I lost my best friend this week- in memory of Tasker

**smmokan** · 07-08-2006, 11:51 AM

I didn't think I'd ever be writing this. At least not this soon. Two days ago, I lost my best friend, my not-quite 2yr old yellow lab, Tasker. We were on vacation in the Virgin Islands when our house sitter came home from work and found him passed away, laying down in peace in the backyard. The vet's prognosis was that he died from some sort of anuerysm, and the hemmoraging is what killed him. I'd like to think that he and his brother got lots of good play time in before he died Thursday afternoon, and he layed down to rest and just never woke up. The last few days have been the hardest of my life- I've never lost a person or pet this close to me. We did everything together- hiked, played, walked, swam, snowshoed... he was there all the time. And now, its just my girlfriend and I and our other lab, Yoshi, who's lost without his big brother.

I'm sorry if this is coming off as a sob story, but I know there are a lot of people on this board who have lost loved pets as well, and I was hoping I could get some words of kindness, and some reassuring that everything is going to be OK. Everywhere I look in our house, there's something that reminds me of Tasker. I just can't believe he's not here. Here are a few of my favorite pictures of him over the last year.

We'll always remember you buddy, and I'll miss you forever.

**RootSkier** · 07-08-2006, 11:53 AM

Oh man, that sucks. Sorry for your loss. What a good looking pup.

**criscam** · 07-08-2006, 11:59 AM

Sorry to hear Lloyd. Both our dogs are the same age and i can (sort of) imagine how your feeling. Looks like a great dog.

**Trackhead** · 07-08-2006, 12:00 PM

Far to early for the loss of your friend. Sorry to hear it.

**lph** · 07-08-2006, 12:04 PM

Awww, man, that is awful. too young.

Sorry, tasker.

**Joey Joe Joe Junior Shabadoo** · 07-08-2006, 12:31 PM

++++vibes+++++ your way. I am sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose a loved one who gives so much and asks so little in return. I don't know if this makes any sense but I always tell myself that dogs don't live as long as us because the kind of unconditional love they give is something we probably don't deserve or can't handle a human lifetime of, they give in a doggy lifetime more than most humans can give in a human lifetime. Just remember the good times and spoil the shit out of Yoshi.

**Codester** · 07-08-2006, 12:38 PM

sorry to hear buddy.. +++Vibes+++

**jtran10** · 07-08-2006, 12:40 PM

I don't post here much (just read) so I didn't know if it was my place to step in here, but I just wanted to say this. I lost my first dog when I was 7 (the only close family member I'd ever lost, and still is). I remember my mom sang me "Edelweiss" from The Sound of Music that night before bed. The song still makes me tear up every time I hear it. You'll get through the thinking about him everyday phase, but he'll never be out of your life completely. RIP Tasker, and good luck Lloyd. I think Joey hit the nail on the head. Dogs really are a man's best friend.

**P_McPoser** · 07-08-2006, 01:47 PM

That's tough man. I was just sitting on the couch 5 minutes ago finishing the book "Marley and Me" with my pooch curled up and sleeping on my legs, and I was tearing up at the idea that most likely i'd outlive her. I have no real good advice, but perhaps if you haven't read that book, I'd really reccomend it. It's fantastic and will help you remember all the fun you had with Tasker, and maybe help you shed some of the pain.
Good luck and postive thoughts.

Edit:
Also wanted to add, this picture sums up dogs so well. Such unbridled enthusiasm and scary focused minds.

GOTTA GET THE BALL, GOTTA GET THE BALL, GOTTA GET THE BALL!!!!!

L7 · 07-08-2006, 01:54 PM

Sorry to hear about this, it really sucks. Hate to hear this sort of story as I have a new puppy.

**Son1cdeth** · 07-08-2006, 02:02 PM

Sorry to hear about that lloyd. That really sucks.

