What People Said in Emails

I think when someone’s pet dies we all can relate and memories return of a special friend that we may have lost.  The sheer number of email messages, posts on Facebook and a message board and phone calls have humbled me.   Thank you all for your compassion and caring at this special time of the year.  ~~~ Laurel

 

I'm so sorry that you are sad. You were great together and were lucky to have each other. The blog and posts are very nice and I hope that they give you comfort.
Peace to you, Laurel.  Love, KP

I am so sorry for your loss. Your poem from Ari says it all. You and he overcame all kinds of obstacles to become that best team possible. He was an awesome dog and you two had a wonderful bond. Your memories will allow Ari to live on in your heart forever. Hugs,  DM

Well I was going to say that I was very sorry to hear that but instead I'll just say that I'm sure that the emptiness for 'you' is overwhelming right now but the freedom that Ari is feeling should make you feel so good.  He's running jumping, chasing and most of all waiting for you!  You loved him and respected him but most of all you cared for him and you should feel very proud of yourself for that.  MW

I'm so sorry to hear about Ari. He was a great dog and you had so many wonderful times together. I know he will always live in your heart. Your blog is a beautiful tribute to his life.  MM

I am so sorry to hear that.  A big, huge hug, from me to you. RH

Thank you for letting me know.  You have my sympathy. I was glad you were able to focus on the good memories you had with Ari thiz past summer when we visited. Please let me know if I can help with anything .... Do you need help with the burial? JD

I'm so very sorry to hear this...((((HUGS))))  I hope you're doing ok. Luv,   JT

Hi Laurel,  Words can't begin to tell you moved I was by Ari's journal.  The poem you wrote for him was amazing....just how you got through that, I'll never know.  His slideshow was genius.  Some of his pictures could be published in a photo magazine they're so good.  Very VERY nice tribute to a wonderful dog!  I know how much you loved this guy.  Even though it's been coming for a while, the pain must be horrible.  I believe that you and he will always be together.  Of all of your dogs, and I've known quite a few, you and he were the pair I will always remember.  You had so much fun together!  He was an extraordinary guy from his powerful drive and amazing bite, to his very good looks.  He was a dog that stood out.  I am so sorry for this loss, Laurel.  My heart goes out to you, my friend.     Love, LH

Sorry 2 hear that, I was hoping 4 u that he made it threw x-mass....but u said he might not take care  LK

Oh Laurel… I’m so sorry.  There is nothing I can say, but know that I understand your relationship with your dogs.  I feel the same about mine.   Ari’s blog is beautiful.  I cried reading your comments & Marilyn’s excerpts.   I’m thinking of you.  CB

Oh Laurel, I am so sorry! RIP Ari, I know you had one heck of a life with Laurel. You 2 will see each other again, may your memories of him bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye.  TM

Laurel.... thanks for letting me work Ari.  I considered it an honor.  Just from that I could see fire in his eyes!  TW

I am so very sorry. Losing someone we love and part of our family is never easy. I am grateful his last several months were good ones from what you were saying and what I saw last fall. He will live in your heart forever.  AF

Laurel, I am sorry for your lose...I know that dogs become as much family as your children. I hope you still have a great holiday season.  TM

I am so sorry for your loss.  I want you to know that I think you are an amazing lady, and Ari is amazing, as well.   MK

Hi Laurel, I'm truly sorry to hear about your loss.  If you need anything don't hesitate to call.  H

I am so very sorry to hear that Ari has left you.  There is no greater loss than to lose a best friend.  You were an wonderful mom to him and he certainly had a great life with you.  I know that doesn't help the void you must be feeling but please know in your heart that Ari's spirit will always be with you.  This I believe with all of my heart.  I'm sorry we've lost touch.  Please keep me posted when you can and I will too.  May Ari's sweet soul be greeted by all of the GSD's and other furkids gone before him to show him the ropes in heaven.  Now he is young and free again.  My heart goes out to you laurel.  Please know that I'll be thinking of you.  AT

