[davOD]

My 11 year old service dog, had to be put down yesterday. My heart breaks, I am sad, hollow, and I am so lonely.
Im not sure how to move forward. He gave me friends. Got me back into public. Helped me get more involved with local politics.
Now he is gone forever.

I love you Ranger, and I always will!

[Chemar]

So sorry you have lost your pal, Ranger, davOD

I hope once you have had time to grieve and release, you may consider a new support pup. None could ever replace your Ranger, I know, but perhaps it could help ease the loss, and give another dog the opportunity to have a caring home too.

[Lara]

oh Dave, I'm very sorry to read your post about Ranger.
I agree with what Chemar has said totally.
He certainly was a great companion for you from what you've written and it must feel really bad right now.If you find you need to talk about him and how you're dealing with your loss and no one is around where you live, just talk here. Thinking of you!

[davOD]

5 days have passed. The hole in my heart is still there. I started eating and getting sleep. It only gives you more energy to cry!

I have trained with my new dog(Scout) 2 times since. We have such a long road to get to perfection...............sigh

Im getting older and now Im working with a spry 2 year old. Trainer says she wont calm down till she is 3 or 4!

I have forgotten how hard it was starting out. At some point, you dont need commands it becomes the perfect relationship.

For years I said I trusted my dog more than people, so here I am back at square one....I do not know where I am going to get the energy to get this perfect?

[Lara]

Hi Dave, I'm sorry it feels so dark right now.
Great news about Scout though and can understand your trepidation about how long he'll take to fully train. He's basically still changing from puppy to adult. I guess that's an age when they're able to learn a lot??
What type of dog is Scout?
Hold on there. It's actually really good to hear that you've already met your new companion and have had a couple of sessions. That's really strong. I've lost pets but not like your situation but it's taken me years to get to the point of being able to care for another one. The loss is so unbearable, so yes, you're really strong to be doing this already.
Take care there.
Lara

[davOD]

Update: Scout is a just 2 year old, Dutch Shepherd.

She knows her commands.

We will start the bonding starting Wednesday. So that can take week? Maybe2? No idea. That means she moves in full time. She is leaving a very nice home with 2 boys.(8 and 14) They heard of Rangers passing, they hand made sympathy cards for me, and told me how good Scout is and soft and fuzzy.(yes she is) The parents run the business and the kids can still play and be with the dogs.

After that happens we start to refine each other and work tightly. Then she needs to be task trained to my problems and difficulties. That take some time and dosent happen naturally. She has been trained for deep pressure therapy and that will be when Im having numerous problems.

I totally melted down last night. Horrible sleep and up way before 3 am. I got the call yesterday morning that she moves in starting Wednesday. I was confused, didnt say much. I know its the best thing because it takes so long. It will be so much to handle but I have to do it. I havent left my home for a week and a half. I cant be in public alone, just cant do it without my dog.

I hope we are dialed in first of the year? I only am so optimistic as I have been through this already. Ranger was far more trained but I was the problem. We had a ruff first year, guess im lucky I dont remember much?