Remembering Griz: You were a great dog.


Griz and the Husbear.

Our oldest dog, Griz, died sometime last night, October 12, 2009.

Griz was laying there when we found him this morning like he was asleep. Which I guess is the way we wish we could all go when it’s our time to begin the next stage of the circle of life.

As of late we could see that Griz was getting on in years. He used to go for walks with the Husbear down our country road. Over time, he wouldn’t walk as far and would wait for the Husbear to come back. Eventually he would just hang out at the end of the driveway and wait for the Husbear.

For the last week or so we knew his time left with us was short. He wouldn’t eat much. He’d just sleep, or lay around and watch us. We’d go sit with him, pet him, and talk with him when we could.

I have to confess that a few nights ago I sat with him and cried for a while because I knew he wouldn’t be with us much longer.

We went to the shelter looking for a puppy on February 02, 2004. There were quite a few puppies to be had, but there was one large adult dog who looked very… sad. I helped talk the Husbear into adopting him. I told him that people would adopt puppies, but no one would probably adopt an adult dog. So we rescued him from the shelter.

We found out during the adoption process that he was scheduled to be put to sleep that week if no one adopted him because he had been there several months already.

The vet thought he was about six years old when we rescued him. That would put Griz around 12 years old or so when he died. We feel proud to have given him both a second chance and hopefully a great life.


Griz wanting his belly rubbed.

Griz,
You were a great dog. You will be missed.
Love,
Your daddies.

Until next time...
Erik

17 thoughts on “Remembering Griz: You were a great dog.

  1. What a beautiful tribute to a gorgeous puppy. You are to be admired for rescuing a shelter dog and providing him with a loving life. My thoughts are with you all right now.

  2. I am sorry, Erik. I went through the exact same experience: the lack of eating, the sitting around crying… Take care.

  3. As a parent of five adopted pups my heart aches for you guys. He was a handsome pup. Its wonderful that you guys adopted the older dog at the shelter. Hugs to you guys from all of us.

  4. Wow, this makes me sad. I have two shelter dogs, both young, but I have one little dog in particular who is getting on in age, and I know she won’t be around for too much longer. I know what you feel, and I’m sorry. Oh, and your pics/words made me cry.

  5. i always get teared up when i read these things; not only because i know how close we get to our furry friends, but because my guy is getting up there in years and i know i will need to face the inevitable at some point.

    my deepest condolences to you and the husbear, from both jeep (furry critter) and i.

  6. Okay, no more making me cry first thing in the morning.

    My deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved pet.

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