Josie,
If love alone could save your Odin he would be with us still for you loved him with all your heart. I hope you are comforted by the love you feel from all of us. Godspeed Odin. XOXOX
If there is a heaven,
it’s certain our animals are to be there.
Their lives become so interwoven with our own,
it would take more than an archangel to de-tangle them. -Pam Brown
SEPARATE LIFETIMES
We who choose to surround ourselves
with lives even more temporary than our
own, live within a fragile circle;
easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps,
we would still live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only
certain immortality, never fully
understanding the neccesary plan….
– Irving Townsend
THE BEST PLACE TO BURY A DOG
“There is one best place to bury a dog.
“If you bury him in this spot, he will
come to you when you call – come to you
over the grim, dim frontier of death,
and down the well-remembered path,
and to your side again.
“And though you call a dozen living
dogs to heel, they shall not growl at
him, nor resent his coming,
for he belongs there.
“People may scoff at you, who see
no lightest blade of grass bent by his
footfall, who hear no whimper, people
who may never really have had a dog.
Smile at them, for you shall know
something that is hidden from them,
and which is well worth the knowing.
“The one best place to bury a good
dog is in the heart of his master.”
– Ben Hur Lampman
Josie, to say that I’m sorry for your loss would be inadequate. I think Julie said it the best—we know you loved him with all your heart and that he was a very happy pup. Godspeed Odin.
We do not know what happened to Odin. He was at protection training Thursday night going full speed through life as always… to collapsing 24 hours later. His red blood cell level was at 16% and after blood transfusions it dropped to 12%. His spleen was so large it was mistaken for his stomach on the ultrasound. Saturday he was gone. No necropsy was done, one possibility is this:
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/dog/health/cardio/Hemolyticanemia.php
Josie, you gave him a wonderful life–and that is the most anyone can do.
Josie I can’t even begin to tell you how sorry I am. You gave Odin the best life possible and the unconditional love that in the end is what matters most to our furry kids.
I haven’t slept in 3 days, cat naps here and there. I thought about posting last night but I didn’t want people to think that this is genetic. It is Not genetic, gsds get this horrible disease once in a blue moon.
I thought I was doing okay after talking to Julie, but I am a wreck. My son picked up Odin’s wubba and kept on squeeking it, he then picked up the squirrel and kept going around the yard looking for him. I just broke down.
Andrew got in the pool, kept splashing the water, looks around, waiting for Odin to jump in, in a way, I am comforted that my son is too young to understand, but he knows something is wrong, he sees me crying almost nonstop.
Our home is so quiet, it’s depressing. I cleaned up the yard yesterday and just the fact that that was the last time I was goimg to put his poop in the trash made me break down again. It hurts so bad.
I put some of his stuff away last night, he didn’t even get to wear his leather collar I ordered for him last month, I also got him a harness that he only used once, because he was such a good smart puppy- he did not need it.
I just want to scream, life is so unfair! Odin was so loved, taken care of, why did this happen to him? The doctor at the er was telling how incredibly sweet Odin is with them, he loves to give kisses.
I am so heartbroken. I love you very much Odin, I wished I could have done more for you.
Thank you so much Julie, you are one of a kind, I just knew we found the right breeder the moment I first talked to you. I appreciate the love and support you have given us. Thank you, I just love you too, I truly mean that.
A-T dog owners, please hug your dogs extra longer for Odin and I.
Josie
Everyone got extra hugs yesterday. I spent extra time with Allie last night thinking about you and Odin. Allie is a very demonstrative dog and when you love on her she just melts into you. We cuddled and she tried to soothe away my melancholy. I should send Allie to you to be there for you.
I cannot even begin to find the words. I am so very sorry for your loss. I recently lost two amazing GSDs and I understand the roller coaster you are on now. It gets better. The pain will not always be so devastating but the memories and the joy you shared will always be with you. He is still with you and while you may no longer be able to reach out and touch him, he will forever touch you.
Josie, I am so sorry for your loss, I know you loved that beautiful pup, as someone who is going through their own personal hell, I can only say I send my heart felt condolences.
Josie, my heart is just so sad for your loss. I am certain that we have all hugged our pups a little tighter and a little longer. I wish there was something I could say to comfort you, but I do think Julie expressed it best.
You have given Odin a wonderful life full of love, laughter, and joy. I had to go back an watch him playing with his egg… He was a very special and happy pup. Thank you for sharing him with us. I am so very sorry. Many hugs!
Based on your previous posts, it’s obvious that Odin was one majorly loved and lucky pup. So sorry for you and your family. Roman got extra hugs today and a trip to the dog park.
We are so sorry to hear this about Odin. It’s funny how much they take a hold of our hearts, even in his short life. Extra long hugs and kisses and body rubs for everyone.
Our condolences to you and your family.
It is unbearable for me to read your post as I am sure it is for everyone. We all truly appreciate the deep emptiness you are feeling right now and no words can save you from your pain. As so many people have stated, everyone here is a family member and our dogs are the reason for that family. Be assured that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Josie, I am heartbroken for you and your family. Odin was loved immensely and we were able to see that in all your posts. What a special gift these Alta-Tollhaus GSDs are, we are blessed to have them in our lives and our lives are richer because of them. Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.
I am deeply saddened to hear about Odin and can relate to the heartbreak and pain you are feeling. May you find comfort in the knowledge that his short time on earth was filled with abundant love and joy. Hopefully, the memories of the happy times you shared together, although brief, will bring some consolation. My heartfelt thoughts are with you.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
The very thought of losing Odin is too disturbing and shocking to believe. I cannot even imagine what Josie & her family are going through. RIP Odin… We will never forget you.
Qai & Family
From the bottom of our hearts, Michelle, Grizzly, and I offer our sincerest condolences. I know the joy Grizzly has brought to our lives, and I have no doubt Odin did the same..You are in our thoughts and prayers…..
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Odin’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Lend Me a Pup
I will lend to you for awhile
a puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn for him when he is gone.
Maybe for 12 or 14 years,
or maybe for 2 or 3
But will you, till I call him back
take care of him for me?
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be brief)
you’ll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise that he will stay
since all from Earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.
I’ve looked the whole world over
in seach of teachers true
And from the fold that crowd life’s land
I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labor vain,
nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again?
I fancied that I heard them say,
“Dear Lord, They Will Be Done,”
For all the joys this pup will bring
the risk of grief you’ll run.
Will you shelter him with tenderness,
Will you love him while you may?
And for the happiness you’ll know forever grateful stay.
But should I call him back
much sooner than you’ve planned,
please brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.
If, by your love, you’ve managed
my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him that you’ve loved,
cherish every moment with your faithful bundle, and know he loved you too.
– Author Unknown
Josie,
Jack and I could not believe what we were reading when we checked the blog today. What an incredible shock it must have been for you. We all know that our pets will not be with us long enough, but to lose Odin at such a young age is truely devasting for you and your family.
We will keep you in our thoughts.
Josie,
Because we are all a part of the Alta-Tollhaus family, I know that every single one of us would hug you and cry with you if we lived nearer to each other. Dogs, and especially GSDs, have this way of wrapping themselves around our hearts. I can barely type this, as the tears won’t seem to stop. Our wish is that, in time, the memories of sweet Odin will comfort you.
There are no words to ease your pain with the loss of Odin but know we are all thinking of you and your family including your adorable little boy who must be confused where Odin has gone. I’m so sorry….