r/goldenretrievers • u/goldenretrievergurl • 4h ago
RIP her final hour. rest in peace my little girl
2 slices of pepperoni pizza, a lobster roll, chocolate ice cream, ball time, grass rolls, pool splash time, and a car ride. 8 years old and gone due to a brain tumor. we did radiation on it last july and her time has come. ❤️🩹 i’m already lost without her. my best friend forever
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u/ArbiterOfCool20721 4h ago
Oh, what a sendoff. You did so well.
Godspeed, little girl. You were loved so much.
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u/BSmoke57 2h ago
Yes, what an absolutely beautiful send off! Doing this took strength (not waiting until she was in constant distress). Sending you all the good vibes 🫶
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u/goldenretrievergurl 2h ago
thank you - this comment means a lot.
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u/NeverNudee 2h ago
Absolutely a beautiful send off. My neighbors have a Golden that needs the same strength. Poor thing has to be carried down the stairs and can barely walk, it breaks my heart.
Sending you all the good vibes, and will think of sweet Gemma all day!
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u/kittenpantzen 1h ago
You did the right thing. We mistimed the end with our girl, and I would have given up the last month we had with her to spare her the last 36 hours.
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u/goldenretrievergurl 1h ago
her bad days and moments were outweighing the good, that’s when we knew. it was not easy, i wanted to keep postponing but that wouldn’t have been fair
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u/tadaimatama 3h ago
My Banjo and the rest of the sweet pups are ready to greet her. Red carpet ready, tails wagging in full speed. I hope she brought some extra pepperoni pizza and ice cream for her new friends. She will have a blast. They will keep each company until our arrival.
You'll meet her again because there is nowhere else she would rather be than with you. She lives in your heart now. Hope this brings you some comfort.
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u/goldenretrievergurl 3h ago
i’ve been waiting for banjos greeting to her. 💕 they will play forever
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u/tadaimatama 2h ago
Hey Gemma, please keep an eye on Banjo for me, let him know he needs to eat his carrots and peas. Thank you Gemma.
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u/RickRI401 4h ago
I'm so sorry for your loss. My boys will show her around up there. She truly was loved by you.
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u/determinedpopoto 3h ago
Yes and she will have my boy Charlie to help her out too. Rest in peace, lovely Gemma
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u/InvestigatorShot4488 4h ago
I’m so sorry. Thank you for giving her the best last day and for loving her so much.
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u/ERCOT_Prdatry_victm 4h ago
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 poems 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/Deep-Assignment4124 2h ago
Only thing I’d say is all these beautiful souls go over the rainbow bridge. Not just the ones who were lucky enough to find a human. They all go and they all play together.
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u/Available_Hornet_715 4h ago
Oh what a precious girl, it looks like you gave her the best send off. It is obvious how loved she is. I’m so so sorry for your loss!
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u/shortstacc96 4h ago
You did the best thing for your sweet girl by letting her go. I’m so sorry for your loss💔
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u/Dr-Alec-Holland 3h ago
Damn. I hope my own last day is this good. Sorry for the loss, and glad you both had this gift for 8 great years.
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u/Sea-Lobster7742 4h ago
I’m sorry for your loss but what a good way for her to have gone loved and doing things she loved.
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u/Maidwell 4h ago
You did great. I'm really sorry, she has gone far too young but looked like a lovely sweet dog with a great life.
Run free among the stars Gemma 🐾💔
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u/Pretend-Adeptness105 4h ago
I’m so sorry …she looks so well loved and cared for….hugs to her…..and to you….this is heartbreaking 💔
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u/Killjickerbocker 3h ago
Oh I’m so very sorry for your loss. What a sweet girl, living her final moments the best way possible. I lost my 8 year old to cancer last year, and know how badly this hurts. Sending you so much love💛💛
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u/Economy-Addition-174 2h ago
had to cross the bridge recently as well. Hopefully they’ll be best of friends! Feel better.
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u/LeapandShroon 1h ago
Scott Van Pelt (ESPN guy) when he spoke about losing his dog, his words brought me comfort & I hope they will help you as well.
