Goodbye to Merlin, My Friend

“My 12 year old Golden Retriever, Merlin, passed away pretty suddenly last night. I spent his final hours comforting him and petting him. I’ve had him since he was a puppy. He loved living in NH…all the wildlife, cooler weather, snow and not having to be on a leash when we went on our many walks each day and romping through the local woods. He loved the snow and rolled in it each chance he got. Our two cats would nuzzle up with him, snuggle with him when it was cold and clean the inside of his ears. Merlin’s tail would thump against the floor each time they did that.

Today, I took his body to my veterinarian to have his body cremated to be placed in one of his favorite places on our property. Merlin’s veterinarian was wonderful with him. She offered to perform an autopsy, but I said it won’t bring him back and told her not to do one. She did examine him and there was bloody fluid in his abdomen which indicates either the spleen or the liver most likely ruptured. I know he is in a better place now and watching over us.

Merlin would follow me around the house when I was working and would just settle down close to me. Each time someone would open the fridge, his head would appear around the corner asking for an ice cube. The first time each winter it got cold enough outside to require him to wear his paw booties, he would high step and try to keep all four paws off the floor at once until he got used to them. He was my best friend and a member of our family for a long time. I know that he had a good life with us. Merlin rewarded us with unconditional love. He was a great companion. We have wonderful memories with Merlin and he will be sadly missed.

Rest in Peace, my friend.”

“I got this far;

“My 12 year old Golden Retriever, Merlin, passed away..."

;and had to quit reading. I can't imagine th ehurt you must be going through and I can't even think about losing my Honey. Remember all the good time ya had.

Do you have any pics to share?”

“/tear/”

“And in the end,
The love you take
Is equal to
The love you make.

Rest in Peace, Merlin”

“Good thoughts, friend.

When we lived in Vermont and the boys were little kids we had a black labrador.
Moochie were a farm puppy that we heard about through the grapevine and cost only vet fees of $25.

Moochie was our first dog and eventually weighed 93 pounds.
When Henry was three years old he would wrestle Moochie to the floor and flop all over him as he did. Danny is three years older and did much the same. The pooch loved the boys and loved the contact.
Moochie also loved to romp in the snow and would drag his blanket out of his dog house to sleep under the stars on zero degree nights.

In the spring when the roadside ditch was full of slush Moochie would run and flop in it.

At about two years of age Moochie disappeared one day and we never saw him again.
We never tied him up since we lived aways up the mountain.
He probably was hangin' with another family while we were at work and just decided to stay with them.

We never got to see him grow old and die.

Via con lobos, Merlin.”

“Ouch!

That's gotta hurt. Its the day a lot of us dread. RIP Merlin.

I'm glad you got 12 good years with him, and he got 12 years in a darn good home.”

“Oh skiracer, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sitting here in tears. Goldens are such special dogs. When I lost my female, SunnyGirl a couple of years ago,I was so heartbroken that my husband, who gruffly said, "no more dogs!" went and bought me a beautiful and very energetic 1 1/2 year old male who had outgrown his current home. Major was more than eager to fill the hole left in my heart and like your Merlin is my walking and hiking buddy, loves ice cubes and is constantly by my side. He was the best medicine and I can't imagine not having him.
They are all very special in their own little ways. Rest in peace Merlin, and I send out a healing prayer for you and your family.”

“RIP merlin. He will greet you somday when it is your turn to cross the rainbow. Goldens certainly are very special. I have a 9 year old Golden. I've enver been a dog person really, but Sasha has stollen my heart. I don't know if I'll ever have another dog, if I do, it will be a golden.”

“Ski, man that is bad, my Chessie I got years ago (Rescue at the Suggestion from AmyG) is getting pretty old. We are guessing 12 to 14 year old. She always used to sleep at the foot of the bed. But lately she has been moving up close to us when she sleeps.
I have to realize that life is a one for one thing....Not any easier, but I helps.
I still can't even describe Rainbow Bridge without crying. But I know my other babies are in better places. The cool thing about a close family pet is they usually live great lives.”

“sorry for your loss Ski. My thoughts are with you and your wife.”

“Death Sucks. Sorry for your loss”

“As I searched for the rainbow bridge, which is such a beautiful tribute to our dear four-leggeds, I found a few fresh tears for my PatchyG...
even though it has been a few years since she passed, she still comes back to me, just like that.
This is such a difficult time...my thoughts are with you and your family.
”

“Dogs are the best.....

A few weeks ago my sis's black lab died....him and I went cross country skiing and trail running quite abit a few years ago....”

“Thanks, everyone. I'm really missing my buddy. Your kind thoughts, words and prayers are definitely helping me get through a tough time.

