Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Bridger, 2001-2013

 Bridger watching the sunrise


We had to bury our 12 year old German Shepherd Monday night. It was tough, although of course we knew he couldn't live forever. But we have had 12 great years with that sweet and loyal dog. (And as those who have Shepherds know, they're not really dogs. They're people in dog's clothing. Really nice, big people - with big teeth.)

How generous of our Creator to give us these lovely creatures to walk the earth with us, to help us, to be companions and protectors!

I'll miss that sweet dog. Already there are so many times that I expect to hear him bark - and he doesn't. I expect him to get up to meet me and he's not here. UPS left a huge box just outside the back door yesterday, which I wasn't aware of until I took Misty out for a walk. When Bridger was still alive, we always knew when UPS was here, when any vehicle drove up the driveway, when a noisy truck was driving past, or when tractors were in the field.


Consider yourselves lucky. I had a much bigger collage before I trimmed several photos from it.

Clockwise, beginning at upper left:

Playing football. Bridger loved to play football with the boys, but he mostly grabbed the ball and ran to keep it away from them.
Keeping track of the squirrels, bunnies, and birds
Sweet, innocent-looking [Alpha] pup. It was love at first sight.
My major shedder getting brushed (this was after one side only)
Relaxing on the deck with Misty
'Help! Get the stickseed off me!'



The reason he got the chicken can only once


I wonder if Misty will enjoy having 3 dog beds to herself.

Thanks for indulging me, my friends. ♥


Photobucket

50 comments:

Unknown said...

You have a nice blog. Thanks for writing this up. Keep it up. You are doing great.
Recruitment Knowledge

Terri @ A Creative Princess said...

Oh Judy, I'm so very sorry. I know how your and Kevin's hearts are aching right now. Please know that I'm thinking of you and sending hugs your way.

Trace4J said...

Morning Friend
So sorry to hear about your sweet boy.
What wonderful treasured memories you have.
How blessed we are with our dear furry kids who give us such unconditional love.
Giant hugs to you :)

Elizabeth Edwards said...

thinking you all. so so sorry for your loss. big big hugs.

Life Happens said...

So sorry to hear about your furbaby Bridger. Hugs to you and your family.

Amy Burzese said...

I'm so sorry. Losing a pet is a sad time. Hugs.

Unknown said...

It is very hard when we loose our special friends. Sorry for your loss and know it wont be the same for quite some time.

MadSnapper said...

my heart hurts for you...I know that empty spot and empty feeling all to well. Bridger was so beautiful and you could put a thousand pics up and i would look at all of them. I pray for you to have peace and an easing of your hurt... hugs from me to you.. your post is a tribute to your family member, and i do know they ARE family members.

Donna said...

I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved German Shepard. They are such beautiful creatures. I know your heart must be breaking. I still miss our devoted Belgian Malinois, Buddy, who died in May 2007. He missed his 12th birthday by only a couple of days.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry to read this Judy - really really sorry - they leave such gaping open wounds when they leave us, I know.......
Much love,

Denise said...

So very sorry for your loss, love you my friend.

J said...

Judy, I am so sorry about the loss of your Bridger. He was beautiful. I am one of those who believes with all my heart that we will be reunited with our beloved pets in heaven. How could a loving God deny us that joy? He would not!
Our current rescued dog was an abused shepherd mix. I see that breed every day in her intelligence, loyalty, and protection of us. Some day, we will lose her too. All we can do is what you did for Bridger...love her with all our hearts and have no regrets when that sad day arrives. God bless you!

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

What a sweet dog - it is hard to lose them. Thinking of you today :-)

Parsley said...

Heartfelt sympathies for you. So many of us, me included, understand the deep pain of loosing a furry family member. I believe dogs are a special gift from God. We learn so much about love from them. Prayers for peace...

Eileen H said...

Oh Judy, I'm so sorry to read this very sad news. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Sending my love. Bridger was a beautiful lad, loved to the very end.
xx

Suzan said...

My heart goes out to you! He will always be in your heart!

Fonda @Southern Scraps said...

My heart and prayers go out to you. Yes Shepherds are people in a dogs body and they are amazing friends.

Diane said...

So sorry! Losing a pet is so hard and never gets any easier. Send you a hug!

Deanna said...

I'm so very sorry. Our pets truly become part of the family and leave a big hole when they are gone. R.I.P. Bridger.

Unknown said...

What a handsome guy he was and looks to have been a little silly too.
I'm sorry your family has to go through this-it's so difficult as only pet peeps get. Beautiful tribute for a beautiful boys.