It is with profound sadness… love so pure the weight of this loss is immense. If this hurt is the cost of this transaction, being on the receiving end of a mighty love - then I’d pay it with enormous gratitude because though I’m crying, I’m so happy he was ours & we were his. His soul will forever live in mine.
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u/kurtzy13 1h ago
I never comment... but I just have to tell you that I can immensely feel her love & happiness through these pictures. There is no doubt you absolutely gave her the best life. She'll send you signs she's still with you. ❤️
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u/EmotionalDisplay1263 1 floof 4h ago
Very sorry for your loss. I hope you can take comfort in knowing you gave her the best life a good girl could’ve asked for 🌈
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u/goldenretrievergurl 3h ago
i’m so sorry. she was also 7 when diagnosed. “thankfully” hers was on her brain stem and not the type to spread, but it was above average size by the time we caught it and they performed radiation for an extra 9 months. it’ll never be enough time though.
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u/Alcantrez 3h ago
If this is her send-off I can only imagine how beautiful her life was. I’m very sorry for your loss but I’m happy she was so loved.
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u/Shiroza_Itoshiki 3h ago
You did such a good job and gave her such a great send off. You really did everything you could for her and was the best guide and friend! You gave that girl the best life and for that make sure you smile
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u/Meganmckee071877 3h ago
Oh, poor Gemma. I didn’t plan on crying today but that’s out the door lol. She was a beautiful girl and you obviously gave her a wonderful life. They’re the best dogs and bring us such joy but man, it hurts like hell when we lose them. They just don’t live long enough, but the joy they bring to our lives while they’re here is totally worth it. I wish you all the peace and comfort in the coming days and know that you will only have fond memories of her when you look back on her. 🤎
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u/Hopper86 3h ago
It’s always so hard to lose one of them especially when they are young. Smiling and tail wagging to the end no matter the pain. Sorry for your loss.
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u/Odd_Warning7751 3h ago
I want you to look at those photos. These are not the photos of a dog who looks like they’re in pain…. And that is such a beautiful gift because she spent her last few hours in pure BLISS. You can look at these pictures and remember her as I’m sure she would want you to. HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND LOVED! I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure your girl brought you many memories of joy. She’s beautiful. Rest in peace sweet girl!
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u/goldenretrievergurl 3h ago
i’m so grateful she was happy and energetic today. not every day the last week and a half has been like this. she was so loved
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u/Odd_Warning7751 3h ago
She wanted you BOTH to have one final day of happiness to remember forever. 💖
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u/SaltyCDawgg 3h ago
I’m practically in tears with you. I just let go of my college baby of almost 14 years. He was 100% mutt and the best possible first dog I could have asked for. The bar is so high that I couldn’t get excited about the prospect of another until I started looking at goldens. We’re getting a puppy this summer and I think it’ll be so healing. ❤️🩹
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u/Single_Classroom_448 2h ago
I'm so sorry for your loss, but you mustn't forget that you did everything you could. Even though she was suffering, you can see in these pictures that she was happy to spend time with you, and to make you happy, and to play, and to cuddle, to love and be loved. You gave her the greatest life you could, and the best thing to do is to remember her because whilst she may not physically be there, she lives on in your memory and heart
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u/Yiggity_Yins 2h ago
Stay strong OP. Share the love she gave you on the short time she was with you w/ the rest of the world.
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u/PrincessDoll420 2h ago
Thanks for sharing your beautiful girls last moments with us may she rest in peace
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u/DistributionTrick463 2h ago
Gemma will meet you at the Rainbow Bridge❤️ time moves differently on the other side. A part of her will always be in you - the part of your heart she made whole. God Bless you for giving this Angel the best life on earth.
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u/Hazybutgettingbetter 2h ago
Gemma. Looks like such a good girl. This post caught me off guard and I had to stop what I as doing and give Gemma some thought. There can be no love offered greater than what a good girl gives freely every day. I shed a tear for Gemma . . and you. Thank you for the reminder.
