Rest in Peace, beloved Jake.

[Mario Niepel]

With great sadness in our heart we made probably the toughest decision a dog owner can make. For the past two months our Jake had been battling lymphoma. While it appeared at some point that the treatment might be working, he took a turn for the worse in the past week. Since quality of life, even during the treatment, was our utmost goal, we made the hard decision to end his life and suffering this afternoon.

He died with his head in the lap of my girlfriend who had known him since he was only two days old. Jake was buried together with one of his favorite bones under the tree he loved to sleep underneath in the last weeks of his life.

The loss of this great dog has left a big hole in our lives, which can only heal over time. Sleep easy, big Jake.

http://mario.niepel.net/Jake-dachsi impression.jpg

[Renee]

Mario, I'm so sorry for your loss...

[Clair Taberner]

oh mario, hugs to you all and to samson. so sorry to hear. thinking of you :( x

god bless

[Jill Ramsey]

Mario,
My thoughts are with you. It is a very difficult decision to make. I'm sure Jake is much better now. :cry:

[Jesse Cruz]

Mario, I'm so sorry for your loss, words cannot express my sadness. Hugs for you, Samson and your family from Chloe Sasha, Bailey and me.

[Melissa Brunoehler]

Mario~ I am so sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in knowing that Jake had a wonderful life with you, your girlfriend & Samson.

[Eric Vecc]

Man, is that a tough thing to do. But I would always rather see a dog be put to rest than live with pain. I'm glad to hear you had his feelings in mind when you made the decision. Best wishes to everyone coping with this loss.

[Rachel Webb]

Mario, My heart goes out to you and your loved ones at this difficult time. May you take comfort in knowing Jake is at peace.

[heathea]

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know my heart goes out to you for having to make that difficult decision.
Take care,
Heather

[Andre Mendizabal]

Dear Mario, we are very sorry for your loss. Take comfort from knowing he lived a wonderful life and now he is in a better place, in doggie heaven, with his favorite bone just watching after you. He was a gorgeous dog, he will love you forever.

My heart goes to you and your family. Nala, Molly, Leo and I send all of you a big hug.

[Amy Siggers]

I am so sorry-- I do not know this dog but sitting here looking at his picture and reading your story I am crying.. I can only imagine how you feel. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your girlfriend..

[Vicki Pagano]

Hello Mario,
We've never "spoken" but I had to write and tell you that I feel badly for your loss, but I also feel glad that you were strong enough to take care of Jake in the best way you could. I truly believe that is the most loving act we can give to our "babies", to let them go when it's time. My heart aches for you...

warm regards

[Hee Yung Lee]

To Mario and the rest of his family,

I echo the sentiments of everyone else. You made a very tough decision, but I think it was the best thing you could have done. Jake was able to end his life on a positive note, surrounded by those who loved and cared for him. He had a wonderful life, even if it was cut short, and that is what matters the most.

When I read about how you buried him with his favorite bone, it brought a tear to my eye. Even in his death, you are providing him with life's comforts. Take care.

Liz and Bogart.

[Stefie C]

Mario, I am so sorry to hear about Jake. My condolences to you and everyone who loved him.

Stefie & Sandy

[Susan Medlin]

Dear Mario,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I've had to put down 2 of my Scotties due to cancer/old age, and recently lost my 1 1/2 yr. old to a car accident. It isn't easy, let yourself grieve, and don't feel bad about the feelings you'll experience. They're not "only a dog" to us!
I did find this website very comforting during my loss, and maybe you will too.

http://www.petloss.com/

Take care,
Susan

[Jennifer Hughes]

Mario - All my sympathy. It hurts, I know.

[Maria Juliano]

Mario,

I'm so sorry to hear about Jake. I know how special he was to you and Samson. May the wonderful memories of him bring you all comfort.

[Krysta Smith]

It's so hard to lose someone you love so much!! :cry: You did the right thing. And I'm sure Jake knows how much you loved him!!

[Krispie]

I am so sorry to hear about Jake. it's never easy to make that decision, even when you know it is the right one. I just had to make the decison for my 16 year old Border Collie a couple months ago. Even though I knew it was right, it was so hard. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I know Samson will miss his buddy as much as you will.

[Grace Erick]

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's too sad for words. People say there is this Rainbow Bridge and all dogs go there when it's their time. I hope your dog is resting in peace over that Rainbow Bridge.

[babyblue]

That's so sad. Your words were so heartfelt and lovely I am sure Jake is in a better place.
I'm am so very sorry you had to go throught that and for you loss. Me, Chloe and Lucas have you and Samson in our thoughts.
{{{{HUG}}}}

[Mario Niepel]

Thank you all very much for your heartfelt wishes. Michele, Samson and I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

And my thoughts go out to all of you who had to make similar decisions in the past or will have to make them in the future.

[Justine Archuleta]

Mario, I am so sorry for your loss. I had to through the same thing last year. I just wanted to let you know you, your girl friend, and Samson are in my prayers. Take care.

[Alberta Hanko]

Mario - I am so sorry to hear of your difficult decision and the sadness you, your girlfriend and Samson are feeling. You are all in my prayers as is Jake.

Alberta & Linus

[Joanne Brady]

Mario, my deepest sympathies to you, your girlfriend and Samson on the loss of Jake.

Joanne, Amari and Soleil

[Luciann]

Mario,

I am so sorry for you loss. I will keep you and your girlfriend in my thought in your time of sorry. I know how hard it was to have to make this decision. But as you said Jake's quality of life was the more important thing.

time will heal the hurt and you will always have the great memories with Jake to help you through this time of sorry.

[Cecile Vargo]

Mario, I know all too well what you are going through. Know that Jake is resting in peace and he will live on in the beautiful memories that you have.

[Chris Smith]

Mario,

I'm so sorry to hear your news about Jake and the huge loss your family is going through now. I'm sure you made the best decision to end his suffering and pain. My heart goes out to you, your girlfriend and Samson. Thank you for sharing with all of us.

Chris & Nalu

p.s. I've been out of town and I'm just catching up on posts right now...or I would have written earlier.