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
Juliana M. Pavelka-Johnston said:
Truly sad news to hear of his passing. What lovely words Dr. Dobias, you made me cry too. I don’t think they ever really leave us. We just learn to live with the pain, because we miss them so much. Then there are the moments in the day that you can almost hear them, their feet pitter-patter down the stairs, or as it is in our home, when food falls to the floor my husband and I say" Oh, Kano’s here". Condolences – Hugs from Vaudreuil, QC, CANADA
Sheryl said:
I’m very sorry to hear of Skai’s passing. Your letter to him is just lovely, I also lost my precious Brody just hours before you lost Skai. Know that I am grieving with you. Thank you so much for what you do.
Rita Hogan said:
There is never enough time. As I read this bauling my heart goes out to you. I lost my beloved Finn 16 years and his mate Fran within 60 days of each other this year and it is hard to let them go. I’m glad that you found each other and shared such a wonderful friendship. Thank you for all that you do. Rita
kathy said:
My heart just breaks for you. What a beautiful letter you wrote to Skai and shared with us all. Thankyou for all you do for the many pets that rely on your products and your education.
My deepest sympathy. Kathy
Di Scurr said:
Very sad to read about Skai. How great for you to have loved so deeply. I share your tears (feeling for my boy too who transitioned nearly 4 yrs ago now although it is a great comfort knowing he’s still around me in spirit, I hope you find comfort and strength too.)
Karen said:
My heart is broken for your Dr. Peter. The letter was beautiful along with the many brilliant pics of Skai and you. Thank-you for sharing this very difficult time. I wish you comfort and healing in the coming days. I have only seen a silver of the wonderful life you had with Skai. It is very inspiring to see the beautiful relationship you had. Skai will always live in your heart and soul. Thank-you so much for all you do. Karen
Nancy Butler said:
My heart is broken for you at the loss of your best friend. I wanted you to know that through you and Skai, I think my dog is going to live a much longer and healthy life. I found you on the internet while searching for information on those fatty cysts that dogs get on their belly. My dog was 10 1/2 at the time (Brittany spaniel) and he had just started to slow down and “moan” a bit when he got up and down. He is now on Omega, Green Min, Gut Sense and the vitamins (powder). It has been amazing the difference we noticed in his activity level and overall well being – he looks and acts like a puppy again (when he is awake :-) He is now almost 12 and healthy. I know he won’t live forever and while I dread that day – I want him to feel good until the end. Thank you so much for all you do. Skai’s legacy lives on through all the dog’s lives you both have changed. Forever grateful!!
brenda prince said:
Awwwww man as I am sitting here in Tears!! Mr. Skai Wantstofly may you be running free and pain free. Knowing you are looking down upon your forever love and daddy??? My heart and prayers are with you all. Remember Dr Dobias Mr. Skai Wantstofly you may be far yet close at forever in your heart?
Becky Nelson said:
My heart breaks for your loss. Having three generations of English Springer spaniels, I have had to experience loss many times, and it is always so hard. Even now, when I see a photo of a Springer, I get teary. My husband had a Sheltie, Misty, before I met him, and he cries every time he talks about her, and she’s been gone for 16 years. No one understands your sorrow more than other dog lovers. May you find comfort in all of your cherished memories of your beautiful friend.
Wendy said:
Thank you for writing this touching letter about your dog. My Sharona Momma girl would have been 15 by mid summer, she passed just days after yours did May 21, 2017. I was hoping she would have lasted for me to be able to take her to the water and get her swimming in the cool water she loved to relieve some of her hip pain. But she stopped eating one day, and by the early morning hours the next day, she was gone. So reading your letter brought tears for me and for you, but the truth is, for the dogs, they are free of pain and spending joyous time now in Heaven, true, waiting for us. I have three of her puppies, which is my greatest consolation. They are going on 12 by fall, so the signs of aging are creeping up, getting tired more easily especially. So I am hoping to put more energy into trying to do my best for them. I think that is another great consolation, to be able to say I’ve done my best to keep them healthy, and at death, to keep them comforted in saying goodbye. I’m glad I knew she was on her way when it happened, to say my goodbyes and let my family say theirs too. I read a story of a man who died and returned back to tell. He said he awoke in heaven, and his dog was at his side. He said our beloved pets will be there. That has been a comfort to me to know. Thank you for taking the time to upgrade your education with the natural medicine research you’ve done. I’m pretty sure that isn’t easy to find in the traditional vet schools. I look forward to learning what I can from you for my Sharona’s “puppies”! Thank You!