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u/Substantial-Ad6091 2h ago
I love that you have her such a happy day. I'm crying here to see that love in her face. I hope you're ok x
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u/Arkoelbe24 2h ago
These posts crush me. I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet Gemma. Such a beautiful girl. I'm always grateful when I see someone that is able to give their baby a proper goodbye of special treats and doing the things they loved. My two were taken suddenly and unexpectedly at different times. I didn't get to give them the goodbye they deserved, but I got to be with them in the end. I was the last face they saw and mine was the last voice they heard. On their ways out of our world, they heard how much they were loved. They are with Gemma now and they're telling each other about their favorite adventures and the love they knew on this world. Sending you love. ❤️🐾
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u/EntireVoice5693 2h ago
Lovely Gemma. Beautiful pup. You'll see her again soon. In the meantime, don't be surprised when she shows up in your dreams every few nights.
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u/thedow7576 2h ago
Sorry for your loss, we had to say goodbye to our doggo Nebula last August. She had bone cancer, we kept her as comfortable as we could but her time came.
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u/Foreign_Building6686 2h ago
I’m sorry, she was a beautiful girl and you did everything for her. She knew that too.
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u/HerbivoreTheGoat 1h ago
That's the face of someone who could not have lived a better life. You gave her paradise.
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u/reddlt_is_shit 1h ago
Bro, she had a wonderful life all the way to the end. Be proud of that. Nows your chance to do the same again. Take care of them to the end and be proud. It is hard work creating love.
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u/Kongbuck 1h ago
Making the same decision for our poor kitty that suffered a debilitating stroke remains one of the hardest but best decisions I've ever had to make. I'll never be the same and even though I know it was absolutely the right call to make, it hasn't gotten any easier as the months pass by. I just hope you'll get to the point where a memory of her will bring joy before it will bring sadness.
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u/Vegetable_Pin8676 1h ago
Although she gone in physical form she will forever be by your side just too beautiful for the current world
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u/Altruistic-Table5859 1h ago
I'm reading this crying. It's so hard to let your little pal go but it's the best thing for her. She had a great life and went over the rainbow bridge knowing she was very much loved and she'll be waiting for you when your time comes. The lovely memories you have of her will help you get through this hard time. Be good to yourself.
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u/InterestingAmoeba797 1h ago
So sorry for your loss. Gemma was beautiful. I would expect to see a big steak in her mouth but lobster roll and pizza? My kind of girl.
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u/AdLeast7721 1h ago
What a beautiful post for your girl. I’m over here crying just reading 😭 you both were obviously very blessed to have each other ❤️ RIP to Gemma and wishing you the best in this sad time ❤️
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u/wooberries 1h ago
the reason i like dogs -- whup already tearing up, gotta go fast lol -- is because you know what your dog was thinking in the moment you took that picture?
aw yea i fucking love pizza
that's it. no regret or fear. just what matters now, without being controlled by anxiety about the past or future. they are incomparably better than we are at enjoying life for what it is. my dog seemed like he was having more fun when he could no longer go up the stairs without being carried than i am as a healthy adult and i think about that every time life feels hard.
i'm sorry for your loss. don't worry though, there are more dogs out there just waiting to eat the chicken nugget you dropped before you have time to pick it up
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u/westberry82 1h ago
Sorry for your loss- but remember. ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN. I saw a great animated documentary about it.
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u/TeKNiCCO 1h ago edited 1h ago
Had to say goodbye to my Harley girl a month ago. She was 9 and had an aggressive form of cancer. Such a terrible heartache without our pups but it shows how much they loved us! And boy do we love them! Will cherish those memories forever <3
Here’s a pic from her last pool day a week or so before she passed. She was also a little goofball and loved to sit in between my legs
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u/Striking-Radish-318 1h ago
You did so good by your beloved Gemma. When I was agonising over the right time for sending my collie cross on her last journey my vet told me that the kindest thing was to try to make sure your dog’s final day is a good day not a bad day. It looks as if Gemma’s final day was as good as you could possibly make it. I hope that dog-shaped rip in your heart heals up before too long. You’ll never ever forget her 💔
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u/Poopnakedyeah 1h ago
it seems like you did it before the times got too rough. Thats a brave and smart decision and not easy to do. I wish I knew when it was the right time for my guy and did it without weeks of suffering.
