Good-bye Tom-dog

Posted on by

Golden Bo Thomas SH WCX“Our animals shepherd us through certain eras of our lives. When we are ready to turn the corner and make it our own…they let us go.” Author Unknown

Tom dog came home to a young 11 year old boy. Now 26, Tom's "boy" misses him the most.

Tom dog came home to a young 11 year old boy. Now 26, Tom’s “boy” misses him the most.

We knew this day was coming. The average lifespan of a retriever is 10 years. Tom-dog was 14 years, 8 months when we said good-bye today.

He came home to our youngest son many years ago and was the grand-pup of our first retriever. In the learning hands of a growing boy he was trained into an outstanding hunter and companion.

Stephen and Tom with Tim and Blaze following successful Senior Hunter Qualifiers.

Stephen and Tom with Tim and Blaze following successful Senior Hunter Qualifiers.

When his boy grew to manhood, left for college, got married and started his family, Tom stayed with us.  In the years that have followed, this magnificent family member has been greeted by 3 rowdy grandkids that he loved dearly.
Tom-dog always loved kids. It is only fitting that Tom-dog’s grand-pup, Jake, now resides with Tom-dog’s first person and family.

Tom dog (R) walks with Grandthing 3 and Jake (L) Jake is Tom dog's grand-pup.

Tom dog (R) walks with GrandThing 3 and Jake (L) Jake is Tom dog’s grand-pup.

103 thoughts on “Good-bye Tom-dog”

    • Yes, lucky us. They have always had a place in our family, a place all their own different than the place of our people members, but special just the same. We had his grand-sire for nearly 15 years. The stories these dogs could tell 🙂

      Like

      Reply ↓

  6. I am so sorry for your loss. We know what it is like – as I sit here with tears running down my face. We love our dogs, don’t we? They are everything to us. Tom-dog was a great guy. So sorry…

    Like

    Reply ↓

  8. Your family lost a beautiful friend and a family member. I am so sorry that you had to tell Tom-dog goodbye. Even though he was an old dog I know that his loss grabbed your heart, flooded your thoughts with many memories, and left his boy now a man, as well as you and Mary with an empty spot. The place in your heart that you hold for Tom-dog will always be there. You can replace Tom-dog with another but his memory will remain. His spirit will live on. The photograph of Tom dog on the dock is one of the prettiest pet photographs that I have ever seen. Mary’s post is filled with loving words and the photos are echos of that dear dog. My heart felt sympathy to all of you that shared a bond with Tom-dog.

    Like

    Reply ↓

    • Yes, they are family members. As I wrote in Her Papa’s Eyes “Our pets are not like children. They are not people. They hold a different place in our hearts, their own place. Some people may not understand what I mean, that’s okay.”
      Our lives are so enriched by their presence. Our other canine family members miss him, too. It is just a little too quiet tonight.

      Like

      Reply ↓

  10. Oh this is such sad news for you guys. I’m so sorry to hear about Tom-dog – I too feel your pain and sorrow through your words. It’s always hard to say goodbye to such an important member of our family, and from your tribute Tom-dog was truly the love of your lives.

    Like

    Reply ↓

  12. You’ve done a lovely respectful tribute to a fine gentleman. It sounds like Tom was a much loved, much respected member of a caring family. that’s all any dog ever hopes for. You gave him JOY. And now you have a heart full of Joyful memories to keep forever.

    Like

    Reply ↓

  14. I sit here with tears of my own, feeling your loss and remembering the loss of our own Golden – Gabriel. As I weep, my two-year-old Golden (Einstein) gets up and comes to me and nudges me. He’s so atuned to my feelings. I’m sure your Tom was, too. I’m sorry for your loss, but glad for the irreplaceable memories you take with you.

    Like

    Reply ↓

    • Thank you for your kind words. Our first golden was Tom’s grandsire, Bo. Bo was 10 weeks older than our youngest son. Our boys grew up with him, and it was awesome. It is wonderful that Tom’s grandpup is growing up with our grandchildren.
      Makes me smile.

      Like

      Reply ↓

  16. Thank you for sharing your loss with us. We mourn with you. He was beautiful. Such a gentle, sweet face. We can feel the love you all shared through the pictures and through your words about him. My heart goes out to you and your family. Marsha

    Like

    Reply ↓

  17. Mary and Tim, I am so sorry Tom is gone. We hugged Rubby a little tighter tonight. Kathleen and I have cried and praid for you. It just is not fare that dogs don’t live with us throughout our lives. God bless you and all of our beloved K9 friends.

    Like

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks Doug. Tonight, Teka has been packing his toy. When she sets it down, Blitz picks it up.
      We knew this was coming.
      Hug his girl, Ruby, for us.
      Today in training, Tim said Teka reminded him of Tom. So eager, so fast.
      Give Lad and Lacy a hug for us. oh, give Kathleen one too. 😀

      Like

      Reply ↓

  18. “We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle; easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we would still live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan.” Irving Townsend — The Once and Future King. I know the heartache of losing a beloved pet and family member. The pain is unbearable. My heart aches for you, Mary and Tim, and everyone in your family. Tom was beautiful.

    Like

    Reply ↓

  19. Sorry for your loss. I lost my German shepherd about 15 years ago. I had him before I was married so he was my baby. He was like a cat with nine lives because he had been through so many mishaps. I have had other dogs since then and none have touched my heart like he did. You are so fortunate to have offsprings. I wish I would have thought of that.

    Like

    Reply ↓

  22. What a lovely post, a great tribute to a dear friend. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
    Your words moved me to tears.

    All the best, take care.

    Love Dina

    Like

    Reply ↓

  26. Thank you for the heartfelt tribute. Saying goodbye to an old friend is never easy but as you said so well all the love you shared softens the transition. Good luck to Tom-dog on his new adventure. And hugs to you.

