That picture of him in the helmet is perfect! I'm tearing up at work after reading this so I can't imagine how you and your family feel. A part of him will always be with you guys.
It's been a long day for sure. Its the little things that keep bringing it back up - like last night a friend dropped off pizza, and I went to toss him my last bite of crust and it just came flooding back.
Don't think we've gone 15 minutes without one of us crying.
I can't tell you how long it took to get used to my last girl not being there all the time, I can just tell you that it does get better/easier over time. Try to cherish those memories of him in those moments. Here you got me tearing up again. Hang in there
Piggybacking off this - I try to repost this when I see posts like this, in the hopes you (or someone) can find some comfort in the words - and if not, please excuse the intrusion.
I lost my 15 year old girl (dog) in October 2022. Only advice I can offer here is to remember the positives, and not focus on the negatives (if any). He's done his job, keeping you safe and happy and loved, and it's his turn to rest.
You'll always miss him, you'll always remember him. You'll even go looking for him for the next few weeks (well, I did). There's a lot of habits that you're going to slowly stop, and that's ok. Changing your life to suit you is not forgetting him. Donating/throwing away his toys or blankets isn't forgetting him. There's no timeline on grief, and there's no timeline on moving on. Cry your tears.
I'm sorry you've reached the end of your journey. Words will never make this easier. Just keep your head up, and live the life he'd want you to.
This is a good time to live a little for you. I spent years looking after my girl as she got ill, and I sacrificed a lot of me and my time to keep her safe. If you feel you've done the same, take advantage of this time. Its ok to be happy and enjoy life without him. Life isn't over. Its just changing.
You'll be ok mate.
I'm so sorry.
You gave him an absolutely amazing life, and judging by the photos he was surrounded by love every day. Take solace in the time you had together, and I hope you are able to find peace in the memories you made with him.
I’m so very sorry 😞 we lost our golden in August. We too have a 6-year-old wonderful GSD boy. Hugs.
https://preview.redd.it/keaikjkv2ixc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a0e8b72732096e374eb1407bc19552114d772fa6
Sorry for your loss. I lost my German Shepherd in 2022 when she was around 4.5 years old to lymphoma. She was extremely athletic and playful so by the time she started showing signs that something was wrong the options were limited. Very heartbreaking, more than I expected it to be. It was like losing a close friend or a member of the family. We still talk about her till this day.
My last shepherd was a rescue as a pup, and had terrible dysplasia. Spent most of his life on steroids for it, and he died of liver failure - but we knew he wasn't doing great for a long while and it wasn't entirely unexpected. I had left him behind with my mom when I enlisted, and in essence he became hers.
We swore we'd do it right with the next one - reputable breeder, great lines, full testing, the works. We put our deposit down, and when we drove down to choose there were two males to choose from. Wife and the girls picked the other one right away, but he caught my attention and we stayed for a bit and I convinced them he was the one. He had the same demeanor as his sire - just a big friendly goofball.
And we did everything right - regular vet visits, diet, exercise, everything with the goal of his having a long life. Fate is just cruel like that I guess.
Sorry to hear that. How long did he live before he passed? It was the steroids that caused the liver failure?
One of my dogs now is a GSD that has dysplasia. I paid for him to have a FOH surgery. He has been much better since. Great to see him living an active and happy life but I have a feeling that his hips will be an issue in the future.
The last 6 months or so his liver function kept deteriorating, and 2 trips to Cornell they attributed ot to the prolonged steroid use - he'd been on and off them for 3 years at the point.
In the end he had a seizure, I drove the 3.5hr drive to my moms expecting the worst, and he was still lucid when I got there. We packed him in the car, and he was gone by the time we got to the emergency vet 20mins later.
Didn’t think I was gonna cry today but here we are. When my boy passed in a similar way, my buddy said to me,
“I don’t know why we do this to ourselves over and over again, but we keep getting these awesome dogs knowing we aren’t going to have them forever. We always do it though and it’s always worth that pain that we never expect to have again.”
