This post is not meant to evoke sympathy.....

[okstevens]

Steve,sorry to hear about Kato passing but happy to know that you two had such a great time together. My Dog, Lucky, was just like everyone described their pets. I know I'll meet up with him again and,well,that alone will be enough. Great Dog, great friend, great memories. Hear up there Luck? Lift a leg with Kato!

[raspberrywolf]

Steve, I just got home a little bit ago from being with my niece and I saw your post first. I have to say ANYTHING to do with animals always tugs at my heart strings...but dogs have an extra special place locked into my heart. I know you don't want sympathy so instead I will say that I am so very happy that your beloved dog had such a loving home and a long wonderful life. From the many words you have wrote from time to time and now at this very difficult time, it was crystal clear how cherished a family member Kato has been. You both were lucky to have shared so many moments that you now can look back upon and remember with such fondness and smiles. So many moments in my own life when I have had less than wonderful dealing with fellow 'humans' have sometimes given me a misanthropic attitude...but all it takes is one kiss from my "Wolfie" and my heart melts again and I return to that person with a more generous nature in regards to my fellow man. When we are overwhelmed by the unconditional love of our beloved pets we cannot help but forget about all that has or had made us upset or angry during a difficult day. They're faithful wags of the tail to let us know they are sooooo very happy to see us again or their wonderfully scented 'chuck wagon'kisses that cover our faces...it's hard to know in those moments who is truly the one who is most lucky...you or your pet!!!?! All I know is I had my sweet lil Sherah girl for 17 years and now I have had my big ol' lunk of a Wolfie boy for just over 5 and I can't imagine what my life would have been like without these two lovable beings in my life. Bless you Steve, for having the strength in the end to do what your *Bestest Buddy* needed you to do...and for doing what I think is the most compassionate moments of returning with him afterwards to say your private goodbyes!

I am including this poem that I read shortly after I said goodbye to my beloved lil Sherah and I hope in some small way it will help you Steve at this time:

I Stood By Your Bed Last Night

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear, "It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea, You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore. I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care. I want to reassure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key. I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair. I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you everyday. To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew, in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide, I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see. Be patient, live your journey out ... then come home to be with me.

- Author unknown

Take Care Steve,

*Vera*

[Tony Cartmill]

3 times today this thread has made me cry. Stop it!

[darlene]

Ah, I feel so sorry for you, Steve. And for all of you who loved Kato and knew him to be a loyal, loving friend. Your post is a beautiful tribute to Kato and he's in doggie heaven smiling.

When I was 15 I lost my beloved dog, Jingles. He had cancer and he couldn't be saved, so we let the vet just put him to sleep while he was already under anesthetic on the operating table.

He was so much of my heart I thought I'd never get over it. Then I read "All Dogs Go To Heaven" by Beth Brown and it got me through.

Jingles is still to me the very best dog anyone could ever have and I miss him terribly. As time goes by, I still feel the grief but it changes and I smile more, thinking of the very happy memories we shared.

You and Kato are VERY lucky to have found each other. It's not how long the candle burns, but how brightly it shines, and you and Kato had a love that will always shine. He's in doggie heaven.

--Love, Darlene

[AnneG]

A friend had to have her dog put down last week. For his epithet, she borrowed from one she recently saw in a pet cemetary in Ireland. It's an ancient one, but very fitting.

I thought I'd share it for all the animal lovers here.

You've gone old friend

a grief to deep for tears fills all the emptiness you've left behind

gone is the dear companionship of years

the love that passed all love of humankind

[chris hess]

nothing wrong with sympathy steve,no shame involved..just lots of love and support,and you can't beat that in life!! hope the messages have helped you in the process!! lol,chris

[darlene]

Anne, As usual, you found the perfect thought for the moment. What a beautiful poem, and so very true. Ah, old Jingles would have truly appreciated that. He would really "smile" when he was happy. I think he's smiling at you now, Anne. So am I.

--Love, Darlene

[Kirk]

Ah, that's a tough one, Steve. A similar story that many of us have experienced, and it never gets any easier. Oh sure, sometimes we try and fool ourselves by saying we won't get that attached to the next one; I don't think it's ever worked, though. Kato, rest in peace. You gave your best to Steve and his family.

[BEATNUT]

So sorry Holls.

I certainly know your pain and the feeling of losing a pal and their unconditional love.

My most sincerest condolences to you on your loss.