RIP Joker

[TARPSBird]

Since we are pet-friendly here at SOH allow me to post a little memorial to our dog Joker who passed away peacefully in his sleep at home this afternoon. We knew it was coming, but my wife Sophie still took it real hard. Joker was born in our bedroom closet in February 1999 on the morning Sophie went into DePaul Hospital for hysterectomy surgery. When she came out of the anesthetic in the recovery room the nurse told her, "Mrs. Nolan, you have 9 new puppies". As with most puppies they had fleas, and Sophie went through the litter daily to get the bugs off them. Joker always had more fleas than the others, and he became her favorite so we kept him. She dearly loved that dog, and for the past 13 years he has been a wonderful friend and morale booster for both of us. Rest in peace, old buddy.

[Daveroo]

awwww...may Joker lay in rest for eternity......he was certinly a good looker....give Mrs Nolan an extra hug for me...

[OBIO]

Tarps

Sorry to hear of your loss. Thirteen years of companionship, company, and love...that dog was more than a pet....he was family through and through. I know that you and the Mrs. gave him a wonderful life. Know that he will be on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge waiting for you both when your time comes (I know the Bible does not say that animals go to Heaven, but I don't think a place without animals would be all that heavenly).

OBIO

[papab]

So sorry for your loss-

The Rainbow bridge poem might help ease the pain a little....

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 who 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....

[cheezyflier]

who couldn't love such a face? i know you will miss him.

[TARPSBird]

Thank you everybody for the comforting comments.
Joker's departure was made a little bit easier for me by the local pet cremation service. Their driver came out right away to pick up Joker, and he was sympathetic and took the time to talk and put me in a better frame of mind. Then their office manager called me promptly yesterday (Tue) to let me know Joker's ashes were ready. I hope the wife's grief will be lessened a bit, having at least a little portion of her best buddy still here in the house.