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Mr.Bill

(24,906 posts)
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 12:31 PM Oct 2024

My little girl has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Last edited Mon Oct 14, 2024, 02:09 PM - Edit history (1)

She was a rescue dog, and we had her for almost 16 years. She was full grown, but really young when we got her. We think she was likely around 18 years old.

She was a mixed breed, probably a terrier/poodle mix. The year after we got her, I spent several months with her at the local AKC club doing obedience and rally training. That year the AKC instituted the Canine Companions program and we she was actually one of the first mixed breed dogs to be registered. For the new show season, she was allowed to compete in several programs. I chose the pre-novice obedience trials.

She was very obedient and I had thought she had a good shot in this program. As soon as I walked her into the judging ring, she took a dump as soon as we got started, which was an immediate disqualification.

Since this was the first time for mixed breed dogs to compete, with only four shows happening in the country, she may have been the first dog to leave mixed breed poop in an AKC judging ring. I was quite proud of that and immediately retired her from competition. This was her pinnacle.

She left us last night, appropriately soiling herself as she passed.

67 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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My little girl has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. (Original Post) Mr.Bill Oct 2024 OP
It is hard to say goodbye to a family member LetMyPeopleVote Oct 2024 #1
Condolences to you 😢 spooky3 Oct 2024 #2
I am so sorry for your little girl. What a great post. I can tell you really loved her and she you. Remember the debm55 Oct 2024 #3
Deepest Condolences to you. SheltieLover Oct 2024 #4
Sorry to hear it, Mr.Bill True Dough Oct 2024 #5
Wonderful tribute.. Permanut Oct 2024 #6
I'm so sorry for your loss, Mr.Bill LuckyCharms Oct 2024 #7
Im so sorry for her loss...she was a good girl! Karadeniz Oct 2024 #8
I'm so sorry TexasBushwhacker Oct 2024 #9
So very sorry dear Mr. Bill. FM123 Oct 2024 #10
Condolences, Mr. Bill gademocrat7 Oct 2024 #11
🌸 Donkees Oct 2024 #12
R.I.P., little lady. She had a long run and obviously a very happy life. kysrsoze Oct 2024 #13
I'm so sorry for the loss of your long-time friend. nocoincidences Oct 2024 #14
Rest in peace sweetheart. You were loved and will be missed. Fla Dem Oct 2024 #15
I'm so sorry for the loss of your little girl. onecaliberal Oct 2024 #16
... littlemissmartypants Oct 2024 #17
Rest in peace, sweet doggie wryter2000 Oct 2024 #18
Hang in. Give them a good life and a peaceful crossover. They will love you more than you can imagine. twodogsbarking Oct 2024 #19
So sad for your loss montanacowboy Oct 2024 #20
I am sorry, Mr. Bill. OldBaldy1701E Oct 2024 #21
I'm so sorry. Solly Mack Oct 2024 #22
Sorry to read that FoxNewsSucks Oct 2024 #23
You were a great Dad. And I'm sorry to hear she has moved on. But maybe not? Always be with you. Evolve Dammit Oct 2024 #24
so sorry to hear of your loss... bluboid Oct 2024 #25
So sorry, Mr. Bill 70sEraVet Oct 2024 #26
I'm so sorry cate94 Oct 2024 #27
Sorry for your loss. This may help DENVERPOPS Oct 2024 #28
OMG! I haven't even read this all through and I've got teary eyes already. calimary Oct 2024 #30
It can be brutal DENVERPOPS Oct 2024 #32
Or at least limit how long they can live the good life on Capitol Hill. calimary Oct 2024 #59
Deepest condolences, Mr. Bill. calimary Oct 2024 #29
❤️ underpants Oct 2024 #31
Little Girl Clouds Passing Oct 2024 #33
I am sorry for your loss JoseBalow Oct 2024 #34
I can't imagine how much you will miss a pistol like her. I am so sorry. LoisB Oct 2024 #35
So sorry for your loss. Mad_Dem_X Oct 2024 #36
so very sorry Skittles Oct 2024 #37
Rest in Paradise Mr. Bill's little girl Niagara Oct 2024 #38
I was ok until I read this. Then I lost it. TomSlick Oct 2024 #41
I concur with your heartfelt response, TomSlick Niagara Oct 2024 #45
So Sorry ProfessorGAC Oct 2024 #39
So sorry for your loss. sinkingfeeling Oct 2024 #40
I'm so very sorry for your loss! CousinIT Oct 2024 #42
I am so sorry, Mr. Bill, for your loss UpInArms Oct 2024 #43
Very sorry for your loss, Mr. Bill! Different Drummer Oct 2024 #44
So sorry for your loss. :0( Teacher of the Year Oct 2024 #46
Awwww great story.. thanks for sharing. mountain grammy Oct 2024 #47
I'm so sorry for your loss. I love her spunk! She did the equivalent of giving the judges the bird! MLAA Oct 2024 #48
I love rescue puppies. My wife works as a veterinarian at a no kill shelter (worked for over 25 years). texasfiddler Oct 2024 #49
kick debm55 Oct 2024 #50
So Sorry for Your Loss The Roux Comes First Oct 2024 #51
Partly it's because it's just beginning to hit me. Mr.Bill Oct 2024 #54
Nice story Figarosmom Oct 2024 #52
... Ferrets are Cool Oct 2024 #53
Deepest condolences to you on the loss of your girl. virgdem Oct 2024 #55
I'm sorry for your loss. area51 Oct 2024 #56
Sorry to hear that DemonGoddess Oct 2024 #57
I'm so very sorry ailsagirl Oct 2024 #58
I'm sorry for your loss KT2000 Oct 2024 #60
My 17 year old baby died in 2020 BigmanPigman Oct 2024 #61
so sorry for your loss of little girl. peacebuzzard Oct 2024 #62
I am so sorry get the red out Oct 2024 #63
Awww, I am so sorry... Trueblue Texan Oct 2024 #64
i am so sorry for the loss of your puppy dawn5651 Oct 2024 #65
I too had a pound puppy, German short hair pointer curlled up sleeping in her food dish. I said I'll take that one. Hotler Oct 2024 #66
Yesterday was quite stressfull for me, to say the least. Mr.Bill Oct 2024 #67

