If you have a dog, you will most likely outlive it; to get a dog is to open yourself to profound joy and, prospectively, to equally profound sadness. Marjorie Garber
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day
But when we are certain of sorrow in store
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear. Rudyard Kipling
Unlike some people who have experienced the loss of an animal, I did not believe, not even for a moment that I would never get another. I did know full well that there were just too many animals out there in need of homes for me to take what I have always regarded as the self-indulgent road of saying the heartbreak of the loss of an animal was too much ever to want to go through with it again. To me, such an admission brought up the far more powerful admission that all the wonderful times you had with your animal weren’t worth the unhappiness at the end. Cleveland Armory
I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives and I am quite satisfied that it is out of compassion for the human race; for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time? Sir Walter Scott
Bowser: April 1, 1997 – November 18, 2008
In memory of Bowser who died peacefully tonight in the arms of his mommy and daddy. He is survived by his parents, grandparents and little brother Bennett as well as many loving aunts. He was a special friend to Katie Jones a beautiful Shepard/collie mix and predeceased by his best friend, Mac an incredible German Shepard.
Bowser lived a full, wonderful life filled with love, fun and long walks. He was well known for his wagging tail, smiling face and incredibly soft golden fur. Some of his favourite pastimes were swimming (sometimes a ditch would do), chasing footballs and playing with sticks. He enjoyed belly rubs and long naps in the sun and would snore quite loudly which never bothered his mommy. Bowser’s favourite treats were Timbits and cheese slices for which he would do pretty much anything. Although known as an incredibly loving dog, he never got over his intense dislike of squirrels, chipmunks and that annoying mailman.
As a young puppy he liked to run through the house holding on to the end of a roll of toilet paper, bring grandma her boots and sneak into her sewing room to steal balls of yarn. He brought mommy to obedience school where he excelled – too bad mommy didn’t. He was also well known for his ability to make people smile, laugh and mend broken hearts.
Bowser will always be remembered with love and someday this never ending stream of tears that come with the memories will be replaced again with smiles and laughter. You were a wonderful dog and an even better friend. Thank you for sharing your life with us. How lucky we have been. Until we meet again my sweet furry friend – I promise to bring lots of fresh Timbits and a brand new squeaky football.
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day
But when we are certain of sorrow in store
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear. Rudyard Kipling
Unlike some people who have experienced the loss of an animal, I did not believe, not even for a moment that I would never get another. I did know full well that there were just too many animals out there in need of homes for me to take what I have always regarded as the self-indulgent road of saying the heartbreak of the loss of an animal was too much ever to want to go through with it again. To me, such an admission brought up the far more powerful admission that all the wonderful times you had with your animal weren’t worth the unhappiness at the end. Cleveland Armory
I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives and I am quite satisfied that it is out of compassion for the human race; for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time? Sir Walter Scott
Bowser: April 1, 1997 – November 18, 2008
In memory of Bowser who died peacefully tonight in the arms of his mommy and daddy. He is survived by his parents, grandparents and little brother Bennett as well as many loving aunts. He was a special friend to Katie Jones a beautiful Shepard/collie mix and predeceased by his best friend, Mac an incredible German Shepard.
Bowser lived a full, wonderful life filled with love, fun and long walks. He was well known for his wagging tail, smiling face and incredibly soft golden fur. Some of his favourite pastimes were swimming (sometimes a ditch would do), chasing footballs and playing with sticks. He enjoyed belly rubs and long naps in the sun and would snore quite loudly which never bothered his mommy. Bowser’s favourite treats were Timbits and cheese slices for which he would do pretty much anything. Although known as an incredibly loving dog, he never got over his intense dislike of squirrels, chipmunks and that annoying mailman.
As a young puppy he liked to run through the house holding on to the end of a roll of toilet paper, bring grandma her boots and sneak into her sewing room to steal balls of yarn. He brought mommy to obedience school where he excelled – too bad mommy didn’t. He was also well known for his ability to make people smile, laugh and mend broken hearts.
Bowser will always be remembered with love and someday this never ending stream of tears that come with the memories will be replaced again with smiles and laughter. You were a wonderful dog and an even better friend. Thank you for sharing your life with us. How lucky we have been. Until we meet again my sweet furry friend – I promise to bring lots of fresh Timbits and a brand new squeaky football.
13 comments:
As I type through the tears...
What a beautiful tribute. I wish good-bye to your much loved family member.
My heart and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Drew & I know how much a beloved pet is a part of the family and know how it feels to lose one. We are thinking of you.
Oh Barbara, I am so sorry for the loss of Bowser. It's obvious you loved that dog so much and he was lucky to have such loving and caring owners.
Bowser:
Gone, yes; forgotten, never!
Bowser will live on in our hearts forever and for his genuine love and companionship we will continue to be appreciative and grateful.
