She was only in my life for 8 years and she’s been gone now another 8. And let’s be clear, I’m no sap - I’ve had many hardships in my life but my heart still bleeds over the loss of my best friend. I think of her nearly every day. I miss her often. There are people I’ve known longer and lost earlier that I don’t miss as much as I miss Max.

I too am a dog lover. I once had a little rescue, assess, and re-home for Great Danes. We’ve had 11 of them in this small house at one time!

Each dog is unique, most are wonderful, but there is something beyond words when it comes to dogs like my Max and your Einstein…

I thank you for sharing your story. Somehow it makes me feel like less of a ‘pansy’ for crying, still, 8 years later. Going off to finish my tears now.

Mark, like I said, I am a bit biased in my estimation, but Herc sounds a hell of a lot like Einstein, so I am sure he is a pretty damn good dog too.

Thanks again. Just reading your responses means a ton to me.

I don’t know which side of the spiritual mumbo jumbo I stand on but I do know this. A great friend such as Einstein will never truly be gone from your family. Pictures or camping trips will spawn fond (if not a little sad) stories about your long term pal. So long as he lives in everyone’s memory, he is not gone, just elsewhere.

I am a little bit confused though, I thought I had the greatest pooch ever in Herc, my lab shepard mix. He’s been traveling with me for ten plus years and I really thought I was going to have to face the same decision as you guys a month ago. Luckily he had an amazing turn around. It does stink a bit that such a pal will rely on you to make that decision. Perhaps that is why the give so unconditionally, they know that one day you will have to make a decision that is in their best interest, not ours.

No, I’m ok, just a little condensation around the ocular region. Thanks for sharing D.

FWIW, there’s a large group of people who believe in animal spirits and their stories suggest that animals will sometimes come back to “visit” their owners, especially if there was a very close bond.

Your “goodbye” is so moving. Really, it is a fitting tribute to Einstein and all that he meant to you. Even though this is the first time I have heard of him, I can easily appreciate that he was more than just a pet to you.

In some parts of the world, they believe in rebirth. This doesn’t apply only to human beings, but all living beings, and that we gravitate to exist amongst those we love the most. If you can believe this, you can only expect to see him again real soon. Maybe it will be that stray puppy that suddenly appears at your doorstep one bright and sunny morning.