Well, where do I start....It has been over 3 weeks since I lost Pasa and even though I made some references to him on the other chat boards(and had alot kind comments made by other members), this is really difficult.

Pasa was a rescue dog who had been no doubt abused and yet he was gentle, kind and well behaved. He would let cats as well as birds cross his path and turn away from anyone who was scared/disliked him. It was astonishing to watch and I do wish I had the same sense to do the same with such people.

Pasa was with me for over 6 months but it felt like a much longer time. He was only 2 years old and we lost him to what I can only explain as "animal hatred". I am fighting back however, (organised several walks and news events). At least I can take satisfaction from the fact tha Pasa' had a bigger purpose than being a well behaved and fearful dog.

Currently, I own a 4 month old chocolate puppy called Zeus which is keeping me quite busy...but like all of you have lost a pet, it only helps with the pain and it is not a replacement.

Here is a picture of my boy.

I'm very sorry for your loss of Pasa. He looks like he was a wonderful dog. You are right, Zeus, helps fill a void, but will never completly fill it. I lost Bruno almost a year ago and I still get very tearful over him. Kendal is helping a lot.

Thank you, he was a wonderful "big" boy...45kgs and almost my height when he stood up on his hind legs.

I know that they say that labs don't make good guard dogs, but Pasa was quite protective and even alittle jealous of his owner. It was really sweet how an animal can devote so much love and attachment in such a short time. He was with me only 6 months afterall.

I can see such characteristics in Zeus sometimes but it is not the same as you said.

Thank you . I am glad to know that I am not crazy(as everyone says im my family), and that the loss of pet takes a long time to heal.

Bruno was one handsome dog. I am sorry also.

"I am glad to know that I am not crazy"

I'm sorry to inform you Berna that I agree with your family ... You are crazy ... Crazy about these wonderful animals we call Labrador Retrievers.

Actually, they are not dogs. Rather, they are angels that leave four footprints wherever they go. May Pasa have peace in dawg heaven.

Thank you. I think part of my saddness has to do with fact that Pasa was a lab. Growing up I had 2 cocker spaniels and lost one to old age and had to give the other one away. To be very honest, it definately did not feel like this. Despite their large size, they provide love and devotion like no other pet im my experience.

Berna...I'm so sad for you and your loss of your beloved, Pasa. What a beautiful dog he was. I feel your pain and it will take some time but you will heal....especially with your Zeus around to help. Just know that you did a wonderful thing by giving Pasa a good rest-of-his-life eventhough you only had him for a short while. Zeus will never be a replacement but he does fill the empty void left by Pasa.

We lost our lab, Cori about 3 years ago now. She and my husband had a very special bond and he can still get choked up and still misses her so much. We have two dogs now...one a black lab and the other a mix breed. They are so funny and add a great deal to our family. They will never take the place of Cori in my husband's heart though. We still keep her picture in a frame on the bookcase and right next to it is a beautiful angel statue that my daughter gave me the day Cori passed on. We look at it as a symbol.

Here's a picture of Cori.

Oh Berna, I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful pup Pasa was. You gave him the best 6 months he could have probably asked for.

No you are not crazy for loving a lab. I am finding it harder to let go of Jasmine, my first lab than the loss of my grandmother or mother.

Having Zeus will help you through this tough time. I am sorry.

Thank you for your kind words and support. Only pet owners and this board understands me apparently. In this country unfortunately, pets are not cherished as in the US/Canada/Europe. Most people tell me that I can simply get a new lab if one dies or I am unhappy with my current lab. It is very sad indeed.

Zeus is an adorable puppy and I no doubt he will grow up to be a good dog but Pasa was something else. The most gentle animal I have come across, despite his large size(45KG!). I can not remember that there was one accident in the house, nothing broken or chewed up, no books ripped to pieces, no stolen or hidden socks.
(Zeus has done all these and more, not in this order). He would simply go to his bed and wait there until called...he would walk slowly and carefullly on the parquet floors not to take notice. One big angel.

Well, I can go on for pages about Pasa, but I will stop because Zeus the chocolate puppy has just gotten into the honey bowl!
God help me!

Thank you Lucy's Mum. I read about Jasmine and saw that wonderful smiley picture. I agree with you completely.

Dear Kbob. Does it take years to heal really? No doubt my husband will divorce me if I go like this! I can't look at Pasa's picture yet except for the attachment's here. Cori had one great face!

Thank you all

Berna, everyone grieves differently, as I said I still cry about Bruno, at least once a week. When he first died I cried everyday for 3 months. It was only once I got Kendal that I stopped but, it doesn't take much to reduce me to tears (like now).
My father who is 83, said when he thinks of a puppy he had as a child he will feel sad. I think when you love so deeply it takes a while to get over it. Sorry I'm not really good with words, so I hope you understand.

Thank you these words are therapy as well as a puppy licking your face(mind you Zeus tends to bite my face more often than licking it).

I have a friend who is a pychologist and she recommended that I immediately get another lab. That is what I did and Zeus keeps me so busy that I do not have the time to grieve as much. So much for work and hobbies!

I do understand ofcourse, since we are going through the same loss and pain. And I am glad that there are friends on this board who understand me also.