I'm so sorry honey. God he was so lucky to have you to watch over him.  He was such a lucky dog. And you a lucky lady to have had him  CM

Even though Ari didn't get to come out much to training, when he did he had a good time , he looked good and he was happy to be here, he will be missed.  AF

I'm sorry to hear about losing your dog. It must be hard to part with such a faithful companion.  JL

Ari is a dog i will never forget. the look on his face that day touched me in a special way and i felt honored to know him.  It is very heartbreaking and can only say I'm very sorry to hear that such a great dog is gone. I will never forget the look on his face when he came across the field towards me. Two strangers that have never met before looked at each other like they were best friends.   I'm sure all the decoys that worked with him will never forget the heart he had he is truly a special dog and i know how special he is to you. you are very lucky:)  WS

I visited (the site) and I shed tears...your world is amazing and your words are incredible...when you write that book I'll be sure to buy a copy...The love you show and share...I wish you could bottle it and bestow it on those who haven't understood and will never understand what feelings are...and how human and canine love can be so strong.  As you know we have seven kitties...the oldest being 12...I will be there for R especially when we will have to say farewell...one at a time... Miss you Laurel... Love you too.  HW

Words escape me, tears running down  my face. I know the deep sadness you are feeling. I admire your deep love and faith with your "pet family".  Your words about Ari are beyond something I could even begin to put into words.     RIP, Ari.  He will wait for you, Laurel, at Rainbow Bridge.  JB

Our deepest sympathies to you and the other furry kids. Ari was indeed an amazing dog and you gave him an amazing life. I love your poem. He really is your guide now. He will be missed but he is still here with you.  Hugs to you.   Love,  The F

I am so sorry to hear about Ari.  I know that it is always heart wrenching, you have my condolences.  I know that my time is coming with Sophie (she will be twelve in April) so far she is fine but at that age you never know.  She was the one that started me in dogs--who knew that a little wayward Shepherd puppy would change my life so significantly.  It has been a wonderful journey.  JC

What a lovely tribute!  My condolences. CP

Thanks for sharing with me. A great loss for you but also a long term great relationship. My prayer for you.  JR

Sorry to hear about Ari.  I checked out his website....very nice.  Hope the rest of the holiday has a more positive note.  Love JA

Our deepest sympathy on aries passing. BE

Another epoch marked.....how the bookstop the times of our lives. Maryna Ozuna

Laurel I'm so sorry to hear about Ari.   KM

I'm sorry to hear about Ari.     MJ

Laurel,    I'm so incredibly sorry to hear/read about Ari. I know he has struggled the last few years on and off... I'm glad he won't be hurting anymore, but so sorry for you.   Your page, song, poem, blogs, are so beautiful... I'm crying so hard trying to write to you.  I hope you are doing ok. As well as can be expected at least.  Love,  ~KP

Hi Laurel,  I'm sorry to hear about Ari. I'm sure it's hard loosing a friend and companion. I hope you're doing well. take care,  LA

Ari was awesome! A "teacher" to me and you gave him a great life. Ari was certainly a memorable dog in all rights! Remember at Judi Miller's years ago when I had the banana suit, Ari got me good, twice that bastard! Ahhh the memories.  Big hug from me...  BC

Ari was a great dog and you both had a very special bond.  I am sorry for your loss.  BC

Hi Laurel   Sorry to hear about Ari.  I am very happy to know that he had a great life with you.  There are no other words to say:-(    AL

Ohhhhh Laurel....I am so sorry hon. You know my heart goes out to you, as I can feel your pain. I went to his site ...and as I was trying to read out loud to Mother what you wrote as if it were Ari... I just could not read  out loud...they tears were flowing to hard.  That was beautiful and exactly what he would have written if he could. I love you girl... Always,   CA

laurel i am heart broken for you and when i see you i just want to hold and hug you and hang on to you because you know so well how it feels to lose a beloved pet. there are no words to describe it. i dread that time when our older puppy kids go. but i know too well from the past in losing our dogs 1 how it hurts. love and hugs again lm