debm55

(42,058 posts)
3. I am so sorry for your little girl. What a great post. I can tell you really loved her and she you. Remember the
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 12:36 PM
Oct 2024

memories of her and the good times you had together.

FM123

(10,188 posts)
10. So very sorry dear Mr. Bill.
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 12:58 PM
Oct 2024

Thank you for sharing your wonderful story with us, so obvious how much you adored her!

Donkees

(32,621 posts)
12. 🌸
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 01:09 PM
Oct 2024
''A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms''



''The Dung and the Blossom are One'' - Buddha 🌸

nocoincidences

(2,369 posts)
14. I'm so sorry for the loss of your long-time friend.
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 01:23 PM
Oct 2024

There's never a good time for them to leave and 16 years is a long time to love each other.

twodogsbarking

(12,647 posts)
19. Hang in. Give them a good life and a peaceful crossover. They will love you more than you can imagine.
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 02:04 PM
Oct 2024

Recently said good bye to 12.5 yo Golden. Peace.

OldBaldy1701E

(7,110 posts)
21. I am sorry, Mr. Bill.
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 02:08 PM
Oct 2024

My husband and I lost our second doggie five years ago. The first we lost about five years before that.

I am still not over it.

FoxNewsSucks

(10,947 posts)
23. Sorry to read that
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 02:20 PM
Oct 2024

Sounds like a really good girl

I've never really understood that poop disqualification, just pick it up and keep moving

DENVERPOPS

(10,699 posts)
28. Sorry for your loss. This may help
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 02:46 PM
Oct 2024

We just went through the same thing.........someone sent this to us...........



When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me,

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry, though I know your heart aches so,
But remember it was for the best……it was my time to go……..

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
and each time you’re thinking of me, I know you’ll miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart,
for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.

If it should be that I grow frail and weak, and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done for this last battle can’t be won….

You will be sad, I understand, don’t let your grief then stay your hand,
for on this day, more than all the rest, your love and friendship stands the test….

We’ve had so many happy years, what’s to come can hold no fears,
take me where my needs they’ll tend, only stay with me until the end,
hold me firm and speak to me, until my eyes no longer see……..

I know in time that you will see, it is a kindness that you do to me,
although my tail, it’s last has waved, from pain and suffering,
I’ve been saved………

Do not grieve, it should be you who decides, this thing to do,
we’ve been so close these years….
Please don’t let your heart hold any tears……………

Unknown

DENVERPOPS

(10,699 posts)
32. It can be brutal
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 02:58 PM
Oct 2024

but it actually helps.....at least I though so. Much more than the classical Rainbow Bridge.......

I will keep reading it, over and over, every day until I no longer cry when reading it....

Again, I feel for your grief.........

I tell people I wish our dogs could live a human lifetime, and Politicians croak after a few years in office....
(McConnell, Grassley, etc etc etc to name a few)

calimary

(85,153 posts)
29. Deepest condolences, Mr. Bill.
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 02:50 PM
Oct 2024

Rescues are probably the dearest critters of all. Sounds like you gave her a good home and a really nice life.

Skittles

(161,686 posts)
37. so very sorry
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 04:25 PM
Oct 2024

Grieve not
nor speak of me with tears
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you
I loved you so
’twas Heaven here with you

- Isla Paschal Richardson

TomSlick

(12,135 posts)
41. I was ok until I read this. Then I lost it.
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 06:42 PM
Oct 2024

I have buried enough pets that I know the truth of your post.

The problem with pets is that their lives are so much shorter than ours. The pain at their loss is the price for their unconditional love.

Niagara

(10,113 posts)
45. I concur with your heartfelt response, TomSlick
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 07:48 PM
Oct 2024

We never "move on" from grief... we only move forward with it, so let it all out.


