Saying goodbye to a good one

[big bend gyrene]

Had to say goodbye to my eight year old great dane, Sam, Monday.

I've had a handful of danes over the years but he was special enough I feel compelled to share a few pics and memories.

Most all danes I've owned are goofy loving dogs that would rather lick you to death than chase you down. That wasn't always the case with Sam. When we picked him out he was ornery from the get go... a little growling cuss who wouldn't submit to anyone. Flipped him over and held him down by his belly many a time as a pup to try and force him to submit but it just wasn't in him. I look back at his puppy pictures now, and it's almost impossible to believe such a small pup grew to be such a massive creature.

Pam and Sampson 2.JPG (213.88 KiB) Viewed 2611 times

Around his first birthday, we had a tree fall on our fence and he got out. Traveled 18 miles over 2 weeks before I was able to finally catch him. He had gotten pretty thin by the time I found him, and the two weeks of roughing it led him to at least "acquiesce" to staying at home, though he never willingly submitted his sense of dominance. Until the end if I walked in the yard he would run in front of me. Change directions, and he would make a diagonal move to retake the lead. Didn't matter if I made one lead change or a hundred, he had to be in the lead.

Anyway, after his initial escape it only took a few weeks of good feeding for him to start reaching his prime. He truly was the most strikingly handsome dog I've seen, and that's having spent a lifetime around dogs of all breeds.

Sam in his prime.jpg (101.96 KiB) Viewed 2611 times

He really lacked most of the goofy nature of the breed, with an extremely strong and muscular grace.

Saddle Up.jpg (46.87 KiB) Viewed 2611 times

By the time he finally quit growing he was a huge dog, big even as danes go, weighing well over 150.

Lap Dog.jpg (60.58 KiB) Viewed 2611 times

Had to use spike mats on the couch to keep him off. I could keep them on every single day for a year, but forget about them for five minutes and the couch would be occupied. Sometimes it didn't even matter if it was already occupied...

Couch Potato.jpg (45.1 KiB) Viewed 2611 times

With age, he became a stately old gentle gent and I'm thankful our daughter Grace got to spend her first three years in his protective presence.

Ol Sam.jpg (158.94 KiB) Viewed 2611 times

In the end, we had to let him go because of a bone tumor that developed on his front right leg. It was just beginning to affect his gait, but the options we faced were waiting for the bone to fracture, amputation and chemotherapy, or letting him go. Having lived a full life for a dane, I let him go while he still had his dignity and I knew he hadn't faced much pain. Stayed with him at the end and he truly went peacefully. Always a hard path to take but I feel pretty strongly it was the right one.

Going to miss you old buddy. Rest in peace, Sam, rest in peace.

[silverking]

So sorry for your loss, BBG. Been there, done that with my Rotties. Never easy, for sure. But as you know, owning a pet comes with responsibility and sometimes you have to make those difficult decisions. Still doesn't make it any easier.

Sam was a beautiful dog and you'll always have those great memories.

[tallykenj]

I'm sorry to hear this news, Dave. Sam appears to have been a wonderful dog. You and your family were wonderful companions for him.

RIP, Sam.

[SS-342]

You were lucky! I usually run over mine. GREAT dogs are hard to find. I've owned a few and it is always hard to see them go.

Sorry for your loss, thankful for your good memeries.

RIP, Sam!

[Flint River Pirate]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Dogs are special. Eight just seems so young for him to die, I forgot Great Danes have shorter lifespans. To quote Roy Rogers, "if dogs don't go to heaven, I don't want to go!"

[FUTCHCAIRO]

SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, BEEN THERE DONE THAT, KNOW THE FEELING.
PA
SEMPER FI

[Reel Cowboy]

Hate to hear this but glad you sent him on peacefully.
Seeing Sam's pics has made my wife want a Dane.

[Jumptrout51]

From Sam to John.

by Ken D. Conover

To have loved and then said farewell, is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you have stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you.
For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly.
For all of these things I am grateful and thankful.

I ask that you not grieve for the loss, but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each others lives. My life was fuller because you were there, not as a master/owner, but as my FRIEND.

Today I am as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and the Sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures.
I can run, jump, play and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints and no regrets and no aging.

We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know that togetherness is forever.
You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such as you are so rare and unique.
Don't hold the love that you have within yourself. Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies, and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.

Your Pets In Heaven

[SHOWBOAT]

nice tribute to a good friend BBG. Sounds like you did him right through the very end even the final gesture was in his best interest rather than yours. Sorry for your loss.

[KyTrkyHntr]

Sorry for your loss.....

[qoutrage]

Yep, Sorry for your loss. Family pets are for sure, family. Good memories will prevail.

[Sir reel]

Sorry and Glad for you at the same time. Sorry for the big part of your life that isn't there today and the only thing that helps that is some time. Glad you had him from puppy to senior and the special memories for you and your family. Went fishing with my dog yesterday and they are truly a special part of our lives.

[Tidedancer]

Rest in Peace Sam♥

Rainbow Bridge

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...

[Cranfield]

Its a shame when this happens, it certainly leaves a gap in the family.
I also applaud your decision to let him go with dignity.

Thanks for the beautiful photographs.

[Salty Gator]

Wow, sorry about your loss. I had to put down my black Dane a few yrs back. Hardest thing ever. Anyone can step in when their dog is in pain or not eating. With the dignity issue it gets much harder. We want to keep them around for us, not for them. Way to be brave and do what was best for your buddy.