They tell you not to cry.
They tell you not to cry.
They tell you that it's just a dog, not a human being.
They tell you that the pain will be over.
They tell you that the animals don't know that they have to die.
They tell you that it's important not to let him suffer.
They tell you that you can have another one.
They tell you it's going to happen to you.
They tell you that there is more pain.
But they don't know how many times you've looked into your dog’s eyes.
They don't know how many times you and your dog have looked into darkness alone.
They don't know how many times your dog was the only one who was by your side.
They don't know how much fear you have
at night when you wake up with your grief.
They don't know how many times your dog slept near you.
They don't know how much you've changed since the dog has become a part of your life.
They don't know how many times you hugged him when he was sick.
They don't know how many times you've acted like you didn't see her hair getting whiter.
They don't know how many times you've talked to your dog, the only one who really hears.
They don't know that it was just your dog who knew you were in pain.
They don't know what it feels like to see your old dog trying to say hello.
They don't know that if things went wrong, the only one who didn't go is your dog.
They don't know that your dog trusts you every moment of his life, even in the last.
They don't know how much your dog loved you and how it is enough for him to be happy, because you loved him.
They don't know that crying for a dog is one of the most noble, significant, true, clean and warmest things you can do.
They don't know when the last time you moved him with trouble... made sure it didn’t hurt him.
They don't know what it felt like to pet their face in the last moments of their life....
In Memory of all those who went over the rainbow bridge. You all have a place forever in our hearts 💕
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My baby is 16 1/2 and healthy right now but I know...I know how much pain I am going to be in too soon. When my first baby died it was the worst thing I have ever had to experience until my dad died 6 months ago. 
I am now on my 4th Golden Retriever. The empathy of that breed is unbelievable. My last one, Chewy, had a habit of barking at Mitch McConnell every time he was on TV. Never thought about using a leash. Was always at my side unless he wanted to explore around the lake or chase critters. I now have a former stray lab, Chester, that is nearing the bridge, probably a couple years away. He showed up at my house 7 years ago when it was -38F and emaciated. He learned Chewy's kind ways. Poop in the woods, bark at Mitch, love, stay within 5 feet of my companion unless I want to chase or explore. Dogs are such a gift that and they also think those that are in kind companions are too. Now my rescue Shiatsu is learning from his big brothers complete with poop in the woods. Still trying to figure out how to get him to stop trying to hump the big dogs heads. 
I have felt that sadness of losing my baby 8 times (and 2 cats, 4 parakeets) in my life now and it does not get any easier, probably worse as I feel my own mortality approaching.
Though you made me cry.
