I am so, so sad today...

[KimE]

Yesterday my DH, DD & I had to put down our best friend of 13 years, Toma.
She was such a great dog and really will be missed, we are a blended family and she was part of making us a whole family. We use to joke and say we did not have a child but we had a Toma, she really, really made us so much closer.
I am just so glad that DH was home because he travels and the youngest DD was home from college so we could all be there for her. It was peaceful and she was surrounded my so, so much love when she went.

We are so greatful we had her and will always miss her

Kim E

[RunnerKim]

I'm so sorry. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Kim

[DmOrtega]

I'm so sorry for your loss. :(

[Robyn1007]

Loosing a pet is never easy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. :(

[donleyk]

I'm sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and your family.

[Canice]

I'm so sorry, Kim; it's just heart-breaking to lose a friend. And while there's no "good" time to have to say goodbye, I'm glad Toma's best friends were there with her.

What you said about her bringing you all closer was so interesting: it's often the case pets, but not one I recall having seen expressed before. She truly was a member of the family.

[JHaris]

So sorry for the loss. A pet is part of the family. Someone said to me after we lost our St. Bernard, "but it was just a dog!" They learned later that this was not the case after losing their's in a hit and run. Pets are a big part of a family and it is very hard to accept not having the unconditional love they give anymore.

[BarbaraL]

Hugs to you and your family on the loss of your furry family member.

[mcgeiger]

Hugs to you and your family:(

[Hammster]

This is such a comforting poem. I hope you get some comfort from it.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

[gertdog]

(((((Kim and family))))- I'm sorry for your loss. :(

[colleency]

(((Kim and family)))

[cumulus]

My thoughts are with you! I'm glad you were all there to the end, that can truly help the healing process.

[patissac]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. ((Hugs))

[GingerPow]

(((Kim and family)))
I am sorry to read of the loss of your Toma. It is a comfort for you to know that she died surrounded by those who loved her. Our Murphy died on November 17 at the age of almost 12. She grew up with our kids, and was as much one of them as the family 'pet.' She passed away at home too, with all of us around her.

I cried for days, then I put her pictures all over the refrigerator. Out of habit I'd look for her in her usual spot, so when I'd be sad again after realizing she won't be laying in her spot anymore, I'd look at her pictures. It helped alot.

I could not bring myself to throw away her things, so I created a dish garden out of her food dish, with a laminated picture of her in the middle of it. I wrapped her collar, leash and bandana around the dish, and it sits on a wrought iron plant stand. We call it "Murphy's Garden.":o

You'll find ways to deal with the grief over losing your dog. And I totally agree - don't let anyone tell you "it's just a dog." They are beings of unconditional love and an important part of our families. We realize just how much after they're gone.

[Natasha]

Kim,

I'm very sorry to read this. Hugs to you and your family.

Ginger, condolences to you about Murphy as well.

Natasha

[Kyra]

Kim, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs to you and your family, and we'll be thinking of you and Toma.

[seathyme]

(((((Kim))))) That's a huge loss, and I'm thinking about you. Take good care of yourself for awhile there.

[KristiB]

I'm so sorry about your loss.

[NancyR]

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.
-Will Rogers

We all understand how you feel, take care.

[memartha]

I'm so sorry about your loss.

The kids still include our old buddy, Herschel, in their prayers. We put him down two years ago at age 15 (he was a cat). Toma will live on in your heart.

[LakeMartinGal]

So sorry for the loss. A pet is part of the family. Someone said to me after we lost our St. Bernard, "but it was just a dog!" Yeah, there is no such thing as 'just a dog!' My prayers are with you as you grieve for your loss. The passage that Hammster quoted has helped some deal with the loss...

[eas11]

Sorry to hear this, Kim. I understand what a loss this is- my thoughts are with you and yours. Enjoy your warm and wonderful memories.

[beckms]

Losing a pet is so hard; please take comfort in the fact that there are many people out there (and here) who understand completely how important a pet can be to a family.

[aggie94]

Kim, I am so so sorry for your loss. I am sure Toma is as grateful to have had you all in her life as you are for the time you had with her. I hope your memories of her will help you to heal.

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.
-Will Rogers

Nancy, I love this quote. :)

[pointerhaven]

Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. I just posted on another board to a friend who has also recently lost her fur-baby. I know it is not easy and it hurts,but as with loosing a sister, brother, mother or father, you have to remember the good, the funny and the joy that Toma shared with you all.

When my Jeb a 16 yr old springer died, I was devestated and people just did not understand the dept of my sadness. I found comfort at an MSN Groups Site, For the Love of Dogs. Well that was four years ago and I truly can call these people my friends. We are all very close, cyber wise, we share , we call we even get together when we can and we are international too. If you need more comfort come, we will welcome you.

So many people do not understand the uncondistional love that an animal gives, but I do, I understand and I will say a prayer for Toma and your family.
Tonight, go out side, look up in the sky and find the brightest start. Smile, say a prayer and let that star be Toma's Star, know that she is at the bridge waiting for you. Now, some people may say that we are crazy to believe or think things like this, but you know, I don't care, I like the thought of Jeb waiting for me. It warms my heart and it can yours too.

Hugs. Wanda

[KimE]

Dear Wanda,
Kim has not seen your email yet,this is her husband Randy,I just want to tell you how heartfelt your message was to me and how thankful I am for it and I know Kim will definitely feel the same . Thank you so much Randy

[SusanL]

what a terrible loss. My heart goes out to you and your family, pets are members of your family! At least you were there for Toma at the end, somehow it will eventually give you solice knowing you were there. Take care.

[zackaboo]

Losing a pet is so hard. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family.