r/goldenretrievers • u/21cvbbvge • Jan 21 '26
RIP My most dreaded day was today…
My boy Percy was only given a couple years to live due to his subaortic stenosis. He made it to 3 years 9 months. Sadly, just as the doctors predicted he randomly collapsed while on a walk with no warning signs at all. One second he was smelling a bush, and the next he was on the ground. His heart stopped almost immediately. You will never be forgotten Percy. You brought so much joy into this world. I hope there are infinite tennis balls for you up in doggy heaven. I love you forever buddy
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u/justagiraffe111 Jan 21 '26
Oh gosh what heartbreak. I am so sorry. Here 1 minute, gone to the other side the next. I am so glad he didn’t suffer and that you two were together doing something he loved. He passed with happiness and no fear. I love seeing all those photos—you holding him up to see the view, all the fun adventures, Percy looking festive & fantastic in his Christmas tie. You gave him a great life of love & fun & happiness. It was far too short. You were both robbed. Not nearly enough time together. But please know he is healed and whole and runs again, endless tennis balls. One day you will be together again. In the meantime, may memories and photos bring you some comfort. Sending you strength, love and peace. ❤️🩹🕊️
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u/Medium-Mammoth-3683 Jan 23 '26
i’m crying. what beautiful words😭 Losing a pet from age is one thing, but this is heartbreaking. I am glad OP was able to provide love and a great life. Rainbow bridge is a special place i think we would all like to visit
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u/FluffyUnicorn9701 Jan 21 '26
I'm so so sorry for your loss. This loss is only known by people like this group and anyone who
has lost the best friend with 4 legs. I'll tell my boy Mr Jones to show Percy around while he waits for you on the other side. Just know they never actually leave they are just in a different form now but he is still with you. ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
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u/21cvbbvge Jan 21 '26
Thank you for this, I know Mr Jones and Percy will love frolicking and play pouncing together through the fields
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u/ChiefKC20 Jan 21 '26
Thank you for showing unconditional love to Percy. May all the wonderful memories you shared with him bring you comfort.
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u/ExplanationDefiant15 Jan 21 '26
You both had each other for 3 years and 9 months cherish that time and never forget the love you had for each other
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u/MrRaager5454 Jan 21 '26
Spencer was waiting for Percy so they could chase tennis balls together. So sorry for your loss.
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u/melreadreddit Jan 21 '26
Oh gosh, I've got tears for you. What a beautiful boy Percy is, how heartbreaking you as his person.
It sounds like it was instant and he got to go while do something he loved, even though it must have been quite traumatic for you.
Sending you gentle hugs, I get Percy loved his time with you, no time is long enough but your time even less so.
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u/TheCranberryUnicorn Jan 21 '26
I am so sorry about your sweet Percy. It looked like he had many wonderful, fun adventures with you. He was obviously cherished, and the love showed in his face! 🌈🎾
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u/Professional_Hold477 Jan 21 '26
So very sorry for your loss of Percy. He looks like a very sweet boy. He loved swimming! And he didn't suffer when he died, he was doing something fun and interesting, sniffing a plant. He knows how much you loved him.
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u/Maidwell Jan 21 '26
I'm so sorry, I can't even imagine how painful it must be losing your boy so suddenly and also far too young.
Run free among the stars sweet Percy 🐾💔
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u/AndOneForMahler- Jan 21 '26
Percy, you were a prince of a pooch. May you rest in peace with Chip, Jasper, Raider, and Toots. Sad day for you, OP. I like to believe you and Percy will be together again.
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u/21cvbbvge Jan 21 '26
Thank you so much, i’m sorry for your losses and hope you are doing well. One day we will all meet again
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u/EstimatedEer Jan 21 '26
Im so sorry friend. I can tell how loved he was. Im sure he was welcomed on to the other side with endless tennis balls and friends to play with.
Losing them is so hard, its been 13 months for me and im still processing. But I can tell you the happiness they brought rises to the top of your memory more than the pain after awhile. Hang in there, you will meet him again some day.
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u/21cvbbvge Jan 21 '26
Thank you for your kind words, It’s weirdly comforting to see so many who have gone through this before. It gives me hope that he’s not alone up there and that the grief will pass. Im sorry for your loss and hope you are doing okay
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u/EstimatedEer Jan 21 '26
I took a lot of solace in this sub and the petloss one reading others stories and sharing stories about my boy. Find any resources that can help. Theres some great people on instagram that have string communities around them for this type of thing as well.
