With the Vet's words, "she has a serious illness" our worst fears were realized & we knew the time had come to say our final goodbye's to our beloved Checkers. We did not want her to suffer in any way. She died peacefully about 9:45 a.m. this morning.
Our hearts are so painfully broken....................
Al and Kelly, we are so very sorry for the loss of Checkers. You loved her enough to let her go without suffering. One thing is certain; your memories of her will always be with you.
ReplyDeleteJohn
relaxedrush.blogspot.com
Oh, Al, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Even tho reducing the chances of suffering is comforting to some degree, it's just such a heart break when we loose a 'fur kid'. I've come to feel tho that especially when a pet stops eating they're trying to let you know the only way they can that they're ready to go ('no heroics, mom & dad'). May the pain ease as you remember the good times, with peace of mind that Checkers had a good, loved life.
ReplyDelete~~ Glenda ~~
Oh Dear, Skip and I are so sorry to hear about Checkers, it is so hard to lose one of your family. Be
ReplyDeleteglad she didn't suffer. Our hearts are aching for you guys.
.
Al & Kelly, Our hearts and prayers are with you, Losing a companion like Checkers is never easy, Don't we all know, Take comfort in the fact that you were together on your entire trip and it didn't happen while you were away. Just remember the good times,Be safe out there my friend, Sam & Donna,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about Checkers. I know exactly how you feel having gone through the same thing in 2006. But what memories both you and she have!
ReplyDeleteI am sooooooooo sad....my heart goes to you...she is now at peace and you gave her a good life. She was such a nice dog that she waited for you to come back from your trip...maybe she wanted to be home one more time before she left. She will always be with you. It will take time...
ReplyDeleteAl and Kelly...so VERY VERY sorry for your loss. It is always so hard to lose a member of the family and our hearts are heavy for you. Please accept our condolences.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Saying goodbye to a beloved member of the family and having to make that final decision is one of the hardest, yet fairest, choices pet owners ever have to make.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about Checkers. I know how much you love all your animals. Your house will seem empty for awhile. I don't know what else to say other than that I feel for you. I have had the same experience and it hurts.
ReplyDeleteSo Sorry for your loss
ReplyDeleteAl and Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. Those who have had pets knows the pain you are all going through. Take peace in knowing that you have done the right thing.
I'm so sorry to hear this, it's so hard to lose ones we love.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you. Grieve, cry, hug each other and remember the good friend you had.
Kate
http://cholulared.blogspot.com
Al and Kelly we are so sorry to learn of Your losing Checkers such a pretty dog. Our pets are not only our best friends they are family.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear this.
ReplyDeleteSelene, NC
I'm certain Checkers is at the Rainbow Bridge. waiting for you.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html
Take care.
Al and Kelly--as I type this there are tears rolling down my cheeks, we know how much you guys love your dogs and we also know exactly what you are going through. May all the fun memories of Checkers bring you comfort. We are glad we got to meet Checkers! Hugs from us here in Montana.
ReplyDeleteAl & Kelly, so sorry to hear about Checkers. WE lost our cat Shadow about 3 weeks ago so we know how ou are feeling. YOu will be in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteMac & Lynette
Al and Kelly,
ReplyDeleteJudy and I are so sorry for your loss of Checkers. She was a leader of "The Bayfield Bunch". Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
John and Judy
Kelly, Al you have my deepest sympathies and condolences at the loss !
ReplyDeleteBob (the hermit )
It's all been said by the other readers. We have faced your situation before. It's hard....yet it was the right thing to do, no doubt. Great photo to honour Checkers.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. There is nothing anyone can say to make it better and I wish I could.
ReplyDeleteRemember the good times. It helps even though it hurts.
ReplyDeleteI am so sad.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Checkers..... Our thoughts & love are with you. Doug & JoAnn
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry for your loss. Checkers was so lucky to have caring owners who could make the tough decision that was the best for her in the end.
