Dang it - how am I supposed to work with tears in my eyes? Touching story on many levels and I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish my words could remove the pain, but the pain comes from something that Stockton gave you over 11 years...sobriety, purpose, and friendship. Perhaps the pain of loss is a small price to pay for such a wonderful gift he gave you unconditionally.
So sorry for your loss, Michael. Sending soothing thoughts to you and Leah and Conway (it's all kinds of extra heartbreak to see our surviving companion looking for their sibling without the context of understanding why they are missing).
Thank you for sharing Stockton with us over these years and for sharing this tender and heartfelt—and yes, as always, informative—tribute.
I was in tears as I read this. First of all, let me say that my heart goes out to you, Leah, and Conway. Stockton's story mirrors ours. We lost our 16 year old dachshund, Frankie, a little over a year ago. We went to the vet who told us the ultrasound revealed she had a growth on one of her kidneys. At her advance age, we decided that putting her through any kind of surgery or cancer treatment would just make her miserable--and us too. We had four more months with her. We cherished every moment we had and spoiled her extra rotten.
She was our only dog. She was a HUGE part of our lives, and we have endless memories of her like you do with Stockton. It didn't take but a couple of weeks for us to realize that we couldn't NOT have a dog in our lives, even though we told ourselves that we would wait. We just couldn't. We have another little dachshund, Nubbin, who will be 13 months old in a few days.
We miss our Frankie every day. She gave us 16 years of love and laughter mixed with the occasional frustration that is part of having a dog. Thank you for reminding me to focus on what Frankie brought to our lives when she was here, and not the pain that we still feel not having her here.
Stockton is still bringing smiles. I couldn't help but laugh seeing him with his stuffed pink dragon in his mouth. Even though he's moved on to the next realm, he's still making his imprint on those he left behind. Love lives forever.
I’m so sorry for your loss. He clearly had a great life with you and I’m sure he loved you deeply for that. This was an excellent tribute to his life and legacy. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Michael, losing a friend who gives unconditional love it feels the hardest to accept. Our canine family are always the most joyful, least judging, and biggest cheerleader no matter the circumstances. I am sure I will be looking back on this post for clarity. When I adopted Tucker, five years ago I did the math and realized my age when he would be finishing up his "run". And I cried thinking about the future...
Awful sorry about your loss. Looking across the room at my guy, he’s 13 in a few weeks so I’m sure I’m not more than a few years behind you. Also/ 34 years off the sauce myself/ best thing I ever did for myself - in some ways, the only thing I ever did for myself.
Stockton was a good boy. Today is 10 years since my 1st cattle dog Huck passed. I learned a lot from Huck and to this day we have cattle dogs and always will. RIP Huck, Stockton and all the good dogs and remember there is always another that needs your love.
GSP's are special in the counter surfing world. My brother's was an expert. Sorry you lost him. We lost our 11 yo chocolate lab in June to cancer. Grief is tough. Not sure we'll get another but I'm ready for the adventure.
I'll never be convinced that dogs are just ordinary animals. There's something deeper behind those eyes; they understand and process more than they ever let on. They are deeply connected to humans in a way that can't be described.
I know some would argue that they simply evolved to appear that way so they could get fed at regular intervals by humans, but I just don't really buy it.
Sorry for your loss, man. This was a beautiful eulogy to a life well-lived.
This is a beautiful tribute to an excellent friend. My dog has been by my side through the ups and downs of life for the last 11 years and has taught me so many lessons along the way. I am a better friend, father, and husband because of him. He's getting up there and I dread the day I have to make that call. Loved the bit about Stockton showing Conway how to use the stairs. Long live counter surfers 🤙
Losing a dog left a huge vacancy. They are the embodiment of unconditional love. I found peace when I could focus on gratitude for the thousands of hours of joy they bring. I hope you find your comfort soon.
Losing a dog friend like this is so difficult. But what a gift to have had Stockton for 11 years. RIP Stockton.
Thanks Bryan.
What a perfect tribute to a good boy. I didn’t not expect to cry today, but thank you for sharing!
Dang it - how am I supposed to work with tears in my eyes? Touching story on many levels and I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish my words could remove the pain, but the pain comes from something that Stockton gave you over 11 years...sobriety, purpose, and friendship. Perhaps the pain of loss is a small price to pay for such a wonderful gift he gave you unconditionally.
