Dogs are amazing. My two have been such a help to me too, they love us unconditionally and ask for so little. Hugs to you John. The holidays are a difficult time for us all.

I would not have made it without my dogs either. They are the reason I get up in the morning. I am so glad that you have a friend to cheer you up when you need it. I say it is extra treats for him today.

Oh! John! You said it all when you could do nothing less than smile at him for bringing you that toy, as you sat on the floor!

Since 2002 Morey and I have shared our home with my Service Dog Brenda, who passed 10 months after Morey [at 14] and, Horton who would become her Successor Dog. He's a big, Black Lab/Golden Retriever. He weighs 92lbs and is the most handsome boy!

He was "there" for me when I lost my Morey and then when Brenda was euthanized in our home. We both laid on the floor with her, in our living room, as the Hospice Vet administered her medicine. We loved, and kissed her "good night" as she took her journey to another life.

I don't think I could have made it through these losses without my Horton by my side 24/7. I'm very lucky that I don't have to go to work, shopping or live my life, in any way, without him.

I'm so grateful for the graceful love of my wonderful dogs and all that they bring to my life; now, then and always!

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story with us.

Roz

Dogs seem to know what we need.

My Eskie, Alaska, was with us through all the trials and the good times. We got him at 10 weeks old and he lived through Don's illness and comforted me at his loss. He's gone to be with his 'dad' now and although I will always miss him I know his time here is done. I had him almost 13 years and will never forget how much I gained in having his through those times. Sharon

I don't have a dog now, but I bred peke-a-poos years ago. Two friends have asked if I want a puppy. I 'm sure it would bring me happiness, but I'm afraid I might have to move, and the next apartment may not allow pets.

Our fur babies are really family, and they bring such unconditional love and comfort.
(sometimes better than humans)

Oh yes, the girls truly consoled me in my darkest hours. Dogs are such a blessing and a comfort. I like to think of them as my furry angels running around with their halos slightly askew. I am so glad you have him and his unconditional love.

I adopted my Mattie two months after my husband died and I don't believe I would have survived without her. We both were in a very bad place and needed to be loved. Turns out it was a match made in heaven.

I lost my dear little one just two months after losing my husband. Then nearly two years later I adopted a rescue. She has been a blessing. I live alone and there were many who said it was cruel to adopt a dog while working full time. That's what stopped me for a time.

Then I decided it would work out. Now, with the help of a dog walker and dog day camp, we're both happy. She was rescued and so was I.

My dog abby was my husbands dog, she was born 10days after his car accidnet and once he was out of his coma and started saying a few words and we showed him pictures of my moms puppys he told us puppy please? and pointed at her, she was the one my mom was going to keep but told him yes you can have her and we named her abby, He was in teh hopsital for 8 months and i would bring her to see him teh VA hospital allowed me to sneak her in starting at 6y weeks old she became the va mascot. She would ride in his wheel chair and everythign with him. He was home for almost a year before he passed away. She went thru a deep depression as well as i did but then i moved back by my parents and around her dogs including her mom and now she is SO attached to me. I cant leave her in my apt alone or she will cry the whole time so my parents baby sit if i have to go anywhere, she is 3 now and doing well and is my rock while i go thru cancer now. She is a constant in my life and loves me unconditionally. Not asking for anything in return but love.

I have a cocker spaniel Bella who has most definitely helped me get through the last few months. She and the 3 cats give me reason & purpose each day. Their love has been steadfast. They help make home a little less lonely. Somehow they just know when you need a little extra attention. I'm glad I have them in my life. Hugs to you John. Liz

John

What a sweet moment for you thank you so much for sharing
I have two dogs a yellow lab named Jessica Hazel and a Basset Hound med Isabelle Fiona. I love both dogs so much and they bring me nothing but joy.

Kymberly

Dogs are wonderful! My husband had our dog before he and I met. When my husband died, I took our dog to the funeral home after the visitation and let him sniff my husband's face. Dogs can smell death and our dog is old so I didn't want him looking for my husband and gireving himself to death too.

He is a small dog but he puts a paw on each side of my neck and wraps his head around my neck...never seen a dog hug before but this one does.

He has been a great blessing to me in the nearly 18 months since my hubby died. I dread the day my little buddy dies as not only will I loose my pal but another part of my husband.

My husband passed away in October and I'm going Sunday to pick up a puppy for my kids and I. When I was a child I had a pomeranian that was killed by another dog and I've wanted one ever since. There were times that my husband and I thought about getting a dog but with 6 people in the house we felt it would be too much. We also live in the house I grew up in which technically belongs to my parents and they didn't want us having a dog in the house. Now they realize how much it will probably help me so a new puppy we will get. We are very excited to get getting him.

Such a heartwarming post John. I can just picture the scene in my mind. Love it !!
I have a dog and a cat and those furbabies have licked more tears, brought more smiles, and given me unconditional love and comfort to help me thru some very dark days..

Hugs
Deb