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How I'm coping losing my sweet best friend
My sweet friend,
Today is a very, very big day. The kind of day most dog lovers fear more than our own death.
I didn’t get much sleep last night – maybe two hours at best. Work took me nine time zones away from you. I didn’t realize how bad things were when I left. Perhaps, deep inside I didn’t want to see what to you was already obvious.
Your injury took a lot out of you. You are sixteen, that is two times eight, or 112, in human years. That is old for a large dog like you. But you did so well for so long that I almost forgot. You didn’t even have much gray hair, your coat was shiny and the neurologist who saw you last week could not believe how good your teeth were.
When we went to see your neurologist, uncle Nick, and he told us you suffered a serious cervical disc injury, I should have clued in, but at that moment I was not a vet. I was a hundred percent your dad and dads don’t want to see their kids leaving, not for school, not for travel and especially not for good.
When a baggage porter accidentally swung a heavy suitcase and hit your head two weeks ago, first you tried to be brave, but then I had to carry you on the flight. The people of Westjet were amazing. They let us fly home and then one of their employees and a dog lover came to check on you when we arrived. But I could see the sparkles in your eyes had faded away. We knew, considering your age and diagnosis, surgery was simply not an option. I wouldn’t want you to go through that, my sweet friend. You didn’t deserve to suffer, it would be more for us than for you.
Deep inside, I hoped you’d bounce back like you always have. Brave, shiny, sweet and full of beans. You have always been caring, so worried about everyone else. Always ready to help, asking: “What do you need? What can I do for you? What else, what else?!” That was you – Mr. Skai Wantstofly, a border collie at heart, more human than a dog.
When we met, you were holding a bone, growling at all your brothers and sisters, fiercely defending your prized possession. But when you saw me, you dropped your bone, forgot about the growling and came to say hi. That is how the story began.
Yes, it’s true I was told by your people that you’d be aggressive and I should not choose you, but they could not be more wrong. All I needed to do is to get you two bones and teach you, by switching them, that there will always be enough food for you.
Over time, you turned into a Zen dog, our pride and joy, a true best friend! As time progressed, you’ve taught me so much and inspired hundreds of thousands, or possibly millions of dog lovers to take better care of their best friends. You were a true dog ambassador and I was very happy to live in your shadow. You were the star and I was your dad.
And then there were the girls. Boy, you loved girls! You had it pretty dialed, walking on the beach or in the park, laying right at their feet! Girls love boys to be at their feet and you were a master at that. Your success rate was pretty close to 100 percent.
In fact, you were the only male I know who got to sleep in the bed on the first night every single time. That is a skill that many guys would love to possess!
Yes, I know, the Labs and Golden Retrievers were sometimes challenging. They were like the Italians. Loud, rowdy and cordial. “Manger, manger!!! Mamma Mia!!!” For you, they were a little too much.
You were the master of manners and etiquette, after all, your ancestors were British. Many people told me you were the best trained and well-behaved dog and I agree. Your manners led you to be my guide and protector, my service dog to help me with my sleepwalking. Yes, I sleepwalk and have since I was a child. When I was at vet school, I walked through a glass door and almost died. But since I got you, you made sure I was safe. You were my guardian, and I was yours.
Adventures! Oh boy, you lived for adventures and we had so many! There is enough for a whole book. Do you remember when we cashed our air mile points and flew you to Paris in first class? As a service dog, you were able to fly in the cabin and had your own pillow! And there was a woman having a fit because there was a dog in the cabin. If I had an airline, I would fly all dogs first class and put all the anti-dog people in cargo!
It was fun to see my crazy dreams come through. You ran around the Eiffel Tower, you loved that. Also around the Louvre pyramid. Do you remember how we put you in the lap of a female statue in the park and took pictures? You were smiling as if you understood it was funny. That picture is one of my favorites.
There was a point when you were clearly trying to tell me that I was burning out at work. It was you who gave me the idea of living a more balanced life, doing yoga, enjoying nature and spending our winter months in Maui. I loved doing yoga in the park with you because I could watch you sleeping and chasing bunnies.
The first time I brought you over to Hawaii, we flew to the island of Oahu. I took you to the beach, the water was warm. You taught me that anything was possible. You were seven-years-old then.
When you were a puppy, I almost thought you didn’t love me because you were always ready to go for an adventure with your other human and canine friends. But one day, we went to a lake and everyone tried to coax you in the water, but you would not go.
Then I jumped in and in a second you were in the water, trying to ‘rescue’ me. Perhaps my swimming style made you think I was drowning?
Your sister, Peggy was a very special friend to you and us too. Did you know, originally, I chose her, but then she started to run away from me. Obviously, she had a plan. She didn’t want me to leave you behind. Have you ever thought what would happen if I left you behind? I can’t imagine. It was meant to be.
There are not many dogs who get the chance to see their sister or brother every week. I love spending time with my siblings, so I understood how much you loved being with her and you especially loved sleepovers.
I could go on and on, writing about our adventures and crying my heart out because today is a pretty tough day. In fact, I don’t think I’ve had a tougher day in my life and there were some tough ones!
You were barely walking when I took you to your favorite park the other day and I found a little stuffed doggie leaning against the post. I couldn’t believe my eyes because the doggie looked exactly like you, brown and white and he even wore glasses. It was you! I took the little stuffed “you” with me to Norway because I missed the real you so much.
And then there was the phone call. You were not doing well. The call I was the most afraid of. I saw your eyes and knew you were asking me to let you go. You didn’t eat or walk for three days and you were waiting for me to come home.
I spent three hours looking for flights to see how I could get to you faster. Interestingly the same airline that carried us home when you were injured is now carrying me to you.
I am on the way and I know you are waiting. They say the biggest expression of love is when we let someone go despite the pain we feel.
I am aware I could go to heroic measures. I know I could take you through procedures, but that would mean more suffering. I have had many breakdowns today. Walking through the airports, not caring if someone sees me crying. I know I am coming home to help you and it feels like someone ripped my heart out.
I so don’t want to let you go, but I know that the biggest expression of my love is to let you go.
I will cuddle you, I will kiss you, I will lay down beside you and then I will let you go because I love you.
I am writing this letter on the plane to pass the time, ease the pain and be closer to you.
You, Mr. Skai Wantstofly, are the big reason why my life has been so good. You taught me how to be a better vet and a healer, you showed me how to be a better person and that the biggest purpose in life is to help others and spend time with family and friends.
So, when I get to Vancouver we will act like big boys who know that the real you is timeless and limitless and that in our world you will never leave. I could hang on for a little longer because many people do. Often, I have seen people hanging on for too long. I know you loved to run and I really do not want you to suffer, unable to walk and not eating. You are telling me to let you go.
You see, I am terrified right now, but I know I need to be strong. As a vet, I have seen many heartbreaks but I also learned that the biggest expression of love is to let you go my friend, even though it hurts like hell.
Just hang on Mr. Skai, I am coming….
__________________
Note: I arrived in Vancouver at 1 p.m. on Wed. May 17, 2017. When I got home, Skai was waiting on his favorite sofa, a pillow under his head. (He loved pillows) We spent a few hours together. He had his loved ones by his side. He passed away at 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time at his home in North Vancouver, Canada.
Our hearts are broken and it will take time to recover from losing him so fast.
My family and I thank you all for all the messages of support and encouragement.
I promise I will continue to be there for you and your dogs as soon as I can.
With love and gratitude,
Dr. D
Mr. Skai Wantstofly 2001 - 2017
Comments
Monica Hoersch said:
I’m so sorry for your loss, he certainly lived a full and happy life on all his adventures with you. I lost a special girl last year and am still hurting from that, just take your time and the healing will happen. RIP Skai ???
Debbie said:
I’m so sorry for your loss Peter as I know it well. RIP Skai you will be loved and missed forever.
Barbara Larson said:
I am in tears. I had to put my beloved boy down 4 weeks ago. I am lost as I’m sure you are. You were a wonderful dad. Prayers are with you at this most painful time.??
Mary said:
I am so sorry. He was clearly an amazing creature and friend.
Evonne and Abe said:
I am heartbroken. I am so sorry, so very sorry! I just don’t have the words. Big hugs and can’t wait to really give you a hug!
We love you!
Carole Ann Lewis said:
I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend. Your letter was beautiful. Skai had a wonderful, adventure filled life and knows he was very loved.
Mary said:
So sorry for your loss Dr.D. Ski will always be with you. RIP Skai
Terri Spence-Ptolemy said:
What a wonderful eulogy for your best friend, Dr Dobias, thank you for sharing. I am so sad for your loss, RIP Skai. Thank you for all you share about looking after our furry family members.
Jan said:
My heart aches along with yours. Prayers that your grief will be lifted by memories of his love for you.
Sheena cunningham said:
Dr D my heart breaks for you as I read that your beloved Skai has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. We have let 2 amazing dogs go in peace and pain free.
Because of you we are giving our 3rd dog the Dobias lifestyle….wish we had found you before. We know how much pain you are in but you were the best Dad to Skai…you were unselfish and let him go when the time was right for him because it is never right for us! God Bless You and Skai xxx
Suzanne said:
You were perfect together, you are both so very fortunate to have found each other. Peace be with you both.
June said:
My heart is breaking for you. What a sad day, but what a happy full life he had. Thank you for sharing the letter and pictures. Take care, as you know only time will ease the pain.
Hresa said:
I am so truly sorry for the loss of your Skai. Cherish the beautiful memories you have of him, he will always live in your heart. Fly free and rest easy Mr. Skai Wantstofly ❤️
Benito Luigi (w/Mom) said:
We hope these memories will continue to give you strength when you need it the most & that you will continue to find him within his Brightest Star☆Benito Luigi (w/His Mom) Under the Light of His Beloved Brither’s Brightest Star
Eo McNeil said:
Oh, Dr. D….I am inconsolable as I write this. I feel your loss and sadness and it pains me that you are going though this grief right now. It is the worst!
For the past couple of days, I have been checking your FB page for an update. I was not expecting this sad news and I am totally shocked and devastated to read that Skai has left us. Yes…us…He was such an intricatal part of everything you stand for and we believe in.
Please stay strong…this is a tough one. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family and the community that is grieving right along with you right now.
RIP, sweet Skai….now you are free to fly!
Hugs, Eo
Ava Coleman said:
My heart breaks for your loss . If I die and am reincarnated , I hope it’s as your dog…
Linda said:
No words can ease the pain of a broken heart. Hope you find peace and comfort. A bond that you had can never be broken. Love is forever. He lives on. ?
Rache Marie said:
No words very heavy Heart ❤️
Carolyn Heimann said:
My heart is breaking for you! I am so very sorry for your loss. I have two dogs of my own, one 14 and our newest Rescue who is 8. I want to thank you and Skai for helping to make their lives better by caring so much about our fur babies. Prayers for your aching heart! Run happy and pain free Skai! Your Dad will see you again someday! Peace and love to you and yours!!!
Lisa Gilmore said:
So sad. Crying and reading your letter with Cale. We both miss Skai so much. Sending you love, peace & light to help through this incredibly difficult time. ???❤️ I know Talus will be there to greet Skai at the rainbow ? ?bridge and have a play.
Tayler muskett said:
So very sorry for your loss. What a life that pup lived <3
Melinda said:
My tears are flowing, my heart his heavy, my prayers are for you, Dr. D. Like so many others, I, too know your ache.
There are no words. I am so so sorry❤️
Diana Lorenzen Collins said:
I am in tears for you!! What a beautiful,eloquent letter..you’ll see your boy again one day! ???
Claudia said:
Very, very sad …..sorry for your loss !!!
Kim Bradley said:
My deepest condolences to you! But what a rich life you both enjoyed together…a bond that death simply can’t destroy! Rest in the knowledge that you did your very best for your wonderful doggie…right to the end.
Ms Penny said:
So terribly sorry to hear about your loss of skai…i am crying with you and wish strength for you as you grieve…
Lynn Bellamy said:
What a wonderful life the two of you had – lots of love, adventures and happy memories. RIP Skai knowing that you left peacefully in the arms of your special human.
Patricia said:
I’m so sorry for your loss. I cried throughout your eulogy as it brought back the pain I felt when I had to put my 14 year old Shih Tzu. I cried for months and vowed I would never have another dog. God had other plans tho and sent me 3 over a 8 month period of time. Nothing can replace the dog you lose but your heart can certainly love again. In my case I have 3, all different and very special and they all have my heart. You will always miss Skai, but the day will come when a dog, probably one different in every way possible, will find it’s way to you and into your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rose said:
So very sorry for your loss. Nothing better than a dog’s love. Blessing to you and yours at this time of deep sorrow :(
Kim Marks said:
I am so sad to hear about Skai passing from this life. I loved to hear about his adventures with you. what a wonderful soul.
Nicole said:
So sorry for your loss Peter & family.
I know this pain all too well.
Skai will always be looking over you.
RIP Mr. Skai Wantstofly. xxoo
Patti said:
Peter, I am so sorry for the loss of your Skai, such a beautiful loving furbaby. I hope you find peace in your heart.
sue said:
I am so sorry, sad and devastated. We will miss hearing about his adventures, Skai and you both inspired us to do better by our dogs. Deepest sympathies.
Dolores Matthys said:
My tears are flowing… I’m so sorry for your immense heartbreak. It’s a feeling which is all too familiar. Sending much love to you and those close to you. Skai will be by your side, always, just like my Squirt will always be with me. Much love and strength ?
Virginia Yates said:
jenn said:
A day of tears that keep flooding….as Chris Cornell sang for us all…..
“Scar On The Sky”
As I fall I leave this scar upon the sky
A simple note for you, I’ll wait for your reply
And in your answer I’ll regain my will to try
So hover in the diving light
We will rip the night
Out of the arms of the sun one more time
Close your eyes and we will fly
Above the clouded sky
And over the dumbstruck world we will run
In these hills they wash the golden grains away
To the valley under all of this I lay
And may you dig me out unearthed and saved
So hover in the diving light
We will rip the night
Out of the arms of the sun one more time
Close your eyes and we will fly
Above the clouded sky
And over the dumbstruck world we will run
We can rip the night
Out of the arms of the sun
A blood red feather leaves a scar upon my hand
No longer scrounded like a painted bird on a fan
So hover in the diving light
We will rip the night
Out of the arms of the sun one more time
Close your eyes and we will fly
Above the clouded sky
And over the dumbstruck world we will run
We can rip the night
Out of the arms of the sun
Natasha Thompson said:
So sorry to hear this. Well done for giving him a beautiful life.
Janine said:
I’m heartbroken for you….it is the hardest thing losing your best friend, your little brother. He is waiting for you on the other side
Barb said:
Sending my deepest sympathies at this very difficult time. Hope it helps to know that Skai will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge where he has been made whole again and not suffering. RIP Skai
Kelly said:
So sorry for your loss. I lost my best friend in November and didn’t want to see him suffer either. Skai was very lucky to have you. Take care.
Jody Freeland said:
It is truly a sad day. I’m so sorry for your loss. I really have no words, but I share my tears with you and your family.
Rita Nixon said:
I am so very sorry for your loss…RIP Skai..Peter remember the good times and know that love never dies….Skai lives on in your heart…he will never leave you…
vicky said:
I am so so sorry to hear this terrible news. I shed tears for Skai’s passing and for all of his family and friends.
rozanne said:
I have felt so fortunate to find your website . To see that a dog could have a good life with health and vibrancy. I almost list my dog last year to a serious operation so I have great empathy in your loss. I am sending love and support in my meditations and prayers during this difficult time. We are a world community here to comfort each other in the adversities and changes in life. Blessings to you.
Mary-Lyn said:
I’m so sad to read this. My heart hurts for you and the rest of Skai’s friends and family.
So sorry.
Diana Lorenzen Collins said:
Dr.Dobias,
I’m POSITIVE you will see Skai again!! (I am unable to edit my post above of ACCIDENTAL ???‘s) …grieving for you right this minute.. :-’(
Joanne said:
I am in tears reading your letter to skai. I am so sorry for your loss Peter. I just walked by your house and saw cars but no lights on in front. I know what you are going through from past experiences but this is so fresh and heartbreakingly painful. I think that when it’s time to leave, animals know it, and they cross the rainbow bridge in sheer pleasure but to us it’s a burden we have to live with for a long time before it gets easier. My heart goes out to you. It’s a very sad time. Hugs, and love
Bonnie said:
So sorry to hear of your beloved Skai’s passing. I know you loved him BIG! May the many wonderful memories of times you shared with him bring you peace.
Samantha said:
I’m sorry for your loss. No words I can say will make things better. The love and healing of our animal companions is unconditional and timeless. I see as an empath and psychic bonds beyond explanation. I’m weeping as I have read your words and send Light and Love your way.
Pam said:
My heart hurts for you as the pain of loss is still fresh in mine. What an amazing life you gave him and what amazing gifts he gave you in return. I always say, I did a lot for my boy in the end but I would do it all again in a heartbeat because of all he did to take care of me.
Debbie said:
So sorry for your loss Peter & Dean, I am privileged to have had the opportunity to know Skai, he was truly an amazing dog. My heart breaks with you! Forever in my heart.Debbie Benson ?
Joan billesberger said:
My Dear Dr. Peter,
the best vet in the world. My heart goes out to you. A big hug from me and Adera. You have always been there for me and your other clients and friends, now it’s our turn to support you in your grieving. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Joan
Kathleen Smith said:
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Skai is a beautiful soul and I can feel your love for him every time I read your posts; it warms my heart to feel such love. May fond memories ease your pain. This is a lovely letter to Skai and I’m crying as I read. My sweet boy got his wings last September and he was the world to me as well. You had a very special relationship and be very proud of the wonderful life you provided to Skai. Big hug!
Michelle Gurney said:
Thank you for sharing such an emotional, true, tender, raw reminder of the love that we give and get from these special four legged blessings that come into our lives. There are no words to express how sorry I am for your loss. My heart is very heavy with learning of the passing of Skai but it is also refreshed in reading of how much love this boy brought into your life and I am sure many others.
Debbie said:
So sorry for your loss Peter & Dean, I am privileged to have had the opportunity to know Skai, he was truly an amazing dog. My heart breaks with you! Forever in my heart.Debbie Benson
Barb said:
I am so sorry to hear about your baby. He sounded like an amazing guy. When I first read about him it gave me hope that my boys would be around for several more years. I had two German Shorthair Pointers. I just lost boy Chief on May 7th when they found a tumor that ruptured in his spleen. He was only 10 1/2. My hearts aches because I miss him so much. My heart,aches for you as well. I’m so blessed to still have his brother Wilbur to help me through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Colette Okamoto said:
I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss. Skai was an inspiration to me, to the point that I changed the way I cared for my babies. I wanted them to be as healthy and happy as he was. I am going to miss his blogs and adventures. Rest in Love Skai Wantstofly!
Carole Johnston said:
your loving letter is so beautiful – sad to Hear of Skai’s passing – sending love and strength at this most difficult time -
Cathy said:
So very sorry for your loss. It’s been 5 years since my Hudson passed. He was a collie husky x and 7 years since Maguire my malamute passed. They were both my rock in bad times and the most fun to just hang out with all the time. I was so fortunate to have had them in my life and would have them both back in a New York minute…..May he RIP and may you, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him remember him with love. Stay strong.
Maureen Russell said:
I am so so sorry to hear about Skai. I’m crying as I write this. He sounds like he was one amazing dog. I loved it when “he” would post his letters. Truly a very sad day. My thoughts are with you
Lana said:
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful companion, Skai. I’ve loved reading of your adventures over the past few years and was sorry to hear of the airport incident that set him back.
He couldn’t have had a more fulfilling life, and I’m sure he’ll be waiting for you to reunite at rainbow bridge.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”
My sincerest condolences…
Bet Turnbull said:
God sent Skai to you. To be your best friend, your teacher, your guardian, to show you love. In return you were his DAD, his friend, his guardian and returned that beautifu love to him. My heart likewise is broken along with you. It is so important to think about what you had together. Just picture the peace he is experiencing in Heaven and will continue to be watching out for you. You have come full circle and will be together again one day.
Bless you. One day you will realize time is healing. It will happen.
My heart aches for you, and all who knew this beautiful friend.
Micki Ashurst said:
My heart is absolutely breaking. I’ve known Skai since he was a puppy, and loved him very much. And I’ve always been afraid of you losing him, knowing your closeness. Having lost our first soul mate Montana and many things has taught me that there is no greater heartbreak. Thank God you could be there with him at least for his last few hours. I’m forever grateful to have known him, and now I wish that you can find consoling and peace with your loved ones and in your memories. Our hearts are with you.
Linda Dallas said:
Peter & family: I’m in tears reading the news & your letter. Skai, you were very special to those of us lucky enough to meet you, we will see you again.
Jocelyne Monette said:
Oh Peter …. I am so sorry ,,, I dreaded reading this post .. I cried as I read your words as I can only imagine your deep deep sadness and loss. The grief journey you are embarking on is a testament to the unconditional love and bond shared with Skai. One day, the cloud will lift and the memories will not only provide you peace and serenity, but your heart will smile at having known such a beautiful soul.I want to leave you with a favorite quote of mine by AA Milne / Winnie the Pooh:“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.” Sending you hugs and light …Godspeed Skai WantstoFly!!
Cindy said:
I’m very sorry to hear about Skai.
I let all of my dogs go when they let me know it was time. Only one had to die on his own because the vet refused to believe me when I said he was dying.
All of them are still close in my heart.
Peter Calandra said:
Very sorry you had to let Skai go. I know how much a part of your life and happiness he was and that’s what makes it so devastating. With each dog we love and then help pass it gets harder instead of easier. I suspect that it’s because from each dog we learn valuable lessons and those lessons accumulate along with our devotion to the canines. I never thought I could give my dog a syringe of insulin every 12 hours but I do, and I know his raw diet and your powders are sustaining him 2+ years after his diagnosis. Peter, I hope you take some time for yourself to grieve your boy. His love will never leave you, in fact he is now part of you. Blessings to you and your family.
- Peter
NICOLA DeSousa-Heide said:
What a beautiful heart felt letter. I am sorry for your loss. Until you meet again….
Trudee B said:
Your love letter to Skai is awesome. He waited for your return and how blessed you were to comfort him. That shows how much he loved you in return. He knew you would grieve more deeply if he didn’t wait. Love endures for eternity. I believe you will be united again, in time. That is your wish and his.
Sharon Shaw said:
So heartbroken….Dr. Dobias, please know that Skye is free and happy, and looks down at you with love and gratitude….
Much love,
Sharon in Miami
Tammy said:
Dear Dr. D: During this last year, I had to say goodbye to both of my dearest friends, aged 16 and 17. It was as you say
the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. A kind friend gave me a card with this written on it: “It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are”.
