well today (just an hour ago) i went over to their house to ask if i could take him on my walks with me every morning, and they said yes..so i was all excited about having a morning walking buddy...but then i turned to leave, and the owner opened up the gate,..ranger bolted straight out into the road and a car hit him head on...and i saw it all happen..

he died.

i cried my eyes out right there on the street, i dont like crying in front of people, but i couldn't contain it.

the owner fell to his knees sobbing, the cop that came couldnt get ahold of the emergency animal unit, and he was in tears.

The guy who hit him was beside himself but lefdt after we told him it wasn't his fault..he was an older guy.

i know it wasnt my fault, but it still feels like it is..if i didn't go over to ask if i could walk him, the owner wouldnt have opend the gate, and he wouldnt have died.

i feel so guilty, and i know that i should feel that way but i do.

i am now in so much pain, i think it caused a flare up.

and the saddest part is, i ran to catch him and i was so close and i just stopped..i just let him go! why did i do that? why didnt i lunge onto him and make him stop!?!

tomorrow morning he wont be barking at me from across teh fence begging me to rub his belly when i go for my morning walk.

i might not even go for my walk.

Ohh, you poor darling! My heart just breaks for you dear. I can't imagine the hurt you are going through.. I was in tears as I read your story. Please do not blame yourself, this isn't your fault at all.. This dog had much excitement apparently being let out of the yard & just ran off like that. What a sad thing to have happend. I'm an animal lover myself. I know this saddens you so much!

By all means, try to get yourself some rest. All these emotions may certainly put you in a flare. Try to relax, sweetness. Be sure to take all your meds to keep your pain at bay. Hang in there!

Deepest Sympathies & Feel Better Wishes!

MiMi0221

At your advice, I am going to try and relax and just try and forget, but the pictures and the sounds of it all, the screaching and the hit and the thud..and just the sobbing..it keeps flashing in my head. I helped dig his grave, so i have osme closure..it just feels so weird still to feel this sad over him, he wasn't even mine. But i guess he was just a big part of my daily life.

Instead of remebering the way he bolted into the car and the way he looked motionless on the ground..i'm going to try and remember him the way he was just minutes before, carrying a broom in his mouth and trying to jump into the tire swing with it..haha..he was such a cutie with a lovable warm personality. Everyone in the neighborhood loved him because he would sit by the fence and call you over to pet him..i honestly believe everyone pet him everyday...he was such an attention hog!

It doesn't matter that he wasn't yours. You had a fondness for him, so grieve all you need to. When some time has passed, maybe you and your neighbor could go to the humane society together and pick out a new little friend.

That's one really nice thing about the heart. There's always room to love one more. Rest easy and know that Ranger is joyfully playing on Rainbow Bridge.

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....

Dogs are such wonderful friends. Loving and non-judgemental.

Cats have staff.