A few pics:

Merlin playing in the snow


with a few of his toys...


looking for squirrels?

last edited: 10/26/06 7:33:34 AM”

“Sorry for your loss”

“So sorry skiracer. May the memories of your friend never fade.”

“One more picture to share. Merlin as a young puppy resting on my chest.

”

“WOW...hard to look at this and not remember some special friends I have had to say "goodbye" to. I am so greatful to AmyG for hooking me up with the Chessie Rescue Group some years ago. I have burned countless gallons of fuel and spent many long days and nights crisscrossing the South East with abandoned pups going to a new home.
One of mine (Sullivan) is a 100# male Chessie who is my daughter's BABY (daughter weighs just less than 80#. I will always be greatful for my connection.

Here is the Rescuer Rainbow Bridge...I bet you can't read it without crying.





Unlike most days at RainBow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All the recent arrivals were confused and concerned. They had no idea what to think for they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had spent some time waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was happening and began to gather at the pathway leading to the Bridge to watch. They knew this was something special.
It wasn't too long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung heavy and low with tail dragging along the ground. The other animals on the pathway...the ones who had been at RainBow Bridge for a while...knew the story of this sad creature immediately. They had seen it happen far too many times.

Although it was obvious the animal's heart was leaden and he was totally overcome with emotional pain and hurt, there was no sign of injury or any illness. Unlike the pets waiting at the Bridge, this dog had not been restored to his prime. He was full of neither health nor vigor. He approached slowly and painfully, watching all the pets who were by now watching him. He knew he was out of place here. This was no resting place for him. He felt instinctively that the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But alas, as he came closer to the Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who spoke softly to the old dog and apologized sorrowfully, telling him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their special people could pass over the RainBow Bridge. And he had no special beloved people...not here at the Bridge nor on Earth below.

With no place else to turn, the poor elderly dog looked toward the fields before the Bridge. There, in a separate area nearby, he spotted a group of other sad-eyed animals like himself...elderly and infirm. Unlike the pets waiting for their special people, these animals weren't playing, but simply lying on the green grass, forlornly and miserably staring out at the pathway leading to the Bridge. The recent arrival knew he had no choice but to join them. And so, he took his place among them, just watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at the Bridge, who was waiting for his special people, could not understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the pets who had been there for some time to explain it to him.

"That poor dog was a rescue, sent to the pound when his owner grew tired of him. They way you see him now, with graying fur and sad, cloudy eyes, was exactly the way he was when he was put into the kennels. He never, ever made it out and passed on only with the love and comfort that the kennel workers could give him as he left his miserable and unloved existence on Earth for good. Because he had no family or special person to give his love, he has nobody to escort him across the Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?"

As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the all-invasive gloom lifted. Coming toward the Bridge could be seen a single figure...a person who, on Earth, had seemed quite ordinary...a person who, just like the elderly dog, had just left Earth forever. This figure turned toward a group of the sad animals and extended outstretched palms. The sweetest sounds they had ever heard echoed gently above them and all were bathed in a pure and golden light. Instantly, each was young and healthy again, just as they had been in the prime of life.

From within the gathering of pets waiting for their special people, a group of animals emerged and moved toward the pathway. As they came close to the passing figure, each bowed low and each received a tender pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. Their eyes grew even brighter as the figure softly murmured each name. Then, the newly-restored pets fell into line behind the figure and quietly followed this person to the Bridge, where they all crossed together.

The recent arrival who had been watching, was amazed. "What happened?"

"That was a rescuer," came the answer. "That person spent a lifetime trying to help pets of all kinds. The ones you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of such unselfish work. They will cross when their families arrive. Those you saw restored were ones who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are permitted to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor pets that couldn't place on Earth across the Rainbow Bridge. You see, all animals are special to them...just as they are special to all animals."

"I think I like rescuers," said the recent arrival.

"So does God," was the reply.

--Author Unknown--”

“Kevin, my heart goes out to you and your family. What a blessing Merlin was to you, and you to him.

Hang in there.”

“Whew, sorry about that Ski. It was just a couple months ago I lost my buddy so the pain is still fresh, I know how you feel.

On the positive side, it looks like he had some GREAT years with you!”

“Ski..I'm typing through tears...you are in my thoughts!

Amy..my mom made a rainbow bridge in her garden for all the critters that have left this world. She painted a rock for each of them with there names and it is path in her garden.”

“Man. I'm really sorry.”

“So sad. We're still not over the loss of our lab Bruno this spring.
I wish I had more nice pics like yours.”

“Thank you, everyone for your thoughts, prayers and kind words. The thoughtfulness of the TT gang never ceases to amaze me.