Gail Simms said:
I am heartbroken for your loss of your best friend. I know Skai will always be with you tucked in your heart and guiding you through the rest of your life.
They are truly Angels amoung us.????
Gretchen Mayer said:
My ❤️ goes out to you. Skai is an inspiration to me for my 10 year old Coco. Thank you so much for all you shared.
Wanda and Graeme said:
We are both crying for you and Skai. We will miss the adventures. We’ve been reading your adventures for so long we feel a part of your lives. Our Aussie is now 14 and not doing very well and after reading your story we realize that a decision must be made for his best interest. I know we hold on too long hoping for a miracle but in reality it is inevitable. Time will heal and don’t forget, we all get to see our best friends some day at Rainbow Bridge.
Audrey Vlasvich said:
Dear Dr. Peter, I am very sorry about Skai’s passing, he was very lucky to have had a wonderful life with you. I was frequently checking your site, looking for updates on Skai, and so sad to hear this news. I am so glad you were able to get home to him. he knew you were with him again. I’m sorry for the pain you are in, I know it’s intense, I’ve been there. God bless you all.
Rebecca Bickerstaff said:
Times like these, words are so inadequate. Their unconditional love goes beyond physical realms, and remains beyond those same realms and more. I often wonder, who is really the Guardian? Godspeed Skai!
Jennie Watkins said:
Dear Dr. D. Thank you for telling us all of Mr. Skai’s passing. My heart breaks for you. It is clear Skai was a very special being. Take care of yourself and know others are thinking of you and Skai.
Thanks to both you and Skai for the work you have done.
Steve said:
Hello Dr, I am about to lose my Rough Coat Collie named Sydney and I am having a tough time to know when it is time, I am hoping she will tell me . I have followed you and Skai for many years and had good luck with your products. I am very sorry for your loss and having a very tough time here in Victoria. My Collie still wants vto walk everyday. Steve
Georgia said:
Oh Dr. D, I am heartbroken for you. Tears are rolling down my face as I think of you and Skai and those who love both of you. As soon as I discovered your website ,I could feel through your writings just how much Skai meant to you, just as my Ari means to me. My dog is ten and I follow the same way of taking so much care of him as you did for Skai Thanks to you and Skai , I think he still has many good years. I know this might sound crazy, but when you are at your stillist you will feel him around you. That is because he is around you.These are such special souls. Both of you have helped so many. He is there to help you get through this , if you listen in your stillness. RIP Skai ,one of the best dogs I never met.
Tanya said:
Dr. D and Skai…..the bond you shared can never be broken, not with death, nor sorrow nor pain. You will meet again and soar together. He is waiting for you in the Happy Hunting Grounds……
Carol Wallach said:
Heartbreaking news of your beautiful pal Skai. He is in many people’s hearts form your posts. I’ve lost my oldest dog and cherish the times we’ve had together. but I have always gained another dog at some point. You and Skai have been very inspirational, I know he’ll always be with you.
Ulla ogasawara said:
I am just heartbroken . I was praying that Mr.Skai would heal . I am crying now , both for you and for myself .Reading your letter brought back the memories of my dearest Standard Poodle who died in my and hubby’s arms 2 1/2 years ago . He was 11 years 9 months old . I have never felt a sadness and loneliness that I felt that time …..I can only say I am so so so sorry for Mr.Skai passing away . Sincerely Ulla. ( I have a little dog , Marc 9 yo who helps me when I am sad )’
Tina said:
I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Skai. There is no greater love than our dogs and when they pass the pain is at times unbearable. I have tears thinking of what you are going thru but the years of love and devotion and memories is priceless . You were a wonderful dad to Skai and Skai had wonderful life.
Brenda said:
So sorry to hear about the loss of your boy! I too know the pain of losing a fur child…my miniature Schnauzer passed away at the age of 13-her name was Jaqueline. She too waited for all the family to come home to say goodbye to us. She could barely walk but she climbed up onto her favorite spot on the sofa-she loved sitting next to the window to scare away the squirrels that would dig up our plants. She protected us in every way she could. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do but like you said, it’s not all about us..we have to think of them and take care of them as much as they took care of us. My heart is with you and your family
Brent, Amanda Our 3 dogs Molly,Maggie and Tazz said:
Sorry for your loss. Hope the pain of his loss subsides and happy memories help to soothe the pain.
Krista said:
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear sweet Skai. My heart is breaking for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone who loved him.
Thomas and Sandra Gebhart said:
Annette said:
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Our pets are such a part of us. Our 17 yo whippet Ksee is starting to fade and it saddens me so. Take comfort in your many memories and know we are grieving with you.
Anjani Edwards said:
I cannot make it through your letter to Skai. I am crying for you and your immense loss. For my own losses, for anyone who has loved and lost a beautiful fur-friend and for the fur creatures who have no one to love them as surely as you loved Skai. I am so sorry.
“You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson
vera said:
RIP BABY DR SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS VERY HARD TIME. .BEAUTIFUL MESAGE RIP SKAI TAKE CARE WE ALL NEED YOU
Diedre said:
His spirit will always be with u
❤️??? Now and forever
Nancy Robertson said:
I am so very sorry for your loss. I had so hoped that once you got home Skai would improve. The loss of a best friend like Skai is unbearably painful. But he will forever live on in your heart.
Ella said:
I’m so sorry for your lost. R.I.P Skai. I lost my Elly just a month,still hurting and is difficult time.
Be strong. Skai – He will always be with you.
Patricia said:
My prayers go out to you Peter, What precious memories of you both to have and to hold in your heart forever.
Love’n Light, Patricia,
Rio, Si & Jaia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xCGibIVp3Q
Eleonora said:
Dear Dr D,
I am so sorry that time came and one more time so grateful you shared this with us.
I had a similar relation with my passed away doggy : he pulled me up, made me discover I wanted and could do better, saved me so many times. He was and still is my dear best friend, and like you I felt that nevertheless th I had to not be selfish, let him go that day, and promess him I’ll keep going, because I could see in his eyes he was worried to let me. So I put my eyes in his eyes, told him that thanks to him I was stronger, that I’ll keep going and well, and wanted him now to just think of him because made me strong that
Wendy Galt said:
Peter and family, I am so sad and sorry to read this post. I have been thinking about you as I read your post, that you were heading home. I so hoped the outcome would be better. Thoughts are with you at this difficult time. You have so many great memories to cherish.
Jana said:
I’m deeply sorry for your loss, and although I’m just someone who follows your blog, I’m grieving with you this evening. We lost our beloved mini-schnauzer unexpectedly, nearly 7 years ago now. It still hurts though I firmly believe she’s in a far better place and I know we’ll see her again. Perhaps she and Skai are enjoying a game of fetch or something as I write this. I’m local to you so if there is anything at all that I can do please don’t hesitate to reach out. God bless xxxxxx
Jan I. said:
The moment I saw your facebook post, my heart stopped. After reading your letter, my heart has broken into countless pieces.
I am sooo very sorry to hear the news of Skai….so very, very sorry.
You provided such an amazing life to Skai. I am so very sorry….so very sorry.
From Harry and Beulah carr said:
Dr Dubias,we are terriably sorry to here about the accident and death of Sakai,it really break our heart, we lost our ten year old lab last year and it is very heart broken so we know just how you felt our deepest sympathy to you god be with you.
Phylis Brown said:
This is so heartbreaking, so many tears are being shed all over the world tonight. My deepest condolences to you Dr.Peter and your family and all those who loved Skai. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures throughout the years. Rest in Peace dear Skai.
Olivia said:
So very sorry to hear what has happened. We know the pain, but yours is doubly so with Skai being a service dog. Please accept our condolences and hope you know Skai will be watching over you.
Wayne Spurgeon said:
So Sorry for your loss – It hurt so much reading your letter but also a blessing to feel so much love – This reminded me of my love ones that have gone beyond rainbow bridge – The pain crushes me when i must say by to my loved ones but i always wind up with another in my life because to live without my companions is even a greater pain. I now have Miss Maggie (8 years) & Mr WolfStorm (1 & 1/2 years) – But i still cry over Lord Falcon & Lady Princess & Sheeba – I feel your pain, Its a pain no human can cause me to feel
Heather said:
I was so sorry to hear about Mr Skai, my heart aches for you. I was in tears reading your letter as I can tell how much you loved your wonderful dog. Thank you for the courage to share those feelings. I often look at my 10 year old Vizsla with his greying face and think “please don’t ever leave me”, he is my soul and heart just as Skai was yours. I am sending you wishes for love, peace and comfort…
“all you have loved in your life and have been loved by are eternal and true” …
Denise said:
I am sorry for your heartbreak. Losing the animal that we love most in life is a painful journey, that time alone will ease to a degree. I hope that your journey is filled with love, peace and memories.
Gail Bright said:
To Skai’s family,
Peter and Skai you have been heavy on my heart for the past few days. So sorry for your loss. It truly is a pain like no other and they live in our hearts forever till we meet again. I sit here sobbing because I know the pain. Blessings my friends and as I look at your pictures what a wonderful life you had together.?❤️
Eleonora said:
Dear Dr D,
My deepest and warmest condoleances.
I am so sorry that time came and one more time so grateful you shared this with us.
I had a similar relation with my passed away doggy : he pulled me up, made me discover I wanted and could do better, saved me so many times.
He was and still is my dear best friend, and like you I felt that nevertheless th I had to not be selfish, let him go that day, and promess him I’ll keep going, because I could see in his eyes he was worried to let me. So I put my eyes in his eyes, told him that thanks to him I was stronger, that I’ll keep going and well, and wanted him now to just think of him because he made me strong enough for that too.
All my childhood and life I took care of others and Jerry was the one taking care of me till the last drop of his incarnation.
I thank him for that too, hold him dear in my heart for that too : I deserve me too to be loved like I love others.
Your letter to Mr Skai made me remember my Jerry, my love for him, his love for me, made me love even more your Mr Skai and you for being a such human being in this crazy world.
Thank you, love and gratitude,
Eleonora
Stacey said:
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful friend from a devoted owner. Run free over Rainbow Bridge Mr.Skai x
MONIKA BARBOSA said:
I’m so sorry for your loss! I have once suffered the same and know exactly what you feel….there are no words to describe..
crying for you .Good memories and a forever love in your heart and soul.
Stephen Crouse said:
Greetings brother Peter,
The words"Today is a very, very big day. The kind of day most dog lovers fear more than our own death." are a tough reality as I have 36 produced because I want fertile dogs that have found the darndest ways to have the girls or meander around the boys. I had hoped to find homes when the population was smaller but have a tremendous amount of wet noses and licks as the pack leader. Even now a half a dozen continue with the incorporation of your fermented vitamins into their diet.
As the inevitable if I live long enough happens, I can relate to your commenters who had no words. The severance from our unconditionally loyal canine friends is increasingly hard on me; I know it is not what God intended. However, death entered creation with man’s sin, and this deeply hard part of being a man is to be a man.
Thanks for sharing what God has given you. May his love distract you always and especially during this time of “the strange” pain. With love from a distant friend in Tennessee, Stephen
Manuela Gomes said:
It’s even hard to write something after reading this beautiful letter. I am in tears! Skai lived the best life a dog can live and taught not only you but all of us. He will be forever in our hearts. The one and only ambassador <3
Sharon said:
So sorry for the loss of your precious furchild .I had to say goodbye to my sweet Sheena on 14/9,she lost her battle with cancer.I share your pain.
Jill Newby said:
I thought I could not activate your link to access this letter then after several tries I am reading about your loss. I never had the privilege of meeting Skai in person, but I certainly knew him from your newsletters. I am sitting her at my computer with tears streaming down my face as I write this because I know so well how difficult it is to say goodbye to a beloved companion. Skai was the best, and so were you for Skai, and he passed on at a remarkably old age knowing he was well loved. We should all be so lucky! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Jill
Kimberly said:
Your journey with Skai is one that touched us all. Your loss is our loss and we grieve with you. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your heartfelt letter.
Pamela Lang said:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss . It is a very difficult time just know that you did the best you could for him and he did his best for you . Rest in Paradise Skai Wanttofly …
Alexis said:
It is 1:29am here and the title caught my attention and I said no not your dog. As I read this my eyes began to water as I really don’t know what to say. O am.somsorry for your loss and will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
Olivia said:
You and Skai have been an inspiration to me. All I want is for my dog to live a happy and wonderful life such as your Skai did. This letter has me in complete tears and this is just proof of how many strangers lives he has touched. Rest in peace Skai. Thoughts of you and Skai from California.
Livia said:
Dear Peter a Dean,
I just picked up my phone and saw two words…‘sad news’….and I was terrified to open the whole email. Even as I’m writing this, those tears won’t stop rolling down my cheeks. I’ve never met your Skai but I feel like I knew him so well through your words Peter and through Dean’s pictures. I miss him so much already and my heart is breaking for you.
I found this poem from Nayyirah Waheed and as I was reading it, I felt a tiny light in my heavy heart…
‘the hard season will split you through. do not worry. you will bleed water. do not worry. this is grief. your face will fall out and down your skin and there will be scorching. but do not worry. keep speaking the years from their hiding places. keep coughing up smoke from all the deaths you have died. keep the rage tender. because the soft season will come. it will come. loud. ready. gulping. both hands in your chest. up all night. up all of the nights. to drink all damage into love.’
I am so very sorry…
I miss you Skai❤
craig larsonv youhad. said:
So sorry for your loss. Knows the luv you had/have for your best friend .I am the same way. .All the best!!!
Michelle Patterson said:
So very, very sorry to hear that the best vet in the world has lost his so loved dog.
debbie sutherland said:
Dear Peter
I remember Skai so well and your beautiful bond with your boy.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I too left on a trip not understanding how bad Kailey was doing and we had some hours together when I got home. The pictures of you and Skai are amazing and you two were meant to be! You had so many joyful times together-pure love.. Thank-you Skai for teaching Peter so much so he could help my dog Kailey. and me. xo
Barbara said:
I feel so sorry for your pain losing your beloved dog Skai. I feel your pain because I lost my Tibetan Terrier almost 14 years old in Feb. You get so close to them and your heart beaks when you lose them. It’s true they let you know when they want to go. You have to love them that much to let them. I pray that all the good times you had with him will give you peace and joy. Take care and bless you for being such a wonderful vet and a human being.
Diana said:
I am crying so much at your raw and beautiful letter to your boy, Skai. You were both incredibly blessed to be paired together on this earth. May you be surrounded by those who loved you both for as long as you need. Cry deeply and long for as long as you need. So many of us followed the adventures of you and Skai and we will continue to hold you in our hearts as you walk this hardest of roads: the incredible loss of your best friend, Mr. Skai Wantstofly. So glad he waited for you. What a blessing.
Elizabeth Coles said:
I am so so sad for you and the way it all happened. He had such a wonderful life with you. I feel for your pain. Your website taught me and helped my lovely old lady Sandie who,is now 15 years 8 months a collie GSD cross. You taught me and her vets her liver caused her 3 am panting. Without holistic vets like you she wouldn’t be here. I hope so many kind remarks help your anguish at this time, you are not alone.
Magdalena said:
I am so very sorry Dr Peter for the loss of your best friend. Skai was every dog lovers friend and inspiration. He was and will always be the part you and us-your friends. We lost Buzz- BC- couple of years ago and it still hurts. They leave us but stay in our hearts forever
Maria Belrose said:
There are no words… Good Speed Skai… Run free and whole again at the Rainbow Bridge.
fionacrossfield@shaw.ca said:
very sorry for the loss of Skai.i lost my Sky last year at 15 like others of mine that have gone before him. He is always with you. I think the best thing I ever heard is the little boy who said to his dad that was sad at the loss of his dog so early is "Dogs don’t need to stay as long on earth as humans because they have learned what humans need 100 years to learn and dogs only need 10 years ’ then they can go to heaven.they are so wise.I have learned so much about life from dogs that I will be forever grateful for the little time I have had with all my dogs.Peace be with you and Skai
Pat said:
So deeply sorry for your loss of Skai and for your heartache. Mr Skai was a very GOOD dog.
Rose said:
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend, Skai. I so feel what you you are experiencing as I have lost my sweet and dear furry friends after many years of love and devotion. Thank you for sharing your love for Skai. Blessings to you.
Cathrine Chartier said:
Dr. Dobias,
I cried reading your note you wrote to Skai, I"m so sorry for your loss. I believe Skai will always be walking by your side…Energy doesn’t leave. There will be moments his presents will be stronger than other times. Or you’ll have a wiff of his smell….Just know he’s one of your guides…if your in need of guidance, Know he’ll be there for you…
.Blessings
Cathrine, Peek and Lucy Chartier xo
Corrinne said:
I am so very sorry, I wish I had some words of wisdom to help soothe your heart……..Mr Skai loved and was loved everyday of your lives together. You were both blessed!
Amanda Richards said:
My heart goes out to you Peter!
Sending you love and hugs!
?
craig larsonv youhad. said:
So sorry for your loss. Knows the feeling of loosing your best friend! Knows you are remembering all the good times as I would/did!!! All the best
craig larsonv youhad. said:
So sorry for your loss. Knows the feeling of loosing your best friend! Knows you are remembering all the good times as I would/did!!! All the best
Hilary said:
Thank you for sharing such beautiful memories. I can’t imagine how difficult it must me losing your wonderful friend and companion. Mr Skai will always have a very special place in your heart and will be with always in spirit.
Thinking of you Peter.
Rose said:
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend, Skai. I so feel what you you are experiencing as I have lost my sweet and dear furry friends after many years of love and devotion. Thank you for sharing your love for Skai. Blessings to you. Skai will always be with you.
Cheryle said:
May peace be with you all during this most difficult time.
David Borgula said:
Dear Peter,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Skai…my heart goes out to you. I have a friend, one of the most gifted writers that I know. Chuck wrote this very moving piece about his dog, Mugsley and I thought I would share it with you…I hope it helps in some small way.
David
MUGSLEY AT 15
Boyfriends don’t come my way too often (Yentl: “People are blind.”), but I’ve had my dog Mugsley for eight years now, and I think sometimes that I’ve learned as much about love from him as I would having had a hunky (or even semi-hunky) man in my bed night after night. Mugs has been my main guy for most of those nights, although lately he’s let it be known that he prefers his own bed. Like all old men, he’s coziest in his own digs, not to mention that he’s grown weary, I’m pretty sure, of my constant tossing and turning and fussing. A dreadfully poor fall-asleeper, I get up and down, up and down so many times before finally conking out that at some point in the proceedings I usually thank goodness that there’s not a man around for whom I’d feel the need to fake bedtime normalcy. Of course, the insistent thought right after that one is that the times there was a man next to me for a sustained number of nights were also the nights I slept longest and best; made still at last.I got Mugsley, who is a white-with-brown spots Jack Russell Terrier, when he was seven years old and at first he wouldn’t stay in the same room with me, much less sleep in my bed. He’d sit by the front door, waiting, like some be-sad-on-cue movie dog, for his owner to come and get him. Mugsley had been raised, and brilliantly trained, by people who knew somebody who knew my friend Libby, who briefly took him in when his owners decided, reluctantly, that they had to give him away. It seemed they had a new grandbaby in the house that Mugsley was snapping at, leading to an ultimatum by the child’s mother that the dog must go or the baby stop visiting. I never met the man who raised Mugsley but I imagine him as a fellow who is freshly surprised from time to time at how very much he misses his dog and who looks then at his grandkid and wonders if the trade-off was worth it, and then chides himself for even having the thought.
I always carefully observe Mugsley around babies and young children and can report that he does indeed snap at them. I think it’s because their movements scare him. In children three or four and under there is little predictability of mind and that makes him nervous — he can’t process their wavy, grabby hands and so he lashes out before they can. Something like that. When we’re out walking and come upon little children, one will almost always ask, “Does it bite?” which I think must be one of the first sentences children learn to speak. I always answer “Yes”, and the kids, quite sensibly, made a wide berth around Mr. Mugs, usually walking backwards, never taking their eyes off him. Don’t try to pick him up either, I could add. A couple of years ago I took him to a party and at one point, with my back turned, I heard my friend Joe ask, “Does he like to be picked up?” and before I could turn and call out a warning, Joe had tried to lift him — always a mistake —and Mugsley bit him on the hand. That’s the one and only time he’s drawn blood, but still…be wary. There’s reason there, too. Mugsley, nearly 15 now, has loose leg joints and arthritis and is always aching, so you have to know where his sore spots are, which isn’t too much different, if you think about it, from having a boyfriend.
In those first months with me, Mugsley slowly made his way down the long hall to the room where we’ve spent most of these eight years, propped up together on my bed, me against pillows and he on my robe at the foot of the bed, which he arranges and plumps up himself with a nudging nose and swiping paw, a process so specific and labored that it never ceases to fascinate and amuse me. Mugsley can’t jump up on the bed anymore, but he can jump off it, although I try now to lift him myself since his hind legs are pretty wobbly. If he jumps off now, he’s liable to limp badly the rest of the day and my heart can’t take that pathetic sight. But it used to be that I had to position the bed in such a way that there was room for him to jump off and make his wild landing — with a legs-splayed slide and a thump against the wall. Apparently, proper bed positioning is an essential component of a dog’s feng shui, a lesson I learned the hard way, years ago, after spending a Saturday afternoon rearranging the bedroom — bed, TV, phone and cable lines — only to discover that it all had to go back because in its new spot there wasn’t room for Mugsley to jump up and down off the bed, and that just wouldn’t do at all. It’s his house, after all; he just lets me room here.
His name, by the way, was originally Pugsley, or so it says on his papers, after the boy in The Addams Family. Somehow, before my time, it became “Mugsley”, a change I’m grateful for because he can also be “Mugs” or “Muggers”, or when it’s just the two of us, alone and private, “The Mugger Man.”Here is what The Mugger Man knows about love: On a hot August night a few years back, I broke up with David, a man I’d come to love, which was a fact I acknowledged to myself, and subsequently, to him, far too late to do any good (“I wish you’d told me this two months ago”). By the night that I made my grand proclamation, and invited David to move in with me, he’d already agreed (he finally informed me) to move in with someone else, a very nice, very rich fellow I’d actually met a time or two and who I knew full well that David was seeing in addition to me. (It was all very modern.) This man, who seemed perfectly decent and who I know adored my guy, had made David — who was on the verge of bankruptcy and whose career was going nowhere and who was forty and terrified — an offer he couldn’t refuse, one that has led, in these intervening years, to world travel, and, presumably, an upgraded credit rating (so who am I to say David was wrong to accept?). Near the end of that long final night David and I were lying atop my bed, sort of wrapped up together — I was sad then, not mad (not yet) and I couldn’t quite let him leave. I started crying, then sobbing, wrenchingly, and then David started crying (he cried all the next day too and isn’t that interesting?), and between us I guess we made quite a racket. While I’d just as soon forget the heart-knotting pain of that night and the time-wasting, regret-filled nights/months/years that followed, the one thing I’ll remember forever is Mugsley, down on the floor, unable to find a spot to jump up onto the bed, going crazy, whining and yelping, craning his head up, trying to get a look, trying to get to me — worried, frantic, mad with loving concern. Mugsley has a painfully loose joint in his left hind leg and at dinner that night I’d been telling David that the vet said Mugs needed $2000 surgery and I couldn’t decide whether to try and raise that. David said that was too much money to spend on a dog, even a great dog (he called Mugsley “Moonpie”). Later, in the midst of all those tears and Mugsley freaking out at the foot of the bed, I turned to David and said, “That’s why you think about spending $2000 on a dog. Because when you’re crying, he comes running.”
