Today our family lost a very dear friend of 15 years. Holly, the dog that we got for Christmas when I was only 14 left us this morning. She brought us almost 15 years (she would have turned 15 on Christmas Eve) of great memories.

When you really think about pets, and looking back over the last 15 years with Holly, you realize that there is no such thing as bad memories. For the most part, most pets do nothing but bring us pure joy for the little slice of our lives that we get to spend with them. Holly did just that and more.

When you consider that the average life span of a Golden Retriever is only 10-13 years, we're very fortunate indeed.

We'll miss you, Holly.

Dana: Our "golden girl" Eliza is about to turn nine and is beginning to go white around the eyes. I feel your sorrow. I've owned many dogs over the years but none has become such an integral part of our family as Eliza - all 110 lbs. of her (and no, she's not fat - just big).

Dana:Your sorrow resonates deeply for those of us who know the pain of loosing a longtime friend. Let your thoughts of the joyful memories continue to bring you comfort. The knowledge of the absolute love Holly felt from you her entire life help you heal. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Oh that's tough. So sorry for your loss.

Dana,
We feel for your loss. They are joy, aren't they? Our golden, Aldo, just turned three and my wife (this is her first dog, my third) is already starting to freak about losing him one day. Having lost a couple myself, it hurts and will for awhile, but you can be sure Holly loved you right to the end.

Dana,
My sincere sympathies!
I have an 11 year old golden who is the love of my life.
Goldens are great....
AnnMarie

I can empathize with your loss Dana. My golden boy died a couple of years ago and it was incredibly difficult to lose my best friend of 8 yrs.

Anyone fortunate enough to share their life with a Golden is enriched by it. It was nice to see your tribute this morning because it brought back many fond memories. I hope you too find solace in the knwledge that you had a very special bond with a amazing animal. God Bless Goldens.

Dana - Glad you were able to share so many great years and memories with Holly. We have two Great Danes, whose life span is even shorter (7-10 yrs.).

It's amazing how much these goofy animals bring to our lives, and a crying shame that some folks will read a post like yours and say "eh, it's just a dog." Clearly they don't get it. These are our children, our siblings, part of our family.