I still look for him out of habit every time I come in the front door. He was hard of hearing and wouldn't immediately hear me come in so I had to look for him each time I would come home and ask him if he wanted to go out.

I know it will take some time to get out of that habit. My wife and I are remembering some great stories involving Merlin...usually beginning with the words, "Remember the time when Merlin...?"”

“sorry for your loss skiracer.”

“unless you lose a pet, you will never understand what it feels like. My heart and prays go out to you and your family.

This is the first time I have read that poem. I printed it out and will carry it in my truck to remind me of why I am doing what I am doing when things get rough.


ski, keep your pooch close to your heart forever!

but remember this, you have an angel now in heaven!”

“sorry, having been through this myself i can feel your pain.”

“OK, now I'm crying. I was going to recommend the rainbow bridge for a good cry and Amy G beat me to it. Then XL had to pile on. Now I’m thinking of one of my favorite Twilight Zone episodes where the guy wouldn’t go into heaven unless he could take his dog with him.

I remember the intense pain of losing my last buddy. We just buried my daughter’s favorite cat. I’ve got quite the pet cemetery going on in the back yard. I hope Stephen King never comes to visit.

My current angel (and I do view my dogs as angels sent from God) gets as much love, every day, as I can give him. I got him at Pet Rescue. Being a Chow, they figured that nobody would ever adopt him. They think he was 1-2 years old when I found him, but they aren’t sure. He has proven to have such a sweet disposition that most people who meet him fall in love with the fuzzy little bear.

I’m so sorry for you loss, ski. May you have many, many good memories to give you comfort.”

“Dogs In Heaven?

An old man and his dog were walking down this dirt road with fences on both sides, they came to a gate in the fence and looked in, it was nice grassy, woody areas, just what a 'huntin' dog and man would like, but, it had a sign saying 'no trespassing' so they walked on. They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. "Welcome to Heaven" he said. The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him. The gatekeeper stopped him. "Dogs aren't allowed, I'm sorry but he can't come with you."

"What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs? If he can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life, I can't desert him now."

"Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his area, he'll promise you anything, but the dog can't go there either. If you won't leave the dog, you'll spend Eternity on this road."

So the old man and dog went on. They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside. "S'cuse me Sir, my dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?"

"Of course, there's some cold water under that tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable"

"You're sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs weren't allowed anywhere."

"Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?"

"No sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven, he said the dog couldn't come in.
We'll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But, I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too, and that's final."

The man smiled a big smile and said "Welcome to Heaven."

"You mean this is Heaven? Dogs ARE allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't?"

"That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but then it's too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. GOD wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, HE created them to be man's companions in life, why would he separate them in death?"

- Author Unknown”

“great one”

“Sounds like either that was the basis for the Twilight Zone episode, or they wrote those lines based on the script.

The Twilgiht Zone episode had a fancy white fence with the a man in a white suit standing behind it trying to convince the dead guy he should come inside but that he couldn't bring his dog. The guy declined and walked on down the road. Further down the road, heaven had an unpainted split rail fence with a man in farmer brown overalls suckin' on a piece of straw.

I loved their take on heaven as a homey place. There's a reason I live in the south.


And it wouldn't be heaven if I couldn't play with my dogs.”

“I had to put off reading this as I was sure it would make me sad...and, it did...but the kindness of TT folks helps make it supportable..so many nice things are written above...sorry for your loss, skiracer...”

“My wife and I were talking about Merlin this weekend and going over some dates. As it turns out, Merlin was 13 years old and not 12, as I previously stated.

He certainly had a happy and full life.

Rest in Peace, my friend.”

“Dang, Ski, the cool thing is he got so many fun years. Well my girl is hitting 14 ish we think (12 to 14) so as I said she is getting a bit long in the tooth.
Of course she had some rough early years but it has all worked out.”

“Sounds like either that was the basis for the Twilight Zone episode, or they wrote those lines based on the script.
arclite
5:48:48 PM
10/29/06

My thoughts exactly. It was a great episode.

(I wrote about it on one of the TT dog threads. If I remember right Arc, so did you.)
last edited: 10/30/06 4:32:19 PM”

“Kevin,
I'm terribly sorry to learn of your loss. I enjoyed reading the few stories you shared - especially about the "booty walk".

We do what we can to express to others what we feel for our pets, but the connection we share is indescribable. The occasional moments of true connection and communication are brief and fleeting, but their impact is seared deep into our psyche. We create bonds that are palpable to us but not necessarily visible to others.

Merlin was a sweet boy. You are a better person by having him at your heart and hearth.”

“Thanks, gojo.”

“I'm sorry for your loss, Ski. I remember Merlin to be quite a loving dog!”