Chuckie and Buddy: Healing from loss

My Chuckie of almost 17 years was my life. He was the most sweet, loving, caring cockapoo a person could ever ask for. He gave me strength during my mother’s heart attack. He faithfully followed me around while I grieved for my husband Leonard at the time when he had a cardiac arrest. I would find him faithfully behind our door waiting for me daily until I came home from work. I could hear his barks greeting me as I would drive up. He slept in my bed with me every night and sat next to me downstairs as we would watch TV together. We would take walks together, visit the beach and even attend baseball games together.
As the years went by my baby finally began to age. First contacting cataracts and then later was unable to walk due to his two back legs. He also had trouble breathing at times and was now in diapers due to the fact that he was unable to walk.
On July 22 of this year, I was forced to make the most difficult decision ever, which was to have him euthanized. I was blessed to have many loved ones around me to support and convince me to think of Chuckie and not myself. This brought me to realize he was suffering and although he was my life I had to face the facts. After putting my feelings aside, which was very difficult, I agreed. This is the most heartbreaking situation a person has to go through when owning a pet. I am grateful for the time God gave me with Chuckie on this earth. He was cremated on his 17th birthday. I will always hold a special place for him in my heart and I still think about him and miss him daily. I love you Chuckie.
Buddy was our white akita that was adopted. He was adopted after living in a truck for two weeks after his original owner passed away of cancer and her nephew could no longer care for him. He was adopted for Leonard as part of his therapy to walk daily. They were noticed by many on Highway 25 as they walked. Buddy showed an extreme closeness to Leonard and was a very large dog weighing 85 pounds. From the first day he arrived we immediately fell in love with him. We all felt very protected with Buddy around and he really enjoyed his walks with Leonard. His loving and playful ways were unique. Although he was extremely large, he still handed you his paw daily and tried to sit on your lap, only to knock us over with his kisses.
On Aug. 23 of this year while Buddy was out on his walk, he suddenly stopped, sat, laid his head down and passed away at only 5 years old. My entire family was crushed and heartbroken once again. To this day we still aren’t sure what caused this healthy, beautiful, loving and playful dog to pass so suddenly. He was then scheduled for cremation like our Chuckie.
I believe animals are here for a reason. They come into our lives to love us and care for us. I am completely convinced they have real feelings and I believe I will see them once again someday. Until then, rest in peace my Chuckie and Buddy. We love and miss you terribly and our hears may never mend again without you.
– Millie Valencia