Reviews from

Avoiding the Void...

my best pal left behind

15 total reviews 
Comment from karenina
Excellent
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You were so blessed that Buddy chose your famiky for his humans...

(That is the way it is, you know, we only think we've made the choice!)

What a sweet dog! It's amazing how much a part of the fami!y they become!

Unconditional love... The gift he gave you!

Alas, in easing his suffering you returned that love, in kind.

What a sad ending to a beautiful story...

But wait!

They say "All Dogs go to Heaven!"

Your best friend awaits you...

But he's very patient!

Karenina




 Comment Written 15-Aug-2022


reply by the author on 15-Aug-2022
    I have felt his presence three occasions since his passing. He use to sit behind my side chair while I wrote, and I have heard him plop there, and felt his breath as the sun popped up telling me it was time for his walk. Thanks for reading.
reply by karenina on 15-Aug-2022
    I've had similar experiences...

    It's so comforting to sense them nearby in spirit!
Comment from evilynne
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A lovely tribute to your canine friend. The ending is sad, indeed. The best way to fill the void is to share your love with another canine friend, although you certainly will never replace Buddy. Evi

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2022


reply by the author on 26-Jun-2022
    Too late in life to volunteer for another strife. Buddy's demise came at a time where my physical body was saying nay and dog's need to be walked, and so at seventy-five the wife and I said nae and will keep our memoires precious. Thanks for stopping by.
Comment from Debi Pick Marquette
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I'm not sure that is possible Tom! Avoiding the void would take a heart who could just accept things right off the bat, or someone who wasn't as qualified to love like you did. You are neither of those people, as the Tom I know has a humongous heart of gold, and the fact that your friend was with you for so long, and each minute together seemed like you had a child with you, by the awesome way you treated him. Because that's how much you loved Buddy. I haven't gotten over a couple of my best furry friends myself and it's been many years. So I understand the void and nope my dear friend, you can't avoid it. But someday you will look at that silly picture of him thinking he could take on a bull, (and even wonder if that was to protect you?) and you will get a chuckle. So sorry for your loss, but your heart is just too special to avoid the void!

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2022


reply by the author on 26-Jun-2022
    Hope you are feeling better. Funny, when a mortal dies, I don't cry. I have lost three of my five sisters and nary a tear fell for I know death for people is but a passing and something new lies ahead that will be everlasting. As for pets, how will their lives differ?
Comment from Mary Vigasin
Excellent
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Tom, what a wonderful and beautiful tribute to your pal. I see it is still raw. Over the years I have had quite a few pets crossing the Rainbow Bridge ,I know each time it cuts deeply. Be comforted in the knowledge that you gave this little guy a wonderful and happy life. His paw prints will forever be on your heart.
Best wishes
Mary

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2022


reply by the author on 26-Jun-2022
    Your thoughts are spot on, "Paw prints" on the heart. I like that and may find a way to use it, if I may, in a work someday. Be well.
Comment from Bill Schott
Excellent
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This story, Avoiding the Void, captures the surprise and joy of finding a pet which can be a partner as well. From knowing you don't shit where you eat, to being the third wheel that everyone likes, it seems that Buddy was a cool member of the friend. Thirteen years is a good run for a dog and his family.

 Comment Written 21-Jun-2022


reply by the author on 21-Jun-2022
    Yes, it was. Now what do I do for an afternoon nine-hole golf partner?
Comment from LisaMay
Excellent
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I think our companion animals understand us better than other humans - their departure from our lives leaves us the poorer. I understand your grief, and have huge sympathy for your loss. May your smiling beardie, Buddy, so well described in your story, be a forever fond memory in your heart, and may Buddy continue his alpha male patrol, supervising bulls in happy doggy heaven.

 Comment Written 21-Jun-2022


reply by the author on 21-Jun-2022
    What a wonderful review, and beautiful reflections. Now I am weeping again. We will miss him. Thank you.
reply by LisaMay on 21-Jun-2022
    I just posted a 5-7-5 that was triggered by reading your story.
Comment from K.L. Rockquemore
Excellent
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This is story should have a disclaimer, "beware tissues needed."
As a dog owner, blonde lab named Sienna, and dog lover this story tugged on my heart strings. I am sorry for your loss and hope you are able to fill the void sooner rather than later. I have been told that when a pet passes away the best thing to do it is get another one soon after. I can not imagine doing that but when the time comes perhaps I will feel differently. Your writing is honest, raw and understandably emotion. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 21-Jun-2022


reply by the author on 21-Jun-2022
    What a wonderful review, and beautiful reflections. Now I am weeping again. We will miss him. Thank you. If another dog is to come it will not planned. At ages 75/65 walking another dog 5 or 6 times a day might be too challenging but maybe our feelings will change as well.
Comment from RodG
Excellent
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You have paid Buddy a beautiful tribute here, Tom. I enjoyed reading his life story. I can easily visualize him confronting that bull and I hear his quiet whimper urging you to get up in the morning. My condolences on your loss.
Rod

 Comment Written 20-Jun-2022


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2022
    Thank you.
reply by the author on 20-Jun-2022
    Thank you.
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
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Oh Tom! Only three days ago. My heart is weeping with you. The pain is so raw. No-one who has not experienced it understands how an animal can leave such a void. Thank you for sharing Buddy's beautiful story. When my previous dog died the void was deep and endless. I finally got Sunny after eight months of deep grief, and he has filled the void, although my other one still brings me to tears when I think of her. There are so many dogs who need love, and they return it a hundred fold, and help fill the void. Best wishes for your entry.
Wendy

 Comment Written 20-Jun-2022


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2022
    And yet, we have decided to go no more with another pet. At an advancing age, we can not give it the long walks it would need, as arthritis takes another bite with each passing day. Thanks for your kind words.
Comment from Julcia
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I mourn for your Buddy and have sticky cheeks where tears have been for
him . Superb pictures taken by the author will be welcomed aides of comfort.
You have lost a dear family member. Allow me to offer my sympathy to you
and your family.
This true story has a superb title and poignant ending .The delightful major
body of the work details this alpha male dogs' daily adventures . A great read.
Fondly, Julcia




 Comment Written 19-Jun-2022


reply by the author on 19-Jun-2022
    It was a lifetime of memories. He was so much like... me. Handsome, cantankerous, doing as he pleased. Yep. That confirms it.
reply by Julcia on 19-Jun-2022
    Tom,
    You are one alpha male dude.
    Julcia
reply by the author on 20-Jun-2022
    You may be the kindest critiquer ever witnessed. Thanks for your kind words.
reply by Julcia on 20-Jun-2022
    I, in my naive mind, believe our pets will
    be waiting for us in pet heaven. Julcia