Gone 4 months and I still cry at least once a week.
this post was submitted on 20 Jun 2026
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The only reason I have ever not wanted to have a dog is to not have to go through losing a dog. Well and also feeling like I can't give it a good enough life.
Had a few dogs, none that had great personality. But after my recent Aussie died I died. He was so fucking smart and honestly my best friend.
We took him everywhere with us. He was in a couple parades and hung out with me at outdoor events. Dude would carry our water bottles in a backpack on hikes. He always wanted a job and we kept him occupied.
He was so chill and gentle. Loved everyone. He took treats very gently because he didn't want to accidentally nibble you. He loved kids, would always go up to them for pets and gently lick babies on the cheek. Would have been a fantastic service dog to visit children hospitals, but we were too lazy to go through the process to certify him.
But he got old and weak and his heart started failing, after his 16th birthday. The day we had to put him down he couldn't move anymore and somehow I think he knew it was time. He went out as gracefully as he lived, gave us each a little kiss and just laid down didn't struggle, as me and wife sobbed hugging him.
Yeah can't go through that deep of a connection again. Like having a member of your family die, no other dog I have will be him.
That is a gorgeous guy. Love his coloring on his muzzle.
That was right before his health downfall. Just before his 15th birthday. Happy to go on slow walks, but also happy to sleep a lot and fart.
It's so worth it having them in your life, even for a short time. However, losing them is super hard, every time. I currently am on my fourth and fifth golden retriever. Losing the first three were definitely heartbreaking.
goldens are like the dogs dog to.
That's why I Got a cat, I felt like I couldn't provide a dog the outside time it always wanted. I'm a homebody, I needed something I could love at home