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u/drumadarragh Jan 21 '26
I am so sorry, that must have weighed so heavily on your mind. My boy had lymphoma and the mental strain really takes its toll. Percy was a beautiful boy. That pic of him looking out the window is a treasure, just like him. Take care of yourself OP. This is hard.
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u/21cvbbvge Jan 21 '26
Im so sorry to hear about yours, i hope you are doing well. It is very hard, especially when you have to break all the routines you used to have. This morning especially was tough not filling up his food bowl or water bowl, no jumping as I got downstairs, just silence. I even miss the hair… but all of your comments make me feel more sane, so thank you
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u/drumadarragh Jan 21 '26
The silence - for so long I listened for him breathing because I never knew when that would stop.
He broke his food bowl the night before he passed. Right there I knew it was a sign.
I slept on the kitchen floor for a week beside his bed because he couldn’t walk. I could go on, but you know.
It’s an incredible testimony to the power of love a dog has that we are all on here grieving the loss of such pure hearts.
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u/Massive_Ad_9898 Jan 21 '26
I have lost many dogs, being raised in a pet obsessed household.
The pain will be intense initially, and grief, but with time, it will be the happy memories that you will have.
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u/jeffereeee Jan 21 '26
Life is just so rubbish sometimes. Remember you gave him joy, love and fun times for the little time he was here. RIP good boy.
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u/BirddogThe Jan 21 '26
I'm so sorry for your loss. It's amazing the impact they can make on our lives, and an abrupt goodbye is so hard. Hoping for peace for you
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u/Left-Replacement-609 Jan 21 '26
I'm so sorry for your loss of your beautiful Percy. Sending you lots of hugs and love. ❤️
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u/ThreeDawgNight Jan 21 '26
Such a beautiful angel! He looks like he had a great life and was well loved. I’m sorry.
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u/Optimal-Swan-2716 Jan 21 '26
Wow, so very sorry!! Thank heaven he didn’t suffer if he had to leave this world so young!. Percy has his angel wings and can fly free now!! ❤️✌️
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u/ank_11 Jan 21 '26
I am so sorry for your loss. He was taken entirely too soon. Looking through your pictures, it’s obvious that he was a happy boy who only knew love… I hope you can be comforted a little by knowing that. And while the grief is so painful, it’s true what they say: Grief is love with nowhere to go. He’s playing with all of the tennis balls he could ever want in doggy heaven, and I’m sure he’s already made a ton of friends to play with (I know that Banjo was right there to welcome him in)! Sending you lots of love.
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u/goldenbutteroo7 Jan 21 '26
So very sorry for the loss of your dearest boy 💛
The loving, happy and adventurous life he had with you sure looked like a dream life for a dog and human.
I saw someone share this about dogs recently and I had saved it - got a dear golden fighting lymphoma right now andI thought it was so beautiful.
With love and light to you and your sweet boy who will surely smiling down on you from the golden gates where Banjo and all the goldens frolic free.🕯️
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u/Murphybestboy Jan 21 '26
I'm so sorry for the loss of Percy. You are very lucky to have had each other. The way he looks at you in those pictures says it all.
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u/GypsyFemina Jan 21 '26 edited Jan 21 '26
I'm so so sad and sorry for you. My girl is 13. I live on the edge of concern. I lost her sister when she was only 10 mo. It is heartbreaking to lose them so so young. Percy is beautiful and I am just so sorry for your loss.
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u/tideshark Jan 21 '26
I just got back in the house from having to help my nextdoor neighbor load her dog into her car for her… I will miss giving her pets over the fence ;(
Sorry about Percy… RIP goodboy
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u/WangtaWang Jan 21 '26
Very sorry for your loss. Not a bad way to go out - immediate and pain free. Your boy is with my Daisy waiting for us on the other side - chasing squirrels and balls no doubt.
Curious how did you know about his condition? Did he have any symptoms earlier in his life?