TexWisGirl said...

i am so very sorry. i know the pain of that loss so well. i am glad you have another pup to keep you company as it does definitely help. but there's no replacing the one that is gone. bless you.

Ruth Kelly said...

Sorry to hear about your dog. It is hard losing a pet that has been with us for such a long time.

Chatty Crone said...

I wish I could write this in huge print - OH NO! I saw the title there and my stomach flopped and I wondered if he had died. I am so so sorry. Gosh. Well he must have gone fast and boy did he know he was loved! sandie

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You've definitely lost a member of your family! He was a beautiful animal by the looks of your photos.Hugs to you and yours!

Maggie Ann said...

I'm so sorry! a big hug from me too.

Samantha said...

Oh Judy, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss :( He looks like he was a great friend x

Cherry's Prairie Primitives said...

I'm so sorry your puppy is gone. I'm sending lots of hugs!!

sweetbriardreams said...

I was so sorry to read you have lost your Bridger. I had a german shepherd a few years ago called Bruce. You are right that they are people in dogs clothing. I used to come home and he would trot down the hallway and jump up to put a paw on each shoulder and give me a kiss (no other person in the house did!!). You have some wonderful photos of him and I am sure he will remain with you forever. xx

George The Lad said...

Oh Judy I'm so sorry to hear Bridger has gone to the bridge. I feel the pain you are feeling.
Wish I could be there to give you a hug.
We are thinking of you
Love and hugs Jan,George & Tess xxx

podso said...

I'm so sorry about your Bridger. You have wonderful photos and pleasant memories. When we lost our dog it took a l on g time to get used to her being gone. Glad you have another pet to help a bit! Our house is very quiet,

RURAL said...

Awww...I am so sorry...it's never long enough when we find a pet that is so wonderfully part of our family.

May the pain in your heart subside and be replaced with warm memories.

Jen

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry. You are the 2nd blog friend today who has lost a beloved family member. Our pets give us so much joy. I'm glad you had many years together but I know you miss him.

Judy S. said...

So sorry to hear about Bridger, Judy. Hugs to you and your family.

Unknown said...

Beautiful tribute, it's never easy...Thinking of you
Lorrie
Finding Secret Treasures

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

I'm so sorry. So sad.

Deborah said...

Oh my friend what a wonderful tribute to Bridger. I loved looking at the photos and you could have left all of them up for me. I know how sad you are losing your wonderful dog companion. So sorry he had to go. :(

Deborah said...

Oh my friend what a wonderful tribute to Bridger. I loved looking at the photos and you could have left all of them up for me. I know how sad you are losing your wonderful dog companion. So sorry he had to go. :(

Carla from The River said...

A wonderful collection of photos. Praying for you and your family. Pets are family! Yes, gifts from God.

xx oo
Carla

Unknown said...

They really do have such personality - and leave quite the hole in one's life when they are gone. I'm so sorry :-( Sending lots of love & hugs!!

And the pictures are very neat to see :-) Especially that one of him watching the sunrise - wow! What a shot! Something to always treasure.

laurie said...

I'm sorry for your loss, it's so hard to lose a special pet.

I lost my golden a few years ago, it still is lonely without him. But I am so glad God blessed me with such a great and faithful friend as he was!

Heide at ApronHistory said...

I am so sorry about Bridger. How wonderful you were able to have him twelve years. But still it is hard. I will be praying for you.

Cynthia said...

Oh Judy, I am so very sorry about Bridger. The love we have for our dogs is so strong. We have two mini doxies that are three and we love them like children. One of ours really does think she is a person. My thoughts are with you.

Cynthia

Debra Hawkins said...

Oh! I am so sorry about your dog.Hugs.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry you had to bury your furry friend. It's so hard when we lose a pet.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

I'm so sorry, Judy. You know I'm strictly a cat person, but Bridger seemed to be such a wonderful dog. What a terrible loss, and so soon after sweet Lionel. Hugs to your whole family - canine, feline and human.

Terri D said...

Judy, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how precious our pets are, and the void they leave in our hearts when they have to leave us. He was a beautiful boy, and the joy he brought you will live forever. Hugs & love.

Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

Oh I am so sorry! :(

Amy, a redeemed sheep said...

What words can I say? Really? I am sobbing. I am so, so sorry...So sorry....

Yenta Mary said...

Oh, I'm so sorry about Bridger! What a good, sweet, devoutly loyal companion he was - definitely not just "a dog." His presence will be missed in so, so many ways ....

J_on_tour said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I know it's not quite the same thing but thinking right now about the God of Comfort in 2 Cor 1.
This is a wonderful tribute and an aptly superb opening photo.

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