RIP Nugget Adams, 1988-2002

[mattadams]

Some may see this as a worthless post, but I know some people have met Nugget... and I know others don't know her but know a dog like her so can possibly sympathize.
In 1988 I was 8 years old. I got the cutest golden retriever puppy. Always loved her and enjoyed her company. All through my school years she was always there, even when I was sick of school or upset at co-workers or just had a fight with a friend, she was there, happy to see me. She'd had many health problems through her life but she always kept on surviving like a trooper.
As you can expect any dog of her age, she didn't have a ton of energy and she had earned her retirement lifestyle, being able to sleep whenever she wanted (which was most of the time) and just enjoy a nice relaxed life.
I spent the weekend in Atlanta, and over the weekend had a really nice dream where she was a puppy again, running around all energetic chasing balls and frisbees and just being a happy puppy. When I got back from Atlanta last night, I found she had died in her sleep. On to a much better place, with no pain, no arthritis, where she can see clearly and hear clearly and not have to worry about itchy dry skin or tumors or anything.

[ahhjaws]

I'm sorry. I know how sad it is to lose a member of the family. I had a Samoyed, who died of a serious bladder infection. I was really sad. Now I volunteer at the vet hospital down in Ft. Collins and see a lot of pets that won't make it very long. That is the bad part in studying to be a vet.

Hope you feel better soon.

[Jarrett088]

Sorry to hear about that. I can sympathize with ya. I had a Border Collie (Bubba) that was diagnosed with lymphoma about 2 years ago. He was 12 and still acted like a puppy. His favorite game was playing ball. As long as you could throw it,he would go and chase it,bring it back and be ready to go again. I noticed him slowing a bit and figured age was setting in. When we took him to the vets,thats when we found out. He went downhill fast and past within 2 weeks.It was one of the hardest times in my life. He was my best friend. But it always brings a smile to me,whenever I think about him or am reminded of something he did. You'll always have your memories and I'll bet she'll still bring smiles to your face.

Tim

[aldive]

Matt, I feel for you, been there before. What a well written expression of your obvious love for that dog.

The unconditional love a dog gives is amazing,,,,,

[DocVijay]

My condolences Matt. I know how it feels. I love my dogs as much as possible. Some people think "it's just a dog," but they become a part of your family. I truly am sorry.

[mattadams]

thanks you guys are great. It's always great to hear from other people who realize it isn't "just a dog" but rather as much of a member of the family as a brother or sister, except you know they won't live as long as your brother or sister.

['96explorereddiebauer]

I'm sorry to hear that Matt. Haha...been there, done that. We had a dog but he got ran over by a car. It was tragic for us but that was many many years ago so I'm pretty much over with.

[ExplorerEB96]

I have a wonderful dog too, Yellow Lab .... her name is Maggie and she is 16.....I know what you mean about the tumors and arthritis etc.... I hope my dog fades as nicely as yours did...... it is sad though.... a whole part of your life is missing....but you got your memories and they are important....

Karol

[donkey boy]

Sorry to hear about your golden retriever. In 1973, I was 6 years old. I got the cutest black lab puppy ...

Luckily, the memories live on for ever.

[james t]

there are many of us here that feel your pain. growing up, from 8-17 yrs old i had a male pit-bull, named Dog. he was the most well behaved, nicest- mannered dog i have ever owned. he was a lap dog, and never offered to bite anyone/anything. he was truly a member of our family. he was also very popular with my friends, and i would often carry him around in the back of my truck on weekends. obviously 9 yrs is pushing it with this breed, as most dont live this long. the last 2 weeks he was starting to suffer, and even my tough-skinned father did not have the heart to carry him to the vet and have him put down. we buried him in the pasture behind the house, right next to a creek that runs through our place. that dog had more personality than alot of people i know, and i still miss him 10 yrs later...

[section525]

Man, I hate reading these threads.. but I can't stop. Matt, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Just remember all the things Nugget taught you about life. Like dogs are easier to live with than women. Because:

1. A dog's time in the bathroom is confined to a quick drink.
2. The later you are, the more excited dogs are to see you
3. Dogs never need to examine the relationship
4. Dogs understand that instincts are better than asking for directions
5. Dogs don't need 900 pairs of shoes
6. Dogs don't want to know about every other dog you've had

And I know how serious losing a pet is. From one dog lover to another, I'm sorry.

[jasonb]

yes some do understand that it isn't "just a dog." ours are like children to us. sorry to hear about the loss.
i have spent untold hours training and playing with our two little ones. i can't image coming home, opening up the door and not having two tail wagging overhappy dogs waiting there pushing each other out of the way to be the first in line to be petted. just remember all the good times. a great pet is just as hard to let go as a great friend.

[Lifted95X]

I'm sorry to hear that Matt. I too know how you feel. I lost my two dogs within 3 months from eachother recently. It's real hard....I now hang my dogs collar from my rearview mirror and it helps some.

[Texan01]

I feel your pain, I'm not looking forward to the day my own somewhat elderly 9 year old black Lab passes on. Dogs always manage to find that special part in your heart that very few people can fill. Losing a dog seems always rougher than losing a friend or a relative for some reason (at least for me).

I thought about being a vet when I was starting out in school, but I can't handle putting animals to sleep, I'm too soft-hearted for that.

[mattadams]

yeah a lot of you guys have said the same stuff I've been thinking, way to go! I think one of the reasons so many people feel so bad when they are gone is when they are here basically all they have for you is love. Unlike a friend or someone like that who you fight with a lot, you will almost never find your fighting with a dog. They want to please you and they are sad when they can't. Also emotionally they are good as any psychiatrist is (at least with the minor stuff )

[rpenner54]

Dude that just sucks.... I am sorry to hear it... Even though I knew it was coming its hard for me too...

For anyone that knows me I am deathly afraid of dogs. Nugget calmed most of those fears out of me. Even though I didn't see her that often she was a pretty dang cool dog. Honestly Nugget was about the only dog I could just go up to and pet and smack on the side while her leg went up and down...

Ugh dude... I am sorry hopefully your doing alright. If you need to talk give me a ring.

Well she led a good life and loved you and everyone in your family.

Agh getting choked up here....

[Maranda]

Aw... I'm so sorry. I know Ryan will miss her, too. The only dog he ever liked.

My german shepherd was my buddy from 4th grade until I was 19... I still miss him. My dad took him to the vet to see what why he was so bloated and acting weird, and came back with only his collar.

[mattadams]

Ryan and Maranda, thanks you guys! I know, everyone that knew her is pretty sad, she loved everyone and everyone loved her. But anyways, these things happen. Here is a good thing to read for those that have lost a good pet like I have... warning, it'll probably bring some tears to your eyes, I know it did mine.
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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 that 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....
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[offroader_69_me]

Well I am really sorry to hear that, Nugget was a really cool dog, the few times I was around her she was great! And you could really tell how loved she was and how much love she had for her family! Sorry Matt I know you will miss her!

[DocVijay]

You're right Matt, brought a tear to my eye.