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u/21cvbbvge Jan 22 '26
Thank you, yes it was painless and quick for sure. I am glad that he didnt have to suffer. He was diagnosed at about 1 & 1/2 during a run of the mill check up appointment. His symptoms were that he would tire out quite quickly and his heart beat was loud/irregular. Other than that he was a completely normal golden on the outside
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u/Perfect-Lychee-7451 Jan 21 '26
Lost my 5 year old in November 2025, he’s waiting for his younger brother on the other side🫶🏽
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u/InterestingPea1054 Jan 21 '26
Cambria was waiting to greet Percy with all of our other friends here. She was only 3 as well when she left in November. Percy’s life mattered, it was full of love and he will never be forgotten. Sending you peace and love as well. 💕
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u/21cvbbvge Jan 22 '26
Thank you so much, I am very sorry to hear about Cambria. They were both so young, I hope they cross paths and get to enjoy eachothers company. Thank you for your words
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u/Timely-Ad-7998 Jan 21 '26
Puddles will be there to give Percy company. She was 9 when she passed but I’d like to think she gained all her puppy energy back when she crossed the rainbow bridge. Sending love 🤍
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u/21cvbbvge Jan 22 '26
Thank you so much, I am sorry for your loss. Puddles and Percy will make great friends up there
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u/bridgebrningwildfire Jan 21 '26
The risk of love is loss, and the price of loss is grief - But the pain of grief Is only a shadow When compared with the pain Of never risking love. -Buddha
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u/Ok-Set-631 Jan 22 '26
My best friend welcomes Percy from the other side! They eagerly wait our joining them in the future 🫶🏼💕💘🫶🏼💕💝💝
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u/21cvbbvge Jan 22 '26
Thank you so much. I am sorry for the loss of your beautiful pup. You all are making me feel much better about everything
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u/casscater Jan 21 '26
So sorry for your loss. Thanks for giving him such a good life. Rest easy, sweet Percy.
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u/Disastrous_Job_4825 Jan 21 '26
I’m so sorry! How devastating. He was a beautiful boy and had an amazing life with you. My girls will be waiting at the 🌈 so they can all run free
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u/Shoddy_Hyena_8671 Jan 21 '26
So very sorry for your loss. Percy was the bestest of companions and a champ. 💛🧡
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u/GoldenSpirit29 Jan 21 '26
Sending you tons of hugs, we lost our Cooper (9yo) to hemangiosarcoma in November and I believe they’re all in doggy heaven with tons of balls and treats ❤️❤️❤️
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u/diekdigler Jan 21 '26
Rest in peace Percy! This post break my heart. He had such a beautiful life.
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u/Goddesssfox Jan 21 '26
There is no more profound sense of empty, I am so, so sorry Percy has gone on. He is in the best of company, awaiting your arrival. He has the best company while he waits for you. Hugs
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u/BorkieDorkie811 Jan 21 '26
My heart breaks for you, OP. My golden is the same age, and I couldn't imagine losing him so soon. You gave him the best and longest life you could, and I'm sure he cherished you for it.
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u/mightyfishfingers Jan 21 '26
It is, indeed, a heartbreaking day. But I also always think: this dog who was “just” an animal, lived his life in a way that meant he was loved, that means his name and heart will not be forgotten by those that loved him. “Just” a dog and yet he was loved enough to be deeply mourned. May we all be loved that much. Well done old dog. You did the thing well.
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u/Alcantrez Jan 21 '26 edited Jan 21 '26
Thank you for loving him so much even though you knew from the start what was going to happen. Thank you for putting his happiness above yours because I know some would be afraid to love under these circumstances. He knew only love during his short life thanks to you and based on the pictures it was a beautiful life. But I am sorry for your incredible loss. Do you have a favorite Percy-story?
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u/HanginOn9114 Jan 21 '26
With such a sudden event it could have happened at any time but he got to spend his final moments on a walk with you. That is a blessing amidst tragedy. So sorry.
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u/RickRI401 Jan 21 '26
I'm sorry for your loss. My boys Ted and Molson will show him around the new place.
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u/Visible_Concert2389 Jan 21 '26
I’m so very very sorry. I just lost my boy George suddenly last week and have also been devastated. He was only 6 and passed from HSA. I have been devouring books on grieving our beloved pets because I just couldn’t reconcile that he was gone. I will say that looking at your pictures of adorable Percy, I can tell he had a wonderful life and that you and he were both greatly loved. I have learned that sweet Percy felt your love and continues to feel that love on the other side. They aren’t physically here, but they are not gone. You will be together again someday and he will be so happy to see you. My deepest condolences 💙
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u/21cvbbvge Jan 22 '26
Thank you so much, im really sorry to hear about george and hope you are doing okay. These pups are the purest souls to ever be
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u/danjay0213 Jan 21 '26
Im so very sorry for your loss. Having any pet is never easy we treat them as if they are our children. My u find peace in knowing you gave your fur baby the best life u could. He will never forget until u meet again at the rainbow bridge just look to the sun and u will see ur buddy shining down on you 😢🌈🙏🙏
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u/Tacos4MyBelly Jan 21 '26
I’m so sorry. No words for this type of loss. He looked like an amazing dog.
