For Tyler Joe

My sweet boy came into my life on a bright and warm March afternoon. The connection between us was immediate and lasting. We had found an ad in the Mini Mart Section of the local news paper and he was listed for 50 dollars. After what seemed like a very long time, we had arranged to meet him and Karen, the lady who would be facilitating his adoption.

We went to this home where he was living and unwanted and there was this very skinny rough looking sheep dog, but he looked beautiful to me. We all sat down in the family room and he came and sat between my knees and didn't move during the entire interview. When it came time to leave with him, we snapped on his leash and out the door we went and none of us ever looked back.

He was all I had ever dreamed about! I had wanted an Old English Sheepdog all my life and now I had one. Tyler was sweet, well behaved and never a problem. We bonded that moment when we met, but he soon bonded with my mom and my husband to be. He went everywhere with us, we discovered that he had some separation anxiety issues, and really hated other dogs. But other than that he was perfect. He was a well traveled dog, he went on trips with us and stayed in motels along our travels.

He loved every person he ever met and had infinite patience for small children. Once at a shopping mall, a little girl came up to him, she must have thought that he was a stuffed animal, she had no fear. She was a little shorter than he was and when she looked at him, she could see that inside his nostrils was pink. She took one of her tiny little fingers and put it in his nose. He just stood there and didn't move, but you could see the relief when she finally removed it. He was always good with kids.

We spent the next nearly nine years together and for most of them he was the picture of health, only the last year seemed to take a toll on him. And just after Christmas, we discovered a very large growth on him and he could suddenly no longer walk. I knew in my heart that the time had come for me to do the most unselfish thing I would have to do. It was also the hardest thing I ever had to do. So we spent one last day together, looking into each others eyes and me telling him how much I loved him and always would. I'm sure he knew what was going to happen and that alone breaks my heart to think about. But I knew it was a matter of time when the quality of life he had would be completely gone and the pain of the cancer would be with him and unrelenting. He went to sleep in my arms with me crying and telling him to go find my dad in heaven, that he would take care of him and help him on his way. That he would have the legs of his youth and be able to run and play again. I held him until his toes began to get cold and I knew he was really gone.

I love you Tyler and I always will, for you were the child I never had.

Mommy

Born April 30, 1993 and left us on December 30th 2005
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I'm so sorry for your loss. (((HUGS)))
Oh Leslie, I am so sorry for your loss. Your story was so wonderful, even the end was comforting.

I hope that you will find some solace in knowing that you provided him with the best in life, and did the hard thing for his benefit when you had to.

...and that Dad and he are "chumming around" in Heaven together.
I am very sorry for you loss!
Leslie, I am sooo sorry for your loss. Bless you for being so brave and doing the right thing. My thoughts are with you.
I'm so sorry, Leslie. I'm so bad at knowing what to say at these times but our thoughts are with you. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you.

Jill, Lucy and Clyde
leslie,
i am bawling over here, as i know how much you will miss tyler. it was clear how much he means to you, and im so sad that you had to see him go. but im glad you had so many good years with him, and that he obviously knew how much he was cared about.
you were always so wonderful and supportive when i was having troubles with walter, so i just wanted you to know that i am absolutely here for you if you need to talk or anything else.

you and tyler are in our thoughts,

heather and walter
What a beautiful tribute and a selfless act. I have tremendous sympathy. I am awed by the wonderful life you shared with Tyler Joe and I am so sorry for your loss. :cry:
I'm so sorry for your loss.....
Leslie,

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your tribute was beautiful and I'm sure it was extremely difficult to write. Tears are streaming onto my keyboard. Tyler knew you loved him and he loved you even more for letting him go peacefully. He had a very wonderful and long life. Hugs and kisses.
Leslie my heart goes out to you at your loss, your tribute brought tears to my eyes as I had the same decision to make about 6 months ago. Bless you & deepest sympathy on loosing your boy. Think about him, over the rainbow bridge, free of pain, romping and playing.

lisaoes
leslie, My heart goes out to you. You gave him a very happy forever home. He loved and trusted you.

You did the right thing, he is up there playing and running with our Fergie.
Your tribute is so wonderful.

God Bless you!
Deana
I'm very sad for your loss.
Dear Tylers Mom,

Your tribute was one of the most eloquent I've ever read. How painful it must have been for you to write it. Yet, you rose to the occasion one last time on Tylers behalf. It's so obvious he was a very much loved sheepie.

From his humble beginnings to a home where he was adored and could enjoy his life to the fullest. Most dogs dream about a home like yours and Tyler was lucky to have found you. I smiled through my tears when you told the story of the little girl sticking her finger in his nose. What an absolute character he was!

I always say the same thing, we wish they could live forever. They do in our hearts as they are never forgotten. Hugs to you and your family and I'm so sorry for your loss.

Marianne and the boys
I'm so sorry for your loss. That was a beautiful and loving tribute to your wonderful friend.
My heart is with you! Your story was beautiful and you must take comfort in doing the right thing, no matter how hard it is. Your Tyler will be taking care of you from the Bridge.

Hugs,
Colleen
Oh Leslie,
My heart aches for your pain. What a very difficult thing to have to do. What a beautiful tribute. What a lucky sheepie to have found you for nine years. I hope you are able to find comfort in the memories and even in the pain because underneath all that pain there is great love. Each and every one of us fear the moment that you have faced. Hugs and sheepie kisses to you from us.
Ginny Tasker and Ty
We are so sorry for your loss... Tyler will be playing with our Fergie and Kassie.