I’m really sorry for your loss, I can tell that you have him the best life he could ever have. You can see how happy he was!
I'm incredibly sorry that happened. A sudden loss feels even more soul crushing. Mine this past year had a different problem, but it was fine one day, then not, and then never made it home from the vet. Probably the worst day of my life, and not sure I'll ever really get over it. I wish your family the best.
I’m sorry OP! They really are just something so unique and special, yet so available for us whenever we need them. You lost another piece of your heart and I wish every single one of us dog-owners could keep our fur buddies around forever but it must be this way. Stay strong OP! 😢
So sorry for you loss. We had a similar experience with ours, he was 7 and it was sudden. A shock really that still hurts. You can tell by your pics he was a big important part of your lives and a n amazing family member. He'll never be replaced but honored if you get another GSD. They're the best!
My thoughts are with you and your children. My GSD is our best buddy as well. I cannot begin to say how sorry I am for your loss. He looks like the kind of bestest buddy that always made everyone smile and happier.
https://preview.redd.it/zu7ag6efwjxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=666aa20231761dd6cdc3ab20e4b0f3570e256c1e
My boy is around the same age as yours was. He’s been with me only 3 weeks and this made me tear up a bit. Me and Hadrix are sending you lots of love and strength! Hopefully your buddy is frolicking across the rainbow bridge with all the other good pups! ❤️❤️❤️
I think German Shepherds are the closest you can get to pureness. They really are something special, feel lucky that this amazing soul was your friend. They really are a blessing. Rip, I'm so sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful good boy. I’m so very sorry you had to say goodbye so soon; there’s never enough time with these amazing creatures. My two girl GSDs who’ve crossed the rainbow bridge will certainly have greeted him when he got there ❤️
What a beautiful happy loved boy. So very sorry for your loss💔we lost our boy at age 6 also (a year ago Feb)definitely feeling your pain and am sorry your family is going through this
https://preview.redd.it/laxsel3lsixc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1a274f1e71a1080f4c742ed47dd74a967d4a2ec0
Lost mine 3 weeks ago. Sorry for your loss.
https://preview.redd.it/0iizq4fpuixc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=05857f30dd930584870f37691944c70e1bbdee6e
Midas 14.5 years old.
We really wish we knew. There were no changes to diet or activity in the last week, qnd no foreign objects were seen in film.
Aa far as they could tell it was spontaneous. That said, he had a history of minor gastric issues so there could have been an underlying predisposition.
He looks like the sweetest, goofiest, most wonderful boy ❤
Oh, to love a dog... what an amazing thing it is to love a dog.
To say goodbye to your boy...a bone-deep hurt like no other.
Rest In Loving Peace, Beloved Boy. You are so so loved ❤
He looks like a wonderful friend.
I can really see in the photos that he knew he was loved and cherished. He face says it all: that is the face of a dog who thinks he is in Heaven.
I'm so terribly sorry for your loss, but I'm so very glad that you got to spend six wonderful years with the best dog ever.
*hugs*
Handsome boy. I’m a grown man and crying like a baby. So very sorry but do take solace that he was with you through it all and he’ll be waiting for you when it’s your time.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your handsome boy. I'm sure he loved every second with you. Losing a GSD is possibly the hardest thing I ever had to experience in my life.
Always think of the good times and how happy you made him and vice versa. It helps with the healing process. I know the saying is “we don’t deserve animals” but I believe we deserve the love that we give them, it’s a never ending circle of love and happiness. Always keep that in mind. Prayers to you and yours, friend💛
I lost my "better half" COVID shutdown rescue WGSD in January at 4yo suddenly, I know you you feel, I'm so sorry. I'm still freaking broken, and I've got 4 other puppies.
I love them all, including both our new rescue returns we adopted, but she was special.
I'm sooo sorry.
