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.
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.
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.
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...
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend; the tribute you've written here is tremendous, and very moving. The pic of Stockton and Conway on the steps is 100. May he rest in peace and continue his chases and adventures in the next place.
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.
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.
I’m so so sorry Micheal, I’ve loved all the photos of you and Stockton in the desert, what seemed to be both of your happy places. I’m so glad he had you as his person.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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...
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend; the tribute you've written here is tremendous, and very moving. The pic of Stockton and Conway on the steps is 100. May he rest in peace and continue his chases and adventures in the next place.
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.
Michael,
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Beautiful tribute to Stockton. Dogs are amazing. Hang in there!
Oh no, I am sorry for your loss Michael and Leah! Thank you for sharing this.
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.
So sorry for your loss.
I’m so so sorry Micheal, I’ve loved all the photos of you and Stockton in the desert, what seemed to be both of your happy places. I’m so glad he had you as his person.
RIP Stockton
Dogs really are the best.
Gonna give my guy an extra hug tonight…
Please do!