Goodbye Traildog

“Last Saturday my brother-in-law, my dog, and myself dayhiked to find a campsite for my Sipsey Wilderness trip. We bushwhacked into the camping area to save a few miles. We came to the lip of a bluff line and tried to go around. Later we found a waterfall where we thought we could sneak down beside it. My 4 year old black lab, "Maggie" slipped and fell to her death. We didn't have anything to bury her with. It was very sad. I keep looking in the back yard, but no Maggie.”

“My heart goes out to you.”

“Oh dayhiker, I am so sorry.”

“oh my gosh.. I am so sorry.. sincerely.”

“Are you going to have a memorial service of some kind?”

“That sucks I am very sorry...”

“Sorry to hear about it man. My deepest sympathies.

WD”

“I am very sorry to hear about you dog. I know how you feel, after 14 yrs I had to put my dog down. She was slowly dying (starving herself to death from some form of cancer)and I couldn't stand to see her suffer anymore. That was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Luckily I was able to bury her beside my house. I still look out back to see if I see her running around.”

“Oh my gosh! I am so sorry for your loss. That is a tragedy.”

“Truly sorry about Maggie.
I know we all share your loss.........”

“I hated to keep reading your post for fear that you would get around to explaining the title of the thread! Sooooo sorry. We are dog lovers and can't imagine losing a pet this way. Sorry, sorry, sorry.”

“What a tragic loss!! She was so young. Stories like that make me just want to hold my dogs close. I am so sad for the hole in your life.”

“I'm so sorry, Dayhiker. I don't know what to say.”

“Deepest condolences Dayhiker. At least she died on the trail.”

“I`m sorry about your loss, it`s never easy when anything happens to your four legged friends.”

“dayhiker,

Please accept a *virtual hug* and my condolences. She was here only a short time but she touched you forever. It's the memories and experiences that help us through the down times. Hold her memory close and continue to journey on.

Warm wishes, Sunshine”

“Sorry to hear the news ... hang in there.”

“The more I think about that.....Man it just makes me sad......Be strong....”

“This is always something we so dread.
Especially the result of an accident. And during this season makes it even worse.

My condolences. Poor Maggie.”

“Maggie will be missed!!”

“D@mn dayhiker, I am sooo sorry to hear about your loss. Its amazing how a dog can bring so much joy. I wish I had something beyond "sorry" to say.”

“and yours too dayhiker........as a major dog person....i can feel the heart pain and deep loss you must be going through...I havent shed tears like this in a while...
wishing the "instant replays" of this event are short lived and replaced by good vibes of remembering fun times with her.”

“That's the same thing that happened to Sarabelle...fortunately she survived. Very sorry for your lost. Maybe dogs should be on a leash for their own safety.”

“Terribly tragic.
I dread such a day.


I hope you don't hold yourself responsible, dayhiker. As Maggie's master, you were obligated to allow her the freedom to explore just as you were. I was very fortunate that Belle survived the cliff lesson - but there are many other lessons to learn, and nothing is guaranteed. Not for us or our dear companions.

It would be at least another week, but I would be more than willing to bury her for you - I could swing through on the tail-end of my roadtrip. Just say the word.”

“Dayhiker, I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend Maggie. Sad :-(”

“Thanks for all the kind words, they are appreciated. I think the hardest part was telling my wife when I got home. She was even more upset than I was.”

“My condolences, and those of my canine family, Max and Keksi.”

“How sad. I'm sorry to hear that horrible news this time of the year. The same thing almost happen to my dog last year on a bushwack down from Moreland Gap and the spring there on the AT. My stupid dog, was just to excited and off lead at the time got caught on some slick rock and almost went over what appeared to be a waterfall/water slide. The map showed nothing but the topo lines were stacked on top of one another. I am grateful that I was able to grab my dog with one hand an pick her up and place her back on lead.

Again sorry for the loss.”

“RAINBOW BRIDGE

"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 and 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 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. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away 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......."

- Anonymous”

“dayhiker, just reading all the wonderful sentiments concerning Maggie makes me smile amid the shared grief. I had to give my own dog a hug and we both pray for a speedy journey for Maggie to Rainbow Bridge...what a wonderful thought Fritz. From Khatru and myself, travel in peace and never forget the memories, she'll always be with you.”