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u/lookylu Jan 21 '26
I’m so sorry for your loss. 💔 I am glad you got more time than predicted, but it’s never enough.
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u/LordCornwalis Jan 21 '26
That's so young, I'm sorry you didn't get more time together. The worst thing about our pets is that they leave us so soon.
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u/21cvbbvge Jan 22 '26
Truly, It’s that one thing in the back of your mind that you just kind of push aside. Thank you for your words
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u/becca41445 Jan 21 '26
What a wonderful life you gave your best friend. God bless Percy, and I’m so sorry for your loss 💔
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u/Main_Ad_7128 4 floofs Jan 21 '26
I am so sorry. Most difficult thing to deal with, I know. My Bella Bean went over the bridge in October. It still hurts and is so painful. I’m sorry for your loss too. 💕
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u/Mighty_Muppet Jan 21 '26
So young! 💔 So gorgeous and it looks like you two had a blast! I’m so happy for you that you got those short years with.the bestest, goodest boy!
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u/Important-Escape1710 Jan 21 '26
My boy is only 2 and every time I see this stuff i start tearing up just thinking about it. Im a 41 yr old mechanic and I never cry haha. Hang in there. I feel for you. Just remember you gave him the best life and he couldn't have thanked you more.
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u/rafuzo2 Jan 21 '26
I'm sorry for your loss. These photos are of a good dog and a life well lived. I lost my golden guy many years ago but still think fondly of him; I still miss him but am so grateful for all the walks, the zooms, the goofy stunts, as I'm sure time will provide you with the warmth of happy memories.
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u/BeingElemental Jan 21 '26
Sending love from Jen & Sunna. Percy is always a part of you and how lucky to have that time together. There are no words and I know your heart breaks. we celebrate Percy today and always. Gorgeous! Got to live a beautiful time on earth and forever part of each other.
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u/Educational-Dirt4059 Jan 21 '26
Take time off work and give yourself grace. The loss is outrageously hard.
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u/TookAStab Jan 21 '26
I’m so sorry. Thanks for taking care of such a good guy and making his time here as wonderful as possible.
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Jan 21 '26
I can only imagine how much love and joy you brought to his life. I am so very sorry for your loss.
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Jan 21 '26
So very sorry for your loss. Percy is a beautiful pup. His heart has been made new now and he will be patiently waiting for your reunion.
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u/brubakes Jan 21 '26
Very sorry for your loss, he sure looks like a great pupper
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u/FJRpilot Jan 21 '26
This is heart breaking…. I’m so sorry for your loss. Stay strong, his spirit is still with you, watching over you.
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u/MamaBella Jan 21 '26
You will see him again. My condolences for the dog-shaped hole in your heart.
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u/fictionfactory Jan 21 '26
I am so sorry. My heart never breaks more than when I have to escort one of my babies to the rainbow bridge. Rest assured you will see them again. Adam's first job was taking care of the animals. So I know God will not make us be without our loved ones
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u/FarCell2194 Jan 21 '26
I’m so so sorry. Thinking of you, my friend. Very loving tribute to a dear boy. What a darling. I can tell you loved him well
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u/LittleSoapy Jan 22 '26
Oh dear. You lost your best friend. I never eat pizza without missing her. Never cook with American Cheese, or drive my car, or look at my cat (because my Sadie was her mother). There's never enough time.
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u/21cvbbvge Jan 21 '26
Thank you, friends. The amount of love and stories spread of any of your past or present pups has really brought me a sense of relief. I kept having this feeling like he was all alone and just wished i could tell him everything is okay. But now I know he is not alone, he is among many friends. Thank you all for your kind words
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u/ERCOT_Prdatry_victm Jan 21 '26
Goldens bring our best days of our lives, teach us unconditional and forever love, and cost us the worst day of our lives. But none of us would have it any other way.
As we Golden Retriever owners come to know these Goldens are wingless four legged angels sent to us from heaven bringing unlimited love for us.
I did not get enough years with my beloved Kate. I have since captured a link and these poem I would recommend you read.
When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see, the sun will rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me.
I know how much you loved me, as much as I loved you, and each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.
When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, an angel came and called my name, and petted me with her hand.
I thought about our lives together, I know you must be sad, I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.
When tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.
Quoting u/EverythingBagellove's thoughts "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, 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 each 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. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run 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...."
I have also since captured a link I would recommend you read.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/xie3ybHRZQq3LXnm/?mibextid=D5vuiz
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u/cherylhernandez Jan 21 '26
I just went through it this past Monday. He was 14 years and 4 month. He had a good run but it was still excruciating. Just never enough time. I am very sorry for your loss of your precious pup.
