I didn't really know where to post this.

[300blk]

This morning at about 0600 my dog, Ragnar died.
We had taken him to the vet to find out that he was parvo positive, even after the immunizations.
We went to two vets who both told my fiancée and me how good he looked all things considered and he should be past the worst of it.
Yesterday I walked him around the yard and while dragging some seemed pretty good. I set several alarms and got up to check on him and administer subcutaneous fluids as he still had no interest in drinking or eating.
I got up for work this morning and he was unconscious and went into shock.
I sat and held him. Until he passed this morning.
I bottle fed him at four weeks old, and he learned his first tricks at 5 weeks.
I've lost friends and family and not ever felt this level of grief.
He was part of our family and part of the pack.
A truly great dog and friend.
I loved him unconditionally and I miss him terribly.

[1johnlb]

Prayers sent, God bless

[merlin101]

The only bad thing abouts dogs is the we out live them. Only another pet owner knows how you feel. Very sorry about Ragnar, BTW was he named after the character in Atlas Shrugged?

[300blk]

Ragnar the Viking, or Ragnar benson, although unless playing tug o war with his rope, not like either of his namesakes.

[MrWolf]

So sorry for your loss. We expect one of ours won't make it this year so I feel your pain.

[RED333]

Prays sent.

[CastingFool]

Having lost loved pets before, I feel your pain, and I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

[smokeywolf]

That's just real tough. We are serious animal lovers too and have that same deep connection with our dogs. Lost our Sammy Wolf (White Malamute/Arctic Wolf mix) 7 1/2 years ago and I still get choked up sometimes.

Very sorry for your loss.

The smokeywolf pack

[300blk]

Thank you all for your kind words.

[Smoke4320]

I do know how you feel.. Lost my best dog 2 years ago.. Felt worse for weeks than the passing of any of my friends..
Prayers for you and I really hope you find another that will give you comfort and friendship

[Alan in Vermont]

Three years ago in November we lost our beloved Chocolate Lab, Hank III after a short illness. The vacancy in our lives was taken over by the arrival of a new pup, another Chocolate, Hank IV, three days later. Notice I did not say the old dog was replaced, as he never will be.

III was an unbelievable dog, IV is as good, just in a different way. He arrived here as a gift from a loving friend whose family I have known for what is now five generations. By some stroke of Divine Providence III and IV share the same birthday, just 11 years apart.

[MattOrgan]

You have my heartfelt sympathy. We lost our Josie to kidney failure last month. She was the light of my life and constant companion. I'm not anywhere near over her loss. I can't speak of it without breaking down. She was 13 and terribly brave and stoic to the end. She must have known something because she did not chase off a stray dog that showed up several months ago, she was normally very territorial and allowed no other dogs near the ranch or any vehicle. We located the strays owner and returned him. He kept showing up and the owner said he was tired of him running and was going to put him down. I asked for the dog a month before Josie left us and the owner gave him up, telling me he was a runner and I'd be sorry. He's never left the place and frequently lays on Josie's grave. I'll believe that Josie chose her own replacement, it would be just like her, she always got her way. We re-named the dog Hank, while he doesn't replace her he's like a living gift from her. I'm sure our dogs are not jealous and are the most giving creatures on earth. Dogs are a gift from God, one of the blessings of life. It gets better, but slowly. I miss every dog I've outlived.

[ghh3rd]

I know how you feel, and I'm sorry for your loss.

[1Shirt]

He will probably be waiting to escort you thru the pearly gates! The loss of a dog is akin to the loss of a child in my opinion!
1Shirt!

[Blanco]

“The price of a good dog is a broken heart at the end" -Rudyard Kipling

113092

[badge176]

I just ended a 17 year run with our Black Lab/ Border Collie mutt yesterday. I feel your pain, and we've all been trying to recallour "bestest" memory of Bear since the vet helped him out of his suffering. Know that your Ragnar will enjoy Bear's company where ever they go and they will be waiting for us to run in the woods and charge into battle on the other side.

[gray wolf]

Sir you have my deepest condolences for your loss.
I have been there and know the pain.

[9w1911]

Get back on that horse buddy, there is a little dude at the pound that needs your love. Save him and save yourself!! Do it ! Ragnar would want you to share what you both had.

Sorry for your loss, my dogs are my family.

[johnson1942]

the reason we can get so close to a wonderful animal like that is they dont have a ancestor that ate a apple off of a tree they werent supposed to. when all his needs were taken care of which you provided he was a pakage of love. animals dont have the baggage humans have and they can love so very much and enjoy life. its hard when they go because they are as humans should be, love without malice. i dont know if they go to heaven but i hope they do as i have a lot of loving pets i would like to see again.

[buckwheatpaul]

My wife and I know what you are going through....our dogs are family .... they love you unconditionally....and we do as well (love them unconditionally).....I believe that we will see them again....Paul

[Artful]

Words fail me at times like these - count the blessed time you were together and made memories - for it's truly a gift that keeps giving

[sniper]

My heartfelt consolation. I believe Kipling said it best...



“The Power of the Dog”











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

5



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.

10



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

15



To lethal chambers or loaded guns,




Then you will find—it’s your own affair—




But … you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.







When the body that lived at your single will,




With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).

20



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 to a dog to tear.







We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,

25



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:

30



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?

Rudyard Kipling



How very true!