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!

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.

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!

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?

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

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?

Hi.
I read about the Dutch Shepherd.I love that they're apparently so loyal and affectionate. I know they use them in our K9 force here because they're so smart and train well.
It's a lot all of a sudden for you but it sounds as if it's going to work out really well. The people/family that she lives with now sound amazing. I hope you're sleeping better and enjoy your time with Scout as you both settle into knowing each other.
take care there,
Lara

I'm sorry you lost your friend. I remember the day my Chuck deteriorated and I had to take him to the vet. He lost his sister just 30 days before. He missed her and wandered around aimlessly. Then, he quickly developed canine vestibular disorder and lost his balance. The look of confusion in his eyes was hard to take.

Tell us about the ways Ranger and now Scout serve you. I don't remember you ever explaining what service Ranger provided.

My daughter had a service dog that helped her with agoraphobia. She would pick at her skin in crowds. She is working with a 10 week old red healer right now. It will take a lot of time...

Ranger first job was helping me cross the street. All it takes is a horn, tire squeal, backfire of a ATV. I freeze if I am crossing. He would start to pull me till we get to the other side. I would sit on ground and he would come into my chest, to calm me and stop a tremor from starting.

Same in public any loud noises. Thunder, flash of lighting. Its all about trying for the tremor to not even start. Before my dog I had some tremors turn to a seizure. That hasnt happened in 10 years!

Scout will be a little different as she is smaller and lighter. She has beet taught to jump her front legs on my lap and give direct pressure that way.

Scout turned 2 last month. She is fully trained with her trainers. Now I need to bond with her and earn her love and respect. It does take time. When it happens its such a relief, so the loss of Ranger has me lost and in my home. I had a friend take me shopping this week. She was hit by a car 2 years ago. We are not a very good team shopping. Me and Ranger were perfect! And I could cope with all that stimulation of grocery shopping.

I trusted Ranger more than people. He was perfect, and loved by anyone who saw us working in public. I will try and not expect to much to start but hope it moves a bit quicker as I know what I need and all the commands.

I hope it's all going well there for you both.
Also hope you're getting some sleep again.
take care