So a little over a month ago, we had to say goodbye to our beloved family dog Pooch. He was a chow mix and had turned 16 earlier this year. Needless to say, his time was up. He wasn't sick. He didn't have health problems. His time was just up. He was the most loving and loyal dog anybody could ever ask for. He was very protective, like many chows, but he knew when to be good around strangers as well.

We moved from California all the way to New Mexico and giving him up was never even an option. We cared for this dog more than anything in the world. We got him when I was about 5 years old and so he grew up with all of us. He was like another brother... just a little more furry.

We noticed he slowly started getting lethargic and eating less. A vet visit confirmed that his time was coming up. My parents chose to keep him around as long as we could instead of euthanizing. They've never been a fan of it.

He passed in his sleep. The last two days he didn't want to eat. We would leave his bowl of food by him, and we would even try house food, but nothing. The night he passed, he ate his food, and by the morning he was gone.

Our family was heartbroken when it finally happened. It still hurts all of us to even talk about him. He's been around for so long that it's extremely strange not having him around anymore. I'm tearing up just typing this out.

Needless to say, this dog will remain a part of our family for the rest of our lives. It's been over a month now and all we can do is remember his love for us, and our love for him, and get used to the fact that he's no longer around physically. Lycus had even howled very melancholy the night before but we didn't really think much of it. He knew it was coming.

Our family will miss you forever Pooch, we will never forget him.
He's over the rainbow bridge now eating his favorite house food (boiled chicken), and chasing squirrels.  

This is a photo of him. It was taken Dec. 5, 2011. There he was enjoying the snow like the happy pup he is.

I'm sorry for your loss. Run free, Pooch. One of my family dogs passed away almost 5 yrs ago, and I still get teared up thinking about him. They really do remain a part of the family forever.

Beautiful boy. Sorry for your loss, it takes a long time for it to get easier- I couldn't talk about our family dog for almost a year.. Sounds like he was a great dog and had a wonderful life. Hug

So sorry to read of the loss of pooch, May he always have a place in you heart and keep a watch on you from above

Thanks for the kind words everyone. We'll never forget our old man.

So sorry for your loss. Run free, Pooch

So sorry for your loss. Run free Pooch.

Sorry for your loss. He's running free now and nothing will take the memories you had with him

This made me tear up  I'm so sorry for your loss. He'll be watching over you and your family always.

I'm so sorry, run free Pooch. You were loved very much