LAUREL THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE LOVING NOTE. I HOPE I CAN BE AS STRONG AS YOU SOMEDAY. YOU AND YOUR DOG CHILDREN HAVE A BLESSED XMAS AND KNOW THAT ARI AND TEDDY ARE THERE WITH YOU CELEBRATING YOUR LIVES HERE ON THIS EARTH TO CARRY ON THE LIFE WE LIVE. YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME LOTS ABOUT HUMANS TOO. LOVE AND HUGS LM

I am so sorry to heat about Ari. He was a one of a kind dog with a huge heart! His website is beautiful, I cried my eyes out listening to the music and looking at all his pictures but laughed with sweet remembrance when I saw the PSA call-off video. We all laughed so hard at his "redirect" off Jerry.  I felt compelled to go hug and kiss my guy and tell him how much joy he brings to my life and I told him about Ari. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.  PL

 

 

 

What People Said on Message Board

 

by JMuller » Sat Dec 19, 2009 9:50 am

Sorry for your loss.  Never easy losing a good dog. Josh

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by maberi » Sat Dec 19, 2009 9:56 am

I'm so sorry for your loss
It sounds like Ari was a special dog

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by kendell » Sat Dec 19, 2009 9:57 am
I'm so sorry, Laurel. I'm sure Ari will be greatly missed

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by Christie M » Sat Dec 19, 2009 10:00 am

Hey Laurel, I know that loosing Ari was so very difficult. At least you have the comfort of knowing that he was ready yesterday, and he could rely on you to keep him with you as long as he needed. He was such a cool dog! As I have already said to you a hundred times, you were so lucky to have him. However he was even more lucky to have found himself in your home. Few would have gone the lengths that you did to keep him comfortable and happy. Know that you are in my thoughts and I love ya bunches!!!!

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by Katrina K♥ » Sat Dec 19, 2009 3:20 pm

Laurel I am so sorry. I saw the title of this thread, and my heart sank. I knew what it was...and I was so wishing this day wouldn't come.  Ari was such a great dog...I know how much you loved him....and do love him! He will be missed by many! Love you!

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by Pit♥Bull » Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:44 pm

R.I.P. Ari

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by Cathy M » Sat Dec 19, 2009 5:32 pm

Laurel,  So sorry for your loss. No words can make it easier, but you and Ari will both be in our prayers.

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by Don Tapp » Sat Dec 19, 2009 8:53 pm

Hi Laurel, We are saddened to hear this news. You and Ari made a nice team. Hang in there... Rest easy Ari

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by Greg Williams » Sat Dec 19, 2009 10:32 pm

I am truly sorry for your loss. Ari was a good dog and I am privileged to have been able to train with you and Ari. He will be missed.

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by laurelstone » Sun Dec 20, 2009 8:30 pm

Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts... It was a weekend of ups and downs and Ari is now in his resting place on a hill behind my house. 
I have him to thank for getting me into this crazy sport called PSA. I remember helping Paula at a decoy seminar and telling Joe.. I have a dog that can do this.. I went home to get him and yes.. he could do it. I didn't even know what PSA was.

He loved his decoys, especially you Greg. I remember him sitting on the couch next to you when you were doing a seminar in WI and I have a picture of him pretty much sitting on your lap after a bite work session in Baltimore. I also remember (as a number of people do) how he blew me off in his first trial in Baltimore in 2005 in the PDC and then Greg you agreed to trial him minutes later for a PSA 1 and scored in the high 80s 2 days in a row and almost titling him that day. As you walked onto the field, your words were "what are his commands"? Here's the video of the courage test from that day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kItw8Tyso3o ...and here is the obedience.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELbMhCyoJ4o