Bowser, it is to a pain free place you have gone but the pain of your leaving us still remains in our hearts.
As the song says 'For we know that there will never be another you!'
Love always
Mummu and Poppa
xxx ooo xxx ooo
Hi eveyone,
Last night Barbara said "Stupid dogs". And she is right. They steal your heart and then break it. People, it seems, are helpless to resist a happy wriggling dog with a wagging tail and a silly smiling face (yes, dogs DO smile). I remember Barbara taking him for long walks. It was hilarious watching them walk because Bowser would always find a long branch or he would wrench a small tree out of the ground and proudly trot along with it in his mouth. It was HIS branch and wouldn't let Barbara take it away from him. It was just toooooooooooo funny.
Ohhhhhhhh, how he loved his belly rubs!!! He would launch himself on my couch, flip himself over onto his back and let his legs flop over, exposing his irrisistable belly. Of course, I would rub his belly till my hand hurt. Then I'd use my other hand.
He invented games for us to play.
He once stayed by my side for a whole night and day without barking even once, when I was sick in our camper. No one was around to look after me but he did and he was a real comfort to me. I could go on and on about my sweet grand-dog. He was well loved and loved back with all he had. He had such a gentle and loving soul. We will miss him soooo much, along with everyone who knew him.
Goodbye my sweet Bowser.
Lots of love, hugs and kisses,
Grandma and Grandpa
Jim and Barbara, you have the sympathies of myself and the girls. We will all miss our Bowsie.
I too am typing through tears! I am not really an animal person. I don't know why, I always say I have kids my sister has dogs. Anyways, I had a dog growing up he was 16 when he died I was 16. It was so hard because he was such a presence in our home. Two months later I would walk in the kitchen to find my mom STILL crying. I would say "MOM what is wrong?" She would just laugh and say(like you!) "STUPID dog!" I guess since I figure there would never be another Butch.....but after reading your post who knows maybe we will get a dog one day.
I love how you write, I often get teary eyed from your posts. I am thinking of you guys!
My sincerest sympathy, Barbara and Jim.
I was so sorry to see this post. Barbara & Jim...our sympathies.
I'm so sorry to read of your loss of Bowser. It was obvious how much you loved him. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet but I hope your memories help to heal your broken heart.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Bowser. He looks so cuddly, and friendly. That was a great tribute. I'm so glad he was able to bring happiness into your lives.
I can empathize with losing a pet. Thinking of you. :)
Oh how we will miss that furry little guy.Without a dought that little happy dog had a way of making people smile.I don't think anyone who met Bowser could have resisted petting that silky golden hair and smiling at the same time.He was a one of a kind,kind of guy.I will truly miss him.I'll bet there is quite a reunion going on, Mac will be a happy fellow to guide his little buddy on his next journey.Jack will be lost.Barbara,Jim and Bennet my heart goes out to you. Bowser, thanks for the memories little guy. Love and Prayers Nancy
Kiera: Thank you for your kind words. It's nice to know that we're not alone and that there are other people out there who understand how difficult it is to lose a pet.
Dawn: Thank you. You're so right - we loved that little dog so much. He was lucky to have us and we were just as lucky to have him.
Mummu, Poppa, Grandma and Grandpa: Thank you for your love and support during this difficult time. I know that this loss has been very hard for you as well. Unlike many dogs Bowser had that unique ability to make everyone feel like he belonged to them. He was always so good about spreading the love wasn't he?
Kerry; Thank you. Bowser has been with us such a long time. We miss him so much already.
Suzanne: Thank you for yor kind words and the story of your dog Butch. I'm sure Jim and Bennett will find me crying in the kitchen months from now too and I've already used the line "stupid dog" more than I can count.
Barbara: Thank you for your sympathy. I know you understand.
Kara: Thank you for your comment here and for your emails over the last couple weeks. It has been so nice having you there to listen.
Sheila: Thank you for commenting. You are right about the memories. Even though they still bring tears they also bring smiles and laughter and comfort.
Erin: Thank you. Bowser was friendly and he brought cuddling to a whole new level! It's amazing how one little creature can bring so much happiness and so much saddness. It's nice to know you understand.
Nancy: Thank you so much for commenting. As we were holding Bowser in our arms, it provided me such comfort to think that he would be with Mac - his friend and protector. I can just imagine the wagging tails and Bowser weaving excitedly through Mac's long legs. Although those two dogs were so different, they were so special in their own way. I think in a few months we'll be getting another dog and Jack will have to share his yard again.
I am just back from being off-line. I knew about Bowser's passing from Aline - who could hardly speak to me on the phone she was crying so hard. I know the incredible pain of losing such a great companion and friend. No matter how you are feeling, your dog-friend is always "up", wanting to lift our spirits. I do know we will be together again.
With love and support,
Autnie Bonnie
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