I just laid one of my favorite climbing partners to rest

Damn dude! This is making me cry. So so sorry for your loss. I know how it feels...back in high school I came home to find my dog laying dead in the road and it was the hardest thing I've ever done to pick her up off the road, her body still warm and her blood spilling on to my arms and carry her to the house. Our pets are better humans then most of us will ever be. They give so much to us and it is tough to see them go but the good memories will always be there : )

Sorry to hear of your best bud. You gave him a fine memorial.

So sad for your loss. Sounds like Tucker had a pretty good climbing partner too. Thanks for the moving tribute.

Thanks for the story Sam, brought tears into my eyes. Looks like Tucker lived a great life. I feel your pain man. Yesterday I also lost my best friend Rocky to Lymphoma. He was 5 years old. Loved that dog more than anything and he will be greatly missed.

Thanks for all the kind words and condolences. It's doing me good to share and talk about it. I'm glad to know that many people can relate and even more so to hear that Tucker's story touched some people.

Your story just made me cry at work. I feel for you. Glad you had one last great day with him.

I'm very sorry Sam. Tucker had a great Dad and friend in you and you can be assured he was a happy dog for his few years.

Sam,

I'm at a loss for words -- a very powerful and touching eulogy. Thank you for your words and thank you for being a great companion for Tucker.

-Adam

I had to put Gnarley down this summer. He was with us for over 17 years. I feel your loss...

Sorry to hear.

It's nice when there's someone who will be excited to see you no matter what, tail thumping all the furniture and whatnot. Chico recently lodged a sharp bit of turkey bone in his gut and I was thinking about what it would be like if he was gone. He's been with me since I went climbing down in Mexico after college (extra puppies get tossed onto the roadside), so we've had some good adventures. He survived the turkey bone, and is probably sleeping on the couch now.

Sorry man. My prayers are with you and your family.

I feel for you, hope all goes well for you!

Not to undermine any sort of family dog, but I really think there is something different about being young and getting your own dog. I wanted a dog my entire life and my parents always refused, telling me when I got my first house, I could get a dog. The minute I signed the lease for my first house, I went out and got Sam. I was 18, in college, with no money and no experience with dogs.

None of that mattered. That dog taught me more about myself and about what it means to care for something else than I would have learned in a lifetime without him. I would give that dog anything and everything. We've had some epics chasing deer through the woods, him being stolen once (yeah, that's for real), dumpster dives, etc. He's been my hiking partner, my roadtrip buddy, gear protector, my friend, and my companion since the moment I picked him up. Lately, he has been having some serious health issues so the thought that he will some day pass (something you never consider when you have a healthy dog) has been frequent in my mind.

I really appreciate your story and while I can't exactly empathize since I haven't lost my dog, I can truly appreciate the relationship you guys had. Like I said, there is just something different about a dog you get when you're young and on your own for the first time; a indefinable bond. Take solace in the fact you did all you could for him, made it as good as it could have been, and did the right thing. I often wondered what I would do if Samson (a husky) was unable to run, or play in the snow, or do the things he loves to do and honestly, I would make the same choice you did. A life of pain for a dog is no life at all and it would have been selfish to force him to endure it any longer.

I feel for you man and like many others who have read this thread, got tears in my eyes. Stay positive, pet your other dogs, and try to take the sweet with the bitter. You were lucky enough to find each other and enjoy the time you had together. Try to stay focused on the good and look at it from the perspective that you gained so much from knowing him, not how much you'll miss him now that he's gone.

My best climbing partner ever. Sorry for your loss Sam.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

It's amazing how deeply it can affect you to lose a dog.
Nero had cancer and we didn't know it until a tumor ruptured while he was having the time of his life at a climbers' party at my house.

Long live Tucker!

Hang in there...you were prob a great dad...

Oh my, so VERY Sorry for your loss. Man, how we love our dogs. They are truly family.

Sorry, for your loss. I know how you feel having lost 2 great dogs over the last few years.

Tears in my eyes, Sam. What a great memory, to have had a friend like that. That's what life is all about. I know I'll lose my mind when I lose my dog, I can't imagine anything worse.

Mark