Do we ever truly get over their loss?

by Mary Jo
(Virginia)

My Pyr died at the young age of 7, of heart disease, brought on by 3 years of steroids given to manage her Addison's disease, which she developed at age 3 and a half. I could recount all the ways this beloved dog lit up my life with love and laughter, in her sweet and gentle way, but anyone who has ever loved a Pyr knows exactly what I mean.
In retrospect, my Anabel was a very special gift from God, for which I will be forever grateful. It's been 7 months, now, and barely a day has gone by that I haven't shed tears for her loss. I've moved on, recently, with a new little pup,(though not a Pyr, not at this point.) I can say I've loved dogs for all of my 66 years, but I don't think I'll ever get over my Anabel.
My point? If you ever have one in your own life, you can consider yourself truly blessed, no matter how many or few the days (or years) you have together. She was my angel.

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Aug 20, 2014
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What if you thought of her as a gift rather than a loss?
by: Great Pyrenees Club

Five days ago, August 15, we marked the second anniversary of our Gus’ death. He was only 6 years old and died of a mysterious illness. It was a long 6 weeks of declining health and endless visits to the vet and endless tests and treatments that ended so tragically. He died with his beautiful head in my hands. His leash and collar still hang by the door waiting to take him for his walk.

Gus was a beautiful gift to us and was known throughout the area with many visitors to our home studio and weekly visits to our Farmers’ Market. He touched people in ways that are incomprehensible. We love him dearly and yes there are times, like right now as I write, that tears flow for him. But he was an amazingly beautiful gift. That is the wonder and beauty of these dogs. They get inside your skin… inside your heart… inside your soul.

Do you ever get over their loss? Yes, but you will be forever changed, forever blessed with the beautiful memory of their being with you. That is the biggest gift of all.

Aug 21, 2014
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A gift to great?
by: Ed A new jersey

I really wish I could agree so I could help to ease your pain and eventually mine. I have written about Beau my service dog on theses pages before. At seven he stands tall like a mighty Oak. But I know someday I will face the same problem you do now.

I have had dogs my whole life and have always accepted the cycle of life. I know morning loss is part of the deal. So here is where my logic fades. I have no idea why the pyre has been made so perfect so as to make it impossible to think of life without him. I thought maybe because he is my service dog and he gives me the gift of mobility but no that's not true. If I had to retire Beau I would gladly take up residence in a wheel chair so long as I could keep him. Never to let him see me walk out the door with another service dog as I am sure it would break his giant heart.

To watch Beau work is to witness a true miracle. He shuts out the world until someone asked may I pet him. I always want people to experience Beau and get to know this truly amazing breed. I leave time wherever I go because I know someone will see us sitting and ask to pet him.

Service dogs are often misunderstood and I want people to know how important they are. I think of beau as a good will ambassador. For all these reasons and so many more he has filled my life with joy. My right leg, my best friend, my guardian, my clown prince, my living angel. Maybe I'm greedy but how do you leave that behind? Don't be afraid to feel the loss I can't even imagine , godspeed to you and yours.

Aug 21, 2014
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Yes, our memories of them are to be cherished,
by: Mary Jo

I thank you so much for your kind and healing thoughts, and for sharing your beloved Gus' story with me. Time will heal and you are right -- our memories of them are truly a gift to be cherished.

Aug 21, 2014
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Thank you for your comments.
by: Anonymous

Godspeed, as well, to the gentleman with his beloved service Pyr, Beau. May God bless all of us who love and care for dogs of all breeds.

Nov 21, 2014
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REGARDING YOUR LOSS MARYJO
by: JANIE

To all that own a Pyr and have or will lose their Pyr one day: I, myself have lost my beloved female Pyr Shasta(Shassy) in 2012 from Stomach Cancer (only 1% of dogs get stomach cancer); I saw her decline from November 2011 until I put her down in April 2012 (lest she starve herself from not eating any longer because of the immense pain). She was 6 1/2 years old, very young. I saw her go from 125 lbs to 85 lbs, very heart-wrenching for me. She was my world. Everywhere I went, people were in awe and amazed by her beauty. She was my big Polar Bear (big face, big paws, fluffy thick white fur); people always stopped and wanted to pet her; I always knew if i took her for a walk in the park we'd never have our "alone time"; not with a Pyr, people loved her. She was so mellow, so smart, guarded and barked when needed to protect us. She had the most soulful eyes. She touched me in a way that my heart is only reserved for her memory like no other dog will be, not even my beautiful Newfoundland or newest Pyr females. I love them so much too, they are unique in their own way; but no Pyr will come close to the bond Shassy and I had. We clicked. So MaryJo, hold on to that memory and love because this is what Pyr's do, they affect us in a special way. But life will go on and there is probably another Pyr or Newfie or Saint Bernard or even smaller this time like a Pomeranian, Maltese, Bichon Frise that will capture your heart and long to be loved; they will affect you in "their" way; and loving them will never take away what you felt for your 1st Pyr; I love my Newfie pup and Pyr pup I now have; their different, I grow in love with them too, but i'll always have that special place in my heart for Shassy that no pup will fill. Hold onto that feeling too, a special place in your heart; but one day, love again. Dogs are awesome. Take care, Janie

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