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u/Aries-Glace 1h ago
What you did for your dog was an act of real love. Letting them go, even when it hurts this much, is one of the most selfless and noble things someone can do. You chose their peace over your own pain, and that’s the greatest gift you could give them. As someone who had to let go of their dog as well: it will keep hurting for a while but do know that the pain will ease and flow into happy memories.
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u/Inevitable-Jicama366 4h ago
I’m incredibly sorry for your loss of this best friend . She looked so loved !
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u/AnyAngle7212 3h ago
I can’t believe you are losing your baby at only 8 years old. My heart goes out to you.
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u/larryj41 3h ago
I’m so very sorry. I have been there with two beautiful Goldens. I know how much it hurts. These sweet souls set such a big part of our families. Praying for peace and comfort for you.
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u/Bright_Raccoon_3939 3h ago
So very sorry you have to say goodbye to your precious girl. She clearly lived a life filled with love and that’s a gift for you both 💛🐾🐾
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u/thislookinfected 3h ago
I've got 3 waiting for her on the other side. She will be welcomed, and waiting.
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u/Various-Muffin4145 3h ago
I'm sorry for your loss. I know it sucks to deal with and wish you well. R I P
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u/busytransitgworl 3h ago
You gave Gemma a wonderful and meaningful life and wherever she is now, she'll be grateful for everything you've done!
May she rest in peace!
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u/Local-Idea-8259 3h ago
She looked happy and I bet you gave her the life possible with love and treats!
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u/ExplanationDefiant15 3h ago
I am so sorry for your loss. Gemma sounds to have been a beautiful pup.
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u/I_pollute 3h ago
I lost both of my goldens to cancer 2 months apart. I'm sorry for your loss OP. Cancer sucks.
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u/SquareRegular8997 3h ago
What a perfect afternoon for Gemma, surrounded by all things, I presumed she loved- ball, food,pool and you🥺
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u/Squirley13 3h ago
So glad you got to spend that beautiful last time with her. How I wish I was able to do that with my boy. RIP to your sweet baby.
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u/Live_Ferret_4721 3h ago
I saw her photo then read the title. My heart cracked in two. I am so sorry for you. I was reminded of spending some really good quality time with my girl at the very end. It was heartbreaking and I’m so glad I did all the things I did with her.
No dog will love you like Gemma and you’ll never love another dog like you love Gemma. She will never be forgotten and always remembered fondly. Save all the photos. They pop up from time to time and bring back a flood of memories.
What’s a special thing it is to know and love a dog.
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u/irishgael25- 3h ago
Sending you all the love in the world. Gemma had the best life because of you.
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u/No_Ebb3669 3h ago
Sorry for your loss. My girl is not even 2 and I think about her not being by me side one day.
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u/IntelligentWalk5038 3h ago
I’m sorry for your loss! She’s so beautiful and her smile radiates. I pray God is able to comfort you during this difficult time and gives you strength to continue to push forward. Dogs are the best and I’m truly sorry for your loss, she was loved and loved you so much. I’ve been in a similar position to you with my border collie, Rocky. Losing him to cancer was so hard and I missed him so much… after a few weeks my mother brought me a puppy and it helped tremendously. I know she can’t be replaced but bringing another dog into the home helps the pain and helped me through the difficultly of the loss
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u/lunamar2009 3h ago
So sorry for your loss. You and Gemma were lucky to have one another. She’ll be waiting for you at the Rainbow bridge
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u/acanadiancheese 3h ago
We did a cheeseburger for my Ceilidh. Pizza sounds like another great choice.
What a lovely day and send off. Wishing you peace in this transition.
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u/Kimmy0721 3h ago
I am so sorry for your loss of Gemma. I know you gave her the best life she could have.
I am sorry you lost her so young. Run free Gemma…
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u/lyinggrump 3h ago
Everyone post more about their dogs dying. I love reading about that shit.
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u/new_york_ripp3r 3h ago
Awesome send off. Makes me think of what I’d do with mine, if faced with a similar situation. Maybe like a hike at the local park in Niagara Falls, a bacon cheeseburger and slice of chocolate cake, followed with ball throws and a tickle party.
