The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: Michael Bane on March 07, 2014, 06:10:29 PM
-
To all our friends here on the Forums...
You've probably seen by now on the Blog or FaceBook that our beloved companion, Alf the Wonder Beagle, died last night of an undetected and undetectable heart ailment, just two months to the day since we lost Pokke-san the Tailless Manx. We were out for a short dinner with friends when it happened; my Sweetie had dropped me at the recording studio in Evergreen to work for a few hours and gone on home. Alf didn't come to the door, and my Sweetie realized Alf was really sick and raced her down the canyon to an emergency vet in Boulder. Alf had zero blood pressure when she arrived, and despite heroic efforts died in my Sweetie's arms, just the way my Sweetie carried her home from the airport when she came to live with us 12 years ago. The vet said she was never in pain and it was a miracle that she'd lasted as long as she did. Of course, Alf was waiting for us to come home. She would never go without saying good-bye. I would give up all to have been there with her and my Sweetie.
Alf's last day on earth had been perfectly normal, she slept in our bed, demanded her morning affection period, rolled around on the floor and enjoyed a long hike in the snow in the afternoon. She loved to trail in the soft powder, her whole face and her magnificent nose covered with snow.
This morning I got up right at down and opened the window...it had just started snowing, and the fresh snow was filling in Alf's last paw prints down the driveway. I walked to the stairs and I could hear Ripley, our gray parrot, quietly saying "Alf Alf Alf Alf Alf" over and over. He did the same for Pokke. That's how parrots cry. When we got Alf, I warned my Sweetie, who'd never had a dog, that all puppies cry. But Alf never did. One night my Sweetie and I crept down the stairs...Alf was in her crate by Ripley's cage, and Ripley was on the floor of his cage as close to the crate as possible. When Alf would whimper, Ripley would whisper, "That's okay, Alf. Alf is a good bird. It's okay, good bird."
We've always joked that Alf was a "free range beagle," so maybe she's gone off to run with the free rangers. In my heart I believe I will see her again, and Pokke, and all my beloved animals who have shared and enriched my life.
I wanted to say thank you all for your condolences and friendship. I think I woke poor Marshal up at 3AM. It means a lot to me, and I know Alf was proud that so many people shared her adventures, her trials and her triumphs.
As I have said before, she is with the God of All Things. And I love her so much.
Michael B
-
My condolences to you and yours. We have shed many tears here, DRTV, remembering our precious pets and it never get easier.
My boxer, Keely, had a cardio-hemotoma and died in my arms at the vet waiting to get seen just last September. Most gentle loving dog I've ever met.... damn allergies.
-
I lost my little buddy, Harley a few weeks ago after nearly 13 years...
Maybe Alf and Harley are getting to know each other and chasing squirrel farts together in their new locale.
My condolences, MB.... My heart still aches for my friend, I'm sure you're suffering the same feelings!
Tim :'(
-
My heart felt condolences to You and your Sweetie,There are no words that I can think of to help you in your grief.Remember the good times Alf shared with you.
-
So sorry to her about Alf Michael. After all the stories on the blog and DR Radio I almost feel like I knew your dog. We have shared your grief and anger when she was attacked, and shared the joy you had on walks with her. Though we may be extended and widely ranging, our common interests make us a family of sorts, and we share your loss.
May you and your Sweetie Be Well,
Addict
-
My condolences on your loss of part of your family. When my little buddy died it tore me up pretty bad so I know how it feels. My eyes are watering in sympathy for you.
-
So sorry for you and your Sweetie, Michael.
K
-
That sucks. Very sad to hear Michael.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your Sweetie.
-
Sad.
-
It is always bittersweet to read these posts. The loss of a family member, for that is what our pets are, is always heart wrenching. The remembrances conjured of our own pets who have passed are always heart warming.
As long as we remember, they are never truly gone.
Now I'm thinking of my two Jack Russel's, and I have to go clean the sawdust out of my eyes, dammit!
-
My condolences, it's never easy loosing a member of the family.
-
Been off line a day and just heard.
So sorry, I feel like part of me just passed.
Hopefully, Alf is having fun with my recently departed Whitney Whiteout, who had been my faithful one for 11 years.
Alf the Zero.
-
Sorry to hear this Michael. Quick and unplanned, or long and lingering, the final exit is never easy for those left behind. During the teary times remember that the pain you feel means the friendship was worth having and helped your home the happy place it is.
-
My condolences.After a proper time of mourning perhaps Alf will be reincarnated into another small loveable ball of fur you can take home to love and start over again as a new family member with Alfs spirit shining through.
-
We will sorely miss the "Alf the Wonder Beagle" stories. Partners like that are hard to find, and even harder to lose.
Sincerely, Bidah and Family in Montana.
-
Michael, our condolences on your loss of Alf. Our doggie-do's are a very special part of our family.
-
Michael, my sincere condolences on your loss. Alf was entertaining to say the least, as you told us anyhow.
I always like to think we can remember the time we had with our loved ones, 4-legged as well as 3, and being thankful for that time, but I know from losing my Aussie Torry to cancer a couple of years ago that this alone can be damned hard.
Hang in there, Brother! you are among friends here.
-
MB, sorry to hear this sad news.
-
Sorry for your loss Michael.
Richard
PS: Now I remember why I said I didn't want another pet of any kind. Wish I had remembered before we got 4 cats!
-
So sorry to hear it Michael.
-
Please allow me to extend my condolences.
It is never easy to lose a loved one. Specially one who's love was unconditional.
(http://i755.photobucket.com/albums/xx191/saharrold/Dogsmakeyoufeelbetter-1.jpg)
-
My condolences and here's to memories of those past pals:
Trixie
Judy
Nipper
Corkie
and probably very soon ...Emmy :'(
tomorrow morning may be rough
-
:'(
Right you are that many of us are regaled by the adventures of "Alf the wonder beagle" & we all hurt with you guys. For the most part, people suck. = There's a reason for the term "man's best friend".
-
I'm sorry for the loss of your dog Michael. I know how it feels. It will be 3 years this May that I lost my Golden, Sam. Since then we took a stray Poodle mix off the street this past year. His name is Cody. He has made us feel better. Sometimes good things are just meant to happen.
(http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/billt460/ScopedBushmasterCody004_zps20ec9b1e-1-1.jpg) (http://s812.photobucket.com/user/billt460/media/ScopedBushmasterCody004_zps20ec9b1e-1-1.jpg.html)
-
I am terribly grieved for your loss, both as someone who always enjoyed hearing of her exploits, and as a fellow Beagle owner. I lost my little one, Sadie, last summer. I have no words to help, but know that Alf will always be with you.
-
Michael...my heart breaks for you and your Sweetie at the loss of your dear Alf. Still, she was clearly a most fortunate dog to have been loved so well.
Happy trails, Alf the Wonder Beagle...
-
Very Sorry for your loss Mr. Bane. I always enjoyed hearing about you and Alf and the adventures of the secret hidden bunker. May you find peace in the memories. RIP Alf.
Allan
-
My condolences Michael. our pets always see the best in us.
-
My condolences Michael. our pets always see the best in us.
I wish I was as good a person as my dog thought I was.
-
I am so sorry for your loss. I was honored to see the pictures of Alf and could see how happy he was. He knew he was loved and that it the best life anyone can have. May we all be so lucky.
-
So sorry my thoughts and prayres.
Paso Tom
-
May the God of all comfort comfort both of you in this time of loss and grief. He knows what you are going through, and how much you valued the gift of one of his creatures. May His peace rest upon you both.
Pastor Vince Warde