Sorry for your loss, OP. Cheers to the good boy. I hope one day you're running the fields together in heaven, no snakes to bite your ankles or stones to trip on. Only enjoying each other, like families do.
What a handsome fellow :) The pain hurts but you will find it gets a little better each day. I lost my Max on the 11th.
https://preview.redd.it/559rxaw1ojxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b50892aa9469781b433d8f765bfab72079977397
I am so, so sorry.
Those pictures made me smile, as you can see what a good, goofy boy he was.
Hugs to you all, and thank you for letting your kids say goodbye to him. Many parents try to shield their kids from this heartache, but having the choice to say goodbye is very important.
Hugs to you all.
https://preview.redd.it/28uaycpo6lxc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a94ca752098de23ba4f72ff1a2f9332364ba14a8
Lost my boy yesterday as well, at just under 5 years old.. I feel you
Oh my, my heart just broke reading this. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Sending you lots of love!!
I hope the good memories and love shared, will carry you and your family through your healing journey. He was the luckiest of all dogs to be able to give and receive the unconditional love ya’ll shared! He lived a great life, and talking about him often, will keep his memory alive forever. God bless.
What a beautiful boy. So sorry for your family's loss. As a person myself, born and raised with GSD's they are so loyal and ripps you apart when losing them. Time will heal some.
This is awful to hear I’m so sorry for your loss. I hate to make you relive it but what were the warning signs of the issue at hand? Just like to be mindful of things to look out for
I’m sorry. Reminds me of when I rushed our pug going over 120mph to the vets back in 2011 when the vets overdosed him with sedatives for a teeth cleaning. Have 2 GSD’s, 2 Saint Bernards, 1 Pug and Miss Kitty at the moment and they mean the world to me also
Aww no that’s horrible!! I’m so very sorry you lost your best friend! 💔I can’t even imagine! I pray he’s at peace now and that eventually you will hurt a little less. Your best friend held himself like a king looking at the pics and he was absolutely gorgeous!
That picture of him in the helmet is perfect! I'm tearing up at work after reading this so I can't imagine how you and your family feel. A part of him will always be with you guys.
It's been a long day for sure. Its the little things that keep bringing it back up - like last night a friend dropped off pizza, and I went to toss him my last bite of crust and it just came flooding back. Don't think we've gone 15 minutes without one of us crying.
I can't tell you how long it took to get used to my last girl not being there all the time, I can just tell you that it does get better/easier over time. Try to cherish those memories of him in those moments. Here you got me tearing up again. Hang in there
Piggybacking off this - I try to repost this when I see posts like this, in the hopes you (or someone) can find some comfort in the words - and if not, please excuse the intrusion. I lost my 15 year old girl (dog) in October 2022. Only advice I can offer here is to remember the positives, and not focus on the negatives (if any). He's done his job, keeping you safe and happy and loved, and it's his turn to rest. You'll always miss him, you'll always remember him. You'll even go looking for him for the next few weeks (well, I did). There's a lot of habits that you're going to slowly stop, and that's ok. Changing your life to suit you is not forgetting him. Donating/throwing away his toys or blankets isn't forgetting him. There's no timeline on grief, and there's no timeline on moving on. Cry your tears. I'm sorry you've reached the end of your journey. Words will never make this easier. Just keep your head up, and live the life he'd want you to. This is a good time to live a little for you. I spent years looking after my girl as she got ill, and I sacrificed a lot of me and my time to keep her safe. If you feel you've done the same, take advantage of this time. Its ok to be happy and enjoy life without him. Life isn't over. Its just changing. You'll be ok mate. I'm so sorry.
going on two years and still see her walking with me and her brother. . Sincerely sorry for your loss. Losing your best friend is the hardest thing.