Shana said:
My heart is breaking for you and words can’t express the sadness I feel reading this beautiful tribute to your special friend. May your wonderful memories help you through these darkest days. Run free Mr. Skai with all your friends who have gone on before you.
Maggie said:
Your letter is lovely. I am so sorry for your loss Skai was an amazing dog. You are awesome as well thank you for treating your dog how dogs deserved to be treated. Thank you for all your knowledge and compassion. I lost my dog when she was 11 and it was the hardest thing I have ever dealt with in my entire life to this day. I wish I could say it gets easier, but it always hurts but in time you realize how blessed you were to have them in the first place. You slowly start to remember only the great times you shared together and instead of being devastated you feel lucky to have shared your life with them. We never have them long enough because they already have life figured out when they get here :)
Veronica said:
Dear Dr D
I know there are no words that can comfort your heart right now …… that’s why, I just want to say thank you!
Thank you because once again you taught me through your letter that the most important things in life are shared with those we love, and in this case our dogs are included!
Thank you because when no veterinarian gave me hope with our beloved Bichon Frise Messi, with a liver very sick, I found your website and not only saved the life of my doggy but it has made that today he has better health than ever! And he’s 11 years old!
Through you, thanks are also to Sky, because he inspired this wonderful project in your life. And for that, he will always be in my heart.
May God bless you Dr Dobias and fill your heart with love and comfort.
Angelyn said:
Dr. Dobia,
I just saw your email today, and I want to tell you that I share your heartbreak. Skai was a wonderful companion, and you were a wonderful doggie-dad.
I had a similar experience with my dog, Cooper. He had cervical disc disease, most likely worsened by an injury that I could have prevented. Sadly I couldn’t find an answer for my guy. And I did wait too long to say goodbye. The pain is still with me…
Skai is at peace now,and free of pain, but still missing you too. You will see him again across the Rainbow Bridge. God bless you and remember that he loved you so much.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
Angelyn said:
Dr. Dobias,
Sorry for my misspelling of your name in my comment above. :)
Verónica said:
My sincere apologies for my misspelling of Skai in my coment above ❤
Diana said:
I only learned about Dr. Dobias and Skai just a few weeks ago, when I googled “canine liver issues” and found your website. I ordered a couple of things and then read a little about Skai and his adventures, I’ve had a busy month and wasn’t reading the emails -
not until this morning. To my surprise, I am overwhelmed with sadness in reading the news of Skai’s injury, and then his passing away ten days ago. Skai is the dog we all would want to know – clearly he was loved by so many, even those who never got to kiss his furry face. He will live on forever in the hearts of many….even in the hearts of strangers. That is a life well-lived, indeed. You may feel that the only comfort right now is that you didn’t have a choice in making that tough decision – but more comforts will come soon. Skai will see to it. Godspeed in healing your hurting heart.
Lisa said:
Sending you peace. Grief is such a terrible pain. I believe you will see your boy again and be with him forever. Skai knew how much you loved him…may that give you comfort as you move forward…just like he would want you to do.
Jenny said:
God… I’ve cried so much with this letter. I’m so sorry… I can feel your pain. But know that Skai is in a good place, and he had the best life a dog or anyone could wish for. You let him fulfill his life purpose and, like you said, thanks to him, you found yours. Thank you so much to you and Skai.
Sherie said:
My heart broke when I read about Skai. You and he were so lucky to have each other and we thank you for sharing your wonderful experiences with us. I’d like to share an experience I had that truly helped eased me through the passing of our beloved Woody, our wonder dog! After he passed I dragged my husband to the shelter to find another dog who needed us as much as we needed him or her. The dog that picked us was, we were told a 2 year old female lab mix, 45 pounds, about the same weight as Woody, and coincidentally the same markings. Months after we had her we realized she wasn’t a 2 year old lab mix. She was a 6 month old Great Dane mix and not completely house trained. If she woke up in the middle of the night, I’d have to run to get her outside before she had an accident. It was 4th of July weekend and our daughter came to spend the weekend. I woke up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, but didn’t want to wake Winnie, our pup, because I didn’t really want to have to take her out. While in the bathroom Winnie came and stood in the doorway. I asked her if she needed to go out but she didn’t get excited as usual. Great! We get to go back to bed. I gently guided her back into the bedroom but she didn’t jump up on the bed. I sat down and called her up and patted the bed only to realize that I was patting Winnie! It was Woody that I’d been talking to!! When I looked back at him he just faded away. The next morning I said to my daughter that I had the most amazing experience last night. She said “Did you see Woody?” She said she woke up in the middle of the night because Woody jumped up on her bed as he always did when she stayed over. Nothing like that had ever happened to us before and obviously I don’t tell everyone about it. Crazy, right!? But it is true and I feel so blessed that I know now, without a doubt that loved ones never leave us. Please take comfort in knowing that Skai will always be with you. Your bond is much too great to be broken by the physical passing. Thanks for all you do!!