Some days are abundantly harder than other days, no matter if we lost a beloved human or furry family member.


I'm going on 15 months without a furry family member pitter pattering around in the home. I just don't think I have it in me to say goodbye due to how short their lives are. It's never enough time.








CousinIT

(10,884 posts)
42. I'm so very sorry for your loss!
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 06:46 PM
Oct 2024

You loved her till the last and she surely knew it. It’s all you could give her.

texasfiddler

(2,194 posts)
49. I love rescue puppies. My wife works as a veterinarian at a no kill shelter (worked for over 25 years).
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 09:21 PM
Oct 2024

We have sheltered countless number of dogs and cats at our place. I love these beautiful animals, and it hurts when they pass away. I find so much joy when a dog that has been stuck in a dog crate for weeks comes out to our ranch and runs around and feels the freedom that is so needed and deserved. We have a 17 year old rescue that is on his last few weeks of life. I will cry my eyes out when he passes, but he had a damn good life and he gave us so much joy.

The Roux Comes First

(1,617 posts)
51. So Sorry for Your Loss
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 10:09 PM
Oct 2024

I wish I had your ability to be glib about it, although I bet there is some serious ache.

My recent pet losses have been very hard to take. I had so much shared love there.

Take care of yourself.

Mr.Bill

(24,906 posts)
54. Partly it's because it's just beginning to hit me.
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 10:18 PM
Oct 2024

Another thing that helps is we have another dog. She is an 11 year old maltese/yorkie mix. She's a runt of the litter and weighs just a bit over four lbs. She's never lived in a house without another dog. I'm going to spoil the hell out of her. Thanks to you for your kind words.

Figarosmom

(4,251 posts)
52. Nice story
Mon Oct 14, 2024, 10:10 PM
Oct 2024

Evidentiary she didn't want to compete. Sorry to hear she's gone. But I bet you gave her the best 16 years she could have dreamed of.

BigmanPigman

(52,559 posts)
61. My 17 year old baby died in 2020
Tue Oct 15, 2024, 04:33 AM
Oct 2024

and I am still missing her.

Sometimes her doggie spirit visits me when I am half asleep. It is very cool. My first dog did that for 10 days after she died and my dad did the night he died and then after my second dog died and they were together and communicated without words. She still visits me occasionally. These experiences lead me to believe that something DOES happen after you die and I'm an atheist.

get the red out

(13,682 posts)
63. I am so sorry
Tue Oct 15, 2024, 07:42 AM
Oct 2024

Pets are our angels on Earth! Your girl sounds like she was a wonderful part of your life!

I am training my 2 year old Mini Aussie in Obedience and Agility. Forming that bond of working together is something special. I try not to obsess that my BC mix is 14, but I will always laugh when I remember her, as a seasoned agility competitor, pooping at the top of the A-frame at a competition and little brown chunks chasing her on down.

Trueblue Texan

(3,142 posts)
64. Awww, I am so sorry...
Tue Oct 15, 2024, 08:10 AM
Oct 2024

I am sending healing thoughts to you and all who loved your little girl. So glad you were blessed with so many happy years together.

Hotler

(12,641 posts)
66. I too had a pound puppy, German short hair pointer curlled up sleeping in her food dish. I said I'll take that one.
Tue Oct 15, 2024, 09:17 AM
Oct 2024

We both went through novice and open obedience classes. Got a couple of trophy's too. Total off leash control, but, she didn't need it because she developed great manners. She loved everybody and everybody loved Suzie. My heart was ripped out the day she passed. That was back in the 1980's. I've had many dogs since and they all have been great. Suzie was a standout.

A toast to all our dog friends past and present.

Epitaph to a Dog
George Gordon Byron1788 –1824

When some proud Son of Man returns to Earth,
Unknown to Glory but upheld by Birth,
The sculptor's art exhausts the pomp of woe,
And storied urns record who rests below:
When all is done, upon the Tomb is seen
Not what he was, but what he should have been.
But the poor Dog, in life the firmest friend,
The first to welcome, foremost to defend,
Whose honest heart is still his Master's own,
Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,
Unhonour'd falls, unnotic'd all his worth,
Deny'd in heaven the Soul he held on earth:
While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven,
And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.
Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour,
Debas'd by slavery, or corrupt by power,
Who knows thee well, must quit thee with disgust,
Degraded mass of animated dust!
Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat,
Thy tongue hypocrisy, thy heart deceit!
By nature vile, ennobled but by name,
Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.
Ye! who behold perchance this simple urn,
Pass on, it honors none you wish to mourn.
To mark a friend's remains these stones arise;
I never knew but one—and here he lies.

Mr.Bill

(24,906 posts)
67. Yesterday was quite stressfull for me, to say the least.
Tue Oct 15, 2024, 10:11 AM
Oct 2024

So stressfull that I neglected to include my dog's name.

Her name was Katy. Her AKC name was Katherine the Great.

She was a very special doggy and I am missing her today more than I did yesterday.

Thanks to all who have posted here.

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