I Lost My Best Friend Today.

[Fishing Rhino]

Indy, December 23, 2001 - July 4, 2011

Indy, who traveled many places with us, passed away quickly, though not totally unexpectedly, this afternoon. Heck of a way to celebrate the Fourth of July. I'll celebrate his life with a few pictures of him.

About four months old, March 2002

At ten months, seat belted and ready for our first trip to Georgia together.

Thirteen months, placed second in his only show appearance.

At fifteen months, being put in his place by his ten week old sister/cousin, who joined our family in March of 2003

[BASSclary]

Very sorry to hear your loss. He was a very nice looking dog. but more importantly he's family. Losing a loved dog is just too hard. My prayers to you and your family. Im sure he's happy in doggy heaven.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Sorry for your loss as well

Hope you dont mind this here, isnt really about dogs but

may want to give it a listen

[Triton21]

Sorry for your loss Tom. As a life long dog lover I know what you are dealing with.

Kelley

[Lund Explorer]

Wow Tom, I'm really sorry to hear about your loss.

But I love that picture of him strapped into his seatbelt. He looks like a real gentleman.

[Quitlimpin]

So so sorry for your loss. That's a fine lookin pup

[Fishing Rhino]

Wow Tom, I'm really sorry to hear about your loss.

But I love that picture of him strapped into his seatbelt. He looks like a real gentleman.

He was a real gentleman. Never, and I mean never a moment's trouble from about four months of age. He seemed to instinctively understand the rules of the house. He never chewed a thing that was not one of his toys, or something handed to him as a toy.

I'll never forget that trip he and I took together. Had a comforter spread across the front passenger seat and the console. He could move around, while the seat belt restraint would not allow him to reach the dash in a panic braking situation. He also had his space with the rear seat folded up. I had a platform with bedding on it. When he wanted to sleep back there, I'd pull over, unclip him and he'd hop into his bed behind the front seats.

After he'd slept long enough, he'd put his head on the console between the seats. This was his way of communicating that he wanted back up front. He easily could have hopped onto the seat from there, but he'd always wait until the truck was stopped and he was invited up. Then he'd clamber onto the passenger seat and wait for me to secure him. Then he'd either sit and look out the windows, or lie with his head near me on the console.

He also understood right off, the drill for staying at motels. Once registered, we'd walk around the designated areas, and after he did his business, we'd go to our room. Never the slightest reluctance about being in an unfamiliar place. As long as he was with me, it was like he was home. He'd hop on the bed, just like at home. In all our travels, neither he, nor Ava had an accident in our room. They never barked either.

I don't know why he loved to "ride" so much. Once the truck started rolling, he'd be asleep within five miles. You'd never know he (they) were there. I'd check to make sure he was there. Slow down for a toll booth or an exit and he'd instantly be up to see what was going on. He never barked at another dog on our journeys. In fact, most of the time he paid no attention to them. He did his business, be it eating or relieving himself and we'd be on our way.

I'll miss all those things, but man, I have a ton of precious memories about him.

[hookingem]

He was a real gentleman. Never, and I mean never a moment's trouble from about four months of age. He seemed to instinctively understand the rules of the house. He never chewed a thing that was not one of his toys, or something handed to him as a toy.

I'll never forget that trip he and I took together. Had a comforter spread across the front passenger seat and the console. He could move around, while the seat belt restraint would not allow him to reach the dash in a panic braking situation. He also had his space with the rear seat folded up. I had a platform with bedding on it. When he wanted to sleep back there, I'd pull over, unclip him and he'd hop into his bed behind the front seats.

After he'd slept long enough, he'd put his head on the console between the seats. This was his way of communicating that he wanted back up front. He easily could have hopped onto the seat from there, but he'd always wait until the truck was stopped and he was invited up. Then he'd clamber onto the passenger seat and wait for me to secure him. Then he'd either sit and look out the windows, or lie with his head near me on the console.

He also understood right off, the drill for staying at motels. Once registered, we'd walk around the designated areas, and after he did his business, we'd go to our room. Never the slightest reluctance about being in an unfamiliar place. As long as he was with me, it was like he was home. He'd hop on the bed, just like at home. In all our travels, neither he, nor Ava had an accident in our room. They never barked either.

