What a lovely article. It's sounds like you and Phoebe really enjoyed each other. When we get our pets we pretty much know going in we're probably going to out live them. Not much help when you're sobbing over a lifeless body in the middle of the night, I know. But I can swear my beloved Siamese cat keeps visiting me, lol. Thanks for sharing your nice memories!

Aww....bless your heart. I am sorry for the loss of your beloved compadre. They crawl into our hearts and take up residence and become part of who we are. I wish you and Albert well, and hope that you take comfort in all that she gave you.

So beautiful and touching article, Karin. May it be of comfort to you to know that you have given to Phoebe all your care and much love. And she did the same to you too. When Flora's passing, a friend of mine wrote on my blog: "When they go, it is like some spirit of the house goes with them."
My thoughts are with you.
With warm embrace,
Sonia A. Mascaro.

Touching tribute, Karin. We who have loved our animal friends to and through the end know the grief when we lose them. Of course you did the right thing, but that doesn't make it easier. May her spirit will travel with you for a very long time.

So sad. My condolences.

Well, I can tell you all have been there. It's the pact we make, isn't it? That in exchange for all that friendship and fun, we'll have to see them die. We'll have to grieve, and there's just nothing to be done about it.

I've had to make that decision more than once. Even when it is obivious it is the right thing to do, it is not easy. If it were, there would be no point in having these companions, would there? And it takes time to heal. I still miss my Gryphon who was put down more than eight years ago. I love the two doggies we have now, but they are not the same as that wonderful friend I lost.

im so very sorry for your loss, my dog whos name is jhosy also live altadena. he is 6 years old. maybe we seen each other arund i usually walk my dog around the block near my house, i know the feeling of checking if he is ok or where he is, i cannot imagine the day will come for my dog to leave my side. i hope some day you will find comfort and know she is finally in peace.

Dearest Karin, Thank you for sharing I know just how you feel We also lost one our furbabies (Roxy) to cancer on August 24 2011. Roxy was just 3 years old, she broke her leg in late June trying to jump over our back fence chasing a cat. During a doctors visit I requested that they run more test on her because I felt that something was wrong. We received word in August that the cancer was all through her body and Roxy was in a lot of pain and had 3 weeks to live. I had 24 hours to make a decision and I carry that guilt with me to this day. I would love to say that my tears have all dried up but they still keep coming. I have found some comfort in a support group at rainbowbridge.com Again thank you for sharing, my Roxy also visits us often.

Nancy P.S. I loved your pictures)

I was fine through this until you mentioned Albert's searching.

As you who have commented well know, something new will bring this home every day. The gardeners come on Tuesday -- Phoebe and Albert would throw a giant, joyous riot from the inside of the house. They particularly loved the blower. Today Albert raced to the front door and realized he was there all by himself, so he came back and laid by my feet. Not a woof.

I am sorry for your lost.
I lost my boxer Mia 2 years ago, she was 10 1/2 yrs old, this was such a painful experience. But it was even harder to see Bruno, my other boxer (mix), searching for her around the house and sniffing her favorite's spots. Bruno behaved in the same way Albert is doing right now.

I am so sorry for your loss. I love visiting your blog and sneaking a peek at Phoebe and Albert. Absolutely the cutest and that I'm so innocent look they have. I know that look well because I too have a couple of Boxers who are always innocent. They comfort you when you're sad, act silly because they love to see you smile or laugh at their antics, they are so full of unconditional love and they become our best friends. I know that other look as well and it's a heart breaker. When you take in a homeless creature, they really, really, really appreciate you. You now have another best angel. You can't see her but she's there.

Karen, so sorry about Phoebe. I can relate so well because our Pepe is just about where Phoebe was, and I'm not looking forward to what we need to do.

So nice, heartening, to hear from fellow-animal lovers, and thank you for your thoughts and stories.

It is so touching how the remaining animals react--they really do miss their companions. Many years ago, we put another dog to sleep (previous to Gryphon), and our cat grieved for a year. She never got too close to the next dog, and after he died, she refused to even make an attempt to be civil with the two puppies we adopted. It was as if she had given up.

This is a wonderful requiem for a lost pet. Thank you, Karin. When I lose my next dog, cat or rabbit, I will read it again. You had some wonderful times with Phoebe, and you can hold onto those memories. Albert, too, has suffered a big loss, so give him a hug from me.

I am so sorry. Your Phoebe reminded me of my exuberant boxer who I lost to lung cancer three years ago, at age 10. We used to call him the licky dog since he loved licking everyone's faces. And he loved to eat glue, too--I still have the books with the damaged bindings. Your Phoebe had the same precious face as my Hercules. It is so sad to lose a dog, a great companion.

Oh, Karin. Every time I read your words about Phoebe's passing I cry.

Yes, sorry, I'm crying again. And poor Albert. It was a long time before I eventually realised I was no longer expecting to see Basie in her favourite spots. Even that realisation made me sad.

Aw, I swear, you're the nicest people...

I first met Phoebe when you stopped to comment on my roses. I knew her name before I knew yours! You and I chatted for a few minutes but Phoebe clearly wasn't interested in rose talk. She kept saying, "Enough already--no more rose talk--let's keep walking!" I knew then our rose talk would have to be done in installments! I don't think Albert likes rose talk very much either! I am so sorry about Phoebe but you were the best Mama ever and you did the last kind thing you could do for her--you let her go instead of having her suffer any longer. I know she loves you for that. Prayers for you and Albert.

(((hugs)))

Oh Lori, Phoebe may not have had an eye for roses, but she loved saying hi to you.

My heart to you. I am in the same position that you were. Having to face the soon passing of My male Boxer of 14 & 1/2 years (raised him from a pup) and having lost our female just a few months ago at about 10. He has mast cell and liver failure and his time here is short. I do my best to make the remainder of his time as good for him as I can. That is all we can do, but it just doesn't seem to be enough for all the joy a Boxer brings it's owner. I hope that you cherish the great times and forget the passing. There are more Boxers in my future and I hope in yours too. They are fabulous animals and it is truly our privilage to share their lives with them..

I had to put my 19 yr. old cocker spaniel down while I was pregnant w/my son and it just about killed me. Yes, he was actually 19 and I grew up with him. He lived a long, great life but it never ever takes the pain away when you think about it. On a positive note, I'll be bringing home a new baby cocker tomorrow to surprise my family and even though she'll never replace my dear old Brandy, we'll love her and spoil her none the less.