David said:
I’m very sorry about your Skai. Your supplements helped give my dog 16 yr old dog extra good year of life and I appreciate that allot. With you the best in grieving. It’s definitely tough.
Taina said:
Dr.Dobias. I am so sorry to read about Skai. My heart goes out to you. I couldn’t help shedding some tears reading about how he got hurt. You were lucky to have each other and I am sure he is watching over you. We will miss him too.
Berenice said:
I am crying so hard hearing your story from your loss, so sorry and yet inevitable. I also was dreading the day i will loose my dearest friend about 3 years ago. I too have cried so much and the grief was excruciating. it was my birthday on May 18, i am thankful i just get to read about Skai paassing just now, it would of been too much to hear about it then. Sending so much love and compassion, my experience from my own loss is that truly time will heal, i just made a sculture of my dog and it was such a happy and profond communion with him. I was thankful to have come to feel at peace with him gone. His name was Moka and he was my angel.
Sue said:
I could barely read this through the tears, my heart breaks for you as I know exactly how you feel as I let my girl, AJ go October 27 2014. I still miss her so much, she was 2 months shy of her 16th birthday. My memories of her bring me comfort and I hope yours will too. I’m sure Skai is still watching over you as a bond like yours cannot be broken. May your pain pass quickly so that you may think of him and smile without the sadness.
I have a new best friend now, I feel it honors AJ’s memory because she gave me so much love and happiness and feel that she would want me to give my love to another. Rain is a wonderful girl and every now and then she will do something that only AJ had done and I look up at AJ’s portrait and say “you told her to do that” and I believe she does to let me know she’s still with me. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Denise and Fozzie said:
Thank you for sharing your love and life with Mr. Skai. Now we share in your sorrow and we all know the unbearable pain of the last day with him and the first day without him. May time, memories and his undying love heal your heart. May his spirit surround you and bring you peace and the strength to find another…
Beryl said:
Just know that Skai had one of the best dog lives ever. He should be proud that he inspired you to help so many people and their dogs. I am forever grateful to you and Skai and how your products have made my best friend so much healthier. I have never lost a dog yet and couldn’t imagine what you’re going through. Even though I have never met you or Skai, my heart broke when I read this. I know he will always be with you and watching over you.
Sandy Salvetti said:
Dear Dr. Dobias,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Skai. As I read your letter my heart feels so broken and the tears are running down my cheek. Skai definitely lived such a complete life with you and he will always be with you. As I write this my best friend is sleeping on the floor close to me having his dog dreams and I wish that he will have a long and wonderful life as Skai!!!!
Jeannine Belliveau said:
Hello Peter,
My heart feels your heart and I cried as I read your letter to Mr. Skai. That’s because I had to let go of my 16 year old Husky Arctic a year ago last May 20th. It was full moon that night and the biggest heart ache ever. Now every month I think of him on the Arctic Full Moon which shines through my bedroom window. I imagine it as Arctic’s bright personality that we shared for 16 years. I celebrate our memories with both joy and grief. It gets a little less painful but the grief still remains. I’m very sorry for your loss Peter. You are a great pet parent.
Sincerely, Jeannine
Niki Higgins said:
I am so sorry for your loss. I write this with tears in my eyes. Skai is now over the rainbow bridge with my precious Abby. I know she will take good care of him. My prayers are with you and your family. He will be in your heart forever. Faerghas and Aurelia send you lots of licks and love to help mend your broken heart. xoxox
Marie Beatrice Rose Pugh said:
Dear Peter I am sorry for the loss of your soul mate Skai, I also lost my Darling sheep dog Tara Blue suddenly before last Christmas, heartbreakingly only six weeks before that I also lost my Wonderful soul mate Lani Gizelle…A piece of my heart has gone with my two girls that can never be replaced…however I have sixteen wonderful years of memories to hold onto, as I know that you will also have of Skai…Animal heaven must be a wondrous place, for it holds our beautiful furry friends …Blessings Marie xx
Chantal said:
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Cindi said:
I saw the email for this post when you first sent it out, but I couldn’t bring myself to read it until just now. My heart hurts so much for you. It hurts for me as well, as I know the day will come for my sweet guy, who is now 11. I’m so very sorry for your tremendous loss. :’-(
Laurie said:
I just read today about your Skai and I simply can’t put into words how sad I am for you! What an amazing furry friend! I can only imagine the adjustment your life is going through.Such a special guy and I totally get the talking to him, seeing him. We lost our 13 1/2 year old dog recently and I can totally relate to talking to him, seeing him, actually sensing him. I have this to share that I ran across when Maxie first left Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief there was great love. Never any doubt how deep the love that was and will always be there. He will love on forever inside of you. So so so so so very sorry Dr. Dobias I just knew if any dog could live forever he was going to be the one.