**The AD** · 07-08-2006, 03:06 PM

Wow, Lloyd that's a tough one. Really sorry for your loss. It sounds like Tasker's short time on Earth was filled with joy and you can be thankful for that. Rest in peace, Tasker.

**smmokan** · 07-08-2006, 03:10 PM

I just spoke with his vet (who was on vacation when this happened), and from the timeline of things and his lack of symptoms, he is almost positive that this was a result of an anuerysm. Knowing that makes me feel so much better, that it was really meant to be, and he didn't suffer any when he passed. Knowing that he had a full day of fun playing with Yoshi, and that he went in peace makes things easier to deal with.

I'll miss you buddy, and I'll make sure Yoshi gets your share of the love around here.

**XtrPickels** · 07-08-2006, 03:42 PM

+++++vibes++++++

BOTH of you have had great times together, he had a pretty great friend too

**buckethead** · 07-08-2006, 04:03 PM

very sorry to hear about your loss.

i've come close to losing one of my cats several times, and these have been nearly as stressful as losing loved (human) ones...and i dread the day when i he runs out of lives and i actually have to say good-bye.

...but yes, as XtrPickels said, your departed buddy had a great friend in you (and his bro), and it sounds like he left this world happy and beloved.

sending +++++vibes and wishing you peace and good memories.

**truth** · 07-08-2006, 04:51 PM

Damn. RIP Tasker.

**leroy jenkins** · 07-08-2006, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by P_McPoser

Edit:
Also wanted to add, this picture sums up dogs so well. Such unbridled enthusiasm and scary focused minds.

GOTTA GET THE BALL, GOTTA GET THE BALL, GOTTA GET THE BALL!!!!!

Yep, that picture is awesome. I love dogs.

Its really sad to lose such a great companion, especially one so young, and so suddenly. I hope that in time you can put it behind you enough to get another pooch and have another great freind.

**leroy jenkins** · 07-08-2006, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by Lloyd Christmas

I'm sorry if this is coming off as a sob story, ]

I just noticed you said this, and I just wanted to add that I hate the people that trivialize the death of someones pet. It can be as hard, or harder than losing a human freind. I feel sorry for them that they've never had a companion that is as unflinchingly loving and loyal as a good dog.

**hutash** · 07-08-2006, 06:24 PM

It is no small thing to lose a special friend...May your happy memories of Tasker bring you comfort.

I deal with this everyday,( sometimes it sucks to be a vet), but I can assure you you will get through this tough time. Losing a pet that is loved is no different then losing a human family member. Grieve, cry, kick the couch, go through all the normal steps, it will get better, I promise.

**asandygal** · 07-08-2006, 06:32 PM

Unconditional love... that is what is think of when I think of my Maggie May.

She's nine now (and 110 lbs)... and I hate to think of the day.

I hope there's a doggie heaven, 'cause most of them are more deserving than a lot of us are...

RIP Tasker +++

**stomp** · 07-08-2006, 08:32 PM

when i lost my only dog when i was much younger, it pretty much destroyed me. took it way too hard. still working my way back to dog ownership.... i think the stories that mags like yourself share are helping me realize that death is part of the process and the joy spent together far outweighs the grief of loss.

rip tasker and thanks for sharing.

ps love the ball pic

**smmokan** · 07-08-2006, 10:02 PM

Stomp, that's what I'm starting to slowly realize as well. The joy and happiness we had over the last year has far outweighed the grief, however great it is. It was one of the best years of my life, and I'm sure it was the best of his. Our other dog seems to be taking it pretty hard- he was the little guy who always followed... so he'll be getting a big brother or sister soon. I know that the pain I've gone through the last few days has been absolutely horrible, but I also know that having a dog (or two) is one of the greatest things you can do in your life.

**FartBag Commando** · 07-08-2006, 11:18 PM

Hang in there Lloyd. I don't know what I'd do without Dewey and Soli but I know they will always make me so very happy, just like Tasker did with you. Hang on to the good stuff always! +++++VIBES++++++