ReplyDeleteThere are no words to make this very sad day at your house any easier...our thoughts are with you as you remember your beloved Checkers..
ReplyDeletesaying good bye to a 'four legged friend' is never easy..and we all know that the time will come for all of us with dogs and cats but just know that the decision was already made for you, as difficult as it was.
hugs to you and Kelly..and Max and Motormouse.
Please accept our sympathy on the loss of your beloved Checkers -- the photo of her is a wonderful tribute. Take care of yourselves!!
ReplyDeleteMartha
There are no words, just know we understand and our hearts hang heavy, too. Sending hugs to you and Kelly!!
ReplyDeleteOur deepest sympathys for your loss...Losing a pet ..like losing a family member...But....Checkers touched your lives and you and Kelly are better for it...Animals always give more than they take...Group hug right now!
ReplyDeleteYour post title immediately brought tears to my eyes. I'm so very sorry for your loss. :_(
ReplyDeleteAww, i am so sorry for your loss. We love them dearly, they are surely our best friend.
ReplyDeleteI don't even know you and I'm crying like a freaking baby - so, so, so very sorry!!!
ReplyDeleteAl and Kelly ( and Motormouse and Max) we are so sorry to hear of the loss of Checkers. We are in tears for you all. Such a beautiful dog and we remembered how he came into your household! We thought about your family all day. Wish we could give hugs in person, our thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteAl and Kelly we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Checkers. There aren't many words that anyone can say right now but our thoughts and prayers are with the two of you,Cora and Max.
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for you-
ReplyDeleteMy Condolences .....
ReplyDeleteAl & Kelly, I am so terribly, terribly sorry. Saying goodbye to someone we love so much is so very hard. But we have to make such a painful decision in order to help the suffering of one that we love so very much. She was loved and pampered and spoiled and had such a wonderful life with you. My heart aches for you and even though I never met Checkers I have shed tears with this awful news. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry for your loss of Checkers. It hasn't been a year yet that we said goodbye to our beloved Lucy...it's hard, but when you know they are no longer suffering, that makes it a little easier. God bless you both as you grieve for Checkers!
ReplyDeleteSorry for you loss folks, the Bayfield Bunch will be different but Checkers will be watching from the ridge tops now.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we have never met, I have tears in my eyes. Your portrait of Checkers is just beautiful. I am so sorry this happened but I know you did right by her today when it mattered the most. God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your loss. It's tough, but I promise you, it does get easier.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you both, and I look forward to a tribute honouring your Checkers.
Al, Kelly, Max and Cora,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is heavy for you all. It is an honor to share your life and family through your words and so very difficult when loss of a loved one is part of that story. I am so sorry.
Pamela
So sorry for your loss. We all love our pets like family. It is hard to lose them. Remember the good times you had with her.
ReplyDeleteIf only we could all leave together life would be so much better.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of Checkers passing but what a great life she had.
Steve.
Al & Kelley, we are so sorry to hear about your loss of Checkers. It is so hard to have to make a decision like that for a member of your family. You love for her was great in making the decision for her not to suffer. Please know our hearts go out for you. A year and half ago we had to make that same decision for our 18 year old Shih Tzu Molly.
ReplyDeleteYou have so many great memories of Checkers, think on those memories!
Your post is so touching, it's hard not to cry. I'm so sorry. Checkers was a beautiful dog and very loved. I know what you are going through, and how much he will be missed, by you both, but also by Max and Cora.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry. I have been there to many times. When I think of my girls I remember the fun times and the loving times. But I will never forget the last time.
ReplyDeleteThere's a hole in your hearts tonight.
We are so, so sorry to read this sad news. I know tears are falling in Bayfield tonight, and my heart goes out to you. Checkers was a lucky dog to live life with "The Bunch", where she always got the best of care and deepest of love - and she gave the love you deserved in return. Hold each other close tonight... and always.