I am so sorry for your loss... https://preview.redd.it/r4vy5sgyohxc1.png?width=576&format=png&auto=webp&s=2ee475cb6c9a444ef0835cfb27249bb83f643517
😢
Shuttup I’m not crying *YOU’RE* crying 😢
I'm totally crying 😢
You gave him an absolutely amazing life, and judging by the photos he was surrounded by love every day. Take solace in the time you had together, and I hope you are able to find peace in the memories you made with him.
I’m so very sorry 😞 we lost our golden in August. We too have a 6-year-old wonderful GSD boy. Hugs. https://preview.redd.it/keaikjkv2ixc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a0e8b72732096e374eb1407bc19552114d772fa6
When looking at some dogs eyes you can just tell they are a good boy. This one was a prime example...
Hugging my dog now
Sorry for your loss. I lost my German Shepherd in 2022 when she was around 4.5 years old to lymphoma. She was extremely athletic and playful so by the time she started showing signs that something was wrong the options were limited. Very heartbreaking, more than I expected it to be. It was like losing a close friend or a member of the family. We still talk about her till this day.
My last shepherd was a rescue as a pup, and had terrible dysplasia. Spent most of his life on steroids for it, and he died of liver failure - but we knew he wasn't doing great for a long while and it wasn't entirely unexpected. I had left him behind with my mom when I enlisted, and in essence he became hers. We swore we'd do it right with the next one - reputable breeder, great lines, full testing, the works. We put our deposit down, and when we drove down to choose there were two males to choose from. Wife and the girls picked the other one right away, but he caught my attention and we stayed for a bit and I convinced them he was the one. He had the same demeanor as his sire - just a big friendly goofball. And we did everything right - regular vet visits, diet, exercise, everything with the goal of his having a long life. Fate is just cruel like that I guess.
Sorry to hear that. How long did he live before he passed? It was the steroids that caused the liver failure? One of my dogs now is a GSD that has dysplasia. I paid for him to have a FOH surgery. He has been much better since. Great to see him living an active and happy life but I have a feeling that his hips will be an issue in the future.
The last 6 months or so his liver function kept deteriorating, and 2 trips to Cornell they attributed ot to the prolonged steroid use - he'd been on and off them for 3 years at the point. In the end he had a seizure, I drove the 3.5hr drive to my moms expecting the worst, and he was still lucid when I got there. We packed him in the car, and he was gone by the time we got to the emergency vet 20mins later.
Gone too soon. 🌈🌉
So sorry for your loss 😢.
Didn’t think I was gonna cry today but here we are. When my boy passed in a similar way, my buddy said to me, “I don’t know why we do this to ourselves over and over again, but we keep getting these awesome dogs knowing we aren’t going to have them forever. We always do it though and it’s always worth that pain that we never expect to have again.” I’m really sorry for your loss, I can tell that you have him the best life he could ever have. You can see how happy he was!
I'm incredibly sorry that happened. A sudden loss feels even more soul crushing. Mine this past year had a different problem, but it was fine one day, then not, and then never made it home from the vet. Probably the worst day of my life, and not sure I'll ever really get over it. I wish your family the best.
Sorry to hear.
I’m so sorry. He was clearly very loved. He loved you too and he is safe, happy, warm & cozy now.
I am so so sorry. It just sucks when you have to say goodbye to them. I'll hit my bud the Wunder ball a couple more times in honor of yours.
What a handsome boy. Sorry for your loss
He was absolutely beautiful. Very sorry he had to go at such a young age. 🖤
Heartbreaking, I am so sorry
So sorry to read this. ❤️🩹🌈🐕
I’m sorry OP! They really are just something so unique and special, yet so available for us whenever we need them. You lost another piece of your heart and I wish every single one of us dog-owners could keep our fur buddies around forever but it must be this way. Stay strong OP! 😢
I’m sorry for your loss. That’s a good looking dog!
Such a handsome boy. RIP
It’s like losing a whole kid. Sorry for your loss.
So sorry for you loss. We had a similar experience with ours, he was 7 and it was sudden. A shock really that still hurts. You can tell by your pics he was a big important part of your lives and a n amazing family member. He'll never be replaced but honored if you get another GSD. They're the best!