Cindy said:
Dear Dr. Peter,
Thank you and Skai for sharing your life journey with all of us!
Skai Wants to Fly was awesome!
I have been honored, humbled, and privileged to watch some of your videos and share some of your products with Sophie, my sheltie, and heart.
You and precious Skai are in my thoughts and prayers. Sophie sends furry snuggles your way.
Skai’s spirit and love will live on forever.
Though I do not know your faith, I hope you find this video comforting.
https://youtu.be/TLm7OGkM0WQ
Blessings, Cindy and Sophie
ROB VAN HOEN said:
to our part Aussie mutt deuce who passed on the last day of February 2017!!!
my heart goes out to you!!! Deuce was my special friend and i miss him everyday still i often feel he is walking with us in spirit everyday!!! he loved his walks and his bone after his walk, and his yard and home !!! we’ll meet again someday on the other side of the rainbow bridge!!! adios to all good friends of mankind our loving dogs!!!!
Kimberly said:
I can barely see my screen from all the tears. My heart breaks for you & the loss of your best bud, Skai. I pray peace & healing over you during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing all your wisdom in caring for our fur babies.
Lorina said:
I can hardly see through my watery eyes after reading your touching words about Skai……a beautiful story of a love and life you two have shared. I feel your pain as it aches my heart knowing my little furry baby Akiah is going to be 14 this year and she is in her senior years of life …..the love that is shared between her and I is untouchable ….. it is similar to the relationship you describe with Skai. Thank you for sharing your inner and personal thoughts and story of Skai ….. I am sending you big hugs and warm thoughts from Tampa, FL
Bridget said:
Dear Dr. Dobias -
:(
I stumbled upon you a few years back and have turned to your guidance several times in the health of my dog. Your beautiful relationship with Skai gave me confidence that you were trustful resource. My heart aches for your loss.
“He who kisses joy as it flies by will live in eternity’s sunrise.” – William Blake
bridget
Cindy Valentine said:
You were given a special gift to have such a relationship with Skai all those years. I don’t think anyone truly understands unless they have loved a dog that way. I lost my ❤️Dog last January. I still cry most days over that loss. I had wonderful dogs before Sophie and would have thought I understood. I did not . Any great love comes with great pain at some point.
Mikey said:
Peter, I just wanted to let you know how much you and Skai inspired my family and I. Our Labrador, Sophia, started having hip pain and problems walking and going to the bathroom as she got older. I spent alot of time researching how to help her online and your articles were invaluable. Sophia passed away this past winter, having turned 14 in December. Skai’s story inspired and encouraged us, knowing that we could continue to help Sophia have a long and healthy life. I am so sorry for your loss, but I would like to think that Sophia and Skai are playing in Heaven right now:-)
karen said:
We’ve been through the heart-rending pain of losing that “special” dog. Please, please consider something that saved us from the over-the-top pain. We had adopted another dog, Dusty, (age 1) when our Bailey was about 10…..this new dog was a happy-go-lucky guy with a never-ending wagging tail……with none of the intuitive soul bonding attributes of Bailey. But when we lost Bailey and came back home…there was Dusty. He was clueless….he was not intuitive….he was not a cuddler…..all he knew to do was what he was best at….he was full of joy every moment of our presence and wagged and wagged and wagged. Much later it occurred to us, our grief had blinded us to a dog that thankfully we got to still come home to every day. His joy in us and life itself was probably what we needed to cope. We learned to stop comparing him to Bailey and loved him for the joy he was trying to give us a lesson in. “Hey, it’s a new day! Isn’t that great!”was his mantra every moment of every day. Also, because we had him to come home to after losing Bailey….we did not have to put away toys, beds, supplements and food and water bowls. Please don’t allow yourself to set a time limit on another dog coming into your life. It may be sooner than the 2 years you’ve given yourself and we don’t want you to miss out on the joy. Also, please consider getting 2 dogs with some age span between them. It’s such a blessing and comfort to have a fur-kiddo to greet you every day after a loss of another. Our 1 year old “Joy” dog is now 12….so we are currently looking for another fur-kiddo for him and us to help ease the next future heart-break. We hope this helps. Our hearts are with you. Skai was our Bailey and we fully know your heart-ache. Sending you big hugs!!!
