Posted on 4/26/2007

i know all too well what you are talking about and how you feel because i lost my best friend last year at the age of six years.... guenter

Posted on 4/26/2007

I know how you feel Mark, it's awful when your loyal pet, your best friend finally has to bid goodbye to this world! I had a great siamese cat for 19 years, and a terrific little poodle, sadly both have passed on, and the feeling I had when they passed on was so overwhelming with grief, it was like being gutted! If it's any comfort, time will heal your wounds, and you will remember the good times you had with your friend. TAKE CARE.

Posted on 4/26/2007

Guenter, Andrew and Joe Jusko thank you so much for your kind words and well wishes. I feel the weight of the world for having not been here for Hache and I think that is what will be the hardest. To forgive myself because she was always there for me as we moved from one part of the US to the next. She was always there when I came home to make me feel better about myself. To make me feel fortunate that she was my companion.

Posted on 4/26/2007

Mark, My deepest sympathy. Losing a pet is devistating.

Posted on 4/26/2007

Thank you Fred and John. I think we all hurt a lot more than we share with others and I really really appreciate folks like yourselves sharing your thoughts and pain with me. I just returned from driving the 250 or so miles to actually see her one last time just before I had her cremated. And then, only a few hours ago I started the 125 mile journey back home with my baby.

Posted on 4/26/2007

Mark best wishes from my family to yours during this rough time -- Len

Posted on 4/27/2007

Thanks so much Len. I feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety and sadness that affords me about 2-3 hours of sleep since this past Sunday. I was able to pick her up from the crematory this afternoon as I was fully involved in that process the whole day and it seemed to remove a certain amount of grief/guilt with the fact that I had her finally with me as we started the 125 mile return journey home.

Posted on 4/27/2007

The best phone call was with the original breeder. He told me he remembered me from all those years ago as I stuck out as the Motherly Hen type that was so worried for their little bundle of joy. He is the top German Shepherd breeder in the world and sells his dogs to celebrities and high ranking world leaders. For him to forgive me her death and for him to tell me these other things that I was not aware of, he lifted a small part of the burden. But, it really really is harder than I ever imagined as we were inseparable for the 12+ years as we moved from state to state. Just the two of us. Leaving girlfriends and others behind. Thank you again. I can only imagine where I would be mentally if I had no one to talk to or write to.

Posted on 4/27/2007

My sincere sympathies. As Will Rogers once said, "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."

Posted on 4/27/2007

Thank you Icon. I am 44 years old and had never heard this Will Rogers saying. It rings so true. Thank you again.

Posted on 4/27/2007

Mark, my deepest sympathy to you and all the people you love and who loved your beautiful dog. I lost my bobtail, Evelina, almost 10 years ago and reading your story of friendship and love make me think at the wonderful moments we had together and the painful ones when she left me and my wife. But after a while, only the wonderful ones remain. I think you haven't to regret the way she left you, i'm sure she felt all your love. Take care, Max

Posted on 4/27/2007

Max, it's amazing how most of us who have never met or even done an art deal together can make someone like myself feel so much better by sharing their losses and heartfelt sympathies. Thank you so much for your kind words.

Posted on 4/27/2007

Mark, my deepest sympathies. Losing one's best friend, be it man or animal, is never easy. Keep your memories of Hache and cherish the magical moments you had together. Stephen

Posted on 4/28/2007

Thank you so much Steve. The 12 years were indeed filled with magical moments . Even the off-days, those days where I was tired and in a not the best of moods, from the long days at work to the general grind of the job, she would always put a smile back on my face. One could not help but feel the love from her. Even total strangers would feel that once they were observed by her to be accepted into our home. That was her defining character trait. Even though she looked truly dangerous, she really was such a loving and caring being. And I miss her so.

Posted on 4/28/2007

Mark, I am deeply saddened for your loss of Hache. Having spoken to you several times this last week, I know the pain and sorrow that you are going through; all of us who have lost a pet/best friend share your mourning. I am sure Hache is watching from wherever she is now, and is grateful for the love you gave her over the years. And yes, all dogs do go to heaven. Hang in there buddy.

Posted on 4/30/2007

Phil, thank you for the kind words here as well as on the phone. I really appreciate your concern and it has made a difference to me. Thanks again.

Posted on 5/1/2007

Mark, I am really sorry, man. I have lost several long-lived pals, one a cat, Chani, who was nearly 17 year old. I balled my eyes out each time and still dream of her after numerous years. The memories kick in and your heart begins to lighten. Nothing can take away the experience with your Dog. She is immortal in your heart and mind and her energy is still there. My thoughts and energy are with you, Bud.

Posted on 5/3/2007

Thank you Bill. I just returned from a trip tonight and all I thought of when I returned to my empty house was how much energy she brought to the place. Here I returned tonight and feel the loss of her in waves. Each day is brighter, but the nights are still somewhat difficult. I am sure even the nights will get better. For now - this is the time of each day that I most think of her.

Posted on 6/19/2007

Hey Mark...what a touching story...being an animal lover myself my heart and thoughts go out to you in every possible way. But in spite of your terrible loss it sounds like you and Hache had 12 wonderful years of mutual love and companionship. You refer to her as the perfect dog and if dogs somehow think of us as we do them, i'm sure she'd have considered you the perfect master. Stay strong my friend...

Posted on 6/20/2007

Ken, thank you for the kind words. I have gained strength through the words of everyone who has left a comment. I actually have gone back and reread the comments as the weeks have turned into a couple of months. They all mean a great deal to me and each of you has my gratitude.

Posted on 8/30/2007

Few things as fun as playing with a big dog in deep snow. She looks like she'd had a great day in this picture.

Posted on 1/11/2008

Mark, It was so great to hear your story today on the phone about your friend Hache-Hi. It's easy to see how much she meant to you. I am not looking forward to the day I have to part with my 5 year old chocolate lab Jezebel. It will be my honor to illustrate such a beautiful and noble dog, Hache. I hope it will help you re-live that wonderful day in the snow ! Hang in there buddy.

Posted on 1/11/2008

Thanks so much for listening Rick. I am sure Jezebel loves you very much. It is such a great feeling - unconditional love.

Posted on 6/17/2008

You were right in your description Mark - Hache-Hi was an absolutely beautiful dog. I could tell how deeply hurt you felt on the passing of this dear animal when you tried talking about it. I think he watched you from above as you said your final good-bye's and holds no negatives towards you for not being there when his time was up. You're still his #1 and always will be.

Posted on 2/16/2019

Cute picture of Hache 😊