My thoughts are with you and your children. My GSD is our best buddy as well. I cannot begin to say how sorry I am for your loss. He looks like the kind of bestest buddy that always made everyone smile and happier.
I am sorry for your loss. This is so sad. May the best boy rest in peace.
https://preview.redd.it/zu7ag6efwjxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=666aa20231761dd6cdc3ab20e4b0f3570e256c1e My boy is around the same age as yours was. He’s been with me only 3 weeks and this made me tear up a bit. Me and Hadrix are sending you lots of love and strength! Hopefully your buddy is frolicking across the rainbow bridge with all the other good pups! ❤️❤️❤️
I’m sorry for your loss. That’s a good looking dog!
What a character. He must have been a lot of fun. RIP dude. Go find my boys
I think German Shepherds are the closest you can get to pureness. They really are something special, feel lucky that this amazing soul was your friend. They really are a blessing. Rip, I'm so sorry for your loss.
Such a handsome pup. His eyes are full of live for you.
So sorry for your loss
What a beautiful good boy. I’m so very sorry you had to say goodbye so soon; there’s never enough time with these amazing creatures. My two girl GSDs who’ve crossed the rainbow bridge will certainly have greeted him when he got there ❤️
❤️
Condolences.
What a beautiful happy loved boy. So very sorry for your loss💔we lost our boy at age 6 also (a year ago Feb)definitely feeling your pain and am sorry your family is going through this https://preview.redd.it/laxsel3lsixc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1a274f1e71a1080f4c742ed47dd74a967d4a2ec0
Lost mine 3 weeks ago. Sorry for your loss. https://preview.redd.it/0iizq4fpuixc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=05857f30dd930584870f37691944c70e1bbdee6e Midas 14.5 years old.
Sorry for your loss. What caused the colonic torsion? Foreign body?
We really wish we knew. There were no changes to diet or activity in the last week, qnd no foreign objects were seen in film. Aa far as they could tell it was spontaneous. That said, he had a history of minor gastric issues so there could have been an underlying predisposition.
Sorry for your loss OP, seems like he lived the best 6 years he could have asked for.
He looks like the sweetest, goofiest, most wonderful boy ❤ Oh, to love a dog... what an amazing thing it is to love a dog. To say goodbye to your boy...a bone-deep hurt like no other. Rest In Loving Peace, Beloved Boy. You are so so loved ❤
I’m so sorry. He looks like the sweetest boy.
He looks like a wonderful friend. I can really see in the photos that he knew he was loved and cherished. He face says it all: that is the face of a dog who thinks he is in Heaven. I'm so terribly sorry for your loss, but I'm so very glad that you got to spend six wonderful years with the best dog ever. *hugs*
What a sweet boy! He was so gentle with the kitties. I’m so sorry for your loss
❤️❤️❤️
❤️
Looks like he has a good life. Thank you my friend. His soul will always be with you in your walks. Much love
Handsome boy. I’m a grown man and crying like a baby. So very sorry but do take solace that he was with you through it all and he’ll be waiting for you when it’s your time.
Ugh 😣 sorry this sucks
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
What a beautiful boi ❤️ I'm sorry for your loss💔
So sorry! Beautiful dog 😞
I’m very sorry for your loss.
I'm soo sorry for your loss, op!
I am so sorry for your loss. Know that he has found a place to rest within your heart and will always be with you.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your handsome boy. I'm sure he loved every second with you. Losing a GSD is possibly the hardest thing I ever had to experience in my life.
What a sweet boy... I am so sorry.. praying for you guys though <3
I’m sorry for your loss. I hope God comforts the heart of your family 🥺
I’m truly sorry 💔
I am so, so sorry 💔💔 My Dakota welcomed him to the Rainbow Bridge 🌈💔
Beautiful soul.