ReplyDeleteOh, no.... Sorry !!
ReplyDeleteDear Al and Kelly -- Oh, how we DO understand how you are feeling. You gave her such a great life -- and she did the same for you!!! Mom and I are so sorry!
ReplyDeleteAl and Kelly, we are so sorry about your loss of Checkers. She was a sweet dog, and she was a wonderful part of the Bayfield Bunch. We are also sorry to have misidentified Checkers in our comment this morning! That was not a good thing for us to do. You took care of her, and she took care of you in her way. Thank you for letting us be a part of your life, and hers!
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss..Checkers was well treated and cared for and brought a lot of enjoyment to you. She will be missed by all.
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad. It's the hardest thing to lose a beloved pet. Checkers was such a beauty! She lived a good life with you, all the travels and adventure and care and love you gave her. Her spirit will be with you for a long time. God Bless you in this most difficult time of loss Al and Kelly. RIP Checkers you will certainly be missed.
ReplyDeleteGinny
Al and Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I can't even tell you how many times I've gone through this, including one K9 issued by the U.S. Army. In fact, trying to remember them to count would be too depressing.
Yet, hardly a day goes by that something doesn't happen that brings back a memory of one of them, and brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.
Pat
Al,I am speechless!! Saddened for your loss. It is very hard to give up someone you love, be it a loving animal or a loving person.... have faith and remember them as they were and that they would not want you to be sad.. Be happy and thankful for the time you had with Checkers... My Heart goes out to you both...
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry and my heart breaks for you. I hope my Ginger and your Checkers are now chasing each other with great joy. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteOhmy. I was just looking at pictures of all three dogs running around Negro Bill Canyon back in 2007. I hope all the warm memories and beautiful pictures will keep Checkers in your thoughts. I know your blog will bring joy to many as they see Checkers and all of the Bayfield Bunch. Take care.
ReplyDeleteReally sorry to hear about your loss. May you be comforted by warm memories of the time you had together.
ReplyDeleteJo
Al and Kelly, I am so sorry for what you must feel now. Isn't it wonderful that you have taken such beautiful photos of Checkers to cherish, and that you could share that sweet face with others to appreciate
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry for your loss. The loss of a companion who gives a lifetime of unconditional love is huge. Our hope is that, in time, your precious memories will warm your heart and give you strength. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your lost. We have gone through the same thing and it just breaks your heart to say goodby after so many years of loylity.
ReplyDeleteJohn Rosasco
Dear Al and Kelly, From here in Australia I want to say how very sorry I am to hear about Checkers. I have been through this too many times. I know how heartbreaking it is. You gave her a wonderful life. I like to think that we'll see them again one day. It's the only way I cope with it. Dear Max and
ReplyDeletelittle Motormouse will be missing her too. May all four of you take comfort in each other.
So very, very sad.
Carole
Sorry for your loss. It brings back sad memories of the loss of my best friend.
ReplyDeleteAl, Kelly, I am so sorry to hear this terrible news. Our pets are family and the loss of one is so painful. My thoughts are with you at the difficult time.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your loss. I know how bad we felt when we had to give up our two dogs...even though we knew they were going to loving homes where they would be well taken care of. Can't imagine the heartbreak a permanent loss of this nature would bring.
ReplyDeleteWe are saddened to hear about Checkers. It is never easy to loose a loved one.
ReplyDeleteTravel Safe
Dawn and Denise
So very sorry.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to read this. We've had this pain in our family. It's not an easy one to bear.
ReplyDeleteCheckers lived a good life! You can take comfort in that.
How many doggies get to go to Arizona?
Those are just words, I know. Somehow words don't help to ease the sadness though.
My condolences.
Bob.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
ReplyDeleteWhen 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 that 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 the Rainbow Bridge...together...
Author unknown..