It was then I knew he could DO the work... now he had to learn to do it for me. When we returned to Baltimore a year later, I believe he surprised some people by not only titling but scoring very well. During the trial I remember hoping Don wouldn't say "are you ready" so darn loud because those words to Ari meant "where's the guy to bite". Here's the clip of the end of the handler attack and the courage test from that day.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2O0-HlbIpE from that trial.
And Jerry... if you're reading this... I'm SURE he was going after the purple MN Vikings shirt and not really you, the judge, when he headed to you instead of the decoy for the call off in the MN trial. Here's the clip of that (better turn the volume down.. I'm yelling NO pretty loud) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlMoZOwTvYQ

It definitely was a RIDE of ups and downs, days of being humbled and days of being proud... but that IS dog training and competing, isn't it. Ari has passed the torch to Brita and I think has secretly taught her how to be a whining, on the edge of being out of control, GSD.... but one that loves to do the work! I'm looking forward to meeting new people and to getting back on the trial field in 2010.
Thank you all!

Laurel
Brita (06–present)CGC,TherapyDog, HIC,HT,RN,RA,BH,AD,RH,RE,T1,WH,TR1
Ari (99–09)CGC,Therapy Dog,BH,TR1,PSA-TC,PSA-PDC,PSA1,RN 
Olivia (99–present)CGC,Therapy Dog,BH,HIC,UCDX,CDX.RN,PSA TC
Kobie (01–present)CGC,Therapy Dog,BH,CD,UCD,HIC,RN 
Teddy (99–09)CGC,Therapy Dog,BH,CD,UCD,RN

 

Rugs are everywhere now…

….except on the back porch.  When he comes inside which snow on his feet his legs go out from under him so tomorrow I think a trip to the thrift show might be on the agenda. 

I have noticed some other things recently about him.  One is how he gags.  And then it’s like if I were to eat something that I didn’t like so based on his facial expression, apparently he has a bad taste in his mouth.  He is not as tolerant of the other dogs as he was.  He also snapped at Kobie who was trying to get him to play and that is SO rare… she is his best buddy and that just doesn’t happen.  Oh…..and good news…  I slept until 5am last night… only once did he have to go out… that’s what limiting his water intake does. :)  Tonight he was standing right in front of the place where his water usually is looking at it like…where did it go?  It was about 5 feet away…hhmm…  I think I’ll add these things to the list tomorrow. 

So Ari always like to retrieve items… not a formal retrieve but in play of course OR because I said so! Here is a variety of some of what he did!

   

He’s not going in the right direction… <big sigh>

So I bought Ari a soft fleece coat to wear.  Actually a miniature horse blanket from a horse catalog.  All their coats are made like horse blankets and there have been times when I was really glad I had them.  This new one is much softer since he wears it almost all the time otherwise his body feels cold. The others were for outside and were either quilted or waterproof.

Here are Tori and Ari…  modeling the coats did NOT make them happy campers!!  As you notice… Ari has his pitiful look on…

I added to the list tonight….

1. He wobbles when he gets up and walks and he paces instead of trotting. 12/16-it’s gotten worse since I wrote this last week.  Sometimes he almost topples over.
2. His tail curls under his butt when he sits.  This happened before when he did not have the use of his rear end.  12/16
3. He seems always cold – his feet especially.  I put a coat on him even when inside.  One day he came inside with ice crystals on his feet.  This was before the big snow and deep freeze.   And his feet are, as usual, enlarged at times.
4. He is afraid of noises (mouse trap).  He will hang out be me or if I get up he will hide in the bathroom.  12/16-sticks pretty close to me when I’m home.
5. He gets disorientated.  He will go out through the basement and then either I have to come and get him or he waits in basement and when I call him, he comes up.  It’s like he can’t figure out that going around the corner will bring him to the stairs.
6. He drinks lots of water and will urinate in the house – not in front of me but overnight if he’s not sleeping in the room with me.  Otherwise he gets me up in the middle of the night to go out which he never did before. 12/16-because I don’t want him going in the house (of course) he stays in the bedroom with me so I’m up a few times a night. (I’m exhausted) I’m trying really limiting his water intake in the evening.
7. He no longer gets up on the couch which says to me his legs are weaker.  When you look at the them the skeleton look is returning from lack of use.