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I had to say goodbye to my gorgeous red and white co-pilot last night. It was all very quick and unexpected. Just Monday we played red ball.

For those of you who were around in 2012, he was my new beginning puppy (of all things born on July 4th of that year, so he really was my freedom dog). We took that leap of faith together and built a life taking care of each other for ten years.

When I brought him home after that horrible start to 2012, I wondered what the hell I was thinking. But, 24/7 love of such a brilliant creature was just the ticket to get me out of my own head.

He taught me how to love again - to thrive after another break-up and a pandemic. And in the end, we did it all just the two of us every time.

He made me laugh every single day and was the most hilarious dog I've ever known. He joined me in all things (what are we doing next?) - from work to travel and capturing the hearts of everyone who knew him. The hole he leaves is big.

Every night as he hopped in his spot next to me I'd say similar words: I'll always take care of you, thanks for being my dog, love you for all time, put your little dog head down and go to sleep. Rest well now, buddin.

I am so very sorry. I can feel the pain you are in. The pain will be around for a long time. Those of us here know that. These wonderful 'family friends' leave such a big hole in our heart when they go away. As I've often said, one mistake in creation is that our wonderful pets should go away the same day we do -- they live with, love us, until it's our time to go. Then they go when we do. That would solve a lot of pain.

Know YOU made HIM as happy as he made you.

Sooo shocking, sudden and HUGE a loss, Chili! So very sorry.

Reading this, I can better understand how you always seemed to manage the trauma life handed you in the man department! Your DOG! He was your secret place of love and security in a world gone mad. So I know his sudden loss just cannot be neatly packaged and described.

We just lost the most incredible fur baby I ever had the privilege to connect with (likely to a ruptured tumor he hadn't been diagnosed with, despite a couple years of fairly intense medical care for his other issues.) Sending you HUGS and if you need to talk to anyone about the details, I'm here...I'll share my box of tissues with you.

Oh Chili I am so sorry. Losing our Furry bffs is so freaking hard. I am glad you had such a loving and loyal copilot for all these years.

Sending hugs and deepest condolences. 🐾🐾🐾🐾

So sorry, Chili. Sending hugs.

Some dogs transcend life.

No words can make it better losing your fur family. Hugs!

I’m so sorry to hear this. Our pets hold such a special place in our hearts. They have a way of knowing us that no human can understand.

Big hugs to you!!

I'm sorry to hear this, dogs are really the best. The love they give is so pure. Hugs to you.

Hope I can get this message correctly across:

For me – the pain you express in your post – is confirmation that your dog lived a good and happy life. He mattered, had a place in your soul and life and was therefore happy. I hope you find some solace in that. Knowing that for him you were the World, the most important thing in his life.

I also think that we dog-owners (minders, because they tend to own themselves…) and maybe all pet-owners should keep in mind that in the wild few (if any) animals die of old age. They die once they either can’t hunt or scavenge, or are too old and slow to escape being hunted. My black lab is nearing his tenth year, and I can see that he’s not as fast as he used to be. If he had to rely on catching rabbits and squirrels for his meals… It’s our role – as their caregivers and their best friends – to make that fateful and semi-inevitable decision when it’s best for them to get their rest. The pain I mention in the beginning – that is the indicator that your decision was based in your heart.

I’m so sorry for your heartache. Several of us here have lost pets recently and share the intensity of your loss. That your loss was unexpected is much harder than the long slow demise of an elder pet, but neither option prepares us for the quiet emptiness when they leave us. Sending you hugs and sympathy.

I’m watching my new puppy nap peacefully and have zero regrets about jumping back in to unconditional love two short months after losing the best boy we ever had. The joy is immense with puppy shenanigans, but it is bittersweet because there is no replacing a special pet. It certainly has been a wonderful distraction so far.

I wish you more puppy love in your future. If you are not ready to jump back in yet while you grieve, perhaps you might foster or be a stop in the dog transport program. My best friend has weekly date nights with rescues on their way to new homes. She had a one in a million irreplaceable dog and just can’t commit to another, but she really enjoys being a soft place for these sweet dogs to land for the night.

Best to you as you heal your heart once again. Hope another wonderful NB awaits you.

I'm so very sorry hun.

So sorry. I've lost so many over the years and you know what?.. it never gets easier. I wouldn't have traded a minute of my time with any of them though.

I am so sorry for your loss!!!

I'm still crying. Our neighbours dog was hit and killed this morning in front of my place. I called the owners. Not even my dog and I'm a mess.

I'm so sorry, Chili. I've lost two recently (one mine, one SOs) and I know how much it hurts. Big hugs to you!

I'm very sorry for your loss.

Oh man, SI peeps are the best. Never fails. I knew I could share here and you all would just get it.

That human-animal bond is something else.

I'm so sorry Chili.

Damn Chili. Just saw this and have to tell you I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Chili dog. My sincere condolences. -Tred

((((((Chili)))))))
I am so sorry you are going through this.
It's a tough thing for sure.

May happy memories give you comfort during these hard days.

((((((((Chilli)))))))))))

Lucky pup and you were lucky too. Special souls find each other.