Clarity said:
“You see, I’m not exactly certain about the afterlife. Some of the other dog lovers in our community are so sure, but how can we be sure, for sure, right?”Some of us can, and we are. You know it. I can tell from your words, here and in other posts. Continue to listen to your heart. Feel it. It’s showing you the truth. <3
Ms. Derek CS Burr said:
Speechless. I have had so many dogs in my entire life. I can’t think of more than 2-3 years out of my 52 when there was not a dog. I now have three, and all are getting to be seniors. We cherish our time with them and even if it were 50 years, it wouldn’t be long enough. There is another pup out there waiting for your…..Peace be with you.
Helen said:
What a loving tribute to Skai – thank you for sharing the bond you two had with us. You two were an inspiring duo. And thank you for all that you do for enlightening the rest of us on holistic care for these unbelievable creatures who grace our lives. Just know that Skai is watching over you and on the other side – playing with all the other dogs (my 3 dogs who just left too) and being cared for by St Francis of Assissi- best animal caregiver ever. Your love will live on and you will see each other again. Thank you for being a wonderful role model of a dad to Skai. May another special soul enter your life and change it for the better. May you be blessed in all ways
Betty said:
My dearest Dr. Do bias,
With great sentiment I pour my tears of bitter sweet sorrow. I came across your blog due to me doing research for my jack russell terrier Rowdy, he’s owns my heart I dnt knw what I will ever do wen that time comes and I have to let him free like a dozen doves. I pored my heart out and really felt your pain wen I read your true enduring last beautiful full of real love your tribute to Shai wantstofly. Wen u truly love someone u let them go. I’m still crying for your loss as I’m writing you this letter, I hope one day your love for your son heals, because u do so much for other dog parents. I feel I love with my boy Rowdy omg he is a very special I can say I haven’t had a dog like him, I hope I can post and share rowdy. But I wnt to thank u Dr. for everything u did for everything that u continue doing. Time will help u cope. The love u and ski have is forever your love burns for eternity. Continue his legacy Skai WANTSTOFLY 4 ETERNITY. R.I.P SKAI.
RESPECTFULLY,
Betty
Felicity said:
Hot tears poured down my cheeks as I read your story. I lost one of my own 8 months ago and am still grieving. What a wonderful life you and Skai had together. What adventures fill your heart and mind. Cling to those as you grieve and know how much you were loved by your beautiful boy. Til you meet again.
William Bach said:
I cried, really cried for you and Skai. I have my sole mate, Mikey, my trusted Dachshund. I hold him tight every day, he is my love. Sorry to hear about your loss. It hurts me to hear about these things. Death, does not come easy to me. RIP
Tammy Drury said:
I have not words…I feel you connection and your love. I am so sorry for your loss and I admire your courage and bravery and compassion to let your sweet pup go. My girl is 12 1/2, border collie/lab/golden, she is also more human than most humans. My heart goes out to you and Skai and your family. I feel your pain and know that this is what life will have in store for my Maggie and I. As she gets older I have shed many tears about our lives separating from one another in the not too off future. Big Hugs xox RIP Skai xox
Tammy and Maggie
Katalina said:
Dear Dr. Dobias,
I can honestly say that I think about Skai very often! I still cannot believe the irony of what happened, but I can only hope you take solace in knowing that so many of us, around the world, are thinking of you – and forever remembering Skai. Every time I go to your page to get a link to share with a friend, I see Skai’s picture and tears well up. Such a special purpose Skai had though and as they say, those with the biggest hearts and spirits get called home first.
Nicky said:
Dear Peter,
When I first found your page some years ago, I found out during a webinar that Skai was the same age as my black lab Mac who was born in June 2001.
I was lucky to have Mac with me until February this year, when he passed away at home with us naturally.
The next day the house felt empty and although I knew it was his time to go (he was nearly 16) I felt like I couldn’t swallow literally.
I remember the first night without Mac, I was laying in bed and I asked him to help me. Suddenly I felt a beautiful energy invade the bedroom and I felt very calm and fell asleep.
The next morning my husband “by chance” found our new black lab puppy Teddy that we adopted. I thought it was too soon and I wasn’t ready, until I saw him!! I feel Mac sent Teddy to us to help us and to share our life with another incredible companion. I’m so grateful. Many incredible things have happened that make me feel that Mac chose Teddy for us and is guiding him. I don’t know if this may help you like it helped me. Lots of Love Nicky