What I’ve learned from Muglsey is that love is a never-ending conversation. He and I are always communicating, talking back and forth, keeping an eye on each other, making each other grin. We read the signs, seeing the changes in each other and making the necessary accommodations; trying this, trying that. He keeps me alert and attentive and I think he’s helped keep me alive. Because there was a period, not so very long ago, when I spent a good deal of my day and brain-time devising my exit from this world — I was so sad and so tired of being inside this mind — and I thought I’d come up with a pretty efficient, low-mess way to do it but I couldn’t figure what to do about Mugsley. I could leave instructions for a friend to take him but I knew that Mugsley wouldn’t survive long under a new roof — it’s the well-worn rhythms of our days that keep him going — and I was afraid too that he’d go nuts when the police came (he hates uniforms) and end up in the pound or worse, and while you hear stories about people taking their pets out, along with themselves, I knew I could never do such a thing, and so I stayed, alongside Mugsley — who kept making me smile, when smiling seemed least likely — while I gave more thought to our exit and how best to work it and after a while I noticed that I’d stopped thinking about it. And so here we still are, me and this dog.
“I want to live!”, as Susan Hayward exclaimed, which isn’t to say that I’ve been reborn or am bursting out with happiness. Just last night, I was lonely, bitter and scared, familiar feelings that will very likely return after I walk away from this desk. (Here, such feelings serve me.) Yet, Mugsley still needs me; as do many equally swell humans (I’m lucky in love after all). And sometimes lately, more often than in years really, I get this little flutter in the exact middle of my chest that feels like excitement or anticipation and which isn’t based on anything that can be named or anything that’s just happened or is about to happen. I’m remarkably poor right now, always on the edge of ruin, and I’m still single (relentlessly) and I have absolutely no idea what to do with the rest of my life, not even the next 30 days, and yet…and yet, the little flutter comes anyway. From time to time. My old therapist told me once that I was an optimist but didn’t want to admit it, and wondered what I wanted my life to feel like. I drew a blank at the time, but I think that the feelings that give rise to flutter are the answer to his question. They come when I’m aligned with my universe, when I’m fully present (the hardest trick of all); not watching myself waiting to live, but actually living.
Dogs have a way of keeping you present, because they can’t and won’t fend for themselves for very long. Cats understand that the universe is fickle and that desertion can come at any minute, and so they make a bowl of food last, while dogs gobble it right down, confident that the two-legged giant will soon return to fill it up again. Since I left my full-time job I’m home all the time, and I’ve noticed that on days when I do have work that keeps me out of the house all day, Mugsley won’t eat when I get back, and I realize that he’s rattled and mad at me, as if I’d put a scare into him. I have to woo him back. After eight good years together, the Mugger Man still has abandonment issues.
It’s 3:21 in the morning right now, and I’m writing, and Mugsley’s behind me, curled up on my bed, right in my sleeping spot, which means it’ll be hot when I finally climb in and I hate that, which I think he must somehow know. He knows so many things. I’ll probably wake him up before I crash, which’ll make him growl at me. I’ll carry him into the bathroom, where I keep an extra leash hanging on the towel hook, and I’ll put it on him and set him out the bathroom window, which is at ground level. I’ll lean out and twist my head up to see if there are stars, and he’ll walk to the full extension of the leash, shake himself — which will make his collar jingle — and then he’ll pee, his head slowly turning, trying to spy the neighbor’s cat. The bonus pee I call it and since we’re heading toward dawn, I may give him a bite to eat, too, to tide him over, both things meant to keep him from waking up too early. His human needs sleep. Mugsley and me, we’re getting this livin’ thing down.IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR
For a man whose dog died just over a week ago, I’m in a surprisingly upbeat mood. Just now, with a good tune spinning on my stereo, I caught myself dancing down the hall. What is this, I wondered, and sat down here to try and figure it out.
Is this betrayal? What’s the proper timeline for wracked, immobile grief and does a goose step of happiness mean I’m already over the loss of my dog Mugsley, who I loved above all things?
Ah, but he loved me too—mightily—and what came to me as I sashayed down the hall is that in having been loved—fully, utterly, purely—I’ve been released. Love is an unbinding, isn’t it? We forget that, don’t we? We get it backwards. We pull love in and out in great gulps, but eventually, we forget to let it out. We try to keep it in, keep it ours, like a lungful of air, fearful I guess that if we let it out it won’t flow right back in. So we begin, in small increments—and then fully, tightly—to hold it in, like a possession—as if love’s breath is a self-generating current and not one that’s a back-and-forth exchange—so of course it ends up seeping out the edges, and the force of it—the flow of it—is lost, confirming our deepest fear. I knew it, we say. But maybe love is really meant to be a continuous pull and release—like a heartbeat. A breath in and then a breath out. Mugsley, struggling so to keep breathing, to keep loving, his eyes boring into mine. As if to say, This, this is the lesson. Look at me. This is what I have to tell you. This is my life’s offering. This impossible breath. The machine has failed, the love has not. Take it, then, and give it right back to me. We’ll keep doing that and it will keep me here. Keep us here. Together together together. The Mugger Man would not give up on “together”.
Grieving is a continuation of loving, and like a fully lived day it can be first one thing and then another. And so I can find myself last night suddenly reduced to hot hot pouring tears at the sight of a puppy on television who looked just like Mugs while tonight I can exult at the song’s beat as I move through my house (his house too; ours). Each action, the tears, the click of my fingers in time to the music, is part of the same thing: I cry because I love and was loved and I dance for the very same reason.
Just now, while getting up from here and walking back down the hall to change the music, I thought, There’s this too: I can dance because he did not abandon me, my Mugs. He did not reject me or outgrow his love for me. He did not replace my love with that of another. My love was enough. My love was plenty. (“Plenty” is a great word, isn’t it?)
All the way to the end it was the only love he wanted, all the love he needed. He believed in it so much that kept breathing even when he knew—when he knew—that it was time—past time—to lay his head down and close his eyes. Mugsley, Mugsley, who loved to sleep, would not sleep in the end. Because he wanted to keep looking at me. I walked into the bedroom at midnight that night and knelt down next to him and placed my hand on his heart and I could feel it slowing down—even now I believe that I heard its faltering beat—and I realized that he was dying. Really dying. Right then. Right in that moment. A being. Dying. In my bed (his bed; our bed). Home from a long day at the doggie cardiologist, newly informed, I’d been wailing for two hours at my new knowledge, at my impending loss. Falling to my knees and keening. For myself. Crying for him but mostly for myself. And when I stopped crying and walked into the bedroom and looked at him—really looked at him—I could see, with more clarity than I’ve ever known, that he was dying. Suddenly it wasn’t about me, it was about him, about what I owed him. And so I dropped to my knees beside him and urged him to close his eyes, telling him that this was the moment to rest; that he’d done his work, that it was okay to sleep, that I’d be alright, that he’d given me all I’d ever need—all those words and phrases we speak to the humans we love when we’re trying to cajole them into releasing their final fierce clench on this world. Kneeling there beside Mugsley I remembered how Linda and I had sat on either side of Karen in her hospital bed a dozen years ago and urged her on, urged her toward that damned light—all that clichéd movie-of-the-week jargon that turns out to be how it really works, or, rather, is the language that comes to us in that moment of truth. The soul clinging tight, the eyes wide with a terrible, terrifying urgency, saying No No I will not go; you need me. Mugsley’s eyes said what Karen’s had said. Mugsley, who’d been dying for days, wouldn’t let go and kneeling there, I knew it was because of me. His eyes staring into mine with ferocious intensity. (Love is ferocious, isn’t it? It’s the bite of a maddened hound.) Mugsley, I’m convinced, believed in that midnight moment, that if he kept his eyes on my face then he’d be able to hang on and that holding on was what was required. He couldn’t imagine anything beyond me, beyond loyalty and love. But I could imagine it—I could imagine release for him; the beauty of it, the rightness of it, and that vision is what I was trying to give him with my eyes.
Mugsley’s eyes, though, that’s what I remember so vividly as I sit here typing. So clear, so wide, you wouldn’t believe it. Holding mine. Saying: I see you. See me. This is what life is, this exchange, from me to you and you to me. This is what we’ve been doing all these years; this is the distillation of all we’ve been together. Mugsley, wanting to give and give and give; give love, just love, because he knew I still needed it, and knew too how much of it I’d given to him. Maybe that’s it. Maybe he was trying to fill me back up, like a transference, a rejuvenation, and maybe that’s why I can dance a little on this night nine days later, because he did it, he succeeded, he filled me back up. Love love love, moving me down the hall tonight, that urgent pulse that for Mugsley, there in that final hour, was stronger and more lasting than any that had ever pumped through the valves and pathways of his earthbound heart.
Debbi Porter said:
I am so sorry and sad for you Peter! Skai will be looking out for you as always. Thank you for sharing him with us! Hugs and love to you!
Debbi Porter said:
I am so sorry and sad for you Peter! Skai will be looking out for you as always. Thank you for sharing him with us! Hugs and love to you!
Suzanne Hunt said:
I don’t even have words, but I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face,. weeping for your loss … and for the loss of all of us who have grown to know andlove Skai through you. The measure of your pain, Dr. Dobias, is the measure of your love. And grief is an individual and personal thing. There is no time limit on that, either. Know that you have a whole world of people grieving with you. We will miss you too, Mr. Skai Wantstofly, <3
Bonnie B said:
This day had to come and you blessed him in every way possible. What a spectacular fellow he was. Rest In Peace, sweet Skai. Take care of yourself, Dr. Peter. You are needed.
Mark Truscinski said:
Dr. D,
I am sorry sorry for your loss, so sad! Your letter brought tears to my eyes!! May God give you strength and healing for the loss of your best friend!
RIP MR. SKAI!!
Sherry said:
So sad to hear of the passing of Skai. No words will help right now, only time will. He will be dearly missed
Donna nickens said:
The love we share with our furry family members never stops, Skai was putting you first even at the time of his calling to the rainbow bridge, that unconditional love kept him going so that he could bid you farewell. Love and devotion between man and dog, nothing compares. We lost a great friend on Good Friday, so thankful we had 12 years with our chocolate nose Cooper and everlasting memories to sustain. Remember always. My heart breaks for you,
Best, donna
Sandra Daley said:
Dr Dobias, I am tearfully writing this sympathy note. I expected Skai to make a good recovery and to continue going on adventures with you. Skai’s passing is a great loss, He was an amazing dog and his spirit will live on forever. My deepest sympathy. ❤
Sherry said:
So sad to hear of the passing of Skai. No words will help right now, only time will. He will be dearly missed
BJ said:
So very sorry to hear of Skai passing , our hearts break for you , what a beautiful letter to your boy, R.I.P. Skai, I hope you can now Fly, sweet little Mr wantstofly
Mary Lou said:
So sorry to hear that, Peter.
I know it’s difficult for you……for anyone to go through the most difficult time.
Although I haven’t met him, but he is forever in my heart. A happy healthy dog, forever!
Yesterday, one of my favorite golden retriever passed away.
He is my dog’s great-grandfather. After I heard that he was not good, I went to visit him immediately and brought him a gift. I didn’t know the second day was his 12th birthday before I set out from my city. So when his owner told me this, I felt so much blessed.
His owner told me that he was not good but from the bottom of my heart I really hoped him could recover, although I knew it was almost impossible.
Then, yesterday, I got the bad news. I have prepared some although, the pain still break my heart. I haven’t recovered yet……
I can feel what all of you feel now. I just want to say something although may cannot really help. I still hope all of you feel better……
With lots of love for Skai and all of you,
Mary Lou
Kathy Herren said:
I am crying my eyes out right now and my heart is broken for you. This is a pain beyond imagination. Many, many people will not forget your precious Skai. I know your heart will never quite be the same, but the precious memories will live on and on. As you remember, there will be moments when you cry, but also moments that you smile or even laugh. Those are now your treasures. Thank you for sharing your letter to Skai. Thank you for sharing Skai with us! He truly was incredible!
Sheila Z said:
So sorry for your loss of Skai. Although new to your newsletters, I felt you had a special bond with Skai. I know it’s hard, if only we could have our pets for so much longer. Keep the good memories you and Skai had together. Every Dog should be so lucky as to have had such good care and life.
Jan Gordon said:
He was so very loved and loved back with all he had. I just lost my 15yr old boy my big red Baby BlueDog. My heart hurts my soul is list right now. I know your pain but never forget he had an amazing and long life filled with love a d doing all the fun things dogs love. Hugs.
Brandi said:
My sweet babes passed away Jan 3 and then Jan 31…I held them both and thought maybe I would die too. I was just having afew tears when I saw your post… we really relied on your vitamins and advice to keep them comfortable in life and I feel like I owe you a debt of gratitude for your knowledge and passion when other vets told me to give up. I’m still shocked to see them missing every morning but man, did they live it up every day they were here. Thanks for that… sending every bit of love and compassion I can muster. Take care.
Connie said:
I am heartbroken to hear this news! Skai is our health Hero! A constant model of living life to the fullest by incorporating natural methods and products! Ruby and I are forever grateful for all of the stories and memories that you have shared about Skai (and his family!) Please, know that you are lited up in prayer by so many that love their dog just as you do Skai! Godspeed, Skai!
Terry Journey said:
Dear Peter, I am heartbroken reading your letter. I just want you to know that I am praying for you tonight. I know, too, that Skai is still with you…and I urge you to keep your heart open so that he may show you, somehow, that he is still there. God bless.
Joy said:
My heart breaks for you, Dr. Dobias! God blessed us with Dogs to love. Your news and then your letter made me sob. I so honor the way you expressed your love, concern, and care for Skai, and also for all of our Dogs. You essentially saved Samson’s, my Dog, life. When we rescued him, we nursed him to vibrant his health, verified by your HairQ test, with your SoulFood, GreenMin, and Gut Sense. You guide us by your incredible articles and training. I prayed for you and will continue to ask God to comfort your heart as you grieve your loss of Skai Wantstofly. Fond memories of him will live in our hearts forever. Good people (that’s you!) are good to their animals.(that’s you, for sure).~ Proverbs 12:10. With tender compassion, ~ Joy
Clare McLaren said:
Peter, my heart breaks for you and with you! Rest his precious and beautiful soul. There are no words I can say and you have said so much so beautifully already, so I send you our love.
Clare, Rob and Beacho
Lynne and Monty said:
My heart is breaking for you. I am so sorry to hear your very sad news. Both Skai and you are in my prayers and thoughts.
I was only telling a friend on Wednesday how wonderful both you and Skai were, strange that you came into my mind on that now very memorable day. I have just read your letter to Skai and it made me cry tears of sadness for your loss but also happy tears for the wonderful life you had together.
Sending you a million blessings. Lynne and Monty (England).
Jane said:
What a beautiful tribute. I have a very elderly girl here who is fading fast …like Mr Skai she has taught me so much and always been there for me.
I keep telling her I am ok now and she can go..but she still has the biggest heart and there are still sausages in the fridge.
We haven’t got long before I make the decision for her and have to let her go. I felt stronger reading your letter and hearing how you made similar decisions, do the same reason.
Carole husein said:
Beautifu tribute from a beautiful man for a beautiful and special friend. RIPLittle man?
Mabel said:
Dear Peter! My condolences ? My heartbroken for you lost and I was reading you letter I wish I can do something for you get better but I know is anything can change how you feel , god blessed you I know Mr.skai he know all what you done for him you love ❤️ him and every way and hi knows that I really sorry I am crying I have my baby boy I can’t imagen live with out him ??
Mabel said:
Dear Peter! My condolences ? My heartbroken for you lost and I was reading you letter I wish I can do something for you get better but I know is anything can change how you feel , god blessed you I know Mr.skai he know all what you done for him you love ❤️ him and every way and hi knows that I really sorry I am crying I have my baby boy I can’t imagen live with out him ??
Jana House said:
Your journey with Mr. Skai is a beautiful bond to be cherished and forever remembered. In your time of grief these fond memories will fill your heart with tears of sadness and joy.
I too cried and held my little dog Lil Bear after reading your letter, it reminds me that one day I too shall travel this path and have to say good bye. It will be the hardest thing I will ever do. Our furry friends give unconditional love something humans have still to learn.
As long as Skai remains in your heart he’ll never be gone. God bless you.
Elena said:
Dear Peter – I, too, had a “Skai,” but her name was Tige and she magically appeared in my life during graduate school in Austin, Texas. She was my first child, best friend, favourite companion who I chose over just about anyone or anything to be with. We moved across the states together and finally to beautiful Canada where, in her old age, she taught me to learn about holistic healing, nutrition just to keep her safe. Her vet called her the soup dog because during her ACL surgery at age 13, I would deliver warm chicken soup that I had simmered on the stove all day. She blew through that surgery like a champ and we had another two years together. She was a large breed – golden retriever-rotti-chow mix based on her blood test. Having her for 15 years was one of the best gifts of my life. I lost her May 13, 2015. I can still remember the cherry tree that was blooming that day and the last birthday party we had for her under the magnolia tree. I wrote a letter to her, like the one you wrote to Skai. It’s now incorporated into a beautiful piece of art that hangs above my bed. I can share the name of the Toronto artist that designed it with me. I still hold the love I have for her very close and I know I will see her again. I wish you peace and thank you for everything that you do to keep our loves on this earth with us for as long as possible. -Elena
Nina said:
I was so shocked when I got the email sad news and somehow I knew. I cried an ocean tonight thinking about my Logan who I had to say goodbye to last month and for some reason thinking about him so much tonight and grieving him. Then to hear the sad news about Mr. Skai, I grew to love him and I grieve with you. Skai is a beautiful soul, his body may be gone but his spirit is with you alway’s. I tell my Logan that I love him every day. You have so many beautiful and cherished memorie’s of Skai. He will always be watching over you. Heart’s and Love sent out to Skai and to you.
Karen said:
Hi Peter, so sad to hear this news and such a beautiful letter that you wrote to him. I didn’t know Skai either but fell in love with him as if he was my own by reading all the lovely things that you shared about your life together. His spirit will continue to be with you and I am sure he will find ways to let you know he is still around. With love and gratefulness for everything he inspired you to do for the love of him and that is now helping millions of other dogs live a healthy and long life as Skai was lucky enough to do……
Sue Hayden said:
So sorry to read your email. The tears were streaming down my face as I read it. Only those who have had the privilege of sharing their life with a special soulmate will understand your loss. Thankyou for sharing Skai with us, he was a very special dog and you are a very special person and we love you for it.
dianne said:
Dear Dr. Peter,
Sorry for your lost, I cried as I thingking of my Mumay (my fighter) she died last April 15,2017, she died due to Chronic kidney Disease. To Skai you are such a great friend and a son, your memories will always be remembered by your family and friends. All dogs go to heaven ??Diana Kopatsy said:
Hi Peter, I have never met you and I have never met Skai and yet as I type this letter my tears are flowing freely. Unusual because as a Naturopath/Homeopath for animal I have seen many beloved pets pass away but I rarely shed a tear. I think that somehow the exceptional bond you had with Skai shone through every post and every comment you made and so I grew to know him and love him. I feel your pain of him passing and hope that by reflecting on the wonderful adventures you shared that you can derive some comfort. I wish you all the best.
Janet said:
Deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved Skai. I know he will be playing happily at the Bridge, whole and healthy, knowing that it won’t be all that long till you are together again. Blessings and Love to you both.
Betty said:
Thank you for the wonderful tribute to Skai. And, thank you for sharing him with us. May he rest in peace. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Kim said:
Dear Doc Peter
I’m so so sorry to hear about Skai, I lost my beloved lab/shepherd Winston in October. He was only 10 1/2 not nearly enough time, he was my best-friend travel partner and protector and I miss him everyday. I still have my golden girl Logan, she just turned 15 which like Skai is pretty amazing since she is also a big dog. I guess we should be so grateful to have had the privilege of dog love, can’t imagine how empty people are who don’t understand the love of animals!
Thank you for sharing Skai with all of us. thank you for all your advice on keeping them healthy, safe and happy.
Again I’m so sorry, you’re in my heart and prayers.
Shirley Heffron said:
Dear Peter,
I am absolutely devastated at reading the sad, sad news this morning about Mr Skai. You have both for so long now brightened up my mornings when I read your blogs, adventures, and invaluable information. You have both been an inspiration to me and my 2 Shar-pei children in Cambridge,England and through tears now I am going to pray for you both and look to the future when you will both be re-united. God bless you both.
Terry Redmond said:
I am so very sorry to hear this news. It breaks my heart knowing how painful this parting is. I lost my beloved Rupert a year and a half ago and it ripped my heart out. I too was faced with the inevitable decision of easing his pain. He like Skai had lived a long, wonderful life and he was intertwined with mine in all ways. I still expect to see him some days as he’s always in my thoughts.Holding your sad heart in love Dr. D as you go through this most painful time.We all love and appreciate you.❤
Panilla said:
Dear Peter
Sharing your love for Skai is such a reminder of how we can have our heart touched. I know that love so well and Boy it makes you grow in all sorts of ways. Thank you for being there and for sharing your love with the world and for your love of one another. Know how this love carries on and shines on to others. Thank you Skai and Peter and thank you for all your inspiration and love.
Pete Dettori said:
Please accept my deepest condolences. Whenever you lose a friend, the wound hurts deeply – especially when it’s fresh. However, look forward to the days when you think of Skai and all you feel is joy without pain; they will come, sooner than you think.
Nancy said:
I’m so sorry to hear the heartbreaking news that Skai has passed. You were truly blessed to have had such a wonderful companion. And Skai was blessed to have had you. You gave him a wonderful life. I have no doubt that he is still there with you in spirit and still looking out for you. My deepest condolences. Sending comforting thoughts and love your way…
Nancy, Chelsea and Harley
Darlene said:
My love and thoughts are with you in your loss. Thank you Skai for teaching you dad to be such a great vet and teacher.
Kajsa said:
So sorry for your loss. I love to follow your updates but this time it is heartbreaking.
Thank you for all your work to help us do the very best for our dogs.