I'm sorry for your loss. I lost mine at 8.5 unexpectedly. She was fine and a day later she was gone. Stay strong and remember the good times friend.
That’s the most paralyzing emotion I’ve experienced in my life… so sorry for your loss. It’s horrible…
Always think of the good times and how happy you made him and vice versa. It helps with the healing process. I know the saying is “we don’t deserve animals” but I believe we deserve the love that we give them, it’s a never ending circle of love and happiness. Always keep that in mind. Prayers to you and yours, friend💛
I lost my "better half" COVID shutdown rescue WGSD in January at 4yo suddenly, I know you you feel, I'm so sorry. I'm still freaking broken, and I've got 4 other puppies. I love them all, including both our new rescue returns we adopted, but she was special. I'm sooo sorry.
Oh goll! What a handsome mister!
What a beautiful boy! Sorry for your loss, hugs and prayers.
Sorry for your loss, OP. Cheers to the good boy. I hope one day you're running the fields together in heaven, no snakes to bite your ankles or stones to trip on. Only enjoying each other, like families do.
Im so sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss
Stay strong 😪
I am so so sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss:(
What a handsome fellow :) The pain hurts but you will find it gets a little better each day. I lost my Max on the 11th. https://preview.redd.it/559rxaw1ojxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b50892aa9469781b433d8f765bfab72079977397
So very sorry for the loss of your fur baby!
I am so, so sorry. Those pictures made me smile, as you can see what a good, goofy boy he was. Hugs to you all, and thank you for letting your kids say goodbye to him. Many parents try to shield their kids from this heartache, but having the choice to say goodbye is very important. Hugs to you all.
https://preview.redd.it/28uaycpo6lxc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a94ca752098de23ba4f72ff1a2f9332364ba14a8 Lost my boy yesterday as well, at just under 5 years old.. I feel you
Just know he'll be waiting for you in heaven with my cats and dogs ❤️
It is never long enough but that is cruely short. I am sorry for your loss.
So so sorry
Sorry for your loss, glad you had many years together
Awe these pictures made me smile. I’m so sorry for your loss 😞
i lost my first dog 2 month ago. Was a mix between a GSD and a wolf. One day i will encounter her again, i'm sure
❤️
🫂
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a very beautiful, special dog.
I am so sorry friend. It looks like you gave him a great life.
So sorry for your loss. RIP
I am so sorry for you and the kids and your sweet fur baby. Way too young.
😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Oh my, my heart just broke reading this. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Sending you lots of love!! I hope the good memories and love shared, will carry you and your family through your healing journey. He was the luckiest of all dogs to be able to give and receive the unconditional love ya’ll shared! He lived a great life, and talking about him often, will keep his memory alive forever. God bless.
My German shepherd always looks at me strangely after I read these posts, then go hug her with teary eyes. I'm so sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful boy. So sorry for your family's loss. As a person myself, born and raised with GSD's they are so loyal and ripps you apart when losing them. Time will heal some.
I and so sorry for your loss and it’s worse when they’re young and your not expecting it . 😔 It’s hard losing a family member
This is awful to hear I’m so sorry for your loss. I hate to make you relive it but what were the warning signs of the issue at hand? Just like to be mindful of things to look out for
Poor pup. It’s always tough to lose a good pup
Thanks for sharing your pup's story and pics. I'm so sorry for your family's loss.
I’m sorry. Reminds me of when I rushed our pug going over 120mph to the vets back in 2011 when the vets overdosed him with sedatives for a teeth cleaning. Have 2 GSD’s, 2 Saint Bernards, 1 Pug and Miss Kitty at the moment and they mean the world to me also
I’m sorry to hear :(
Aww no that’s horrible!! I’m so very sorry you lost your best friend! 💔I can’t even imagine! I pray he’s at peace now and that eventually you will hurt a little less. Your best friend held himself like a king looking at the pics and he was absolutely gorgeous!
I am very sorry for your loss. What a gorgeous animal!