Pets
Related: About this forumMr Big paws is with Liz he crossed the rainbow bridge this morning.
Just putting this out there no tears were having good memories because he was the best boy for fifteen years. I do remember it was a Saturday morning may 2007 and we were at the farmers market restaurant having breakfast and Liz came back with a phone number from a flyer that was pinned on the public board.
She said look sitting down to finish her breakfast cant remember what Liz ordered that morning probably Eggs Benedict her favorite. Look at this showing me the flyer purebred goldens $200 no papers we should go look. On the way I called and the sellers informed us they had two males left.
I stopped and got couple hundred out of the ATM , seriously we are not the lets just go and look kind of hoomans. We showed up and there was momma and poppa golden and two male pups out of a litter I think of 14. And Liz and 18 who was 3 then chose Big paws even as pup his paws were huge. I often thought same with Liz we should got his brother that day as well.
Then life began and over the years big paws was never homesick the first few days he was all mommies Liz. And we used to joke that his motto was I love her because her name is mommy.
Now I look back he slept with her on my side of the bed because a lot of nights. Id be on linehaul maybe running a lay down to perhaps Indy or north reading Massachusetts or somewhere or turning on the metro wheel bouncing around the Boroughs north Jersey Long Island.
Big paws loved us all yet he bonded with the love of his life and I would joke that I was the third wheel. Seriously Id sit say on couch and just to get him going Id throw a blanket over Liz and I and we would make loud kissing noises and he would be beside himself with jealousy. Barking unhand her man as he would literally crawl under the blanket and sit between us Im here for you to protect your honor from the man.
He was the gentlest soul we ever knew I remember one morning on the back porch watching him admire a baby bunny wagging his tail. Then later barking warnings at the rabbits because Boog was loose in the yard run bunnies the chocolate beast will kill you.
Even in his elderly years he would bark I need to go out and we would help him rise because of arthritis. And lover boy loved Nana Lizs mother oh they would sit on the couch together watching the view or a soap opera or jeopardy. I remember once years ago nana fell asleep petting her grand dog and he started barking at her keep petting me she actually apologized to him.
He knew nana was Lizs mom we used to say Nana was his mother also grandma ordered us both from the baby store back in 68 Big paws followed Nanas and her name is mommy rules order must be kept.
Then you had the Boog you know Nana you remind me of the lady I cant actually put my paw on it yet why its all the quaint sayings you and lady use on me. Boog you asshole dog get out of the trash or you chocolate spawn of Satan you get down from the counter leave those Christmas cookies alone. Boog dammit drop the cat stop picking the cat up by her head Boog get your fucking ass down from there stop trying to eat the fish food container.
Mr Big paw was comfortable with order and rules Boog was chaos. We been sleeping downstairs in shifts days off different schedule we were close with him and this morning I heard him barking around 02:30 and I helped him up he got a drink. And went outside really staggering falling I helped him up in yard. He fell again in kitchen poor guy I didnt know it fell in his crap in yard this morning as I helped him up in kitchen.
Cleaning his fur getting the shit off him with wipes this morning yea his stomach was bloated really hard he started to vomit I ran to get 18 up. We put Big paws in a bed sheet and put him in backseat of Jetta was hoping he would pass in car alone with 18 and me he was a fighter in hanging on 18 sat with him backseat I drove touching my best boy between the seats.
And off to 24 hour emergency vet clinic. He saw 18 and i as they gave him sedative 05:18 then the shot he knew we were with him the vet said hes gone. Tears yet 18 and I knew he was with Liz in my head and heart Im still married to her. Shes there in some dimension Im here yet big paws is now with her.
We went to I hop to have a meal to honor the golden boy the waitress asked if 18 was ok he had tears we explained. In car on way home I realized we took the same ride in November when hospital called 21:30 come quick your wife is in distress. The animal clinic is right down the road from the hospital been shit seven eight months losing Liz then Boog the chocolate lab and now lover boy.
We will cry for few days because dogs are the best people then we just gotta move out and move on cuz truthfully I know hes with Liz and that makes me feel ok.