I don't know why he loved to "ride" so much. Once the truck started rolling, he'd be asleep within five miles. You'd never know he (they) were there. I'd check to make sure he was there. Slow down for a toll booth or an exit and he'd instantly be up to see what was going on. He never barked at another dog on our journeys. In fact, most of the time he paid no attention to them. He did his business, be it eating or relieving himself and we'd be on our way.

I'll miss all those things, but man, I have a ton of precious memories about him.

That was a truly awesome post! Our family German Shepard is on her last leg, and I know seeing her go is going to be real tuff. :/ I'm sorry to hear about your loss, and my deepest condolences go out to you. My mouse on my macbook was on the -1 button and when I went to scroll down I accidentally clicked -1, Mods if you could please fix that I would greatly appreciate it!

[grimlin]

Sorry for your lost Rhino.That dog sure seemed to have lived life to the fullest. Never heard of a dog so well behaved even at that young of an age.Thanks for sharing those pictures with us as well.He was a Boxer right?

Hookingem,I gave him a positive...it should be back normal again...LOL

[shootermcbob]

Terribly sorry for your loss. Sounds like a great dog. Some of them just seem to understand...us.

[MAD]

Sorry for your loss, keep the memories close.

Mike

[MK-9]

Very, very sorry for your loss man. I had to put my sweet pooch down back in January. I'd rather go through my divorce a second time than have had that happen. Been 6 months and it still kills me.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Sorry to hear about it, Rhino. There aren't too many things that are more painful than the loss of a loved pet/family member. I still tear up from time to time when I think about the dog my family lost a few months ago. It does get better though. Just remember that all dogs do go up to doggy heaven. He's probably up there chewing away on a bone or two right now smiling down on you.

[Grey Wolf]

Sorry for your loss but you will still have the fond memories of your loveable buddy. My friend has been gone for four years now but I think of him every day.

[Dwight Hottle]

Tom sorry to hear of your loss. He truly was a great well behaved dog that will be missed. I hope you find a suitable replacement.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I hate to here that Rhino. Sorry for your loss.

[Redlinerobert]

Losing a pet is difficult. I'm really sorry pal.

[Jigfishn10]

I'm sorry I missed this thread and being so late Rhino, but I'm real sorry for your loss.

[Glenn]

Terribly sorry to hear of your loss, Tom. When you're up to it, Google "The Rainbow Bridge" and read the poem. I think you'll find some comfort in it.

Glenn

[A-Jay]

I was very sorry to hear of Indy's passing.

I hope the memories of the fun you had together can bring you comfort.

A-Jay

[Long Mike]

Tom, I know how you feel. I lost my old buddy about a year ago. When he was a youngster he could jump up and grab a basket ball net at a dead run. He would hang there until I went to get him. Alas, time marched forward and we both grew older. At the age of twelve, there came a day when he could no longer get to his feet. I sat with him that evening with tears in my eyes, knowing that I would have to have him put down the next morning, and wondering how I could ever bring myself to do so. Being ever the good dog, he removed my burden by passing away in his sleep that evening. I still greatly miss him. I hate to admit it, but I have tears in my eyes as I type this.

[MyKeyBe]

Terribly sorry to hear of your loss, Tom. When you're up to it, Google "The Rainbow Bridge" and read the poem.

I was just about to make the same recommendation. Here it is.

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....

[scrutch]

Sorry to read of your loss Tom. Although there's no replacement for Indy, the best way to ease the pain of the loss is to get another pal and start the training all over again.

[Alpster]

Sorry about your dog Tom!

Ronnie

[tate]

Tom I just saw this post and I wanted to say how sorry I am hear that you lost your best buddy Indy! I know how hard it is to lose a good bud like that. I know when I lost my guy Hans it was the one of the saddest days of my life. You will always have the great memories of your pal and companion Indy. Very sad indeed!

BTW what a GREAT looking Boxer!! wow ... he looks terrific, very handsome and dignified!

I have a 7 month old flashy, reverse brindle named Tyson. He is so awesome ... love that dog! Even though he can be a terror and home wrecker at times!

Again very very sorry to hear of your loss.

- brian