RIP Gordon

[logicprobe]

Gordon Retriever, aka Gordie, passed away Monday 8-8-11. He was at his post, guarding the front door from cats and other strangers... and was with family at the time of his last breath. He was just 5 years and 5 months old.


He was a gentle giant, and a loving friend to all that knew him. His tolerance of small children and his deep spine curling bark toward anyone that he saw as a threat to them, were some of his best known traits. He most enjoyed tennis ball fetch as his outdoor game, when off duty. During break time indoors, balloon nudge with the kids was always a treat. He also served some time as a volunteer 'therapy dog' at a nearby personal care home for the elderly.


Gordon has been the subject of my avatar for a few years. The little girl grabbing his tongue was one of his favorite humans. She's now four years old, and tells us that Gordon is playing with baby angels, and chasing a red balloon that she lost to the sky earlier this summer. I believe her.

[Card Shark]

I am very sorry for you loss.

[luckydog]

sotty to hear of Gordon's passing at such a young age

its always hard to lose a friend and good member of a family

[owennewton]

I am sorry, it is never easy to lose a friend.

I still miss my Buster and he has been gone almost 3 years

[dattia]

I am so sorry for your loss John. I hope he gets that balloon.

[JACKSJE4]

My heart goes out to you. A close friend of mine said farewell to her golden retriever of 15 years just last week. They are such wonderful dogs and great family members. I hope you find comfort knowing that Gordie is playing with angels.

[Meathead]

Sorry, John. Losing a pet like that can be as heartbreaking as losing any family member.

[RaymondV]

So sorry to hear the sad news.
Your outstanding eulogy to Gordon in your post brought tears to my eyes.

I dread the inevitable 3 days when I have to say goodbye to my 3 best friends.

[takethecastle57]

Gordon sounds like a friend each one of us would want in our lives . Rest Well Gordon .

[hanabi]

So sorry to hear about the passing of Gordie,

he was handome and kind looking doggy and a true friend and companion to you

I hope he gets to play with that balloon in the sky

My thoughts are with you

[drsfmd]

This makes me get a tear in my eye every time I read it... but here goes:

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...

[yose]

Sorry to hear that. Dogs are our true friends.I know he will be missed.

[beachcat]

I am so sorry for your loss of Gordie. I know how hard it is to deal with the loss of a close pet.

[Ikaria]

Hang tough! Losing pets are some of the saddest times of our lives! Thank you for providing Gordie a loving home all those years.

[KimbaWLion]

Its always hard when a pet passes be it a dog, cat, rodent or other.
I have been blessed with many furry and non furry family memebrs over the years and I miss each and every one of them.
It has never easy and I can only offer my condolences thank you for giving him a loving home for the time
he spent with you and your family.

[Microbus99]

You're post struck me since thats my name. An unusual name I have dealt with all my life. I've asked my parents many times why they named me such an old school name.

But thats not important!!! I'm really sorry for your loss. Thats very young for a Retriever. Did you get any type of indication what he may have passed from?

No matter what its tough to deal with the death of your pets. Its very much like your children. Since I've always had pets I've dealt with this so many times and its terrible everytime. I remember getting attached to my daughters pet Rats and was upset when they passed. I've had an 8 year old Chow die in my arms carrying him into a vet. That was devastating.

Hang in there. Knowing you're an animal lover you'll find a new Best Friend. Dogs love their owners with "unconditional" love and are amazing companions time will heal and you'll have that new best friend.

Not to change the subject, I have a 12 year old Akita who moves really slow these days and takes medication for seizures and has terrible hip dysplasia and I may be forced to put him down before he's ready because of the pain. This weighs on me everyday because I've never had to "put an animal down" while still consiously still in good spirits.

And another crazy thing just happened to my wife and I. 2 weeks ago a couple of young kids walked up to my wife working in the front yard with a kitten that was about 5 days old! They found it in the alley and asked my wife if she could take it. Of course she did! Now we are raising a kitten with a bottle. We've done this before but now we have a life handed to us that will be with us for, who knows, the next 15 years! We didnt quite plan on having a cat. Our last cat lived for 18 years. The shelter said that if we leave it with them and they dont find a foster family it would euthanized. We couldnt deal with that!!

Its funny how life works!!

Once again I'm very sorry for you!!

[Sid]

very sorry to hear about this John,
it seems like only yesterday you had posted to us about the great puppy Gordon who you had brought into your families life.

its sad to see our friends and companions go, and the void that their passing leaves. i hope you will be able to keep him in your memory and remember the good times you all shared.

rest in peace Gordon.

[BigBearSteve]

So Sorry for your loss, It's sad to lose him at such a young age.

RIP Gordie

[Chris]

Sorry to hear of your loss John

[Fighter Pilot]

Hi John, Just stopped in for a bit to see what was going on, Haven't been on since TJ passed away. Sorry to hear of the loss of your buddy. Hope you are doing well.