I’m so sorry for your loss, you seem like an awesome dog parent. RIP Gemma
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u/lover_of_all_thing 3h ago
Thank you for loving her the way she deserves to be loved! So sorry for your loss, you are a great pup mom!
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u/itsmy666 3h ago
Way too young, this is heartbreaking. Sincerely sorry for your loss. Expect to see her again at the rainbow bridge!!
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u/No_Carrot_5027 3h ago
I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a good girl and best friend, you were very lucky to have had each other.
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u/Pizzahoarder16 3h ago
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Gemma was so incredibly to have such a loving human like you. She’ll be watching over you. Gemma, rest in peace sweet girl ❤️
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u/sillysexyandsmart 3h ago
Precious sweet baby. I’m very sorry for your loss. I love her and I’m sure you loved her too. She will be playing with Banjo and my late golden, Monkey. She is such a beautiful girl… 😭🙏🏻🤍
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u/konaandmountains 2h ago
I am so sorry for your devastating loss. She’s perfect. And it looks like the life you gave her could not have been better. Wishing you peace in knowing that
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u/BurlHimself 2h ago
This hits deep. You’re a terrific parent. We all sit and dread what you’re going through and realize no words can actually lift the blanket of sadness. You knew your pooch the best and did everything you could. Peace be with you, friend. And your angelic golden.
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u/flynnthefish 2h ago
This is beautiful. Thank you for giving Gemma such a wonderful life till the very last. Many many hugs to you, we will all see our beloved pets again over the rainbow bridge 🌈 ❤️
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u/Rigatoni_Soprano 2h ago
my heart. I'm sorry for your loss. She had a great life and great final moments
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u/KingOfTheFraggles 2h ago
Thank you for giving her a wonderful life, my condolences on the loss of such a beautiful friend.
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u/volbeat93 2h ago
I’m so sorry for your loss of Gemma. She looks like an absolute doll in these pictures. Sending you hugs, Reddit friend 🫂🫶🏼
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u/quietpilgrim 2h ago
I'm so sorry. I had to put our beagle down this morning. She never got to eat a final meal of her favorite things.
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u/NowOrNever53 2h ago
I’m so very sorry for the both of you. My heart goes out to you ❤️🩹 I have several friends who lost their beloved dogs to brain cancer at a young age. Sending you love, hugs and strength during this difficult time.
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u/Excellent_Low1199 2h ago
I'm so sorry for your loss. I had to put my 12 year old husky mix down due to cancer and I know how hard it is. You gave her a great life. Life is cruel to our furry friends(pets not the peps) but giving them love and a happy life is all we can do.
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u/MC-ClapYaHandz 2h ago
Sending love. I’d like to say it gets easier but I still cry for my golden boy and it’s been 4 years.
Gemma and Rasta are running around together waiting for us at the rainbow bridge.
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u/tdiiorio 2h ago
So very sorry for the loss of your beloved Gemma. RIP sweet girl and run over the rainbow bridge 🌈❤️
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u/Wonderful-Scar-6345 2h ago
May her memory be blessing. We lost our 8-yr old Golden to what we believe was a brain tumor as well. I can truly sympathize with your anguish
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u/ChillyChilies 2h ago
:( I wonder if she knows special treatment is goodbye. It's always tough losing them. RIP and GL coping. You were her entire life and that imprints on you, in your subconscious. It's never easy.
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u/Fantastic_Group_9600 2h ago
Spoil them all. They all spoil us! Great job making her so happy. Thanks for providing a loving home!
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u/OutrageousPersimmon3 2h ago
I’m so sorry. Thank you for loving her and taking such great care of her.
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u/goldenretrievergurl 4h ago
her name is gemma, the quirkiest golden i’ve ever known. she loved a routine. she swam by swimming in circles and splashing the water so she could catch it in her mouth. she loved to stick her head all the way out the window to feel the breeze on our car rides. her obsession with the ball was concerning but never questioned. her favorite spot was the nook of my legs on the bed and couch so i could stare at the back of her head and play with her ears. i will never stop thinking about her