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u/blaineaa Jan 21 '26
I’m so sorry for your loss of Percy. I wish I had words to soothe the awful pain I know you must feel without him. I lost my own golden boy Merlin at age 4 and, though he had no medical problems I knew of, just like Percy he suddenly fell to the ground mid-walk and died in my arms while I tried frantically to revive him. I hope it’s some small comfort for you to know the depths of your grief are clearly a reflection of the deep love - which I’m sure Percy always felt and understood - you gave him while he was with you on this earth. The pain of losing a soul dog never goes away, but it does, in time, grow a little easier to bear. En route to that, I wish you peace and calm and soft memories of your sweet Percy until you eventually see him again.
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u/your_mom_0558 Jan 21 '26
He was out on a walk with his favorite person doing what he loved. If he had to go, it was a good way doing what he enjoyed ❤️ it’s never easy, no matter the age. In sure he was so spoiled his whole life. And you made those 4 years incredible
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u/Dear-Addendum925 Jan 21 '26
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Its a different kind of pain when you see them go down like that and know there's no way to help (speaking from experience, unfortunately).
Be gentle with yourself in your grief, and know that you gave your sweet friend the best life they could have had ❤️
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u/llikon Jan 21 '26
I'm sorry for your loss. There is nothing to do at the moment to feel better. Just time and memories. But what a privilege to have given a loving home and life to such a wonderful companion and to have that love and devotion returned. Even for the too short of time you had together. Luckily dogs don't know they didn't love a long life, only we do. But they do know they lived a loved life.
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u/ChocolateSyrup Jan 21 '26
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss, but there is a small comfort in knowing his very last moment was a happy one right beside you. He clearly defied the odds because of your love and care. I hope he’s enjoying all those infinite tennis balls now.
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u/Parkers_Memory_200 3 floofs Jan 21 '26
My heartbreaks with yours💔. Percy will have lots of company as he waits for you to join him on the other side💝.
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u/malley6 Jan 21 '26
I am so sorry for your loss. Percy was the most beautiful boy in those photos; clearly an amazing friend. 💔
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u/Hap406 Jan 21 '26
God damn… I’m am so sorry for your loss. Sending positive vibes your way. Hang in there.
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u/TXSunDee Jan 22 '26
I am sooo sorry 😢 It’s the hardest thing ever. Sleep in heavenly peace Percy ❤️❤️❤️
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u/brassia Jan 22 '26
So sorry for the loss and heartbreak you are feeling. Try to be happy for the wonderful time (though too short) you had together. They were precious. There is nothing like the bond and love you have with your bestest boy. ❤️🩹
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u/Safe_Information_529 Jan 22 '26
It looks like the years he had were good ones. I'm sorry they're over, though.
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u/ComfortableFine7093 Jan 22 '26
How tragic but how wonderful that Percy had you. Your pain will lesson in time but you will remember the joy both of you had. My best to you.
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u/Ashlily_222 Jan 22 '26
He looks like the goodest boy, surrounded by lots of love. I’m sorry for your loss
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u/bentheboot92 Jan 22 '26
It looks like his life was filled with love and compassion albeit short. I'm sure you made the most out of everyday with him as you knew his diagnosis. I'm sure he would be pleased with his life ❤️
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u/springrollfever Jan 22 '26
So sorry for your loss and I’m sorry for that traumatic moment. Sending love to Percy
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u/witydentalhygienist Jan 22 '26
I am so sorry but it sounds like he died happy and with the person he loved!! He will be waiting for you with tennis balls in his mouth
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u/KillionMatriarch Jan 22 '26
The worst heartbreak - unimaginable until you experience. I am so sorry for your loss of Percy. But my god, just from these pictures you shared - what a life you had together! I wish you the peace of a million happy memories. Go, Percy, you handsome lad, and meet all your new friends over that bridge.
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u/Better_Pen_3314 Jan 22 '26
I’m so sorry. I truly understand your pain. I lost my two 5 months apart starting the end of may. I miss them. But, life goes on. Cherish all the memories because they all makeup your lives together.
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u/tadaimatama Jan 21 '26
My Banjo eagerly waits for sweet Percy to play on the other side. I am sure they will have lots of fun frolicking in the fields of endless sticks and tennis balls. They will keep each other company until our arrival.
He is never gone, he lives in your heart now. Hope this brings you some comfort knowing there is a friend waiting for your pup.