Denali

**buzz** · 08-07-2011, 08:37 PM

My wife and I had to make the heart-breaking decision to say goodbye to our Denali. She'd been Alina's best pal for 15 years, and mine for 5. I'm crying as I type this - it's funny how attached you can get to an animal who just loves you so unconditionally. She always wanted to be with us, wherever we went. She loved to be in the car - even when she was too weak and unbalanced to get in herself she just wanted to go with us. We took her everywhere, even when I would just go into the office on the weekend to get some stuff done she'd come with me. The past year she has been steadily going downhill and we knew that her time was about up. We probably put off having her put down too long, but we were having a hard time making that final decision. She loved the water. She got to eat lobster once. She rode with me in a 2 seat roadster through the Salt River Canyon, and she smiled the whole time. She was a great friend. Man I miss her a lot. So does Alina.

**badwhale** · 08-07-2011, 08:43 PM

I'm sorry for your loss. That sucks, man. I know.

Will

**BigMacFU** · 08-07-2011, 09:25 PM

Nothing like man's best friend. Sorry for your loss bro.

**WinstonSpencer** · 08-07-2011, 09:34 PM

Dogs are pretty amazing. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

**Roger** · 08-07-2011, 11:09 PM

Buzz sorry for your loss. I know what it is like to have to go through such a difficult decision with a member of the family like that. My heart goes out to both of you! Nice pics and I pray your grief will be short lived. Keep and remember all the wonderful memories! Roger.

**Eville** · 08-07-2011, 11:42 PM

Terribly sorry to hear it Buzz, sounds like a great friend.

**craig** · 08-08-2011, 12:00 AM

That sucks. It is like one's heart being ripped out.

Such a happy dog. Remember the good times you-all had together.

I'll smoke a cigar in honour of her.

R.I.P.

**logan37** · 08-08-2011, 12:01 AM

R.I.P Denali.

Sorry to hear of your loss Buzz.

**prophetic_joe** · 08-08-2011, 12:52 AM

I'm sorry to hear about your loss Buzz. It's not a good thing to go through I've been there. I'm sorry man.

**cinda** · 08-08-2011, 05:20 AM

I am so sorry

You have some very good pictures and memories for sure. RIP Denali.

**ashauler** · 08-08-2011, 06:45 AM

I'm sorry for your loss my friend. I, too, know the pain you two are experiencing. Keep the good memories close to heart!!

**ggiese** · 08-08-2011, 08:24 AM

Our 14 year old Rottweiler-Boxer "Orion" is steadily going downhill as well - there's not too many months left for her. One day she looks better - the next day she looks horrible. We're right there with you, my friend - can't stand to see her going downhill and suffering, but too attached to make the "decision".

God speed - Denali will be right there waiting for you, staking out a nice place for her people!

**buzz** · 08-08-2011, 10:00 AM

Thanks guys, this has been a lot harder than I thought it would be. I feel for you George, it sucks. Man it sucks. My wife wanted me to say thanks for the thoughts and prayers - she is amazed at the care our little online community has here.

**mrtr33** · 08-08-2011, 11:43 AM

Sorry to hear of your loss, buzz. She was a beautiful dog.

**Cigarbear** · 08-08-2011, 02:18 PM

It's never easy saying goodbye to a family member be they four legged or two. Keep the memories close and they'll drown out the pain soone enough.

**mail man** · 08-08-2011, 02:49 PM

Brother I feel you pain, and I am truly sorry for your loss. Stay strong my freind.

**CptnBlues63** · 08-08-2011, 05:05 PM

Had to say goodbye to our little old dog named Ashes in June 2010. He was 14 at the time.

My wife had him for 5 years before we met and as she puts it, he was "the longest relationship she'd ever had before me". Because she had him before I came along, I left the decision as to when, totally up to her. It was a tough call but she did the right thing. I know what it cost my wife to let him go (and me too) so I know what it cost you and your lady.

We still had two more dogs and that helped a lot in dealing with the loss.

A year later we both still miss him a lot, and we always will. But the sharp pain has gone and all that's left is the sweet memories of a good friend and loyal companion. The day will come when talks of your friend won't hurt and they will be about the funny things and the good times and bring a smile to your face remembering. In the mean time, know that like all the other pet lovers in here, I too know how you feel and my heart goes out to you too.

We had him cremated and we now have an urn filled with Ashes' ashes sitting beside my wife's easy chair. That often brings a smile to both our faces when we think about it.

Thanks for sharing the pics, she was a beauty!

**Mizicke5273** · 08-09-2011, 07:06 AM

My brother and I's childhood pup lived to be 18, but we had to say good bye to him in '07. That was rough, he was there with us through thick and thin, all childhood long.

He will be forever remembered, as I'm sure Denali will. They may be gone, but the memory remains. Especially the best ones.