Orca... Friend and teacher..

**kaycountrygal** · 01-13-2013, 07:34 AM

First I am so sorry for your loss. Second, Orca was a wonderful loving loyal friend and he will always be in your heart. Thank you for sharing his and your story with us. Maybe it's too soon but perhaps one day you will open your heart to another dog. I've said "I'll never get another one" but I always do and it lifts my spirits. Congrats to Orca for being DOTD!

**sasvermont** · 01-13-2013, 08:19 AM

What a sweet and loving dog. Orca's story brought tears to my eyes this morning. I know you must have shed some tears when he went to Rainbow Bridge. That must have been a difficult time for you and your family, after having such a terrific friend for so many years. It was his time to rest.

Congrats, Orca, for being The Dog of the Day. You will be in many people's hearts forever. Run and play without pain, Orca. You were loved and gave it back double fold, for sure.

Orca, you are truly a star!

**chocolatepuppy** · 01-13-2013, 08:24 AM

What a handsome boy you were Orca! It sounds like you were very much loved.

You will live on forever in your humans heart.
Congrats on being DOTD! I hope this is a special and meaningful day for your human.

**tatsxxx11** · 01-13-2013, 11:51 AM

What a magnificent creature your beloved Orca was, breathtakingly beautiful, and my heart breaks knowing you no longer have your trusted best friend at your side. I too had tears in my eyes reading your very moving, love filled tribute, with more tears falling when I came upon that final photo of you two in your canoe. It captures so beautifully the very special relationship, the bond you shared those many years. And I don't for a moment believe that he was ever just a pet, but always "family."

Orca may no longer be there with you in body, but he lives on forever in your heart, and in those countless, cherished memories you made. And more importantly, he lives on in you, in the person that you are, for so much of what you are now, as man, is thanks to him. He was your mentor, your teacher and confidant, your best friend and soul mate; your guide dog, safely leading you down that oft times rocky road from boyhood to manhood. And one day, perhaps when you have a son or daughter of your own, you will tell her/him of a very special dog named Orca, of the unconditional love and unwavering devotion you shared, passing along to her/him the priceless rewards of animal love.

And though I know that last night with him, witnessing those seizures, was indescribably painful for you. But I hope it will be his miraculous, courageous recovery from liver failure, two wonderful 2 years that followed, and his final gift to you, that last amazing trip you shared, doing all of those things you both loved so very much, the vision of him happy and healthy and strong, that you keep as your abiding memory of him.

God bless you, Orca, Dog of a Lifetime. Watch over your master and send down your love to comfort him, until that happy day when you two are reunited.

**lizbud** · 01-13-2013, 04:23 PM

Orca was an incredible gift to you at a time in your life that you really needed a friend
and companion.Life can be a journey & we are lucky to find a kind, kindred spirit to share
it with. Orca surely was that and more to you. He makes a wonderful DOG OF THE DAY.

As the next phase of your life unfolds, I hope you are blessed with another gift to share it with.
Thanks for sharing your story & sharing Orca with us.