Even Dunc pup he understands and is low key this morning especially hanging with 18 when we got home licking his boys tears sitting on the couch.
Thanks for reading though the bad punctuation and dyslexia yet the world just needed to know about Mr Big paws.

IrishAfricanAmerican
(4,232 posts)MiHale
(11,584 posts)Beautiful memories thanks for sharing.
ms liberty
(10,157 posts)
Hope22
(3,928 posts)My heart goes out to you and yours.
we can do it
(12,873 posts)2naSalit
(96,575 posts)You certainly (your family) gave him the best world a dog could have.
Thanks for sharing.
Diamond_Dog
(36,753 posts)Offering you and your family sincerest condolences on the passing of your dear Mr. Big Paws.
May he rest in peace along side his Mommy.
TY for sharing this part of your life with us. As you said. Dogs are the best people
70sEraVet
(4,464 posts)MuseRider
(34,605 posts)The more the merrier then it gets really sad. I have lost a bunch of loved hairy ones in the last year and still feel just beat up. I am so so sorry. You have had a hard time, much harder than anything I have been through.
As you know, it is one day at a time. I was just so touched by what you said about Mr. Big Paws being with Liz. I hope that helps you with all of this, the feeling of their connection. Don't let anyone ever tell you that is dumb because, like you said, dogs ARE the BEST people and they belong wherever we belong. I am awaiting a very crowded welcome wherever I go after this life, you should too. Be well.
kozar
(3,066 posts)Hugz and thoughts from LilBit and i
Easterncedar
(4,295 posts)Thanks for sharing and spreading it around.
Donkees
(32,782 posts)
Heavens Paw by Adam Thomas
Elessar Zappa
(16,330 posts)and yes, hes with Liz now frolicking in the great beyond.
ProudMNDemocrat
(19,601 posts)Because pets bring us so much joy in their way. They become family. They have souls. They have personalities that enhance our lives in so many ways. And when they are gone, we mourn them.
Hugs to you and to all who have lost a furry member of their families.
niyad
(123,467 posts)send peace and comfort to his grieving loved ones.
I sm so very sorry for the loss of your precious boy. Thank you for sharing him with us in your beautiful tribute.

Lonestarblue
(12,572 posts)sinkingfeeling
(55,087 posts)mgardener
(2,012 posts)What a beautiful tribute of Big Paws
Maraya1969
(23,248 posts)

May your memories bring you peace.
pazzyanne
(6,669 posts)Thank you for sharing some of your memories. I'm so sorry for your losses over such a short time. Take care and give Dunc pup an ear scritch for me.
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
Will Rogers
Chicagogrl1
(529 posts)democrank
(11,439 posts)Hugs to you and your family. Take good care.
Rhiannon12866
(233,057 posts)But it sure sounds like you gave him the kind of life that all pups deserve, attention, a loving family and so much love. He was so fortunate to have had you... Thank you for sharing him with us.
MOMFUDSKI
(7,080 posts)It is hard to love and lose. Hugs to your family. Let them know we DU folks are holding them in our hearts. Your pets could not have found a better family to spend their lives with.
zeusdogmom
(1,083 posts)Thank you for sharing your love story so eloquently
LaMouffette
(2,488 posts)your wife Liz.
I was the favorite person of the most amazing boy German Shepherd to walk the face of the earth, and your post reminded me of our time together and how blessed and fortunate I was, and still am, to be his mom.
Bless you, Duncanpup, and take peace in the knowledge that you and your wife gave Mr. Big Paws the very best life he could have ever possibly had.
paleotn
(20,302 posts)But like the puppers we've lost over the years, Mr. Big Paws lives on in memory forever. My partner and I still laugh occasionally at the antics of our pups who've gone on.
murielm99
(31,869 posts)They are family members, not pets. Hugs.
Duppers
(28,326 posts)We know the grief you're feeling and are so very sorry.
Hugging my Miss Big Paws (big chunky Lab) here & thinking of you & your family.
I know he won't be forgotten but frame a pic of him anyway.