One of my dogs is named Sky so it’s special for me that your dog had the same name and will always have that name.
I and my family experienced many times that our dogs who passed over in some way still are close to us and I’m sure you will feel the same with Skai. I wish there were more vets like you and that you were not so far away from me and my dogs in Sweden. Sending love, light and healing thoughts to you and your family
Kajsa, Sky and Tracy in Sweden
Kajsa said:
So sorry for your loss. I love to follow your updates but this time it is heartbreaking.
Thank you for all your work to help us do the very best for our dogs.
One of my dogs is named Sky so it’s special for me that your dog had the same name and will always have that name.
I and my family experienced many times that our dogs who passed over in some way still are close to us and I’m sure you will feel the same with Skai. I wish there were more vets like you and that you were not so far away from me and my dogs in Sweden. Sending love, light and healing thoughts to you and your family
Kajsa, Sky and Tracy in Sweden
Cheryl said:
Rip MR Skai.I will miss hearing about your adventures.
Dr. Peter my condolences to you and your family. Mr.skai is not in pain anymore and still with you in spirit.
Sue said:
Both you and Skai are blessed to have had each other. Although no longer physically with you he will never leave your heart. Thank you for sharing the love of your life with us.
Josephine said:
I fully understand the feeling. No words can ease your pain. My heart and prayer are with you & your family. I am sure Mr Skai is bouncing like it’s old self at the other end of Rainbow bridge, waiting for the reunion in the years to come. God bless
Deb said:
I am sitting on my couch reading this crying my eyes out. My Zoe who is 18 is in my lap. I fear the day when she leaves me but I know I will make the decision also when it is time. I’m so sorry for your loss of Skai but how truly blessed you both were to have each other. He’s running across the Rainbow Bridge and he will patiently wait til you are together again.
Michelle said:
Skai was a beautiful dog with a truly Beautiful spirit that shines out in your photos in your words of him. I am sorry for your loss but grateful for dog owners like you that truly love and appreciate their canine family members. I hope you find peace soon in your lovely memories of Skai.
Valerie said:
So,so sorry. I also lost my dog Sidney a few short weeks ago so know exactly what you are going through.
Dianne said:
My love and prayers and with you Dr. Peter in the loss of your beautiful best friend Skai! Such a deep loss of such a beautiful love!!! Now gone in the physical but forever with you!!!!
Beverly Albright said:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Skai. I’ve been there many times and know the deep pain. Skai is at peace now and no longer in pain. Remember him as he always was and still is in Gods care.
Marie Dalzell said:
Dr. D, my heart is breaking for you. I have no words that can take away your pain but know that we are all sharing in it with you.
Carmen Hernandez said:
I am so sorry for your loss. As I was reading your story my heart was breaking. I know what it’s like to loose a fury friend and companion. I pray Sakai is in doggy heaven with my baby free from disease and full of health and joy. My prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time. It is Not easy and in my experience you don’t get over it you just learn to go on. Please know that You and Skai affected the lives of so many in so many positive ways and isn’t that what we are here for? God bless you all always – Carmen
Jodi Pirozzi said:
Sending love your way. Not easy I know first hand. The only thing that got me through it is tell yourself we had THE TIME OF LIVES!! Be well! Your the Best! Xo
Tracy said:
What love you shared. He knew he was safest when with you. Truly your lives were blessed to have been shared….and to have made a difference in this world together. I share your tears and heavy heart. Your souls will be together forever.
??
arlesieinne said:
Dr. Dobias, my heart goes out to you. What a tragic accident for poor Skai, and I sit here crying and praying for you both. The pictures of Skai are just beautiful! I am so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your stories of Skai with us all.
Jory Smith said:
Typing this through tears for you and your handsome boy . Fly on the wings of angels sweet Skai and thank-you Dr. D for sharing your boy with all of us. Much love, Jory
Nina Schwartz said:
Our deepest condolences to you & your family on Skai’s passing. You both have been an inspiration & help to many dog owners & their families. ?
Kathy Renneisen said:
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know Skai had the most wonder life with you. I know your heart is broken. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Remember all your wonderful times together.
Rosemary said:
I am crying my eyes out right now after reading this news….I fear the day when one of my 3 chihuahuas passes over the rainbow bridge. They have literally saved my life. 10 years ago I was a hopeless alcoholic and drug addict. I thought a dog could help. How little did I know how they could change my life. They give me purpose so I understand how Skai changed your life! My thoughts and prayers are with you! I don’t know you but I feel like we are kindred spirits…..
kelley said:
Im sorry for your loss as im crying over it too i can relate.. skye inspired you and your work and all of us .. thank you skye and thank you dr for sharing skye with the world .. his memory and your work will continue to live on .. in those ways he will never die
Joy Nuttall said:
My LACY’S Bryte Light was born 6/10/01 and I had to let her go 3/20/17. Bryte was thes best dog in my long dog life and when I read about Skai, it was like reading about My Brytie girl. Bryte was 2 months shy of her 16 th birthday when she was injured and she never recovered. Like you I thought my Bryte would rally as she had done many times and as Border Collies often do. But like Skai, the light had gone out of her always bright and shinning eyes.Bryte and Skai must have been two of the very best Border Collies that ever walked this earth. I had a dream that Bryte was not with the other dogs at Rainbow Bridge and when I asked where she was, St Peter replied “She was so special that God chose her as his own dog” Now God has a red and a black and white magnificent Border Collie by his side!
Sheri Abreo said:
Love and Light to You and Yours ???❤️
Karen said:
Peter
You let your boy live his life purpose with joy. There is no better gift for you and for all who knew him. He is eternal.
Namaste.
Michelle said:
I’m so sorry. And my heart hurts. Thank you Skai, What a wonderful life and purpose. Your dad has done and will continue to do great things with his purpose because of you. You’re still here….just a little different than we’re used to. Sending much love.
Nancy Jo Krueger said:
I am so sorry to hear about Skai Wantstofly’s passing. I am sure he is flying free now fueled by all the love you gave to him while he was here with you. He was such a special dog and I know he made you special. It will be hard to think of you without him. I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking about you.
Maggie said:
So sorry to hear of the lose of your best friend Skai, I can’t imagine the pain you’re going through, I don’t know what I would do if I lost my Connor. He is my closest and dearest friend and I know skai was yours as well. You will always have the beautiful memories you shared with skai and that he couldn’t have had a better dad and friend.
Karen said:
I am so very sad to hear of your loss. Tears run down my face as I read your letter. It brings memories of dogs that have past in my life (4). Another wonderful soul has passed over the rainbow. Our thoughts are with you.
Janice Lightfoot said:
I am so sorry for your loss! It’s never easy to lose a loved one and a best friend! He had a wonderful life that was filled with adventures, fun, and most of all love. He is now “FREE” of illness, pain and is once again running free and happily! Rest in piece Mr. Skai! Sending prayers to you, Dr, D and your family for comfort and strength! With deepest sympathy!
Sylvia said:
I am so sorry and I already new it happened when I thought of Skai I felt his spirit. Tears came to me when I saw the subject of your email It’s heart wrenching, you gave him a wonderful life and through him you are helping us keep our beloveds healthy for as long as possible
Christine said:
I am so heartbroken for you. I know from following you how much you loved Skai. You gave so much to each other. I will miss seeing his adventures. I am so very sorry for your loss. Rest easy Skai, xo. .
Kelly said:
Dr. D – I am so sad for you now and my boy Charlie and I will take a little extra long walk today for you both. Your letter was amazing and so clear for the pain you are enduring. I listened to what you wrote and all I can say is My Heart breaks for you at this time and we will keep you I your prayers knowing Skai is so much more than loved… he is now running again with no pain and waiting to see you again someday too… hang in there – much love and hugs from Prospect, KY
Trudy said:
My tears fall and my heart breaks for you. You and Skai are true doggie health ambassadors.I think you should call the doggie airline section Skai Class instead if First Class!He will always be with you ❤
Trudy said:
My tears fall and my heart breaks for you. You and Skai are true doggie health ambassadors.I think you should call the doggie airline section Skai Class instead if First Class!He will always be with you ❤
Brenda Brady said:
Peter, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I know that in a time like this there are no words that can bring true comfort but just know that you have so many people thinking of you and mourning with you. Losing a pet is losing a part of the family and the only thing that can heal that pain is time. These animals find a way into our hearts, snuggle in there, and stay forever! Nothing will ever take away the awesome adventures, lessons you learned, or naps you took together. Those memories will live on forever.
Sending you lots of hugs and prayers in this difficult time from South Carolina.
Trudy said:
My tears fall and my heart breaks for you. You and Skai are true doggie health ambassadors.I think you should call the doggie airline section Skai Class instead if First Class!He will always be with you ❤
Chris Grayling said:
Sharing your loss with understanding and tears.
Liz said:
Be well and strong! I have lost so many friends over the years………I will not write that I know what you are feeling……we are all so very different!.
I did not want to turn on the computer this morning …now I know why! There are many of us who love you and grieve with you…..let the tears roll but be strong!
Rose Christine Simon & Puppet said:
Oh! Dear Dr. Dobias…what a beautiful from the heart letter you have now blessed all of us with. I thank you truly for sharing what has to be so genuinely and deeply painful.; so much love Dr. Dobias and it reaches out with your very words. Phew.
I’d rather now imagine my Pooh Bear ,and so many other dogs you Dr. Dobias and precious Mr. Skai Wantstofly have helped , gathered there at the very gates of Heaven to welcome “home” a “friend”……
Pooh Bear left me on Monday, May 15, 2017 and Skai you on May 17, 2017 .. I feel your sadness & your tremendous ‘love’ in every word you share and actually Dr. Dobias I see ‘your’ beautiful ‘spirit’ as you write of Skai; there seems truly a " oneness " you and Skai, and isn’t that so very amazing & special ! I know.!.oh yes I do.! Oh, thank you so much for sharing your ‘heart’ & such tremendous love with us. Your words flow from your very heart & soul & are so very moving…so very lovely. Well Dr. Dobias , you named this precious companion and friend Skai Wantstofly and buess what……. NOW HE CAN ! : – )
Your photo’s are so precious …always have been Dr. Dobias.
So I say : “Hey” Mr. Skai Wantstofly – Fly high now, fly high – do me a favor and take my Pooh Bear along ? : – )
Blessing, Peace and JOY Dr. Dobias from Rose & Puppet
Robin said:
My deepest condolences ???
Carol Guenzel said:
I am so very sorry for your loss of your beautiful friend, Skai. I so enjoyed the stories of your adventures together. I can only say that I hope your loving memories of Skai bring you comfort and help ease your loss.
Lee said:
I read your lovely tribute to Mr. Skai with tears streaming down my face.
You see, I also lost my Johnny on he 23rd of April. The day after his 14th birthday.
I knew Johnny could not walk very well because his hind end was weak. I gave him glucosamine and chrondrotin, but it didn’t help, also other supplements to try and keep him healthy.
He was the first born in a litter of seven.
He was the first to do everything in his litter, Open his eyes, bark, go up and down the steps.
We had so many adventures together. We went to classes, then to dog shows. He was a true Champion.
He loved his treadmill which we called his jog-a=dog he would exercise most every day till he got older.
I knew it was time to say good bye, but he still wanted to eat till the very end.
When we said good by, he was surrounded by everyone in our family.
I still miss him so much.
My heart goes out to you on the loss of your Mr. Skai.
Gloria said:
What a lovely letter to your best friend. Hugs and prayers for your family—this is just something that no words can fully express. Remember all your great times together.
Michael Kane said:
Dear Peter…
I feel I know you from all that you have done for my Kobi and me. You simple saved his life for us a year ago and we have been together for 12 years.
I also have been worried about Kobi all this time. But some how you have been there each week with a little bit of knowledge for us all to keep on heading into healing.
It was July last year when I started taking your advice and using my intuition to help Kobi be an older dog in a younger dog world.
I hope you will settle with this and Skai moving on. He knows a different place now and he is watching over you. Like a guardian angel
My deepest feelings go to you and your hearts pain.
Im sure Skai got you through years that you might not have gotten through with out him. I send you love and healing and use each memory you recover to help heal your loss.
As your friend. Michael
Katherine said:
My heart is breaking along with yours! I saw this letter first thing this morning and I started bawling like a baby and I immediately gave my fur-baby and big hug! I have suffered through that pain before and it never completely goes away – just gets somehow tolerable. My prayers for you and your family for heart-healing! The pictures you have posted show a lucky boy – traveling all over and having a "fun"tastic life. He was so blessed to have you as his father, and you were blessed in return to have such a loving son!
Bernadette Postle said:
We all feel your pain. My hero dog died a few weeks ago. The love of a dog that gives us joy is the same love that breaks the heart.
Susan Dutcher said:
I lost my dog in Aug. What a blessing we receive with the gift of love from our dogs. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thanks for all your postings.
Josie said:
I’m so sorry for your loss, Dr. Dobias. We share in this pain of losing Skai, even though we’ve not met – it still runs deep, tears flow and my heart goes out to you. Everyday we see Skai’s lovely face adorn the bottles of supplements we feed our little Mona and just seeing him in pics inspires us to be healthy, connected and joyful! Thank you immensely dearest Skai for being the brilliant, blessed human-dog who taught us to be better. RIP sweet boy. Furever in our hearts. #skaiwantstofly
Gina Hall said:
Thank you for sharing this precious time with your faithful friend with us. I really appreciate it as it has made me aware of what is important while we still have our fluffkids with us. So sorry for your loss. Big hugs from South Africa. XXX
lynn contant said:
dearest peter and skai
he will rest in your heart and the memories will be peaceful. grief is like the tide, it comes in plants a kiss on the shore the rolls back to the sea. see peter, skai was given to you to teach you learn time for him to leave. another pup will be in your live to teach again.
i breed vizslas, pups on the ground now, and i only would want puppy owners to love my pups for their lives as i do.
think good things he is with you
lynn
Cleo said:
I am deeply sorry for Skai departure and glad you two got to spend some time before. sending you all my love from my heart to you and your family.
Deise de Oliveira said:
What a touching letter…it made me cry. At least you have all these great memories and you know that he had a great life.
Michelle said:
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Thank you Skai and thank you doctor for all the knowledge you have shared, for all the fun photo’s and adventures. Skai brought joy to all of us and we all have heavy hearts today. Sharing in your loss and wishing you comfort Dr. D.
Lisa Genson said:
Dr. D, Thank you for loving Skai. He knows you’re missing him and he’ll never be far from your side. Talk to him & be comforted by that. Smile when you think of the gifts he gave you & how he helped you become a better human. My deepest condolences.
Angela said:
I am so very sorry for the loss of your sweet friend. What a beautifully written letter of your shared memories. I will keep you in my prayers. I remember how hard it was when I lost my Sophie to a heart attack at her vet’s office several years ago. A routine procedure that went awry. It was so painful for a season. But when I think of her now, I can laugh and smile at our sweet memories and am so grateful for our time together. I believe our dog friends are precious gifts from God. They love us unconditionally and remind us daily to slow down and live in the moment. My heart hurts for your loss, but I hope you find peace in the precious gift of all the years you had with Mr. Skai. ♥♥
Sharon said:
I am so saddened and sorry for your loss. Mr.Skai waited for you, to let you know he would be okay and it was time for him to “fly”. Thank you for sharing him with us for all these years.
Sherry said:
This is the bravest and most heartwarming tribute to a cherished family member. I’m crying buffalo tears because I know how much it hurts and my senior dog will one day be in this situation. I’m not sure I can be so brave. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Barbara said:
Heartbreaking. My deepest condolences on Skai’s passing. May cherished memories of your time together bring you comfort and peace.
Blaine said:
Our companions are always there for us. Unfortunately, the only time they have to be absent is when they end their journey. We become so dependent upon their presence that they become our shadow and it seems so strange when we look down and they are no longer there. I lost my own rescue dog, a lab-retriever, by the name of Velvet just two years ago. It is funny because although I still miss her, I look at a photograph or a memory comes to mind and she can still bring a smile to my face. That is part of their everlasting gift to us. Namaste and my thoughts are with you and Skai.
Tilly said:
Dear Dr. D,
Kindest thoughts, sympathy, empathy and condolences for the loss of beloved, cherished, wonderful Mr. Skai Wantstofly.
The two of you have been extraordinary role models and mentors. Thank you, for sharing extensive knowledge, compassion, humor and your adventures with us. Charming, intelligent, debonair Skai will be greatly missed.
Its been said our previous dog helps us find our “next dog.” If this is true, there are glorious adventures waiting for you.
May fond memories, God, and time help mend and heal your broken heart. Sympathy, empathy, kindest thoughts and love. .. ~Tilly
Joyce Rolfe said:
So so sorry for your loss. So terrible when your dogs life has to be cut short by someone swinging a heavy suitcase. People really need to be more careful. Your dog passed on my chows 1st birthday. I will remember the date your best friend died.So glad you made it home and he waited for you to get there. So sorry ;((
Liz Timbit Sammi said:
Oh my that is so heart breaking but you and Skai are bonded always and for that we are thankful that you both brought us tears, laughter and joy and kindness. My thoughts are with you. LOVE LOVE LOVE to you both.
Rhonda said:
You were a loving dad and how lucky he was. My prayers to you and your family
Beth said:
I’m so sad for your loss! What a lovely tribute! It’s so, so hard to lose any dog but especially those who are really special, so have that extra sparkle. Many of us have been there. Thinking of you and sending love and positive thoughts during this difficult time.
Lolita said:
With my deepest sympathy Dr. D. Thank you for sharing your life with your amazing dog Skai. Loved the pics.
Nancy wallace said:
I am so sorry to hear about your precious Mr. Skai Dr. Dobias. You were such an awesome Dad to him. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Bev Finlay said:
Dear Peter,
Your letter was wonderful and truly from the heart. I know as many dog lovers do, how difficult losing a pet can be. I lost a beautiful chocolate lab Molly, at six years old, she died in my arms, it took me months to get over the loss and to this day I still miss her. We do have another lab and she is wonderful but the memories of Molly linger and I will never forget her. She was my soul mate as Skai was yours. How wonderful to have spent all those years of full life together. You are blessed to have had him and he to have you. I have something special for you that I have shred with bereaving pet owners.
The Rainbow BridgeThere is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge, there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this pace.
There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again.
Those who are maimed are made whole again.
They play all day with each other.
There is only one thing missing: They are not with their special person who loved
them on Earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly looks up! The nose twitches. The ears are up. The eyes are staring. And, this one suddenly runs from the group.
You have been seen and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again. You look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never agin to be separated.
Janet said:
As I read about Skai I thought this is almost my story. I’m so sadden with the lose. I lost my sweet Santis in April. It is so hard to let go. You see the eyes, knowing, they know it’s time. I know exactly how you feel. We did everything to keep her here a little longer. We knew it was time, but couldn’t let go!! We miss her so much, we look for her, call her name to tell her it’s time to go outside!!
We had her for 15 years, beautiful teeth,still had that Husky spunk!!
We were up with her all night holding and hanging on to her for the last time! We decided we had to stop being selfish and let her go!!
My heart goes out to you.
Sharon W said:
I"m so sorry, my heart is broken with you. For Skai to live such a long, healthy life to have it cut by that handler’s carelessness just makes me so angry. Thank you both for all that you have taught us and prayers and hugs to you as you recover from this great loss.
Patti said:
What a beautiful tribute to Skai, My love goes out to you and your family, I understand your grief all to well. Skai will always be with you and us too. I will be thinking of you and praying that your heart will mend. Thank you and thank you Skai for everything you have done for all of us.
Joni said:
I am so so sorry for your loss! This made me cry. ? Such a tragic loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Natalie Rublik said:
I am so shocked and sorry for your loss. I had read earlier about Skai’s head injury but thought he was improving. I know how much he meant to you. I have lost a few dogs and know it is always hard. Take care of yourself.
Natalie
Jamie said:
Tears flowing and my heart aches for you and your family. I pray that all the joy and memories will help with your healing. Skai was such a wonderful companion and will continue to live on through you and your work. Much love being sent ??
Lauren said:
Sending lots of love and healing vibes. I lost my beloved Porkchop February 22nd, barely 3 months ago. Hopefully they are playing together. You have so many lovely photos and memories.
Karen said:
Such a beautiful letter and a beautiful life. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Angela Jensen said:
My heart goes out to you. I lost my beloved friend and companion on 4-26-17. Dogs don’t have lessons to learn here on earth. They are naturally good hearted, so their stay on this earth is brief.
Tina Ballestrasse said:
Dear Dr. D.
My heart is breaking with yours and I am so very sorry that your beautiful Skai has gone on. Your letter perfectly honors Skai’s life with you. What an amazing life he had, giving you such joy, companionship and love. I am crying as I write this, crying for you and also because I know all too well the heartbreaking loss of losing a dog that was my constant source of love, comfort, joy and fun, a dog that loved everyone and in turn was loved by so, so many.
Take all the time you need to heal. But having said that, know that your heart will always grieve for a dog, a soul, so amazing. We go on, but are never quite the same. For all the help and love you give, praying it comes back to you to help you through this time. With deepest sympathy, Tina (along with Cappi and Carlie and our Angel in heaven, Roscoe)
Dana said:
I am so sorry for your loss, i know the feeling of dread and grief you are feeling, it’s a horrible pain. I pray for comfort for you.
Andrea said:
I’m so sorry for your loss of Skai dog. Your story brought me to tears, as I can relate to helping your best friend and heart dog pass. It’s by far the hardest thing we have to go through in life. Take comfort in knowing you gave him the best possible life, and hold onto all the wonderful memories. Memories with my boy help get me through the day. Take care Dr. D.
Suzanne Bielak said:
All the dog lovers of this world feel the heart wrenching pain you are experiencing. Rest in Peace beautiful Skai – you have been and will continue to be a wonderful addition to this world of ours. God bless Peter and his family-we know how you feel – there are no words. Our best wishes for your recovery and for finding peace with the passing of your best buddy.
Lori said:
Oh Peter, W/tearful eyes, I’m sooo sorry for the loss of your beloved Skai~Sooo thrilled u were able to b right there just like Shai wanted before resting n peace~Shai hung on until u got home which is sooo special
Vera said:
Grieving for you, so sorry you lost Skai when he was still so full of life! Prayers for healing and moving on, I feel your hurt.
Princess said:
My heart sank to the lowest it has ever been when I saw the subject line in my email box “With deep sadness and broken heart” because I knew then the worst had happened. I could no longer see from crying after I read your long letter to Skai. I am so sorry for your loss. Dogs are our best friends, our children, our soul mates and to lose one is beyond what a non-dog person could understand. You are still blessed though for the amount of time you had with Skai. It was meant to be and now he will forever rest in his creators hand. My prayers are with you.