I know how difficult it was for you... I held my Kassie when she went to sleep.

Your loss is a loss to all of us here at OES.

God bless Tyler... and YOU.
Leslie
I am so sorry for your loss.
You were all so lucky to have found each other.
May your pain be easied by his memory and bring warmth to your heart.
Tyler and you shared a wonderful life together and your beautiful tribute to him brought me to tears. Your love is so apparent in both your words and your actions, in putting his needs above your own. I pray your memories of happy times with him will comfort you. You know he's in a better, pain free place happily walking alongside your dad. I'm very sorry for your loss, Leslie. :cry: :cry:
Leslie, I am so very sorry for your loss of your beloved Tyler Joe. You are in my thoughts and prayers during your time of grieving.

Your memories of Tyler will keep him with you forever. Our first sheepies always hold an extra special place in our hearts, too. Just rest easy in knowing that you gave him an excellent life, and he reciprocated by the love and devotion he showed for you. And know that he waits for you on the rainbow bridge.

Hugs to all,
Chris
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It seems that God must need a few good dogs right now, he has called lots of them home. Please take comfort in the fact that you did not let him suffer. Remember the happy times and smile about them through your tears. Pud sends sheepie kisses and hugs and I send hugs.
We are so sorry for your loss. Tyler Joe was indeed a very lucky boy to have such a loving mom.
hugs,
Leslie I am very sorry for your loss. Barney and Maggie send their kisses.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
ah so sorry Lots hugs

Kim & maizie
so very sorry for your loss

hug from zoe and einy
Leslile
so sorry about your loss. Having had to make the same decision in the past, I understand what you went through to make it and how hard it is now without him.

my thoughts and prayers are with you and Daisy sends lots of sheepie kisses.
Leslie,

My deepest sympathy at the passing of Tyler. I pray for healing for you and your family.

Karen
I'm so sorry for your loss of Tyler. It's obvious that he was loved. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Jennifer, Baxter, Cassiopia and Sharkey
I'm sorry! :cry:
We're sorry for your loss.

Danita, Saul, Lennon & Sofa.
Dear Leslie,

So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Tyler Joe.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
Thank you for a such a loving tribute to your Tyler Joe.

Hugs to you,

Zahra
Leslie,

We are very sorry for your loss. You, and your family are in our thoughts.

Brenda, Dudley and Murphy
I'm so sad reading this but also happy that a dog was so loved. Each of us got to know Tyler even though we never met. Thank you for sharing him with us. My deepest condolences to you.

sheepieboss
Leslie,

All five hearts here are aching for you. There really are no words to describe our sorrow over your loss; we send you hugs, slurpy kisses, less obnoxious behavior, loud purrs and snuggles.

Tyler Joe will live forever in our hearts.

Jil
... Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you...
I loved you so -
'twas Heaven here with you.


My deepest sympathy on your loss of Tyler Joe.




((((((((((Leslie))))))))))))), Sorry for your loss~ Mar
Leslie,

I'm so sorry about your Tyler. He was indeed a lucky boy to have someone to love him as much as you did.

Holly
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your story brought tears to my eyes. The love for your friend comes through in your wonderful story.
What a hard but selfless thing to do. I am saddened by your loss. Take comfort in your memories and know that he is now watching over you.
I'm so very sorry. :cry:
I am soooooooo sorry for your loss. I know the difficult decision you made, and it "was" the right one.
I want to thank each and everyone of you for sharing your heart with me and my sweet boy. I know that there are some of you who couldn't put into words your thoughts too. I have been there so many times in reading the tributes and farewells to our sheepie companions. I read each one today and cried all over again, partially because I miss him so much but also because I know such a wonderful and supportive group in the OES.ORG family. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

We are getting in to a new routine at home and Kiera is Queen of the house and happy. She has made this bearable for me. She has taken to sleeping in his exact spot and using my ankle as her pillow, just the same as he always did. So in my sleep I'm very comforted by the her being there.

Leslie
Leslie...I am so very sorry for your loss...what a good mama you were to your sheepie fella :(
I am one those that just blubbers when something touches my heart so deeply...
Someone sent this to me when I lost a sweet pupper...it helped me!
Diane...hoping it will help you too

FAREWELL MY FRIEND
author unknown

You're giving me a special gift,
so sorrowfully endowed,
and through these last few cherished days,
your courage makes me proud.

But really love is knowing when your best friend is in pain,
and understanding earthly acts will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes, beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic that will once more make me whole.


The strength that you possess is why I look to you today,
to do this thing that must be done, for it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you, and chose you as my friend,
and why I've loved you all these years.....My partner 'til the end.


Please understand just what this gift your giving means to me,
it gives me back the strength I've lost and all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf, for that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right, for I believe it too.

So one last time I breathe your scent,
and through your hand I feel,
the courage that's within you to now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here Dear Friend and let me run,
once more a strong and steady dog, my pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing, for I won't be far away.
Forever here within your heart and memory I'll stay.
I'll be there watching over you, your ever faithful friend,
and in your memories I'll run...............a young dog once again.
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