Fla Dem
(26,588 posts)The loss of loved pet is so difficult. They are such a big part of our lives. My heart goes out to you and your family.
barbtries
(30,361 posts)it's too much all in a row. It's complicated, grieving still then having more loss piled on more loss. it's not fair.
nuxvomica
(13,274 posts)I have tears in my eyes now and I don't think that's from bad punctuation. It sounds like Big Paws loved and was loved, and the sun shone on his face. That's a good life. Peace to your and your family, Duncanpup.
twodogsbarking
(13,480 posts)hlthe2b
(109,343 posts)
Botany
(73,965 posts)
BTW I spent 2 hours cleaning up dog hair in the house and then 30 minutes walking my
lab this AM and then I read your post and figured that "my work" is good duty to have.
Please post when you get your next puppy.
blm
(114,067 posts)area51
(12,290 posts)
Kali
(56,203 posts)all your losses. been a rough one for you.
Backseat Driver
(4,671 posts)How you holding up? I've done that several times too. It is one of the worst feelings there is to lose a furbaby. Big Hugs of comfort and peace to heal the hole in your hearts for that unselfish act to end his pain and send him forth on his next journey; that part will leave a scar that's full of memory and needs be bearable with time, so all positive vibes to lessen your loneliness. I'm sure mister Big Paws was delighted and full of joy to be reunited with his human momma and will move again with dignity and the freedom and ease of your special pup.
nocoincidences
(2,387 posts)Too much grief in such a short time...take very good care of yourself now, and always!
Ocelot II
(124,442 posts)
Permanut
(7,050 posts)Thanks for posting.
highplainsdem
(55,611 posts)both Mr. Big Paws and your wife. You're right that they've been reunited, and they're both healthy and young again. I hope you and your family will picture them that way - since that is their reality now - as well as remembering all the precious, loving moments you had together.
sueh
(1,892 posts)Hugh_Lebowski
(33,643 posts)It's just about the worst thing ever, losing our fur babies.
Best wishes to you and your family.
MBP
samnsara
(18,489 posts)..after the vet said the ca on her spleen would take her in 4. She couldnt get up because of arthritis so I had to lift her up and down the entire time. I slept on the sofa and didnt leave the house during that time. Im getting a referral for pt as i threw my back out helping her, then sustained the injury by repeating said motion every hour for months. BUT..I wouldnt have traded it for anything. She was my girl and I would do anything for my baby. Now 6 yr old Sylvia is the last golden left and basically the only dog as my grand dog..14 yr old rat terrier.. has no interest in romping. Sylvia whines for every dog she sees on tv.
So..thank you for sharing your story about loss and life and wonderful memories...
(((hugs))) to you all there...
catbyte
(36,829 posts)What an amazing tribute to an extraordinary pup.
rubbersole
(9,729 posts)..so, so sorry for your loss. Losses, actually. You have amazing strength. Bless you and your family.
beat.raven
(22 posts)We spoke in tears of fifteen years
How his dog and him
They travelled about
His dog up and died
He up and died
After twenty years he still grieves
Our old female GSD had to be put down at 14, in 1980. She had at least 12 barks I could understand just as well as if she was speaking English.
And we didn't have to teach her guard duty. If I wasn't there and someone came into our dooryard, if they actually got out of the car, she would always be between them and my wife or daughter. Not openly aggressive, but you weren't going to get past her.
I think Bojangles was short by about 23 years. Stay tough. I think you die when there's no more room on your heart for another scar.
MLAA
(19,157 posts)Somewhere is a major, beautiful reunion going on. 💕💕💕💕💕. Sending love to Duncan Donuts and the whole gang.
Saoirse9
(3,858 posts)to all 3 of them.
Thanks for sharing.
BobTheSubgenius
(11,987 posts)My wife and I are bracing ourselves (although we'd never admit it to each other) for our Cairn's last day. He's 15 and has recurring liver and pancreas problems that might be cancer.
He, typical of his breed, has never been a cuddler, a lap dog or even really responsive, although he loves us in his own way. Especially SU, because she had him for 3 years before we met.