Dina said:
Sam said:
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And Skye must follow, if he can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
Tina said:
I am so very sorry for your loss. Tears are streaming down my cheeks as I read this. So many of us know this heart wrenching pain and we grieve with you. These wonderful creatures are spirits of love who teach us how life should truly be lived and their love is so pure. Your words to Skai are truly beautiful and how lucky he was to have you. Until we all meet again…..
Debee said:
What can I say that all of these other comments have already. I started following you after my dog was already in a downward spiral from diabetes and Cushing. I tried everything, nothing worked, she passed and took some of my soul with her. I decided to still apply your supplements and advice to her brother that even at 14 was still sprite. Today at 16 he strives. Thank you Dr. Peter and Thank you Mr. Skai, the world has been a better place because of you both. God bless.??
Rain said:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Skai is the sweetest boy on the planet and we will all miss him. Even if we never had the honour of meeting him in person. He shared a very special life with you and will always be right beside you. Forever and more… Take good care Dr. D
Caz said:
Dear Peter
I was so very sorry to read your sad news about Mr. Skai. My heart goes out to you knowing how you must be feeling at this dreadful time – we had to say goodbye to our beloved Golden Retriever Jay Jay last summer.
Rest assured in the knowledge that Mr. Skai will be happy and painfree now at Rainbow Bridge, probably playing with all our other beloved friends who have gone before us.
Remember the happy times and your treasured memories with Mr. Skai, The letter you wrote was beautiful and I read it with tears running down my cheeks and pain in my heart for you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care.
Cara said:
I’m so sorry for your loss, time doesn’t heal all wounds but eventually, the happy memories help cover the incredible hole in your chest where you once had a heart. Skai helped with insight & he will continue to do so, forever.
Caz said:
I lost a treasured friend today
My beloved dog that used to lay
His gentle head upon my knee
And shared his silent thoughts with me
He’ll come no longer to my call
Retrieve no more his favourite ball
A voice far greater than my own
Has called him to his golden throne
Although my eyes are filled with tears
I thank him for the happy years
He let him spend down here with me
And for his love and loyalty
When it’s time for me to go
And join him there this much I know
I shall not fear the transient dark
For he will greet me with a bark
Karen prince said:
I am so very very sorry for your loss . What beautiful letter to your boy . It is so hard to lose our beloved furry family . My heart breaks for you and your family .Take care
Marlyn said:
When I read, sad news, I began to cry and I still am. Your letter was beautiful and loving. You and Mr. Skai are in my prayers and loving thoughts. I can’t express how badly feel for you. Mr. Skai is in a better place but for you, this will be a difficult time. Continue to think of how blessed you were and are for the time you have had with each other and how much you both have helped all of us and our precious fur babies. Take care and know that you are in the hearts of so many of us.
Marie Koen said:
So sorry about your loss. I still miss my Irish terrier, has been 5 years now since she left for doggy heaven.
Debbie said:
So sorry for your loss, I know how hard it is to go through this. What an awesome tribute to Skai. i have so many tears, I can barely see to write this. I hope you find peace and comfort in the coming months knowing how much you loved him.
ilse said:
I don’t know you, and I didn’t know Mr. Skai. But I understand your heartache and your grief. You cannot see Skai any more, but surely his love is there to comfort and soothe … and always will be. Just feel.
Rita Fazio said:
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your fur baby Dr Dobias. It is never easy losing these precious beings who bring so much love and joy into our lives. May your precious Skai Rest In Peace and may you find peace knowing you acted in love for him. I will pray for you and all who love him. God Bless and keep you safe and well.
Valerie said:
I am so sorry for your loss. Your letter to Skai was beautiful I cried while reading it. I lost my Em last June and still weep over losing him, he also was 17 yrs old. Even though I have two new pups now I still miss my Em. We have to remember that our best friends are in doggie heaven playing and enjoying themselves. Stay encouraged. Thank you for everything that you do for our furbabies!
Sue said:
It was so sad to read this this morning. Fly high Sweet Sakai. You were well loved and cherished. Dr. Dobias, I am so sorry for your loss. You had amazing adventures together. I pray your wonderful memories get you through this difficult time.
Diane said:
With tears running down my cheeks I send you my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Skai. I too know how heartbreaking it is to loose a dear member of our family. You wrote a beautiful tribute to Shai, thank you for sharing it and the photos.
Barbara Dailey said:
Dr.D,
I’m so sorry to hear that it was Skai’ s time to leave this earth.
Skai will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. He is healthy now and able to run like a puppy again. He appreciates your last gift to Him although it was so hard. My prayers are with you as you recover from this very hard loss. Your letter to Skai was beautiful and so moving. Just keep remembering all the good times and adventures that you had with Skai.
Mike Franzen said:
Dear Peter … I know how your heart is so broken as my family lost a “member” a few years back. It was the worst time that I felt in my 67 years of living … my wife, my 3 children, me!!! Freyja, our family dog, and our grown children have now left our home and moved on with their lives. Time does heal! We all KNOW and BELIEVE Freyja is in Heaven and waiting for us. We WILL see Freyja again! In the meantime, each of our now grown children have new dogs that have grown to be family members. My wife and I have a new rescue dog that is our “child” and a valued family member. We all love our new dogs, but Freyja will never be forgotten. I’m reminded of a verse called “I’m Free.” It goes “Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. God wanted me now, He set me free.”
God bless you Peter and Mr. Skai
Janice said:
I am so, so sorry; your pain is palpable. Thinking of you with thoughts of peace for your very broken heart. {{{?}}}
Kathy said:
Peter, my heart is breaking for you. I know your pain, as my beloved heart and soul dog transitioned in April. Oh what a beautiful life you shared with Skai! You gave him everything and more! And he, in turn, is (never past tense as he is always still with you) your greatest inspiration and teacher. What a deep bond you share with this lovely soul. Peace to you and Mr. Skai Wantstofly.
Idania Palacios said:
I understand the pain you’re going thru, and i feel sorry for your loss. A dog is not just a dog, a dog is all you need in your life cuz they become your best friends, their love and loyalty cant be compared as theirs is truthful, is real. I have a 14 yr old lhasa apso, i have him since he was 4 months old, ever since i got him my life completely changed. I understood that animals were so fragil but at the same time strong, little but big in their hearts, innocent and defensless. I became their voice by defending them from neglect and abuse. My love for animals/God’s creation grew ever since this little angel came to my life. I learned to understand the things he wanted to do like going out to the park, eat, play etc., He has been by my side thru good and bad and now is my time to pay him back with my care, love and patience as he became ill a few months ago. His liver enzyme were extremely high, he also lost strenght in his back lower spine, he lost his sight and hearing. A few weeks ago he catched a stomach flu, he had severe diarrhea and vomit with blood so i rushed him to the vet. He was examined, he had some blood work and the Vet said he was not gonna make and so to think about a decision. I stood there confused, with my heart broken knowing i had to let go of my best friend. I then prayed and said “Lord, if this is the time i will let him go but if not then let me see your hand of mercy and dont make me make a decision taking his life away as you are our creator and the only one that could take him away from me as i had ask you before, to take him in his sleep, at old age but resting like a baby” then a miracle happened. The Vet came out and said she couldnt understand how fast my dog reacted after an episode of seizure. She said his blood work came all normal and she was surprised my baby was alert again. My heart was happy, she let me take him back home with some meds and he is doing wonderful. I know its hard and i know that day will come when he crosses the rainbow, but wanted to share this cuz i understand the pain and sadness you might feel right now. I pray for your emotional recovery and strenght to accept things as I will need it one day as well. The only good side of all of this is that your lovely angel is now in doggy heaven with no pain, no more suffering and Im sure one day you’ll see him again. Be strong, blessings!
Tammy Bales said:
Dr. Dobias, my sincere sympathy to learn the news of the passing of your dear Skai. He has and has always been an inspiration to the .dog health and healing community. I have supported and sold your product for years and I support you now in your loss of your heart dog, Skai. Life is so precious, take time to grieve, deepest sympathy Tammy Bales
Christine Coppola said:
There are no words that can heal your broken heart but know that I share in your grief. I lost my dear sweet Rudy (my son) a beautiful yellow Lab mix, this past August. He was 12 years old, The last 2 years of his life he survived 2 major operations. One for a septic infection and the other to remove a cancerous mass on his adrenal gland. One of his kidneys along with his adrenal gland had to be removed. He bounced back and was his old self despite becoming a diabetic and dealing with cancer. He never gave me any trouble when I had to give him insulin shots twice a day. In the end he got pneumonia and could not survive. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t talk or think about him. I have a picture on my desk of him smiling wearing his tuxedo that he wore for my daughter’s wedding. It helps to see it everyday. Our pets give us unconditional love every day of their life. Skai is up in heaven with my Rudy and someday we will be united.
Lynn said:
Thank you for pouring your heart out. I can hardly type through my tears. It brought it all back putting our girl down 9 months ago.
Our 16 year old asked us to put her down late one night before we went to bed,
We thought her pancreatitis was bad again and after waiting for me to return from hospital that night she tried to tell us but we didn’t know what she wanted until she said “it’s time” by sitting by the door, then we knew. The all-night emergency clinic called us in the morning to tell us she didn’t have pancreatitis again, she had a large tumor in her tummy that was pressing on her hungs which is why she was coughing more than usual.
We too didn’t want her to suffer. I had suffered long enough with my cancer but at least I could tell someone, which you couldn’t. I still feel guilt and sadness that you had to suffer because neither our vet or us knew how sick you really were … please forgive us sweet girl.
Thank you for being the glue and peace maker in our family and all the weight you bared on your shoulders to protect us all. We still miss you and your little brother still waits on the landing every night for you to return as he knows you left at night, so you should return at night, right? We tell him “no Empi, no girlie, go to bed baby boy”. He was with you for 15 years so we know he’s sad too.
You will always be in our hearts and we’re so grateful you’re no longer suffering. Thank you for all the beautiful memories.
Thank you Dr D and Angela for all you’ve done for us over the years. We know how much you’re suffering and our hearts are with you. Love, Lynn and Sam
Linda said:
So very sorry for your loss. No matter how long they stay, it is never long enough. Such wonderful photos of all your adventures together. You certainly gave him an amazing life! Cyber hugs!
Margaret said:
So very sorry for your loss. I am reading this at work and crying at my computer. Thank you so very much for sharing your story and Skai with us. I happened upon your site a few years ago when my older dog Daisy was having some incontinence issues. She is 13 now and her “brother” Ray is 9 and with your help, they are both doing very well. One of the most important things you have taught me is to enjoy each and every day with them and try not to worry about the future. My deepest sympathy and love goes out to you and your family.
Angi said:
I am so very sorry for your loss! Hugs to you! What a lovely letter. Take care.
Nancy said:
Right this very minute I’m going to my friend’s house to be with him as his 16 year old doggie, Fred passes away gently at home. Crying, crying, crying but also loving, loving, loving.
Bless Skai in his new adventure, bless Fred on his way to new heights and bless everyone who grieves. Love to all!
Cynthia said:
Holding you all in such sweet love and light…the love you share(d) is so palpable…such a beautiful tribute and continued source of inspiration
Cara said:
So sorry for your loss. Both of you are so inspirational. I am so thankful to have come across your website and many stories.
Leah said:
What a beautiful letter from such a loving man and his perfect companion. My heart is breaking for you both. Love to you all.
Jessica said:
I cried reading this!! There are no words to express my sympathy for losing a best friend and companion. Its always a reminder to hold our furbabies close and enjoy every second…
Donna said:
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. What a tremendous loss. But what an amazing life you both lived with each other’s presence. Dogs are amazing teachers. Because we have no choice in the matter of years we get to spend with our dogs,,,,It’s the QUALITY in how we spend our time with them. Lucky dog to have seen the sights he did in his travels.
Mr. Skai was soooo loved,, And so were YOU.
My sincere gratitude to you both in teaching me so much. D
Jude said:
Can’t stop crying … Thinking of you at this time of sorrow – thank you for sharing your beautiful photos of your life with your amazing buddy ?
Nancy said:
I share the heartbreak you feel after losing Skai. I lost the love of my life, my 9 year old Golden Retriever, Holly, in March. You are so right…it was the worst day of my life. I cried like I have never cried before, I was terrified, and so completely grief stricken. I understand the relationship you had with Skai. I wish you love and comfort, and in time, I hope your broken heart will heal. Skai loved you as much as you loved him, and he had the most wonderful life ! I hope each day will get a little easier for you. Thank you so much for the great work you do and for caring for animals the way you do. ❤
Suzanne said:
I am so very sorry for your loss, thank you for sharing Skai with us over the years, I love hearing stories about your adventures. Skai run free, you will be missed.
Lora said:
The best walks in life are always too short. So very sorry for your loss, Dr. Dobias! It is so hard to lose our best friends even when the time has come and they’ve had a long and good life. Wishing you peace and comfort in all the loving memories. And grateful for all that you, Skai, and your team have taught all of us about natural health!
LeeAnn said:
I am so sorry for your loss……Hugs…xo
L Cole said:
Dear Dr D,
How sad to learn of Skai’s passing. My heart is broken too. He’ll always be in your heart. You were the luckiest to have shared his short life.
joyce Bilodeau said:
What a beautiful, heart wrenching tribute to Skai, he was so loved, I wish you peace in the days to come and may your beautiful memories be your solace!
Vicki said:
Dear Peter,
Your letter was a beautiful tribute to your best friend Skai! I cried as I read it knowing both the love and pain you shared . Thank you for sharing your adventures in life together with Skai with us. Mr Skai will be greatly missed by all
The love that you shared every day with Skai is reflected in your letter. Even though he has given more to you then you can put in words; Assuredly He has always felt that love, pride and deep connection that you had for him and could not have felt more loved! May you find joy in the time shared and the memories you have… You will always have him with you in your heart and soul until you are together again….
In my thoughts & prayers…
Rachel Neild said:
Today Skai’s abundance of followers celebrate his life! Dr Tobias you were blessed to have shared Skai’s journey in this world for 16 years. I can only hope to be as fortunate with my two beloved canines now ages 8&9.
Skai reached and touched the hearts of many and will live on in our hearts forever! Your relationship with Skai served as a platform for all that share a deep connection with their four legged companions.
It is with a heavy heart we say goodbye but take comfort in knowing his spirit will live on forever. Hugs from Ottawa,
barbara kreemer said:
Peter, my heart breaks for you. It is so hard to lose him. I"m glad you had 16 great years with him, and he with you, because of your great care and your mutual love.
peter lammers said:
So very sorry for your loss of your best friend, I am reading this at work with tears in my eyes reading your story.. Thank you so very much for sharing your story with Ska.
Tail Blazers North Haven - Marlene said:
I am so very sorry for the loss of your family member, your tribute to him is absolutely beautiful. I thank him for all he has done for you and in turn you for him. The bond is beautiful and will be there forever. You have accomplished a “Bucket List” of dreams with your companion which will create memories for life. No words can take away the pain in your heart, thank you so much for sharing. It has taken me over half an hour to read… I can not see through fogged glasses. Love to you and Skai… run again sweetheart xox
karen said:
So very sorry to hear about Skai’s passing. You gave him the best life a dog could ever wish for. He was happy and healthy to the very end thanks to your love and care. His passing is a huge loss and will leave a gaping hole in your heart. Know that he will be patiently waiting for you at the other side of the rainbow. Sending you warm thoughts and comforting prayers. Thank you for sharing all your stories, experiences, and expertise. You and Skai together helped and continue to help keep us and our dogs healthy, happy, and aware of how precious time with our dogs is.
Henneke Versteeg said:
Dear Peter,
The definition of Life is Love and the definition of Love is Life. The two are intertwined and can not die. Yes, the body dies. It was never meant to stay, but the spirit, the soul, the Love, that is real Life and it will never leave us. It is part of us, as we are part of Love,The love that some call God, or Allah, or Yahweh… or many other names…. There is no beginning and there is no and to that Life/Love. Therefor there is no beginning and no and to Skai… Mr. Skai Wantstofly is now really flying. But I can tell you: he is not flying away from you. He is flying with you, around you, in your head, in your heart… in every part of your being.
I know your sadness, as well as everyone who grieves with you, and it is okay to grieve. Grieving is what makes us human. Grieving is what makes us remember what Love really is. So take your time, dear Peter, with your loved ones, to grieve, but while you are doing, sort through your memories. I know they are countless. I also know that each of them will bring a smile in your heart and eventually will bring a big smile on your face.
Bless you me friend and brother, and thank you for sharing your love for Skai so generously with everyone of us.
My heart goes out to you and your family.
Kathleen said:
My heart is with you. We are all so very fortunate that Skai has shared so much with you and you have in turn shared with all of us. Your stories and products have made me a better servant to my wonderful dog. You have helped me to hear with my heart what my dog cannot speak. With all my heart I wish you peace and comfort as you move into the next chapter of your journey with Skai.
Donatta said:
I found you on the internet at a time when I had a dog that had a horrible ear infection. She suffered with pain for almost a year. Doctors could not help. They just wanted to perform surgery. i read all your information, watched all your videos. The only problem was, I was in the central United States and you were not. I was armed with your knowledge and I managed to find a wonderful holistic vet only a short hour away from me. This wonderful vet started healing our little ladybug. Today her ear is better. We are not sure if she can hear out of that ear, but the surgery never happenend. That’s what’s important. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. As I read your letter to your friend. My heart feels for you. Your wonderful furry friend was handsome and proud. You, I know, were proud of him. So many memories you will treasure. I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your life and your wisdom with us. I’m eternally grateful and also saddened that your friend is gone. God Bless.
Joanna said:
I cried though this whole letter. I am so sorry for you, but happy, too, that you had your bright and sunny Skai for so long, and will have him always because he is your light and will lead you to the next shinning star. You helped me so much with my Irish setter boy, Dylan, who is now 2 1/2 and had such terrible digestive problems I thought I would loose him. But as soon as I started feeding him a homemade diet and adding the Green Mins, he turned 360 degrees and hasn’t had a tummy problem in 10 months! I can’t thank you enough and I hope you will find your boy again as I found mine in this boy, Dylan V, In the words of my favorite poet, Dylan Thomas, "do not go gentle into that good night… rage, rage against the dying of the light … Peace and love, Dr. D!
Angela Bacon said:
I didn’t want to read this email in my inbox because I knew what it was going to be with your subject line. I am glad I read it. What a lovely letter to Skai. He was such a lucky dog to have found you. I am so sorry for your loss. It’s so heartbreaking. Thanks for your photos and letting us know how much you loved him. You will be best buddies forever.
Mary Pearson said:
Dear Peter,
I has tears in my eyes as I read your letter. There is nothing quite like the friendship & love received and shared with ones companion dog or dogs as in my case. I have lost many through the years. I also always reflect back with complete awe over the magnificence that particular companion and friend was. They always connect with us for a special reason & you have only to look back as you are now doing to recognize all the gifts, the guidance & genuine love they have given you. Take the proper time to allow yourself and family to truly mourn and yes, even cry as often as necessary, as I feel one cannot really heal and move forward without experiencing the full pain of loss. He is still with you just across the way in another dimension, happy, content and full of life.
With deepest sympathy to you and your family,
Mary Pearson
cindy said:
Your letter to your best friend brought me to tears; I, too, have had “very very bad days” none of which have been harder than losing your beloved dog and a large piece of your heart. The joy of having him, one day, will surpass, the pain of losing him.
Catherine Wright said:
I am so, so, very sorry for your loss. Skai was so lucky to have you as his Daddy? Brother? I know he had the best life of all dogs with you. I cried, am crying, too, for your loss. I have 2 rescued dogs, one of whom I can see is really slowing down, so I suppose some of my tears are for him, too, and what I and all dog lovers have to face eventually. Take care.
Sandy Haddix said:
My heart is breaking for you on the loss of beloved Skai. We have many of our loving furry friends waiting across the rainbow bridge. I know they are all romping and playing with each other. I have several there. I hope your memories of Skai help ease the pain you are feeling now.
Wanda Redel said:
My tears welled up as I read this emails header and my heart sunk because I dreaded what was inside. I feel your pain and endless sadness because we lost our 12 years old golden 1 years ago. The loss is immeasurable like an abyss. Words can not explain the grief of losing a best friend nor are their words to give to ease that grief but I am so very sorry to hear of Skais passing.I am so grateful you were able to get home in time to be with your precious pup. Cry remember and grieve.
lynette said:
It almost sucks the life out of us to lose the animals we love. They’re a combination of child, parent, teacher and best friend, all in one being. No words can express condolences sufficiently. The pain of separation is too profound. At times like this, I go to my collection of famous quotes.
‘Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.’
-Roger Caras – American Wildlife Photographer
Skai embodies this.
Kay and Creig Houghtaling said:
So very sorry.
Soile said:
So very sorry for your loss, Dr.D….! I read your beautiful letter with tearful eyes. R.I.P.you beautiful Skai…
Sue said:
I’m so very sorry to learn of your loss and the pain that you are suffering. Your tribute to Skai is beautiful and moving. I have followed along on your adventures with Skai for a few years now and reading your letter to him I realize what an extraordinary relationship that you and Skai have and what an incredible dog he is. You have many beautiful photos of the good times that you spent together and he clearly had a full and good life with you. I wish you courage, faith, peace and love during these difficult days, weeks and months.
Wendy and maizie said:
Very sad to hear this. A reminder to us all to appreciate every moment we have have whith our loved pets. We will all remember the Sakai stories and be happy you shared them with us.
Trudy said:
My eyes are filled with tears.. so much so i cannot continue to read your beautiful letter. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Jan said:
My deepest sympathy to you and your family and friends. It is so heartbreaking to hear how tragic this loss is for you and Skai. I know the feeling since I lost a soul mate to a neck injury and couldn’t do any surgery due to age and other health issues. My heart was broken as yours is now. It’s a truly horrible time. Praying for you to have strength to get thru this. He’ll be waiting for you. Memories will be bittersweet; but still good. Thank you and Skai for all the good you brought to so many.
Anita said:
Thank you, Dr. D., for so eloquently sharing your feelings—feelings that so many of us have lived, but were unable to express. Your many friends and followers share in your sadness. Fly high, Mr. Skai. We are all the better for having known you.
Robin A Lewis said:
I cannot express my feelings at your loss of Skai, Peter. I have come to look forward to your sharing of your experiences together since I joined your newsletter list looking for ways to improve the life of my little Chinese Crested. I have found your advice and your products invaluable. My deepest sympathies.
randy said:
Peter, yours is the most intimate tribute I have ever heard in 6 decades of hearing tributes. Thank you for sharing Team Skai with us—how special to have met you, and what a shared honor for you and Skai to have been with and taken care of each other for so long (though never long enough…). My Newfs and I are richer for knowing your partnership with your best friend. Thank uou for sharing your heart with those who cherish dogs and for making an important contribution to a species that makes our planet a better home. Cyber hugs from California.