Al & Kelly -- I had to leave your site and re-compose myself before leaving a comment. We've been in your position so, so many times, and it just breaks your heart each & every time. Every time I think "we need to stop getting dogs, because it's too hard to let go," but we do it again and again.
ReplyDeleteKnow that all of us that can't seem to go through life without our canine companions are grieving along with you.
Renee
I'm glad that I got to meet your furry kids. So sad that Checkers is gone, My Condolences.
ReplyDeleteAl and Kelly, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. God Bless..
ReplyDeleteDear Al and Kelly
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your loss. She will certainly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Don in Okla.
Oh Al and Kelly-
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry about Checkers.
Donna
Al and Kelly, So sorry to hear of the loss of Checkers. It is so hard to say goodbye to a family member. Our thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteAl & Kelly, I am so sorry for your loss :(
ReplyDeletephxmtngirl
So sorry to hear this news. You both loved and cared for her so well.We have had this pain in our family as well, and it is a terrible pain to bear. Try to fid dolice in the fact that she was with you on your most recent trip and enjoyed her time in the SW. Somehow she knows that you did the right things for her and she thanks you. She will never leave your heart and you will never leave hers.
ReplyDeleteThere are no words that express the sorrow of losing one of your pet members of the family. She will be in your memories forever. Loyce and I send our strength and support, with tears in our eyes. Rod
ReplyDeleteAl and Kelly,
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Checkers. Great picture...beautiful face!
Peggy and Frank
As has already been said many times, I am so sorry for your loss! Our pets are truly our fur babies and we mourn them as we would our own flesh and blood! Again, my condolences!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry that you lost your beautiful Checkers. It is so difficult to lose a pet who is like a part of the family. It was kind to let Checkers go so she would not suffer.
ReplyDeleteAl and Kelly, we are so sorry to hear about Checkers. She was a very lucky doggie for her to be found by Kelly and brought to your home to be loved so much by the both of you. You and the rest of the Bayfield Bunch will miss her for sometime to come. Just know that you did the right thing so she did not have to suffer even though your heart is breaking all the while, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteYou may not be able to read all our comments for awhile, but if you find you can, my hope that you all can find some peace in having made a hard decision. Our pets aren't really pets. They are family.I hope you can feel our arms...all our arms, around the Bayfield Bunch. We know how loss of family feels.
ReplyDeleteWith much sympathy,
Emjay
A lot of angels are sending love your way.
ReplyDeleteI cried when I read your post. I picked up my bundle of trouble to hug him tightly. He is trying to lick my tears away.
I am sure your heart is broken. I am so very sorry for your loss.
We are so saddened by this news. Our thoughts are with you all.
ReplyDelete"Been there, done that."
ReplyDeleteIt's not easy. I said goodbye to my Max 9 years ago and I miss him every day.sterapp
Al. Kelly,
ReplyDeleteour heart is heavy as we understand your pain. It is only 3 years ago we had to put our boomer to sleep when staying in Denver,CO. The following days we were not ourselves. And we still miss this friendly guy.
Our hearts go out to you guys, we are so very sorry. How lucky we were to get to see Checkers in person this winter.
ReplyDeleteRun free sweet pup, you are out of pain and young again! Say hello to our Jerry and watch over your humans. xoxo
I'm so very, very sorry :( Checkers is watching over you now and you'll see each other again one day. Doggie licks and hugs your way!
ReplyDeleteNina
What a beautiful dog. I'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteAl and Kelly, I'm so sorry for your loss of Checkers. She was such a great part of your adventures.
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons we decided to travel in our motorhome was so we could take our dogs with us and enjoy them everyday. They become such an important part of our lives, it's so difficult to let them go when the time comes.
Dogs love us unconditionally, no matter what. They are always such an inspiration to us. They each find a place in our hearts that can never be replaced by another.
Thanks for sharing all of the wonderful photos of your adventures with your dogs over the years. It allows us all to make a special place in our hearts for each of them, too.
Their memories will linger. Thanks for sharing.