A great dog all the same, and with his feline nature (I want I want I want....seeya bye) came 9 lives. He had pancreatitis that very nearly killed him, a bacterial infection that took $500US worth of antibiotics to get rid of, an enlarged liver with very bad enzyme numbers, ate dark chocolate twice (the second time a half-pound) and was once hit by a car. Also true to his nature, he was never afraid of cars, even so. Barely acknowledged they exist.
I hope we can be as positive and accepting as you...but I doubt it. Revel in your memories of a sweet, sweet boy.
peacebuzzard
(5,483 posts)Another soul-wrenching goodbye ((()))). Thanks for letting us know ❤️
Jean Genie
(465 posts)I hope Mr. Big Paws and Liz have reunited, and are happily playing at the rainbow bridge. May their memories be a blessing to you.
onecaliberal
(36,594 posts)Im so sorry. Peaceful vibes to you and 18.
Hugs.
Goddessartist
(2,067 posts)lucca18
(1,388 posts)AKwannabe
(6,744 posts)RIP bigpaws
virgdem
(2,252 posts)badhair77
(4,837 posts)I lost my husband and pup in a matter of months two years ago and its hard but we carry on because we have to. Your writing was a meaningful tribute to Liz, Mr Big Paws and Boog. Keep building memories with 18, Nana and Dunc pup. I wish you peace.
montanacowboy
(6,485 posts)Its never easy as we love them so much. I am glad he is with Liz now. Peace to you and 18.
Karadeniz
(24,276 posts)brer cat
(26,903 posts)a good perspective. I believe Mr. Big Paws and Boog are both with Liz and I hope that brings you and the boys great comfort. Be kind to yourself; you gave Mr. Big Paws a wonderful life.
c-rational
(3,024 posts)UpInArms
(52,685 posts)I am so sorry, Duncan
Hekate
(97,432 posts)Rainbow Bridge 🌈
LetMyPeopleVote
(162,280 posts)It is hard to say goodbye to a family member
The Jungle 1
(4,552 posts)I hope it did. You are an expressive and good writer.
If my keyboard shorts out yer getting the bill.
LoisB
(10,230 posts)No Vested Interest
(5,237 posts)I find comfort in that daily reminder that all's right with the world.
Peace to you and 18.
elleng
(139,285 posts)





calimary
(86,013 posts)Saying goodbye even when you know its the only thing left to do is never easy. Not EVER.
It just means you loved and were loved a lot. Hell probably meet Goldie and Checkers up there at some point.
MacKasey
(1,349 posts)
Take Care
yonder
(10,058 posts)You really brought it home for anyone ever in the same position. Close to tears here.
👀
👅
🦴
AmBlue
(3,452 posts)...and you him. So lovely he can now be with his mommy.
So very sorry for your loss.
stage left
(3,065 posts)your long time friend.
cate94
(2,954 posts)
spooky3
(37,403 posts)AltairIV
(846 posts)My sincere condolences on your loss, and thank you for sharing your story.
Hestia
(3,818 posts)grieving, especially our last remaining cat. He is the youngest of 3 male cats (he's 14) and he is so lonely, going to all the places where his older brothers hung out, looking for them. He went to the vet the other day and was so sad when he came home because there was nobody he could talk to about his adventure.
I told DH we need to go look for a 5 y/o cat so he can have someone to snuggle with - he has glommed onto me and I can't get anything done because he is right there on me and he has never been a lap cat. He's always been around in the general area cat.
Again, major condolences to your family
gademocrat7
(11,437 posts)Sending you all hugs and love.
3catwoman3
(26,578 posts)...in everything you write. You've had way too many sad partings in such a short a time.
I grieve with you and for you.
diva77
(7,880 posts)


yardwork
(66,363 posts)Hugs.
Biophilic
(5,560 posts)Trueblue Texan
(3,300 posts)I know that loss too well. I am sorry you have to bear this, but what would we be without our pups? I am glad you had the time with your boy. I was right there in the car, then in the vet's office with you. My best good boy rushed to my side as I read your story. They know when our hearts are trembling. I am sorry for the pain you and 18 are in, but so happy for the joy you shared with him.