when he was pretty much blind and deaf, and had a hard time walking...he always wanted to be near her. I admire my mother for her patience. I don't think there's many people who would change a diaper on a dog and clean up other messes each day without getting upset. She knew it wasn't his fault.

She's asked me every day if she did the right thing. She asked me if I thought Smokey hated her. I know in my heart Smokey would NEVER hate her. I think Smokey is happier now. His quality of life was not there. Now he's painfree...running, barking, and rolling in the mud. I hope there's a tummy-rub service at the Rainbow Bridge, he loved that.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Amy, I'm so sorry to hear about Smokey's passing. I hope that all of his wonderful memories will help you get through this difficult time. RIP sweet Smokey and say hi to my Pepper for me.

[Karen]

I'm sure my Mom at the Rainbow Bridge would be happy to oblige Smokey with as many tummy rubs as he wants, and when her arm gets too tired, Cinder and Smokey's Grandmom wil take over.

Our first dog, growing up dog, always stays in our hearts, Amy. You can still tell Smokey stories the rest of your life, and whisper them to Nebo when he's asleep.

You give your Mom a great big hug for me, okay? Tell her she did the right thing, and we all love her.

[wolf_Q]

Karen, I'm glad to know there's some doggy-loving friends up there to oblige him for the tummy rubs.

[Pam]

Amy thank you for posting those pictures. They have made the tears roll down my face again as well as your beautiful post. Smokey was a very special little boy indeed. I loved hearing how he was first in the lake and loved to lay in the dirt. My Ripley looks so much like a young Smokey and is also glued to my side. We call him my velcro dog. When I leave the house he stays in the window until I come home. I wish I could reach through the computer and give your mom a hug. I know the pain she is feeling. Losing your "shadow" must be a terrible feeling. She looks around and there is no one there.

My two toy poodles were already about 6 and 7 years old when I had skin kids. Though one lived to be 17 (I know he has been by Smokey's side since he went to the RB) the children really considered them "my" dogs. The dogs they remember are the ones we got as puppies when they were older.

I know you loved Smokey. Gosh we all did. Tell your mom each day will get easier but she will probably look for that little black furry body every now and then or listen for the click of his little nails on the kitchen floor. I know Nebo and Reggie will help pull her through this. (((hugs))) to you both!

[Sudilar]

Originally posted by wolf_Q
She's asked me every day if she did the right thing. She asked me if I thought Smokey hated her.

Your Mom gave Smokey the greatest gift of unselfish love...release from pain. No matter how much it hurt your Mom, she did what was best for Smokey. The love for Smokey was more important than her own feelings of great loss that she would feel. That is true and pure love.