Well today was a sad day in our house to say the least. Our wonderful yellow lab of 11 years went in his sleep (it appears) last night.
I left around 2230 to go pick up my daughter (before I left I rubbed both him and our female younger lab and told them to lay on their beds). When I returned at 2330 he had passed next to his bed. It was doubly hard because my wife was asleep and my daughter thought he was asleep. I tried to let my wife know what had happened but with her being half asleep it made it hard for her to understand what I was saying gently (as not to alarm my daughter). Well it didnt work and I got frustrated (which I regret), so I just blurted "Buddy is dead". I guess I could've handled it better but I didnt.
He was such an awesome dog (I know all dog owners say that) but he was such a loyal/good dog. I started duck hunting, just to watch how excited he would get would I would grab my gun or waders (which made it hard to fish). He was great with our family or anyone who came up to him (I dont ever remember him doing anything but licking and wagging his tail once you entered our yard).
While I truely loved this dog and will miss him. I feel so bad for my daughter who received him as a christmas gift when she was 3 and my wife who this dog was one of her true companions through all the deployments I have been on during the last 11 years.
I have seen/experienced the loss of loved ones or close friends and since I dont speak/type proper english I tend not to say to much but I must say that I was a little sad (maybe even had a tear or two) when I came down stairs this AM and didnt have my good friend there waiting for me with his tail wagging and licking my hands as soon as I stepped over the gait (makes me sad to think that on Saturday I took that for granted).
BUDDY YOU WILL BE MISSED BY YOUR FAMILY MORE THAN YOU KNOW!

I can relate and empathize with your families loss. The best friend anyone can have. Remember the good times and take solace that you were able to give him a good life.


Fishy

Hate the loss of the 4 legged family member. Just strikes deep and just not much one can say but sorry for your loss.

damn labs are just to easy to love. Last one I lost messed me up bad and the ones I have now will get an extra treat tonight.
My condolences

So hard to lose a friend.

Yes, doesn't have to be human, it's still tough.

Yep. It's one of the toughest things we ever expirence. So sad. RIP Buddy.

So sorry to hear this.

I can tell by the tone of your post that Buddy knew he was loved.

RIP, Buddy. You'll be missed.

Two years ago this month I posted a similar experience. Thanks to Art we've got a new one to spoil at our house. Sorry for your loss...it sucks!

Sorry to hear about this GVBest. RIP Buddy.

Always a tough day when your four legged friends are no longer around. Best wishes to you and your family.

I sometimes prefer the friends that aren't human.

Went through this in Feb. Cancer in the leg. Big bucks later I said stop and we are just wasting our money torturing him so I brought him home and an hour later he died in my arms. I think he was just trying to last until he could get home.