Eric Ringquist said:
Such a beautiful letter to your beloved Skai. I am so glad you were able to be there with him at the end, that is a true gift that he gave you…waiting for your arrival. Peace to you and your family as you grieve losing this beautiful, loving soul.
Sandy Gray said:
My heart bleeds for you and your lose! It is one of the hardest things to do to let go of your family but I know they count on us to make that decision for them , it is so hard.. I am so sorry …
sally wong said:
Mr. Skai and Your Dad
Have Faith in God, Skai’s life is not over, May God protect You through Jesus Christ and declare God’s goodness. Your beloved pet will be waiting for you in eternity when you arrive, that is, if you believe in Jesus’ promise of eternal life which means we leave to go outside of this planet to a new one. There is dog heaven there where he is the boss, his own master.
Leeyong said:
Dear Dr. Dobias,
my heart sank when I saw your email. I can’t express how extremely sorry I am to hear of the news of your sweet Skai. You are truly right, it’s the fear in us when we are going to lose our best friend. I know for sure Mr. Skai knew he was so loved by you and his friends – I can just see the love you had for each other in those photos you’ve shared with all if us. Reading your email just really make me want to run home and hug my sweet Stevee.
Thank you Skai for loving your poppa like you did and because of that he is such an incredible person to share all the knowledge he knows with all of us.
I don’t think anyone of us can say anything that will make the hurt any easier. Once my partner had said to me when I lost my cairin terrier almost 4 yes ago… She said if the pain of losing my best friend isn’t deep enough then he didn’t matter.
Mr. Skai, run like the wind and continue to watch over your poppa.
My deepest condolences,
Leeyong
Carol said:
Oh. I am so sorry. Terrible pain. Deep sympathy.
Debbie said:
Peter, I am so sorry for the loss of such a large piece of your heart. Though most of us can identify with this moment in time, none can truly know the depth of your personal heartache. Skai came into your life when he was needed most to become your best friend, to support you through the good times and the bad, to give you strength when life wore you down, and to love you with all that he was. Thank God that you were there when the time came. Your lives were worthy of so much more. In your letter and your photos, we feel like we shared your lives. Please, don’t let these beautiful memory pages of your lives end here. I ask that you share your story in print with these elegant pictures in a book to immortalize Skai’s lifetime journey with you. Just as the words in this letter allowed us to live your adventures, please bring Skai back so that so many others might take this journey with you two. Your story is unique and through sharing, people for generations will keep Skai alive, living in the pages of their favorite book….the riches of your story will live on to inspire so many. Take the time you need to grieve your loss and when you are ready, let your memories lift you up. The joys you and Skai shared together can live for an eternity. Perhaps that is the true reason Skai came into your life. When you are ready, let me know. I will be honored to assist.
Pam Baumann said:
Dr. Dobias — I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your good friend, Skai. My heart aches for you. It is perhaps the hardest thing we do as pet parents: recognizing when the time has come to put our pet’s welfare above our own. It is one of the greatest expressions of love we can give. Take time to grieve. And talk to him - ask him for signs. You will be amazed what comes back to you. :) You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Robin said:
My dearest Peter I’ve read your blog for a very long time and always thought you were one of the most caring empathetic ves, I can try to think of the appropriate words to say at the moment but there are none…. as you know unconditional love is what skai provided from the moment you brought him home which is very rare to find on this planet .
I too , make the same decision two weeks ago with my oldest cat and said my dear friend I’m doing the most selfless thing right now because the selfish me wants to keep you and tried every intervention any surgery to have you here a few more days but that would’ve been selfless that would have been the selfish thing for me to do. Upon putting my sweet Vixen to Sleep two weeks ago.
There was a huge rainbow across the whole sky I know that was my Vixen telling me she was in a great place and she’ll see me soon…
Skai will being waiting….
Carla Austen said:
Our heartfelt sympathies to you Peter for the loss of your precious and dearest friend Skai. I am crying so hard that it is difficult to write this. In my opinion as we have no children Steve and I know that the loss of our beloved animal companions is one of the most painful there is. He is now in a most beautiful place, young, free of pain and happy again. You will be together again one day. Your letter is so beautifully written and has touched our souls. Our deepest sympathies to you and all who knew and loved Skai. Carla & Steve.
Kim said:
As I sit here with tears running down my face, my heart breaks for you Dr D. I’m so sad that it had to end like this. The memories you have with Shai are priceless, hold on to those memories to get you through this unbelievably painful time. Sending prayers to comfort you & your family. Love & hugs!
Donna said:
Beautiful words of true love for your furry child! I can feel your pain and my heart breaks for you for I know that pain. Prayers for you all.
Esther said:
I am so sorry about the lost of your Skai. My deepest sympathy. What a wonderful letter you wrote to him, RIP Skai
Sheila said:
Can’t tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Teared up a lot reading your letter to Mr. Skai. I’ve been through it a couple of times now with some very dear fur babies (one of which I lost way too soon to cancer, which led me on an endless quest to find the best practices for raising dogs, and led me to you and some other vets I rely on and respect greatly.) My heart goes out to you as you grieve. Take the time you need to heal. We’ll be here.
Noranne Duffy said:
Hi Peter and Skai you are both the most wonderful example of how our lives can be so magical when we share the bond of love. Fly well Skai.
Peter you are Blessed and a Blessing to us all.
Thank you Skai for your teachings <3
Karen said:
It is such a huge loss of your little boy.
Words cannot express the sadness I know you are going through.
Please take care of yourself, your little man is in your heart, until you meet again………..xo
Carol Lorraine said:
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is aching for you. Mr. Skai should have lived to an extreme old age. He had the best of everything. You are in my thoughts and now I have to go and have a long cry :(
Patti said:
It is so heartbreaking for your whole community to learn of Skai’s passing, but most of all I can’t imagine your grief. My heart breaks for you. I too, have a best friend travelling planes, cars ant trains with me. My liitle 14 year old maltese,Chorong, that I adopted in Korea 12 years ago has benefited so much from your products and lessons with Skai.
Thank you for sharing your letter. Once again, you and Skai were teachers to us when it is time to let go. What a beautiful life Skai shared with you. I suspect he will always be beside you. I hope those memories will help bring you peace through the grieving process. So much love and gratitude sent your way.
Margarita Torres said:
So sorry to hear of your loss but happy to hear of your love for each other and that you got to be with your boy as he passed.
Linda said:
We try so hard to take care of our dogs for they are family to us and not just a dog. When they pass it is as if life is over for us too and it seems the tears never stop flowing. We walk without our friend at our side and the world seems so lonesome and empty and it seems nothing can take away the pain but then I know God did not mean for it to all end this way for I know when I leave this world too I will once again be with my companion and friend. To know you did your best for them while they were here on earth gives little comfort but to know some where out there is another little pup so in need of love is the best thing we can do to say thank you to our lost friend is to help another who needs us so. Yes it seems so hard but our friend will never leave our hearts but others need us too and the best way for us to heel is to help another of Gods creatures to heel also and have a chance at a loving and wonderful life. God Bless
Cheryl Infantino said:
Dr. Dobias, I have followed you and Skai for some time now…always looking forward to the tales of your adventures together. I took particular interest because Skai reminded me so much of my Rosie, an amazing Springer Spaniel who gave every part of herself in service to others as a therapy dog and an amazing loving companion. Midway through her life, I took the leap of faith that a raw diet and holistic approach to all aspects of Rosie’s (and my) life was the way to go. Your articles and videos have been immensely inspiring to me. Rosie was 15 yrs, 8 mo when she passed away six months ago. In her last days, she suffered severe mobility issues, but always had that spark in her eyes, ready to go in the car to her favorite park and in a stroller when it was getting tough to walk. We could still go on adventures and meet wonderful people along the path, with that stroller! Then the day came that she lost that sparkle in her eye and I knew that she was only hanging on for my benefit and the greatest act of love that I could show her was allowing her to cross over peacefully. I miss her so much but I know she served a most honorable purpose. She made me a better person and I pray that I continue to live by her example. I feel your pain and as my tears stream down my face, I can feel Rosie’s presence…her silky muzzle pressed up against my face, licking my tears away. Then she would look at me with her head tilted and ears perked as if to say, “Don’t worry Mom, everything is going to be fine. See, the tears are all gone!” I wish that our canine companions could stay with us longer. It amazes me that in their short lifespan that they manage to leave us with a treasure trove of wonderful memories and life lessons. I am ever thankful for that gift. I thank you Dr. Dobias for your gift of healing wisdom that you passionately share so that other dogs can live a healthier, longer life. Please continue to be our inspiration, along with Skai, whose spirit will always be with you. God bless you Dr. Peter Dobias. Rest in peace, beloved Skai.
Dennise Stackhouse said:
Through you I felt like I knew Skai. He was everyone’s dog here in the internet world and you had me loving him and following all the adventures you took with each other. Thank you for sharing one of your most precious things with us. Both you and Skai were very lucky to have found each other. You have made many memories and those times will be a balm to your soul.
Peace & light to you and you family Dr. Dobias
Nina otulakowski said:
As I am reading your goodbye letter to Skai,
I cry the tears that you cry, and feel the loss for you and your family.
Visualizing every detail of Skai’s full life in all its glory that you have shared with him…
Please know that in This bittersweet moment , you have found enormous courage to say goodbye to your truest friend.
Thank you for sharing your letter with us, and Please know that each of us who reads this opens their heart
to share your tears, your pain and sorrow , your loss, and your everlasting love for Skai.
Amy Walsh said:
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dearest devoted friend. The pain is intense as I know from my loss of my own best friend in December. The pain does lessen but sometimes it will be so intense it will take your breath away. The waves of grief will slowly subside however please know that all of us send you and your family uplifting prayers to ease some of your grief. Rest in peace dear Skai and please watch over your grieving friend.
dl said:
Having lost so many to tragic health issues and a fire the loss it felt deeply with each one. So sorry this freak accident caused the lost of your best buddy and “son”
Marlene Bresnahan said:
My heart stopped, when I opened the email:(
There are no words for the sadness and pain of saying goodbye.
Rest in Peace beautiful Skai…..may your spirit soar and may you run free…xoxo
My heart and soul go out to you Peter….??❤️
Karen Brown said:
They leave us too soon. We are never prepared to let them go. Thinking of you today Dr Dobias and going forward. Tears and love heading your way.
Sheryl Reed said:
What a beautiful & heartfelt tribute. I share in your sorrow at the loss of one so loved & cherished.
Our dogs teach us sooo much about living every day to it’s tail-wagging fullness, but not how to deal with the profound loss when it is their time to leave us.
Wishing you much peace & calm, & healing thoughts until you & Skai are once again reunited. ♥
Dee Keane said:
Peter, you don’t know me, but I have just read your heartbreaking tribute to Skai. I cried all the way through. It brings back the terrible pain we go through when our beloved dogs have to leave us. My thoughts are with you. Try and remember what a wonderful life you gave her and how happy she was with you.
Henryetta said:
Peace while you’re hurting and healing when you are ready Dr. D. May God who sees all our grieving hearts and hears each tender prayer for you and Skai, be near us and keep us close. Much love and appreciation for you Skai! xoxo
Karin Nikischer said:
I am so sorry for your loss. My tears are running reading your letter and looking at all the pictures. You gave Skai a beautiful life and he gave you unconditional love and memories to treasure till you meet again. Sending you and your family Dr. Dobias much love and light…
W said:
My heart is also breaking reading your email. I know no words could really console you.. Deepest condolences for your loss.
Christine Tetreault said:
I write this with tears streaming down my face in empathy for the heart break you are experiencing. Take comfort in the adventures and joy you and Skai shared together and which will live in your heart and memory forever.
Margo Del Piano said:
My heart is broken for you. I had to let my once-in-a-lifetime dog Rambo go 3 days before Christmas this year and am still trying to deal with it. You gave Skai the best life possible and more. You are in my thoughts..I am so very sorry for your loss.
Margo Del Piano said:
My heart is broken for you. I had to let my once-in-a-lifetime dog Rambo go 3 days before Christmas this year and am still trying to deal with it. You gave Skai the best life possible and more. You are in my thoughts..I am so very sorry for your loss. RIP Skai, enjoy your wings!
Pam said:
I am confident Skai will visit you in your sleep as my Dusty did after he passed. He will be dressed in his “sparkle suit”, and you will get a glimpse of heaven. He will let you know that he is fine and waiting for you.
Asana said:
My thoughts are with you and I wish you strength and peace during this time of mourning. I cried my eyes out reading your letter and can’t help but think of the day that I will have to face what you faced. My 2 rat terriers are my children, my world and I can barely stand the thought that someday I will have to make the decision to say goodbye. I am so glad that Skai had you as his dad and he got to live such a full life of adventure but also that he taught you to be a better vet. You and Skai have helped so many dogs and humans and I hope that gives you just a little comfort. He will always be with you and he will be waiting for you when it is your time to leave this physical existence. Love and Light to you.
Ellen said:
You and Skai were the most beautiful man-dog love story I’ve ever known. I am so sorry that the story has come to an end. The love will continue. I write with tears in my eyes, I know how terribly sad and hard it is to lose a friend. Take good care of yourself. Sending love.
karen said:
no words . the pain is so hard. Both of you were blessed to be with each other.
karen at VOKRA
Linda McClure-Woodham said:
My heart is breaking, as I try to type through the tears. Yes, letting them go is the most difficult thing we ever have to do. It hurts more than losing a human family member. The only time our doggie or kitty children are unkind to us is the day they die. Skai is surely running without pain or limitations at The Rainbow Bridge, waiting for you. This assurance is what keeps me living without them. I believe in reincarnation, and have proof right beside me now. Skai will send to you, at the right time, another dog with much of him recognizable. Skai will return in spirit. I am sure. Bless you, Peter, for everything you’ve done to help us prolong the lives of our precious furbabies. RIP, Skai. You made this world a kinder place, and I know our Creator will reward you greatly.
Dee Sams said:
Dr. Dobias,
I am so sorry for your loss. Finding you and Mr. Skai has been the so inspiring for me and my best friend Maxwell, my poodle.
You are inspirational and have a gift to heal.
As you know, Mr. Skai will remain in your heart always. RIP, Mr. Skai.
Jerri-Lynn said:
Dr.D,
I am so so sad to hear of Skai’s passing, so many hearts are breaking with this news. Then I read all the beautiful comments and see what an amazing friend he was to so many. Skai’s legacy to you is all his love coming back to you tenfold. Feel it, embrace it, this is his gift to you.Run free sweet Skai.
Jonne said:
I too felt like I knew Skai. He was the inspiration for so much good through you Dr. Dobias. Your love of Skai was so apparent in all that you wrote and did.
The depth of our pain is in equal measure to the depth of our love.
Take good care of your self Dr. Dobias….Godspeed Skai.
Lucy said:
Thank you for sharing your beautiful, heartfelt letter to Skai with us Dr. D. The pain of losing a dear companion runs deep and I send prayers for you to feel peace in your heart. I believe your precious Skai, who has become precious to all of us, is joyfully continuing his adventures in heaven and that his spirit will look over you until you meet again. We look forward to hearing from you when you are ready. Your wisdom has guided me countless times in caring for my two sweet, now senior, furry babies. And I share your website and resources every chance I get! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Karen Reid said:
Heartbreaking to read of your loss. I pray for comfort and strength in the days ahead. Such a beautiful tribute to Skai. Thank you for sharing.
Kim K said:
Dr. D, there are just no words to convey the sadness I feel. I have no right to be sad myself, but as a dog-mom I grieve right along with you. I feel the pain anew of every ‘child’ I’ve lost. Your love of Skai was so crystal clear in everything you wrote, and it is what inspired my trust. You shared Skai with us, and for that I feel honored and I thank you. Just as you were lucky to have him, he was lucky to have you. He knew that you would make it home to him, and you did. My sincerest condolences to you and your loved ones. Run free Mr. Skai. ❤️
Jeanine Lindquist said:
What a beautiful letter to your sweet Skai! I was crying so hard that my 2 sweet dogs are watching me type this… I think for those who have had to say goodbye to our best friends and truly incredible gifts from God, it brings us back to that awful day! I held my sweet Riley and whispered in His ears that I would see him again someday as he passed at 13. I begged God to please take us together as the pain of letting go was the worst pain I have ever felt! As much as I thought I was healed from this the emotions I am feeling now tell me that maybe we never truly heal from this pain. 3 days after burying my best friend, our little beagle mix puppy (whome I like to think of as Rileys pup since they look similar and somehow that helps me in a strange way to feel like I’m caring for Riley’s baby) was rescued. He licked away my tears and helped me heal and find joy again and it felt like a kiss from God to have another one of His greatest creations entrusted in my arms. We have since rescued another little guy, a little chihuahua mix that was at the rescue for 6 months and needed a family, and they have quickly become our furry family once again. Thank you so much for the work you do, My heart breaks alongside yours, and I pray that another sweet dog will come along your path soon and help you heal. ❤️ Dogs really are such incredible creatures, and I had to decide not to be mad that God allowed him to pass, but instead, to be SO thankful that He opened my eyes to what a gift our sweet Riley was to us! I wasn’t even sure I wanted a dog, but I’m so glad I was able to know this kind of love in life! Now I’m one of those people who like dogs more than people… something I know you understand! I send you a big hug!
Betty Joned said:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Skai. I have lost so many of my fur babies go & I miss them all still but I know I will meet up with them one day as you will with Mr Skai. RIP. Betty Jones
Pat said:
I have tears in my eyes reading your letter to your beautiful Mr. Skai. You gave him a wonderful life, full of adventures and he lived a long life for a big dog. I know it was a lot of love that kept Mr. Skai going. So sorry for your loss, I feel your pain.
Karin Maez said:
Dear Dr. D, I so sorry that you have lost your sweet dear friend Skai. As dog owners we all know the day will come all too soon to make the most difficult decision in our life to let go. My heart goes out to you and Skai at this time. I pray for your peace and comfort, knowing Skai is free to run, play and jump in his heavenly home. His legacy will live on for all of us.Thank you for sharing his amazing life with you, teaching us how to be better responsible owners. God Bless.
Tom Tupper said:
What a wonderful testimonial to a dear,dear friend. Skai has been such a great companion and friend. Every day and every way he has been there for you. Celebrate all of the rich and full memories you have shared He was notable in bringing such love in your life. Thank you for sharing this sad event. This makes me treasure my best friend, Cheyenne
Gina said:
I was so sad to read this and cried for you. I couldn’t believe he didn’t bounce back from his injury, but that seems to be how it does with the elderly.
I know you must have joy in your heart to look at all his photos and the great life the two of you shared for such along time! As you know most of us are losing our dogs at a much younger age now, thanks to all the chemicals!
But thanks to you, we all have a chance to have our best friend and soul mates with us for a much longer life.
He’ll be waiting for you at the Rainbow bridge with a wagging tail and is grateful for the love you gave him.
You are not alone in your grief.
Nancy Crawford said:
I cry as I write this and my heart grieves for you. There is no stronger bond than between a dog and his human. May Skai live forever in your heart.
Joy said:
Thank you for sharing your heart and the love of your life. Sending a big hug from California.
Brenda Teagarden said:
Dr Dobias & Skye
I am so heartbroken over your loss. It brings tears to my eyes. I know how much you loved him as I do my Casper.
Bless you in your pain and sorrow,
Brenda T
Chris said:
Oh Peter, I am so sorry to read this. There are tears falling down my cheeks as I read your beautiful letter so Mr. Skai. My Luna has done so much for me (I have a rare nerve disease) and my heart breaks for you. Sending condolences and thoughts for peace at this difficult time.
Tracy said:
Deepest sympathy. The value and respect placed on your relationship with Skai is beautiful and so important to be celebrated. Thank you for sharing, and know many hearts, human and canine are with you.
Maryann Scalise said:
I am deeply sorry for the death of your fur baby son Ski. I know the joy that he brought to your life. I know he is now free of pain and teaching manners to his new friends at the Rainbow Bridge including my Buster.. He was a very special and unique friend to all of us who read your e-mails about your journeys.
Maryann Scalise said:
I am deeply sorry for the death of your fur baby son Skai. I know the joy that he brought to your life. I know he is now free of pain and teaching manners to his new friends at the Rainbow Bridge including my Buster.. He was a very special and unique friend to all of us who read your e-mails about your journeys.
Paige said:
I am so sorry to hear Peter… my heart is heavy .. for you and your family…. your beautiful letter… what a beautiful letter… I know sweet Skai is smiling down on you…my aussie is 14 and has been through heartworms, eating poison, now he has aggressive cancer… I refuse to give in… he will let me know when it is time… you have a forever paw print from Skai on your heart.. and again I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet baby!!!
Suzanne Foster said:
This is beautiful Peter. Skai was the most amazing dog and beloved companion. My heart goes out to you and Dean…love from Suzanne, Stella Bear, Will and Emma xo
Kris Dooley said:
As a fellow animal lover this breaks my heart. I know that love for your best buddy all too well.
I’m so sorry his life was cut short. I’m sorry you lost your best friend.
Peace
Lisa & Keisha said:
HUGS sorry for your loss. I broke out in tears reading your letter. So much hit home with my girl Keisha. She’ll be 15years this September (a rescue) who actually ‘rescued’ me.
Skai will always watch over you until you meet again.
xox
Debra Bottalico said:
So sorry to hear about your sweet boy, Skai. I totally know how you feel since I have lost two dogs myself. My heart goes out to you and wish you well. You have some wonderful memories that will always be in your heart.
tamara west said:
Oh Peter, I so feel your pain and disorientation that it brings. The loss of our beloved friends is like ripping an appendage off. You know that your Skai is actually right there with you sharing all of his new adventures with you and he will always be "alive’ in your heart. I can’t think of a dog who had a better life than his. He was blessed and so were you. Be brave, my man and when you can find a peaceful moment when the energy around you isn’t frenic, then “listen” for him. He is there. Much love and light being sent your way. You are a beautiful man who was blessed with a most beautiful experience for 16 years.
Susan said:
My deepest condolences. Losing a beloved pet is by far the most difficult experience. You will never get over it. Over time, you will learn to deal with it. Until you meet again. Godspeed.
Heather said:
Dear Dr. Dobias,
You’re beautiful Mr. Skai was such an inspiration. I am so sorry that you lost your soul mate pup. I lost my best friend Clark on February 16th, this year, & still find myself in tears at some point everyday. I just can’t imagine how to go on or why without him. But he was always my joy and sunshine and I know he would want me to try and be happy. I know you’re boy Skai would want that for you too. If its any consultation, your not alone. I feel for you. Hang in there kid.<3
It may sound woo woo but I am a very spiritual person and plan on making an appointment with some animal communicators, just to check in with Clark in whatever dimension he is now. Danielle Mackinnon (who wrote Soul Contracts) seems solid and Brent Atwater (she’s a bit showy , either gifted or a charlatan :-/) both seem to be in touch with our animal companions beyond. Well, it may bring you some comfort anyway. I am going to try it soon, as life without my Clark seems too surreal. I guess, I just need to know he ‘s okay. It’s like having a child die. It’s just too soon, always.
