We lost our little Hans

We lost our little Hans a week ago yesterday 8/27/08. He was a almost 15 year old mini schnauzer. I am just now getting so I can type this without filling the keyboard with tears.

If I had to describe Hans with a single word it would be happy. When he heard his name called his little tail would wag so fast it was just a blur. He did that from the time he learned his name at 8 weeks until the day he passed away. Only a pet lover would know how torn we are and how much we miss him. He came to live with us when our daughter Sonya was only 6 years old. Now she is 21. Its hard to remember when he wasn't with us.

I had to go into town to do a couple of errands. The steps were getting a hard for him so I carried him into the house. As I carried him into the house I held him right up close and told him, as I always did, what a good boy he was and that daddy loved him. When Maxwell and I got back about 45 minutes later Maxwell went right over and smelled him, something he never does. Hans was sleeping right where he was when we left. I looked and he wasn't breathing and just starting to cool off. I completely lost it and I'm still not over it.

Maxwell hardly ate for 4 days after Hans passed and now will not let Linda and I out of his sight. I didn't expect this from Maxwell.

He lived a very good, long life,was loved and passed in his sleep. A little boy couldn't ask for more but it doesn't stop the pain.

Mummy, Sonya and I will see you at the rainbow bridge Buddy.
http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm





About 3 weeks before he passed away getting ready for a snooze.

What a lovely tribute. I'm glad you had him and he had you.

They are very much part of the family, our pets.

I echo Rachel ... he certainly had a good home and I am sure he appreciated all you did for him. Losing loved ones is tough regardless of species.

Gary

Thank you very much Rachel and Gary.

Tears

Ron,

Our condolences here. We have shed many a tear for dogs who've departed for the Rainbow Bridge. I will think of Hans playing with my Buddy, Rosie, Sam and Snoopy. Our Gizmo is on the way to the vet to be seen and re-checked. He has a soft cast and is very unhappy at the moment. He tore all the tendons in his back leg and is too old for surgery.


There is a Rudyard Kipling poem called the Hair of the Dog that is my favorite

he Power Of The Dog
by Rudyard Kipling

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie--
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But...you've given your heart for a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!);
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart for the dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long--
So why in Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Thanks Kathy.

Give Daisy a big hug for us and good luck with Gizmo.

Oh Ron, I'm so sorry, we almost had to have our lovely Kim dog put to sleep a few months ago, and went through the loss of our lovely old Goldie a few years ago, I know exactly what you're going through.... A dog is not just a pet, he was a loved and treasured member of your family. I'm feeling for you, it's good that you have such lovely memories and photographs of him to treasure.

Thanks Janet.

I remember when your Kims legs, I believe, were giving her trouble. I'm glad she is doing well.

We feel the same about them being family members, not pets.

Ron: what a great looking dog. He looks happy. I have a 15 year old pom/chihuahua mix and I hope she lasts till 20. Terrible thing to lose a dog.

Great pictures.

Doug

Thanks Doug.

Its not fair that their lives are so short. We sure miss him.