I agree with you about the pain of the loss being a small price to pay for all he gave us. Thanks for the comment.
So sorry for your loss, Michael. Sending soothing thoughts to you and Leah and Conway (it's all kinds of extra heartbreak to see our surviving companion looking for their sibling without the context of understanding why they are missing).
Thank you for sharing Stockton with us over these years and for sharing this tender and heartfelt—and yes, as always, informative—tribute.
Thanks so much for the nice note, Dawn. I hope you're well.
I was in tears as I read this. First of all, let me say that my heart goes out to you, Leah, and Conway. Stockton's story mirrors ours. We lost our 16 year old dachshund, Frankie, a little over a year ago. We went to the vet who told us the ultrasound revealed she had a growth on one of her kidneys. At her advance age, we decided that putting her through any kind of surgery or cancer treatment would just make her miserable--and us too. We had four more months with her. We cherished every moment we had and spoiled her extra rotten.
She was our only dog. She was a HUGE part of our lives, and we have endless memories of her like you do with Stockton. It didn't take but a couple of weeks for us to realize that we couldn't NOT have a dog in our lives, even though we told ourselves that we would wait. We just couldn't. We have another little dachshund, Nubbin, who will be 13 months old in a few days.
We miss our Frankie every day. She gave us 16 years of love and laughter mixed with the occasional frustration that is part of having a dog. Thank you for reminding me to focus on what Frankie brought to our lives when she was here, and not the pain that we still feel not having her here.
Stockton is still bringing smiles. I couldn't help but laugh seeing him with his stuffed pink dragon in his mouth. Even though he's moved on to the next realm, he's still making his imprint on those he left behind. Love lives forever.
Thank you for the nice note. Long like Frankie and Stockton. I'm sure they're becoming fast friends in the great beyond.
And I'm so glad to hear you found Nubbin. :)
I'm sure of it! Thank you!
I’m so sorry for your loss. He clearly had a great life with you and I’m sure he loved you deeply for that. This was an excellent tribute to his life and legacy. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Michael, losing a friend who gives unconditional love it feels the hardest to accept. Our canine family are always the most joyful, least judging, and biggest cheerleader no matter the circumstances. I am sure I will be looking back on this post for clarity. When I adopted Tucker, five years ago I did the math and realized my age when he would be finishing up his "run". And I cried thinking about the future...
What a spectacular post.
Awful sorry about your loss. Looking across the room at my guy, he’s 13 in a few weeks so I’m sure I’m not more than a few years behind you. Also/ 34 years off the sauce myself/ best thing I ever did for myself - in some ways, the only thing I ever did for myself.
Thanks for the note and congrats on 34 years.
Sorry about your loss, Michael! So glad we could learn about how Stockton helped change your life for the better! Dogs tend to do that!
RIP Stockton
Dogs really are the best.
Gonna give my guy an extra hug tonight…
Please do!
Stockton was a good boy. Today is 10 years since my 1st cattle dog Huck passed. I learned a lot from Huck and to this day we have cattle dogs and always will. RIP Huck, Stockton and all the good dogs and remember there is always another that needs your love.
That's a great reminder.
GSP's are special in the counter surfing world. My brother's was an expert. Sorry you lost him. We lost our 11 yo chocolate lab in June to cancer. Grief is tough. Not sure we'll get another but I'm ready for the adventure.
I'll never be convinced that dogs are just ordinary animals. There's something deeper behind those eyes; they understand and process more than they ever let on. They are deeply connected to humans in a way that can't be described.
I know some would argue that they simply evolved to appear that way so they could get fed at regular intervals by humans, but I just don't really buy it.
Sorry for your loss, man. This was a beautiful eulogy to a life well-lived.
I agree with you wholeheartedly.
This is a beautiful tribute to an excellent friend. My dog has been by my side through the ups and downs of life for the last 11 years and has taught me so many lessons along the way. I am a better friend, father, and husband because of him. He's getting up there and I dread the day I have to make that call. Loved the bit about Stockton showing Conway how to use the stairs. Long live counter surfers 🤙
Michael,
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Beautiful tribute to Stockton. Dogs are amazing. Hang in there!
Losing a dog left a huge vacancy. They are the embodiment of unconditional love. I found peace when I could focus on gratitude for the thousands of hours of joy they bring. I hope you find your comfort soon.