Some comfort perhaps

[PairOfBoxers]

I lost my dear Boxer, Dakota, on November 9th, 2006. He was my first Boxer and the first dog I owned as an adult- one that was all mine and not my parent's dog. I got him the day I graduated from college and moved out on my own.

When he died, at almost 12 years of age, I was beside myself with grief. I cried for almost 2 days straight. I still cry periodically as I think of him.

One thing that helped me, and I share it in the hope that it may help you as well, was writing his life story. I sat down whenever I had a free moment for almost 2 weeks and wrote about all the adorable, cute, and quirky things Dakota did. I poured all of my fond memories onto paper. This was so cathartic for me. It assured me that Dakota would not be forgotten and it reminded me of the good times. Thinking of all of the great memories helped me to think of him as he was vital and alive instead of remembering the end.

I hope this helps. I think there is a lot of value in sharing the memories of our beloved babies. Even though they make me cry, I enjoy hearing about your furbabies that are now playing at the rainbow bridge.

[BoxerRock]

Jennifer,

That's a wonderful idea. I think I'll start writing my memories of Carley right away. I don't want them to fade away. She did some pretty funny things, like the time she took off after a large herd of cows and managed to round up her own small group, rather than get stomped by the bulls, which is what I feared at the time.

It would also be fun to keep a journal of all the goofy things that my Molley does.

I'm very sorry for your loss but I thank you for the great suggestion.

Hugs,
Kim

[Indy's mom]

Such a wonderful tribute to Dakota! This will help you to relive all of those wonderful, silly moments forever. A great idea.

[Andy_the_human]

I agree, there is a strange contentment to be had from sharing written memories. One of the benefits of a forum like this one is your audience has a natural empathy for your subject. That means you can focus on tales of your Boxer and not have to explain yourself beforehand.

I’ve certainly enjoyed sharing my memories here at Boxerworld.

[ELubas]

A wonderful idea. I have a walking group that has been together for over five years now. Of course over time we lose some of our precious fur babies and we have a ritual that on thier birthdays and anniversaires of thier passsing every year we all walk at that dog's favorite spot and everyone tells a story they remember about that particular dog. Whn I lost my sweet Ailis this made (and still does make) me feel like she is still with us and you get to hear things you may have forgotten or never even known (I did not know my Ailis girl had actually caught a fish in the water once ). It is so comforting to all of us

[catcrazy56]

That is a good idea I actually need to have a journal because I forget alot of things and don't remember till something jogs my mind. I would like to have some of the funnier times to remember my babies with

[luvmrhead]

Such a wonderful idea. I have been thinking of ways that I could pay some kind of tribute to him. This is perfect. And it will do me some good to remember all the wonderful things about my Harley..........instead of always contemplating on how I lost him. Thanks so much

Jen
Harley (Feb.00-Jan.07)

[RoxiesEcho]

When our German Shepherd went to the bridge last August I put together a scrapbook just for her. I included puppy pages, birthday pages, copies of her pedigree and anything and everything else I could find. It's nice to sit down and look at and remember all the things that made her special. I can only pray that it will be a good long time before we have to do it for any other of our dogs.

[neilsmom2000]

That is a really super idea. I hope one day I'll be able to do that for Wilson (I don't think I'm quite ready yet. It is hard for me to even think of him without crying.)
I am a quilter, and my sewing teacher suggested that I make something special to commemerate Wilson. She suggested using printable fabric, and making a 'huggy blanket' with his photo on it. I think that's a nice idea too.
The day Wilson died, I felt I had to do something or I'd go crazy with sorrow. So I sat down and made a quilt block from a design I'd been meaning to try. The block is called 'Scottish Thistle', but I will always think of it as Wilson's Star. Maybe I'll make a quilt in it, using Wilson's colours (he was a brindle, so dark brown, black, white, maybe even a deep rosy colour for the pink in his nose!).
I am at work and getting teary again, so I'd better call it quits!