Larry,

I had a black Lab growing up and we lost her when I was 16. I am fortunate that - at 34 - I am yet to suffer a close relation's passing so I can quite safely say that when she died it was, and still is, one of the saddest days of my life.
Without patronising those who have never owned a dog, they just don't get it, do they? It really is a massive blow when we lose one.
This poem has an eerie feel to it. We often walk past and around spots where loved ones have been, old pets have frequented and I often think on how life goes on even without them yet - to us - their presence is so strongly felt still. I bet to a dog's heightened senses, those presences are felt even more keenly, so yes, I bet Rowdy knows....

All the very best Larry,
Ben

Losing a pet is heartbreaking they are family. I also had a dog and when she passed I cried for a long time. I still miss her to this day. She was my best friend and so loyal. I know how you must feel. Rowdy was loved and he knows he is highly missed.

Well Larry, you made me sad reading this poem. I don't know how many times I have read this, but it is a masterpiece, in my heart. It really touched a sore spot with me, because I have been thinking about the same things in the past recently.

In the past few years, my family has had to put to sleep the animals that we have had for years. It was a terrible time for me, because I would (and still do) look at the places that they used to lay, or walk and think about them. I was particularly fond of our cat, because she basically lived in my room for the past few years that she was alive. I was utterly heartbroken when she was put to sleep. Even writing this brings me close to tears, which is kind of embarrassing...I had to get another cat because I felt too lonely without her.

Anyway, just wanted you to know that this is a beautiful dedication to the pet that you lost. The dog that we had to put to sleep was also a golden retriever. They are such loyal dogs. I will always miss him.

You can tell that Dragon was loved.

Beautiful

~S