My beloved friend, Mr. Whipple, slipped quietly into the arms of the angels at nine o'clock this morning.

He died as he lived, with strength and grace. And through him I've learned that death, too, can be a miracle, though dark and sad. It is a mystery how such a small fellow as he could leave such a large hole in my heart.

As always, he taught me about life. He has always been a great friend and teacher. Now he has taught me about dying. I hope I can measure up to his class when my turn rolls 'round.

He gave so many lessons in life, he had no words but he spoke with the eloquence of poets.

He taught me the rules of being a "Good Dog". And, if more people could just be "Good Dogs" the world would be a warmer and more liveable place.

The Rules as told to me by Mr. Whipple:

1. Be overjoyed to see a loved one. Even if they have been out of your sight for just a few moments.

2. Greet each day with a stretch.

3. Learn about the real treasures and soak them up. The real treasures are: Head scratches, belly rubs, and warm rays of the sun.

4. Defend your family against all threats, no matter how large.

5. When in doubt, bark.

Goodbye my friend. I'll carry you in my heart forever, your memory and your gentle spirit are a part of me as is the air I breathe.

Frolic in the tall grass of heaven. Chase the butterflies on an endless summer's day. I'll be along, by and by, and we shall run in the meadow together, and once more I'll pet you, and hold you in my lap.

You've made the great step into the Darkness, and I must be brave enough to let go.

Know this:

I am. And shall forever be. WhippleDaddy. Proudly so.

_________________

Whippledaddy,

So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved pet.

Whip - I am so sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories!

It's hard to lose a snuggle buddy. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Ya had to go make me cry today. I am sincerely sorry for your loss. I am new to the dog game and can't bear to think of being without mine now. They are better friends than humans and unconditional, we all need to remember what they teach us, so true so true. Cherish the memory all you can!

He will live on forever in you.............so sorry for your loss

Thank you so much for your kind words everyone. I know that as the days go by it will get easier.

The sadness will not lessen, but the memories will become less painful, and more pleasant. They will be warm and loving recollections of a beautiful spirit in a dog's body. There are many wonderful memories for us.

He was a Good Dog. I hope I can be a Good Dog as well.

I'm so sorry Whip, I am anticipating this very thing. I know that when i get home for the holidays I'll have to put my own beloved Astro down. I cannot pretend to understand your pain, but I know what mine is like.

(((Whippledaddy)))

I am just reading this post today. As I cry over your beautiful words I am very sorry for your loss. I know your pain.

I hope time is kind to you & all the sweetest memories fill your thoughts & dreams.

God Bless

I'm so sorry

***HUGS*** :thankyou:

Do you have a picture of Mr. Whipple?

I've gotta resize a pic to post it. Thanks. It'll take a day or two, kinda busy getting ready for yet another surger for Patty, 300 miles away.

Whippledaddy...What can I say? Beautifully written. I miss my dear Max( 3/01) and I know he is playing with Mr. WHipple he loved other dogs. I too agree with your sentiment..I want to be a good dog too. Amazing the love they give to you unconditionally. I need another kleenex. Thank you for sharing your loss. My prayers are with you and your wife as she faces another surgery. Take care

I'm so sorry for your loss, and your beautiful words of remembrance and good bye made me cry. How beautiful to have been loved so much...he was a blessed dog. The memories are precious and will become more so as the sadness lets up a little. Keep him close in your heart and he's never really gone.

Emily

We'll try this pic, see if I downsized it enough.

Looking through his pics was both a thing of sadness and a thing of joy. I had the priviledge of smiling through my tears.

Time goes by. Life goes on. The sun rises and sets. Still my thoughts turn to my wordless friend and the volumes he spoke to me. I miss him, but the pain is the dull ache of loss, not the sharp pang it once was.

Still I think sometimes I see him out of the corner of my eye. And when we mention his name to our other dog, Abby the Half Pug/Half Terrier, she looks up at a corner of our living room ceiling. I find this disquieting, and somehow comforting. I know it is but my grief working its way through me.

And so the days continue. Life has many tasks that must be met. And through the sun of each new day we keep close our departed friend with the shadow of a memory.

So here is his picture. He was just a dog to anyone but us. And that's exactly how it should be. His life changed ours forever, and that, too, is exactly as it should be.

WhippleDaddy, thank you for sharing your loss with us. Mr. Whipple gained his strength from your love. He was a handsome pup. We are a border family as well. Our first was lost in a house fire after helping me to get out. He actually went in to get the cat herded out, then went back in. We found him and our new puppy together. We can only think of the protection and strength he brought to that pup. It took us years to get over that and bring a new friend to our family, but even the cat (who was saved in the fire by Clyde) seems happy we have added Cosmo to our household.

Hold onto those pictures. And dream of him often. You were a fine daddy, and was very lucky to have a fine teacher. They really do have a stength and wisdom that can, at times, be astounding.

Amy