    Like

    Reply ↓

  29. I’m so sorry for your loss.
    What a beautiful post ,beautiful memories . Your words moved me to tears .
    I’m sure he is happy in heaven and his memories will remain forever.
    All the best for you and Tim.

    Like

    Reply ↓

  31. So sorry to read about your Tom- Dog . He had a great life from your account and that came from the two of you . The good memories of him will bring you some sunshine I’m sure when you are feeling low.
    To Tom-Dog .

    Like

    Reply ↓

  32. I am so sorry Mary. My heart aches for all of you and your post has brought the tears back. You have lost 3 wonderful goldens this past year and it breaks my heart. Tom was such a great boy as well as his son who I miss so much. You don’t know how thrilled I was this last July when I was so fortunate to have a little part of my Sadie girl, Sophie, Tom-dog, and your beloved Hawk given to me. I love my little Bella so much and she definitely has her daddy’s traits and his loving eyes. It also made me very happy when Stephen called to ask if I had any little boys left and Jake was still available. I think it was one of those meant to be moments as Stephen now has his Tom’s grandson to be a part of his wonderful family’s lives. The legend of Tom & Hawk will live on for many years to come and I’m sure they’re both together right now, retrieving ducks in a beautiful spot.

    Like

    Reply ↓

  35. So sorry for your loss. Tom-dog looks a lot like my dearly departed Comet. Old white nose.
    Glad to see Jake holding down the fort though.
    ((hugs))

    Like

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks. The old white nose…amazingly, not as much as I would think given his age. But it is a nice touch, a little dignified gray. Nellie will be 13 in June, she has a lot more gray.
      Jake is a fine boy, he will be old enough for his health clearances this spring. A must if he is to keep the family line going.

      Like

      Reply ↓

  38. A beautiful tribute to your lovely dog Tom. I cannot imagine how painful it was to lose your Tom, a dog is such a part of the family, particularly when you have had him for such a long time. He obviously had a wonderful life with you and your family and I hope lovely memories of him can give you some peace.

    Like

    Reply ↓

  39. Sad news.
    A loved dog you’ll never forget, to come and to go is the hard part of life that makes us to live our days meaningful and conscious, be proud to have been a member of such a beautiful tom-dog-pack and keep all the lovely memories as vitamins for the days and years to come,
    a doggie hug

    Like

    Reply ↓

  42. My English is not good enough to express my feelings. I am … just sad. I am thinking about our dogs as well and first of all … I am looking at the double-double portrait “Tom-Tom”. It is very touching picture.

    Like

    Reply ↓

  44. I always thought that golden retrievers are yellow lab’s cousins. Tom-dog is in heaven with Lester, my dearly missed yellow lab-family member. (Read “I Miss Lester”) Your story reminded me of how friendly, loving and fun our pets can be. Thank you for sharing.

    Like

    Reply ↓

  46. Pingback: Hot Roscoe 2 | Andy: Photographer, Traveller & Chef

    • Indeed, his life was long and full. Our tears are turning to stories and reminiscing. As it should be with when our old come to their time. I was just reading about Newton. I am so sorry for your loss. His life was made more full and wonderful to have you in it.

      Like

      Reply ↓

  49. Just some thoughts from Germany: We´ve two lovely dogs – a retriever-like street dog from the Greece island Kos becoming 12 years (came to us in 2002) and a hunting dog breed from death station from Spain becoming five years in this year (came to us just after the puppy phase). In the previous months I often catch myself while thinking about the death of the older most beloved dog and how it would affect myself emotionally. Some befriended guy from Portugal once said – shortly after the death of an also beloved dog at that time: ´If you really want to love someone or something you need to be prepared to walk through the pain also. You can not opt just for the positive part of a relationship.´ Well there is some truth in this: If I look at the first picture I can see all the trust, joy and confidence (not only in your son but also in life itsself) in the expression of your beloved dog. It´s a moment captured forever. And this is our problem too: After a really good life and the closer the emotional bonds build up death will be experienced as a tragedy sometimes maybe as curse. Is there some help beyond positive memories? I really like a phrase from an old Rolling Stones song and it sounds like this: ´In the silk sheet of time I will find peace of mind.´ Even more truth in that. Kind regards.

    Like

    Reply ↓

    • I recall when our sons experienced their first pet loss of an old dog. Tom’s grandsire Bo was nearly 15 when he passed. Our sons were almost 16 and almost 15. They grew up together. As we said our good-byes and laid Bo to rest on the island, our oldest said, “That feels better.” Wow, I felt like I had been kicked in the gut. “Better?” I asked. “Yes,” he said, “he is complete.”

      Like

      Reply ↓

    • Yesterday our beloved dog Lena passed away. She was put to sleep peacefully and with dignity like her whole life has been. She was a mixed-breed (Retriever & Hovawart eventually) living as a street dog in Kos, Greece, in her very young days, giving birth to two puppies and came to Germany together with her puppies by an animal shelter organization, Why to write this comment? Over 4.5 years before I had the more than vague feeling my dog would pass away soon. This fear seized me thorugh the bones although there was no evidence. I wrote about my fear in this blog and received an answer which changed my way of thinking. Afterthat the fear was driven away and I spend more than four happy years with Lena. I want to thank you for your support to let fear don´t took the reign of some more wonderful years of relationship.

      Like

      Reply ↓

  50. Just adding a quotation of a famous German comedian (Loriot) who was more than fond of pugs through his whole lifetime. It goes like this: “You can live without dogs but it doesn´t make any sense.” Right now no more to add!

    Like

    Reply ↓

Let me know what you think!