Well, sending you love from the NW. Skai was so lucky to have you & you him. He was so loved. And he will always be with you. It’s just different now.<3
erhapsHanalea Joy said:
Awwww . . . I am SOOO sorry for your untimely loss of Mr. Skai. I live in Los Angeles area, so I don’t know you personally, but your letter, and your deep Love for your pup, have touched me deeply. I am 7 weeks into the process of falling in love with my rescued Maltipoo, and it is, indeed, scary. How will I be able to stand it assuming she goes first. Thank you for sharing this beautiful message to your Mr. Skai — yes, I feel you, and I am SOOOO sorry. My prayers are with you. I know he is fine – he’s romping with the Divine. Perhaps he’ll be back with you in another doggie body – I had that blessing with my soul-mate kitty. May your heart be soothed.
Betsy said:
So very sorry for your loss. What beautiful memories you have.
Shirley said:
I am so, so sorry for your loss. I know it takes time to heal and get over the loss, I, myself have had to do it many times, but we do heal and learn to deal with the loss. Take your time, you’ll get there. Skai is waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge, happy, healthy and watching over you. Take care
Kelly Robbins said:
I literally just lost it reading this. I got on your website today to see how Skai was doing. The last time i was on, I read about Skai’s accident and I was hoping to to hear he’s doing so much better. I wasn’t prepared and am so sorry for the loss of your “best friend”. I just gave my little guy the biggest hug and told him how much I appreciate and love him. Skai was an amazing companion and together you created the best bond imaginable….no love, like dog love!! Dr. Dobias, thank you for touching our lives with your knowledge and passion for the health and wellbeing of man’s best friend. I refer so many clients to your website. I’ve had customers come in talking about your blog and Skai. Wishing you much strength during these challenging times. You gave him such a great life and in return he made you a better person!!!!
Grace Y. said:
Sorry for your loss Doc. I am a mommy of my babies Tyke Boy and Roni and we grew to love Mr Skai. I’ll miss the adventures and especially your personality which always reminds me of why I love my Tyke and Roni. Thanks Mr Skai for teaching me a lot. We’ll miss you all the way from Molokai, Hawaii❤️
Jerri Johns said:
I know this pain. He will let you know he is okay, and in a place of love. Peace and love to you Peter.
Pia Florenzano said:
Dear Dr. Dobias,can’t tell you in words how i feel right now after reading your letter to your beloved skai, and also our friend, we loved Mr. skai also I can’t stop crying, and I cant imagine you being without your Skai, as you were a Team,.Iam so so very sorry, He will be very missed, and yes you are right, by Millions of Skai fans and lovers. for skai you were not only his DAD, but also his Herro.sending prayers . Dr. Dobias… We Love you.
Julie said:
My heart breaks for you. I sobbed reading this. I have lived through the loss of my beloved dogs and know that it feels as if your guts have been ripped out of your body and your heart is breaking. It was a gift that you made it home and were able to be with him. I am sure your bond was so strong, that Skai felt and heard you, saying, “hang on, I am coming”. Just as you heard him calling to you when he was a little puppy. You two were meant to be together. Skai was exactly where he needed to be and got to live a beautiful, happy, fulfilled, wonderful life, being who he was meant to be in this universe with the person he was meant to share it with. True, pure love.
Skai was truly a bright, shining light. He really did make this world a better place. You have taught me so much and Skai was instrumental in teaching you. I am so sorry for your monumental loss. Sending prayers and love for you and your family.
Evelyn Elliott said:
Never, never enough time. So very sorry for the loss of your precious pup.
Jill Griffith said:
Dr. Dobias,
I am so sorry about Skai. My heart is broken for you. I lost my best best friend and it is painful. He had a wonderful life! What a lucky dog! Maybe he will come back to you soon in another dog body.
keile said:
So so sorry for your huge loss. I can relate as my own Ben left suddenly on January 8,…Skai was as very lucky to have you in his life as you were to have Skai. Hopefully Skai will see Ben on the Rainbow Bridge
Jason said:
Dr Dobias
Much love to you during these tough times. RIP Skai.
Brooke said:
I knew one day you would be so kind and share this heart breaking news. Even though I dont know you personally, I have felt a huge connection with you and skai due to your love for him and the love I share with my girl Layla. She is a daughter to me. You have helped us so much and I’m so greatful. When I read the sad news I cried so hard because he truly was a special inspiration and will be missed. You could see his precious personality through his pictures. I always thought he would go from old age not an accident like this but I think its so great he was at home with his biggest fan by his side, I hope to be that lucky. Words cannot express how sorry I am and hope you feel the love from your followers. I can’t imagine what you are going through but I will pray for your heart and for your handsom boy in heaven. I look forward to seeing pictures of you with a new friend when you are ready. Your new friend will be lucky to have u, maybe a little girl named Skailer?
Bobbi said:
There are absolutely no words in any vocabulary to express the pain and sorrow when you lose your best pet friend and child. I am so sorry Peter. Why can’t our pet children live as long as we do? My thoughts are with you
Gladys said:
Dear Dr. D, Still have tears after reading the beautiful letter to Skai. Please know you are in my prayers that our heavenly Father will strengthen and lighten the burden of your loss. We as pet owners know that there is that horrible time when we must say Good By, We can only hope we will meet over the rainbow bridge.. Gods Blessing on you and yours.
Roberta Welsh said:
You are so very much in my heart right now.
I have walked this road many
times in my 74 years of life.
You became my friend over
2 years ago when I was fed up
With traditional Vets.
I found you on line and knew
I was where I wanted to be
to start a new way of caring
for my dog.
I met you and your sweet dog
Skai fell in love with you both
and your way of helping folks
like me.
My thoughts of love and caring go out to you for your
loss.
In 2011 I lost my 9 year old Dobie.I felt the same heart ache you are experiencing
now.
In 2012 I lost my husband of 48 years.
My kids,talked me into getting
another dog when I felt I couldn’t go through another loss.
It is you who have been helping
me to be a better parent to my dog Gunner through your
articles and also Dana.
Good luck to you as you go
through this journey of life
and loss.
You will be with Saki again
down the road.
May God richly bless you and
yours.
A Loyal Client.
Suzanne Martin said:
I read somewhere that medium dogs age slower and that 16 would be about 87. Skai was still a senior, but what I don’t understand is why this happened to a service dog in the first place. What if it had been a toddler? How negligent! As much as I am sad this has happened, I am angry also,
susan said:
What a wonderful testimony to a Precious Pet. God Bless You Dr.D
phillip said:
ugh….your tribute was gut wrenching, yet so beautiful. it’s the day we all dread and live in denial about. skai won life’s lottery and in turn, so did you….he is now in heaven, preparing all kinds of new adventures for when your together again someday.
Amy Malone said:
Dr.D., I’m so sorry to hear about Skai. I just wanted to say I understand your pain must be unbearable right now. Please know this person whom you have never met sends you her support love and understanding through this hard hard time.You and Skai will always be an inspiration and a shining example of pure love. Thank you for sharing, and for all you do for all of us. Amy and Chester ??RIP DEAR SKAI ??
Shirley Warke U.K said:
Hi Peter and family,
I am so, so sorry about Skai. I know what it’s like as my Newfie’s don’t live as long lives as some dogs but their partings are just as painful. I’d like to share a poem with you that I wrote when Sophie my first Newfoundland died at the age of 8years9 months.
A Gift of Love by Shirley Warke ©
You are my shining star
In a midnight sky
A breath of spring
On a winters day
A warm, caressing
midsummer breeze
You were so special
In every way.
You’re my gentle ripple
On the evening tide
A friendly whisper
In the trees
You are the rarest diamond
In the world
You’ll shine
To eternity
You’re the rising sun
In the early morn
You’re the mist
upon the loch
You’re the morning dew
On a deep, ? red rose
You were a gift to me
Of Love.
For Skai – whose energy will never leave your side. ❤️❤️
Teri Niccoli said:
My heart is heavy for you and your family Dr. D. When I lost my first girl it was a heartache I had not experienced before – even with the loss of a human family member. Thank you Skai for your inspiration and everything you taught us about good dog health and loving life with your Dad. When my Buddy girl passed 8 years ago (she was 15 when she passed) I never thought I would get another puppy, it was too painful to let go of that beautiful creature. What I have realized is that by loving my first dog – my heart’s capacity to love became bigger and in turn I was introduced to a beautiful golden girl names Luna who I am hopelessly in love with and my life is richer yet again. From our family to yours may love continue to find it’s way to you through Skai and all other four-pawed creatures that will love you.
Jennifer said:
I’m crying with you, sharing your sorrow of the loss of an incredible dog and friend.
I ha e loved reading about your adventures with Skai!! I hope you continue to share stories…
I believe everyone who has helped their beloved pet/friend pass is a courageous and kind person! I pray I have the strength to accept the time when it arrives.
God speed Skai…you were loved beyond measure and will never be forgotten!!
Gina Somma said:
What a beautiful letter! You were both very lucky to have shared so much love and so many years together! I feel your pain for the big loss you have suffered, been there three times already! May you find confort in all the great memories you both shared!
Diana said:
Absolutely heartbroken. Sending you a big hug from San Diego. Thanks for being such a compassionate vet and sharing your amazing life journey with Skai.
Veronica said:
What a beaufiful yet heartbreaking tribute to Skai. You shared such a special bond and that transpires time and space. Wishing you peace and healing as you remember your wingman and soul mate.
Nadia said:
So so sorry for your loss!
He had an amazing life and you were lucky to have each other!
Love and light to both of you xxx
Diana said:
I knew what this was going to be about before I even opened the email. I had already started to tear up before I even read your dear sweet letter to Mr. Skai. Well that even made it worse I’m still tore up about it and I feel your pain. I pray in time that your heart will heal and the sadness will fade away in time. You were such a caring and loving Dad to Mr. Skai the both of ya had some wonderfull adventures together. Hopefully when the time is right you will be able to bless another sweet little pup and your wonderful adventures will continue. God bless you and Mr.Skai.
Debra said:
Dogs are God’s creatures entrusted to us for such a short time. But in that short time we learn so much from them. Love, loyalty, trust, companionship and so very much more. Our hearts break in two when they are taken from our care. Skai is back with God, waiting for the day he will see you again. Thank you Dr Dobias for sharing your heart, your words and your pictures of Skai’s wonderful and amazing adventures. What a beautiful tribute to your beloved friend and companion. Sending you hugs and prayers for one of the most difficult times in our lives. And thank you again for your dedication on teaching us how to better care for our furry 4 legged God’s gift of love.
MaryRose Ardolino said:
Dear Dr D,
My heart hurts for you. I was checking on Sweet Skai yesterday and all I saw was a white blanket with the little toy Skai on it I had a feeling it was sad news. Your letter you wrote is so deeply touching made cry. Skai is an incredible soul and he picked you he is always a part of your heart you are such an amazing soul Skai and you made this world a better place in so many ways your love has helped so many of us dog parents. And I loved seeing and hearing all about Skai I really love that sweet baby. Now it’s all of us to send you love and healing please be gentle with your heart and know Skai is right next to you?? My family sends our Love MaryRose
cheryl said:
I am so sorry for your loss, I know where you are, i have been there. I thank you for being such a loving parent and such a wonderful support to everyone else, Skai was well loved and taken care of and there will be a time when you will see him again.
Sherryl Y. said:
Such a beautiful sadness, if there can be such a thing, to have enjoyed 16 years loving a wonderful companion like Skai and be loved back so greatly. Helping Skai to cross over the rainbow bridge with the people he loved most by his side is a good ending. I hope your heart can heal enough to love a new furbaby sometime soon Dr. D.
robin piazza said:
So sorry to hear about your loyal bestie. I have followed you and Skai for a couple of years now and feel somehow close to you both. Thank you for sharing so much of your journey with Skai with such deep love and commitment . Your authenticity and spirit shines so bright and is a gift to so many. I know Skai knew your soul as you knew his. Life is a continuum, our energy, I believe, continues on. Look for him and he will be there for you, in the breeze, in the sunlight, with each breath. Much love, Robin
Eve said:
There’s a saying – “dogs aren’t your whole life but they make your life whole”
I too have been blessed with the love and companionship of my fur babies and know how hard it is to have to let them go when the time comes. Thank you for sharing your beautiful letter to Skai with us. God bless and thank you for letting us into your life. from Eve and my two fur babies in Australia
Olivia & her huMom said:
Sakai knew love.
Be gentle with yourself.
Nose nudges,
Olivia
Allison said:
Your letter is so brave and so touching Dr. D. I cried the whole way through. Thank you Mr. Skai for inspiring so many of us and being such a positive role model for so many dogs and their humans. You have both given me so much wisdom and so many gifts over the years that I share with my own dogs. So much love to you Dr. D and to your family.
Kim said:
What a beautiful tribute…I especially love the part about letting all the dogs ride first class! We all that one dog who holds a special place in our hearts. Fro me it was also a border collie, Chelsea. She was my best friend for 17 years. The hardest decision I ever had to make was to let her go. I selfishly wanted her with me forever but knew, like you, that she was not loving life any more. The spark was gone. That was 10 years ago. I love the dogs I have now, all three of them, but there will never be another Chelsea.
Karen said:
My heart is breaking and tears are streaming down my face. I loved your posts about Skai and how amazing he was doing!!
Cherished the photos of him enjoying every moment of life with you.
We too have a family member who is a dog. She is a14 year old Springer Spaniel who just recently had surgery for a twisted stomach. She is doing amazingly well and we are cherishing every moment we have with her… Life is so precious and we are so grateful to have whatever more time we are given with her….
Once again, I weep for you and theh so special bond you shared with Skai….just wish they could live as long as we do!! ???
Liz S. said:
What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us. I am very sorry for the loss of your special friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. May God bless you always.
Gail said:
How terribly sad for you, I am so, so sorry!
Su Shields said:
You took him in with the arms of love and let him cross over in the arms of love. How beautiful he waited to say goodbye to his best friend. So sorry for your loss the cherished memories you made together are what is important. RIP Skai
Sharon Sutton said:
So very sorry for your loss. You had the best adventures with your better than best friend. Our Annie passed 8 weeks ago, and I am at a total without her.. She too was 16, and she knew it was her time. I am honoured and grateful that she trusted me to be a part of her leaving. I trusted my dog more than I ever trusted people,
niki robinson said:
When I would have dark passing thoughts of one day when I would lose my dog Bear, I thought to myself, there would be only one other human I knew of who loved their dog just as much as I do and would one day have to suffer like hell …and that was you, Dr. Dobias. You and Skai set the bar…courage and love…
Christina said:
Dr. Dobias,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’m so sadden to hear this news, I can’t imagine what you are going through.
What a great life you and Skai gave each other. The letter is beautiful. It’s a testamament to us all!
When I found your products I trusted in you and Skai and still do! I read Skai’ s protocols and followed them for my own 2 dogs (they are rescues and probably have border collie too). I want to give them the best and healthiest life like you have for Skai. We will continue to follow your guideline for health and longegevity in doing that Skai lives on.
I’m so very sorry. I’m so glad he waited for you and you were there when he needed you most.
Lots of love,
Christina, Charlie and Hailey
Aurora said:
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss, words cannot come close to expressing the pain we feel when losing a close companion.
Jenene and Timber my GSD said:
Am so sorry for your loss,he will always be with you and when you go he will be waiting for you and greeting you home also. Healing energies to you. Blessings
Angie said:
Dr D, I’m so sorry to hear you lost your sweet dog.I too lost my Maggie (King Charles Cav) this past Sat. She took her last breath in my arms on the way to the vet for the second time that day. Dr said it was MVD but she only started coughing on Friday so we were stunned at her death.Please know I feel your loss and pain!!
Julie said:
I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss of your furbaby. May God hold you near as He is holding your sweet boy. My condolences.
Niyaso Cannizzaro said:
No doubt Skai’s journey to the light is filled with warmth and love.
Toni Thompson said:
Dr Dobias:
I am so sorry to hear about Skai. I have always enjoyed reading about your adventures with Skai.
I have a poem that was given to me when my little one passed and I thought I would share it with you.
Loyal, Loving, Faithful and Brave
This is my saddest day
When you went alone
Here I had to stay
You will live in my heart
My friend so true
Memories of you
Fill my mind
Until I go to you .
Kelly Boldon said:
I am so sorry for your loss of this incredible boy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care of yourself. Skai would want you to.
Richard Pleat said:
I feel so sorry for your loss. I know how it feels because I lost my baby girl Ginger in January of this year. She was 9 years old. She died from kidney failure. It helps that I have her brother Sean with me.
My condolences again.
Laurie J. said:
Dear Dr. D.
I have only recently been introduced to you through your Blogs and products by Christy @ the H. H.
In the last 6 months I felt I have gotten to know both you and Skai by reading your letters, seeing videos and pictures of your beautiful relationship.
Since your return from Maui and the story of Skai’s accident he has been on my mind a great deal. Seeing your letter this morning and reading of his passing felt like a kick in the stomach and I sobbed as I read your remarkable letter to your best friend.
I too have lost 3 precious companions and my Devon is now 12 years old so I am cherishing every minute with her and live in fear of what you are going through right now.
You and Skai shared the most perfect bond of unconditional love, a gift not everyone experiences, losing that leaves the most enormous hole in your heart but I know from experience the pain eventually softens and you are left with the beauty of what you two shared.
My heart aches for you beyond any words I could ever express, I will think of you and your wonderful boy and know that you were both so very fortunate to have each other.
Thank you for sharing your pain and beautiful memories and pictures of Mr. Skai.
He will be right by your side forever.
Laurie
Cathy Shryock said:
Our dear friends have quirks and unique personalities, but they have only one true fault – their lives are never long enough. Know that we have all shared the heartache.
Stefani said:
I am so sorry for your hurt. As a animal lover myself, been there. Nothing takes the hurt away, but in time it won’t be as big. Please heal. We all await your return.
Millie said:
As I sit here, with tears streaming down my face, I am moved by the love, compassion and beauty of your post. My heart is breaking for your loss and pain. I am so sorry and please know that I am sending you positive, healing, and loving energy.
Julia said:
Peter. It’s been a while but I read your letter to Skai and felt I had to write you a message. I am so sorry to hear about Skai. I have said good bye to three dogs and it never gets easy. I can only say that I have never doubted my decision. The pain is intense initially but the memories keep me full of love. Moxie is 12 years old now and has a heart murmur so I know her time with us is limited. I send my love to you and hope your pain eases as time goes by. You have so many great memories of a great friend. Know that you have set him free and he is smiling down on you from heaven. Warmly, Julia
Donna McCaskill said:
Dr Dobias
My heart was breaking when I read your letter to Skai. I too couldn’t stop crying. You and Skai have been such an inspiration to me. You truly have made a difference in showing me a better way to a healthier dog. I hope your beautiful memories of Skai will carry you and help you heal.
Take Care Of Yourself.
Love from Alberta.
Jennifer said:
I cried through you’re entire letter understanding you’re heartbreak, knowing I will soon face the same painful goodbye but I just can’t imagine how I’ll handle it. My most heartfelt sympathies to you and those who loved Skai.
Flora said:
So very sorry for the loss of your best friend. I loss mine on December 9th 2015 shortly after 10 am from congestive heart failure. Lilly was 17 years of age her provider said we can’t make them live forever. I held her in my arms until she faded away and then some. She was my forever….prayers be with you and your family.
Constance said:
Dr. Dobias, Can’t hardly see to type thru my tears…Love the testimony and memorial to Skai. So glad he was able to wait for you, and so glad you moved quickly to go to him. I have 3 baby Yorkie’s; pray I can step-up, compose myself during/when our time of separation comes. Simply unfathomable to me…Memories of Skai – PRICELESS, Blessings my dear friend. Love, Constance, Miss Prissy, Miss Fancy, & Miss Jazzy.
Karyn said:
Having gone through the loss of animal best friends myself, I know that deep sadness, pain and grief. This breaks my heart. Thinking of you both. May Skai’s energy travel alongside you all of your days. Big hugs.
Janet said:
So very sorry for your loss Dr. D. Lost my little girl Jody in July 2016 and miss her still. Also lost my husband 2 weeks ago and miss his lovely smile. Rest in Peace Skai.
Jane ozuna said:
This is the most heartfelt tribute to your best friend that I’ve ever read. I cried – I laughed and felt I was with you on your journey. True dog lovers understand every word and every emotion you shared. RIP Mr Skai. ?
Anela said:
My heart is breaking. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Mjolnir Thrower said:
I commend your courage Dr.Dobias. I lost my dog Hershey on this same date five years ago, and know the look and lost sparkle you describe in your letter like it was yesterday. I know how overwhelming it must be for you. I wish you courage and peace, because walking alone without your number one pup by your side is a hard thing to do,
Susan Seddon said:
What a beautiful letter to your best friend. I feel your pain as I lost my 10yr old Boxer last May she was truly my best friend! My thought’s are with you. Sending you a BIG HUG!
Carol said:
So very very sorry for your loss of your beloved pet. I have a 14year old big Yorkie that I love more than anything else I’m the world. I thank God every day he is still with me to run and play.
Lori Jobak said:
OMG…..what a major tear ’:( jerker! Sending huge heartfelt condolences to you and your family. The pain of losing such a loved furry family member/best friend is so very difficult. This is hard for me to even read and look at the pictures as I feel the pain of loss…..makes me think of the day that will come to losing my own soul mate. I wish you peace and comfort….and may the memories bring you smiles, laughs, and a warm heart. He will always be with you…..and one day…you shall meet him again. RIP you beautiful soul! <3
Faith Mc said:
Dr. Peter, I am so sorry to hear about your favorite pal. I read your letter to Skai Wantstofly and cried the whole way through. You’ve been on the internet for quite sometime with Skai and I fell like we are all friends. We were all friends when I lost my dobie Axel and then my dobie-lab mix. I love older dogs but you know that time with them will come to an end much sooner then you’d like. Take care of yourself and thank you sharing your beautiful Skai with all of us. He’s gone over the rainbow bridge where he can run and run and run and love with all our former pets. Thank you, again for sharing this very difficult time.
