Yesterday our best buddy Baxter passed away peacefully at our vet's office with Greg and I right beside him. He had been slipping gradually away from us and I always asked him to tell me when it was time. A few days ago he had been struggling to get up and was showing some irregular breathing. Yesterday afternoon he really wasn't walking well and he wouldn't even take a treat. He then walked to the door leading to the garage and just stood there looking at. I knew he was telling me it was time to take him to see our vet. He would have been 13 years old on September 1. I got him as a present from my mom when I was a senior at Ohio State. He traveled with me to grad school to Minneapolis and was there for my first date with Greg - Greg brought him a rawhide bone and brought me chocolate. Baxter moved with me to Rochester, he moved with us to our first home, he was there when both babies came home from the hospital, and he moved with our two other goldens to Arkansas with us. He was our last golden and the end of a very happy era. Baxter was Greg's first dog. Our hearts are sad, but there is a certain peace that comes with his passing. We had been watching him slip away for some time. He will be missed forever.
11 comments:
Baxter was a wonderful dog and, as you said, a prince of dogs. He had a lot of love in his life. I loved him, too.
I started to scroll down the photos ... and my heart got heavy as I just knew what the post was going to be. What a beautiful tribute to a beloved friend. My sympathies to all of you.
Thanks Kari and mom - he was a buddy to all of us and boy has he left a big gaping hole in our lives. The best dog ever.
Not a prince . . . the king.
Awww, I know its hard, but it sounds like he had a perfect dog life. Your post made me cry...I have a very sad children's book, A Dog Like Jack, about this topic if you think you need it for your kids, I cry every time I read it, but it does help explain it all.
I love all the pics, but how in the world did you get them to pose for you in that top photo. Its so cute!
Hugs to you!
Selina, he did have a great life - thank you for your kind words. I know you have been here, too. Man, it is SO HARD when they leave you. It was his time though. I have no doubt of that and I LOVE my vet and he slipped away painlessly and peacefully. Paulina watched the kids while we were at the vet and Katrina said to her and the kids, "Baxter is dying, but he just needs some help to really die." The kids have bounced back quickly as kids do. The adults though. . . well, we just miss him.
The pictures of Baxter are wonderful. I have looked at them many times. They show his life and he had a great one.
I liked what Denise said. He was the king.
What a loving post for a valued member of your family. There is something so incredibly special about dogs. I think they remind us that happiness is a choice. My heart hurts for you. Great comments from everyone!
So sorry about the loss of this awesome dog/friend/companion/spreader of love and joy. If only people could be like Bax!! We will miss him.
So sorry to hear about Baxter, Julie... Hugs. Lots of hugs...
Awww Julie, I am so sorry! I remember when you first got Baxter. He was such a great dog and he was lucky to have been a part of such a wonderful family. Hugs!
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