Mary Ann said:
Dr D,
I am so, so very sorry for your loss. From the moment I started reading your note this morning, the tears starting flowing immediately. Even though I’ve never met you or Skai, you have been so generous to share your adventures and advice with us that you feel like dear friends. I don’t want to face what’s happened and that he’s gone but it gives me great strength to know how lucky he was to have such a great Caregiver in you – he very clearly enjoyed his time with you and I hope you’ll find some comfort in knowing that his memory lives on in so many of us whom he touched so deeply, even from afar. Thank you for sharing him with us. I only hope I will have half the strength you’ve shown when the time comes for my little one. Sending you prayers and love.
Melanie said:
DrD. My heart ❤️ is saddened with your news if Skai.
We are so enriched when we are blessed to become parents to our 4 legged babies. We are lucky to receive their unending love & loyalty. Once in a lifetime we get lucky to have ones whom truly connect to our souls. Skai was your soul mate. My Kodi ( St Bernard/ border collie) was mine. He chose me& my life was so full of love & adventures. The most gentle loving soul I’ve ever known. He knew me better then I knew myself at times. And saved me many times over.
I truly believe Skai loved you as much as as you did him. My tears flowed as I read your letter to him.
Much love & light to you as you go the next journey forward. You will feel his presence many times when you need him most.
Pamela O'Sullivan said:
Dr.D your dog was loved and had a wonderful life,how lucky for you to be loved back.
Heartbreaking saying goodbye to friends.
My NINO turned 17 on ANZAC day 25th April ,so every day is a gift.
Our condolences from Western Australia
Bonnie said:
I can’t see through my tears right now. I am so very, very sorry. My heart breaks right along with yours. I will hug my two little chihuahua girls tonight and send Skai and you much love. So happy that you shared so many happy years together. Saying good-bye is an impossible task.
Aloha from Oahu
Julie and Ginger said:
Dr D this is clearly one of the hardest moments in your life to say goodbye to your very special little boy! I cried with you for your loss. I can only say that in time you will be able to smile again every time you tell a story or someone mentions Skai’s name. I promise. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Sending sincere condolences.
Lynne S. said:
Dr. D.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I know your heart is broken. You will heal, but it will take time, wonderful memories and prayers. I felt just like you do when I lost my beloved friend Skeeter; she rescued me one day with a smile on her face and a fiercely wagging tail. I loved her so much like you do Skai. You will always have Skai in your heart and memories, but it’s so hard to let go, yet it’s the right thing to do. Love holds on, but it knows when it’s time to release the one you love. You can see Skai again in heaven if you ask Jesus into your heart. Some say this is foolish, but others have seen their pets in heaven and have come back to tell it. Like the boy in “Heaven is for Real”. I look forward to seeing my pets there one day. I pray you will too. I will pray for you. Thank you for helping so many people take better care of their beloved pets. You are a wonderful vet and person. It is a special compassion that God has placed within your heart to help animals and those who love them. God bless and comfort you.
Lynne S. In Florida, U.S.
Sue said:
Everyone here has said the same thing, how sorry we are about Skai. He did have an amazing life with you!!! He certainly knew what love was, adventure, good health, great food! He was an amazing dog and for a bigger dog, he lived a good long time. We as pet guardians know exactly where you are right now and it’s one of the hardest times of animal lovers!!! I know first hand as well and just lost my little Bea girl last October. I miss her everyday, but getting now that I can smile when I speak about her, but not to say that I still have my moments. You have an amazing support team and know that you can turn to all of them for a shoulder or just to talk.
Take good care and thank goodness for sweet memories and photographs. Forever in your heart for he left paw prints there.
Kathy said:
My heart goes out to you! I lost my beautiful boy 2 years ago to cancer…hemangiosarcoma….I know what you are going thru. I prayed that I would know when the time was right to let him go. He let us know, he was not eating, and in the end he collapsed and could not get up…..I relive that night over and over again. But it was a peaceful passing and I was with him to the very end. My beautiful" Lucky" dog.! I will never forget him….What a wonderful testimony to your beloved boy as well…..They are in our hearts forever and we will never, ever forget them!!
Deb said:
I am so sorry for your loss. I have been there with our dogs ,Bear and Lacy, and currently have two 14 year old dogs, Kalli and Charlie. I dread going through it again, so heart piercing. What a beautiful tribute to your baby. Praying for you.
Pauline Law said:
So very sad to read about your loss of Dear Skai, My heart is broken for you, Thinking of you lots and sending hugs, Take good care of yourself.
Jennifer H said:
Thank you for the post. I know you loved your boy as much as I love my girls. I am so frightened at the thought of losing them. It helps to hear someone survive it and celebrate their life!❤
Dickson & Frances said:
Take care doctor D. Sending you lots of love. We recently lost Rosie and totally can relate. He was lucky to have you as his dad. ❤️
C. Draper said:
A lovely letter to your boy, my love to Dr. D, and your family, peace to you.
Meaghan Simpson said:
Dear Dr Peter Dobias your letter to Skai has me surfing the big tsunami of grief and reminds me of my letter I wrote to my service dog Dr Seuss after he went sky dancing over the rainbow bridge leaving me with his massive gifts of light from the source. Born Oct. 8, 2002, came home with me Dec. 10, 2002… And blessed my life and every human and animal he came in contact with. Changed my life forever a divine fairy prince SO smart, cooperative, talented, gifted, sweet soulful born to improv dancer shaking booty…hypnotized dogs, cats and horses to fall in love with him… Passed in my arms with fave family and friends all around and most loving local vet here at home on May 2, 2013. We had talked a lot about it… Our animal communicators friends and dear community friendly psychic astrologer and many healers and artists friends tuned in and had been part of his health recovery support team… Up cooking GAPS chicken healing diet in the pressure cooker all hours and since our primary care professional, Marina Zacharius of NaturalRearing.com, had passed away a year and a half before Seussie’s chronic acute gastritus episodes…we were winging it without her
As she was one of a kind disciple of Julliete de Bairclay levy…organic raw foods natural rearing… Also finest advanced homeopathic compounder East German trained…saved so many lives and all my natural rearing vets admired her and recommended her. All homeopathic canine NOSODES instead of BIG VAXX BIG PHARMA.
The grief comes rushing over and around me like I am radical long-fin body surfing Big Waves on
Maui, HI in the full moon light so big and strong that I’m doing full on cartwheels in the waves rolling in fine tuned perfect waves and I’m singing the salty blue blue blues at the top of my lungs sending out the love… The beyond forever love has me dancing because he was the best dancer improv live music loved loved loved MUSIC! I can dance all night long surfing salty tears in honor of my soul mate ambassador. I used to say to him, "hey how’d I get so lucky to have you in my life?! Everyday it love you more and more and more!
Oh I wrote songs and poems and stories for him while he lived with me… He was such a playful rhythm master!
It was the hardest thing I have ever done
They could have euthanized me too at the time. Everyone knew he did not want to go… He was such a good patient and never did we ever have a BAD day in our relationship. Born to be together and all doggies go to heaven, I know, I made a ten day retreat there in 1972 and I’m not afraid to die.
Jane said:
I am crying my eyes out at your beautiful post. I also was thinking about you and Skai on our dog walk earlier today at Bridgman Park. My beautiful Bonnie is getting up there in years, she was limping a bit today and lagging, but we swam and enjoyed and did not talk on or use the cell phone (as per an earlier post of yours) on the walk. She is aging, every second is precious. Like you, we have also got a close relationship with her brother and we have a fondness for Westjet as she is also a service dog and Westjet treats dogs very well. Dear Dr Dobias you have inspired us to feed raw, use your supliments and be present with our dog. In return she is sparky and still playful and great at her very important job as a Therapy Dog for children and youth with mental health disorders. Your work has had an impact, Skai has had an impact and with deep gratitude and blessings I send you my sincere condolences.
Chris Fletcher said:
Wow , what a beautiful tribute and what an amazing love story between a man and his dog . Not many people can claim to have been so blessed with so much love shared … lovely lovely story .. Thanks for adding value to the planet … all The best …
nina cassity said:
I am saddened by the loss of your beloved friend Skai. He will be truley missed, please know that Skai and yourself have been a great inspiration to me and my beloved Tate who will be 11 this fall. Having lost my beloved 13 yr old German Shepherd Max a few years ago I know the sorrow and emptiness in your heart. After Max’s passing I was determined to find a way to improve on Tates nutrition and health. It was then I stumbled upon an article with you and your Skai and the wonderful products that you created. I was impressed by Skais vigor and health as a senior and liked what I read . Skai was my Inspriration in that senior dogs can live active quality lives into their golden years if given the proper nutrients and care. I will miss reading the stories about Skai’s travels and his daily life
With deepest sympathy Nina Cassity and TateHowever I know he is off to even greater adventures up above with my beloved Max.
You and Skai are in my prayers.
Cheryl Joy said:
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m bawling my eyes out after reading your letter to Skai. It’s heart wrenching and brings to surface the heartache I feel at losing my 15 year old pup 2 years ago. He was my best friend and I understand how you feel at losing your best friend. My condolences.
Johlene said:
Wow I am crying. So beautiful. Don’t know what I will do when that dag comes for my big boy Max, now 11. He is my protector and follower every day. May God take all the sadness away and comfort you in this difficult time. Remember and cherish all the special times.
Donna White said:
Beautiful. Our pups are so special and your letter shows the tremendous bond you had with your boy.
Amelia's Pet Services said:
This was such a lovely letter and I nearly cried, he was such a beautiful dog and very handsome. ALways clearly very happy but yes they do tell you when they need to go and you and other vets know best when not to prolong life.
We put our Lhasa Apso Pickles down 2 months ago, my sister is a vet now just got into RVC, and she was very brave and let her go with us all around infront of the woodburner one evening. No a day goes by when we don’t think of her and miss her. I now want my own dog but I take comfort in the fact that I can help others in feeding, walking and caring for theirs when they are away. It feels like I have many pups and I love my job but I feel like I need my own furry companion.
I hope you have a relaxing time enjoying and celebrating his life as you had a very special bond. I love reading your blog. Hear from you soon
Sandra Thompson said:
How lucky were you to know that kind of love! Glad to read you are taking time for yourself in these early days of your grief journey.
Barbara said:
I’m sorry. I know how you feel. It is a heartbreak and grief, sadness and helplessness, and letting go of being together in “the physical space”, losing your best friend. I know that Skai is still all around you, but in a different way. I know you are open to feeling him and I pray that you do. He will be around, just in a very different way.
Tim said:
Very sorry about yur pup Skai. He truly led “The Dog’s Life” Mr Skai Gonna Fly!!!
Take care
Rebecca said:
Thoughts and prayers with each of you. He will be forever in your heart and waiting for you when it is your turn to join him on the other side of the bridge.
Christine & Rudy Dawg said:
I’m so sorry for your loss. My Rudy Dawg is turning 11 next month and I can’t even begin to think about my life without him. Border collies are an amazing breed. Fly high over the Rainbow Bridge Mr. Skai, find my Flysie and he will share his ball with you ?
Love and prayers coming across the miles
Pat Quinn said:
So Sorry for your loss … I love the fact he was so much a part of you … And he always will be … <3
Jeanine Reinhard said:
Dr. D, you and your family have been so blessed to have such a wonderful long and lasting relationship with such a beautiful spirit as Skai. Letting them go is never easy, but becomes necessary in the final season of life. I know the inspiration you have gained from this awesome relationship, you have helped so many people better the health of their four legged family members! May you find peace in future days to carry on the mission you started because of your amazing ambassador! God Bless you,
Lynn said:
Dr. D., The tears flow down my face as I feel the pain in your words. When I first saw the subject line in this email, “Sad news,” I couldn’t open it to read it because I knew what had happened and instantly knew he had not recovered from his injuries. It took me a few hours to build up the courage to read your letter to Skai. I always related to your intense love for him because I feel that for my Shih Tzu, Max, my best friend that has always loved me unconditionally. You and yours will be in my prayers for these many months to come as you mourn the loss of Mr. Skai and the way he transformed your life.
Philippa said:
Dear Dr. Dobias,
How sad that Skai was brought down by an accident. You had nutured his health so brillaintly giving him many many extra years. Sharing these best practices in dog care is Skai’s legacy.
Thank you both!
Please accept my condolences as you grieve. Your letter was so moving sad, yet inspirational.
Laura said:
Next Thursday I will be saying goodbye to the last of my girls, the one who should have lived on and kept me company for many years ahead.When her auntie Nana, my heart dog, died of osteosarcoma in January I did not have time to mourn for her because Maggie, my youngest Newfoundland, not even five, was diagnosed with lymphoma, after being sick with what was believed an ulcer, for a few months. In March even Coffee Bean, my Siamese, was lost to a tumor. And now, after an unsuccessful chemo, is time to let Maggie go, while there is still some spark in her. She has lost a lot of weight,,, if she had not so much fur she would look emaciate, but everyone thinks she is ok till they pet her and feel the bones poking through her skin. I wanted to let her go this weekend, but her vet is away and I did not want someone she did not love and trust to be the one to send her on her journey. So we soldier on, five more days, doing our best to make them memorable and happy, even if my heart is breaking and I do not know how I will do without my girls,Thanks for your inspiring letter. I can’t help but envy you those 16 long years compared to my short five ones. But each of us is given a different time to live, and Maggie has run out of it… I hope she meets Mr Skai over the Bridge, I am sure they will love running together,
Susan Broks said:
I am so very sorry fir your loss,i find myself tearing up as I read this. We have 4 fur friends and the oldest is 17 in July. Deaf, blind, she has beaten cancer…but now she has kidney failure…..I feel your pain…..hugs
Susan Broks said:
I am so very sorry fir your loss,i find myself tearing up as I read this. We have 4 fur friends and the oldest is 17 in July. Deaf, blind, she has beaten cancer…but now she has kidney failure…..I feel your pain…..hugs
Jenny said:
I am so sorry for your loss Dr. Dobias. I can relate and am feeling your pain, as any dog lover would. I teared up instantly when I read the news. Just know that you gave Skai the best life he could possibly imagine and he is so thankful for your dedication to him. His experiences and life with you was incomparable. You are the pet owner I, and many others, aspire to be. The good news is that Skai is no longer suffering or in pain. I will be praying for your peace and fast recovery. Take your time coming back to work, as we all empathize with the process of grieving the loss of a best friend. Thank you for your dedication to our pets as well and being an inspiration to many. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Constance Brooks said:
I feel your loss greatly. I put one of our girls down at 14. Her heart condition got the better of her and I could not bear to see her suffer. That was 2 years ago. We are now facing illness again with the other ShiTzu raised with her
Shasta turns 17 this year and she has always been given a clean bill of health. Clear lungs, no heart murmur or issues and not diabetic.
Her last visit to vet we asked for her to be checked for diabetes, which once again revealed she is not diabetic. It did reveal kidney disease however. So our vet said no more raw diet. Said use science diet KD. She won’t eat it.
We refuse to give up the fight for her. She had mammary gland cancer,and beat it for number of years now. Appears for good vet said. This kidney thing can’t be as tough as that. She injured an eye and had it removed and her other eye has glaucoma and relies on her nose for everything. Makes her way around fine. Still wants walks and to play. She beat the odds again. Kidney disease just can’t stop her now.
She loves her treats and can’t have them, her raw food diet has been stopped and she loves it. She won’t eat th KD . She is getting thin and we have cooked up and purred chicken for her, but add what else she needs she doesn’t want it
She has bladder control 7/8 hrs at a time. She will pee on command as trained. She can’t be that seriously ill yet and we want to nip it now.
Please, before we need to put her down, what are your best recommendations for food. How do you deal with this issue?
Again my deepest sympathies too you as I truly can feel your sorrow. Your piece was proof of your love for your dog……only someone with the emotional ties you indeed have could have written such an emotional tribute.
Heide Mayne said:
Sad, wonderful and amazingly beautiful.
Bless your heart and the gift of a life Skai shared with you.
Shelby said:
I am so sorry to hear all this. I have been through this. I had no idea he got injured. You are being super strong and amazing. You’re right, some of us wait too long. Being a vet and seeing it can be the force that helps you make good decisions for your own fur family. I will keep you guys in prayer. It takes awhile to mourn such a great loss. Thanks for all you do in making a difference in the world. Your beautiful dog will always be remembered, their spirits are eternal from God they came- to God they go back. You are an awesome manager and I am sure you got an A+!. Take all the time you need. Thanks again for being so awesome! I know how hard it must have been to share the news with us. I am crying just writing this because I know the love of a dog and the loss. The hardest part of owning a dog is the end. Hugs to you all.
Linda said:
What a moving & heartfelt dedication to Your Mr. Skai Wantstofly! U were both so fortunate to have found & chosen each other & to have the privilege of spending so many happy & fun filled yrs. together. He was so blessed to have u for his caring & loving lifelong companion & human dad.
Skai was such an inspirational dog ambassador to so many, including myself, in how to take better care of our two dogs, Lola, “the showgirl” & Chico, “the man” and, for that, I can’t thank u & him enough.
I feel so saddened for your pain & sorrow with the passing of Skai—your protector, your guide, your dear soul mate & sweet best friend. May all the beautiful memories of happy & fun times shared with him stay in your heart & mind to help to heal your pain & sorrow. May u & Skai’s family & friends find comfort in knowing that he is now forever happy & at peace & free of pain & any suffering and that u will be with him again in another life. Peace, Prayers & Hugs—Linda, Lola & Chico ?
Holly Farish-Hunt said:
Please remember at this difficult time that Mother Nature’s creatures all have energy in their existence; energy never dies and travels on when our earth space suits are retired. On any day, be still and concentrate on a wonderful Skai memory and you will experience his presence. Those memories that now bring tears and pain will eventually bring smiles. One of Skai’s greatest gifts by sharing this life with you is your focus on helping so many dogs and their pet parents focus on health to assist in a long and enriched life. Were it not for reading your thoughts online I would not have had the experience of gaining new knowledge to focus on the Count of Monte Cristo’s (“Cristo”) healthier life. Thank you Mr. Wantstofly for enriching our lives and to Dr.D feel the energy bathing you in comfort. Breathe!
Shar said:
Mr. Skai wants to fly IS flying…with the angels ?
Shar said:
Mr. Skai wantstofly is flying…with the angels
Sunitha said:
Dr.Dobais,
I couldn’t get through this letter, as my eyes started to well up. I’m so sorry to hear about Skai. I hope that the strength, love and zeal Skai lived with and shared with you, will help you move past the grief. You and Skai have been so inspirational in your journey so many around! Thanks to you, Skai is loved by so many around the world! I hope all of that love finds its way to heal your pain.
Marcia said:
Dear Dr Dobais
Reading your beautiful tribute to Skai—just can’t stop the tears pouring out for you and the sadness you must be feeling. Thank you so much for sharing Skai with all of us through the years. The love bond you shared with him can never be broken.
Eva said:
Dear Peter, I worked with you and Skai you and he taught me so much! I will always remember him, he lives in our hearts! I know he meant the world to you, and I know it will take a long time to live a regular life without him by your side. he will always be with you though. lots of blessings and hugs from Austria
Deborah said:
It was on the 17th when I thought of Skai – out of the blue – and wondered how he was doing. To some, this could seem a bit strange, since I don’t personally know Skai or you, but I’ve always felt a deep connection to you both through your devotion to making the world a better place, and of course to eachother. When I saw your email, I knew.
Reading your letter through tears. I feel your heartbreak, having recently I had to let my bestie girl go. Still I struggle immensely with it.
Thank you for sharing Skai’s amazing life with us – he brought sunshine into mine. He will always be cherished.
Jill said:
Dear Dr. D
What a shock this is. I am hurting too. I pray that you can get thru this. I will be praying for you. You were the best dad a dog could ever have. You gave your dog such a wonderful life with all the adventures and good times but especially all the love you gave him. He knew you loved him. He knew you were best friends. He died knowing these things. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life with him. You are in my prayers.
Kinu said:
You are so lucky to have a buddy like Mr. Skai. So did he. Love gives us courage to do what is best not for ourselves but for the loved ones.My deepest sympathy to you and thank you for sharing your beautiful thought with us Dr. D.
JulieAnn Marshall said:
Dr. Dobias I just wanted to extend my heartfelt sympathies and condolences on Your loss of Mr. Skai. Our dogs really occupy such a large amount of our hearts and leave us with a devestating loss whenever it’s their time to leave us. May he RIP Eternally??
Barb said:
Wow, Dr Dobias, how blessed you & Mr Skai were to journey together. True soul mates. And the depth of that kind of love and connection surely rips our heart apart when the time together ends. Someone directed me to your website this winter when my Aussie (Toby) had stage four lymphoma & I was scrambling for every natural remedy & healthy diet to manage his remaining days. He looked so much like Skai & was a cattle dog on our farm, and amazing frisbee champ. He ran the show in our household. He passed 5 months ago in our arms at age 11 with ease. When their time is up they go so naturally, they have so much to teach us about the process. I pray for your healing and thank you for all you do to keep our dogs healthy and safe with the knowledge you share. May all the love, protection & companionship you found with Skai be returned to you in miraculous ways.
Shae said:
My heart goes out to you. You and Skai were such an inspiration. I am grateful that when I was seeking help with my Molly that I stumbled across your website. I feel your loss as I have followed you and Skai for a number of years and loved seeing the relationship the two of you shared. I am so, so sorry.
:’(
Vivene said:
Ah, if only we were more like our canine companions – balanced, non-judgmental, loyal and accepting. Hail, sweet Skai!
The privilege of knowing Skai personally was not mine, but like so many, I too have stood in your shoes and felt the excruciating pain of saying farewell to a best mate. Let’s face it, there are no words of comfort. If there is anything in which to take solace, it is in the fact that in letting him go, Skai felt the full magnitude of your love.
His, was a full life, filled with love and laughter and free of regrets, and without him the world is a little sadder. However, a life lived well is enduring and for Skai, that legacy is a philosophy in which we could all benefit, one where life is lived authentically, with adventure and fun. Thank you for sharing Skai with us. As you can see from these posts of sympathy, you are not alone. Your loss is also ours. May your grief soon dissolve into the warmth of fond memories, and for you and your love ones, blessed be.
Prentise said:
Do you live on Maui? I saw your article about the abusive off-leash ticket you got
here, and was sad to hear it.
Jill Brown said:
I am keyboarding though tears. I know how much you loved your Sakai.
I have an aging dog and will love and cherish the time remaining.
Mary said:
I just returned from Columbus, Ohio attending the Annual Remembrance Ceremony for our lost, beloved pets, which was hosted by the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospitals. I have been crying on and off all day and didn’t realize I had any tears left until I read your beautiful letter to your amazing best friend. Seeing all the wonderful pets photos today and hearing some of their stories, I know your Mr. Skai is in such good company on the other side. May God bless and comfort you while you make your way through this very, very difficult time. I truly understand and empathize with you.
Krista said:
Dear Dr. D.,
I am deeply saddened by the news of Skai’s passing.
Let’s remember that his eternal spirit