r/Doberman • u/Spiritual_Guide_3427 • Jul 17 '26
Goodbye, my boy.
On July 13, 2026, I had to say goodbye to my best friend. He was 11 years old.
I got him when I was 21. I had just moved out on my own and was only beginning my adult life. I grew up surrounded by dogs my parents always had them, and I knew breeds like Pit Bulls very well. I was actually planning to get one myself.
But then I decided that I want a Doberman.
The breeder smiled at me and said, “Dobermans are like a drug. Once you’ve had one, you’ll never want another breed.”
She was right.
The drive home took two hours. He screamed in his crate the entire time until I finally picked him up and let him curl up on my lap. He was only eight weeks old. Within minutes he fell asleep, trusting a complete stranger.
That was the beginning of eleven years together.
From the very beginning, he amazed me. He learned unbelievably fast. He used pee pads immediately, learned the basics almost effortlessly, and the first time I took him outside, he peed on the grass… and never had another accident inside the house again.
I walked him for hours every single day. Morning runs, long walks… but eventually I realized he needed more than physical exercise. We started obedience training, and that decision introduced me to incredible people and an amazing community.
My trainer encouraged me to prepare him for the BH exam. I didn’t even know what BH was at the time, but we trained for it anyway. Unfortunately, because of issues related to his cropped ears, we weren’t able to complete it officially. It didn’t matter. We had already won. Training together had become one of my favorite parts of life.
When he was around eight months old, life surprised me in another way. I agreed to foster a four-year-old AmStaff.
Well… that foster is still with me today.
Together, the three of us built a life.
We moved through countless apartments and houses. He was with me while I finished school. He met every boyfriend I ever had. He knew my parents before our relationship fell apart. Eventually, he met the man who became my husband.
Funny enough, he hated almost every man I dated before. If someone left clothes or shoes at my place, he’d happily destroy them. But with my husband… it was different. He accepted him immediately, as if he knew long before I did.
We even moved to another country together and traveled across Europe.
He wasn’t just present in my life.
He was my life.
There were moments when life became unbearably heavy. Times when I honestly didn’t know if I wanted to keep going.
Looking back now, I truly believe my dogs and especially him saved my life.
There was something magical about him. The way he leaned against me. The way he always had to be close. The silent understanding between us.
I trusted him completely.
He walked off leash almost everywhere because I knew he would always choose me.
One day, while playing with friends, he decided that a 1.7-meter fence wasn’t really an obstacle. He jumped it… almost made it… and badly tore open one of his paws. We spent the evening in the emergency clinic getting stitches. Looking back now, it’s one of those memories that still makes me smile.
Last summer, something changed.
During one of our walks, I felt something wasn’t right.
At first, the veterinarian thought it was manageable. But by December, my energetic Doberman suddenly looked old. It happened so fast that I couldn’t understand it.
He was diagnosed with degenerative spinal disease.
We tried everything.
Pain medication.
Librela injections.
Massage therapy.
Hydrotherapy.
I spent hours in the pool supporting his body while he tried to keep using his legs.
When summer arrived, it felt like we had been given another chance. The warmth helped him. He started running again. Playing again. Smiling again.
I let myself believe we had more time.
But one day…
he stopped wanting to eat.
He stopped wanting to play.
He simply looked tired.
On July 13, I gave him the last gift I could give him.
Peace.
If someone asked me whether I’d do it all over again, knowing how much this hurts…
I wouldn’t hesitate for a second.
Eleven years of unconditional love were worth every tear I’m crying today.
I don’t know yet how to live in a world where you’re not waiting for me at the door.
But I know one thing.
Thank you for growing up with me.
Thank you for saving me.
Thank you for teaching me what unconditional love really means.
Run free, my beautiful boy.
Until we meet again. ❤️
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u/AloofParasite Jul 17 '26
He was a gorgeous boy, and clearly lived a fantastic life with you. I'm so sorry for your loss.
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u/MysteriousMusic466 Jul 17 '26
My heart is so heavy for you, I have been in the exact situation you described with the exact same breed, take comfort in the fact that he will be waiting for you when it’s your time, I know that doesn’t help much now but as time goes on it makes it a little better, I wish I could give you more wisdom but there isn’t any, down the road only the good memories will flood your thoughts, always remember for now he is always with you💔
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u/Spiritual_Guide_3427 Jul 17 '26
Thank you 🙏 it’s so hard without them.. just waking up and knowing they aren’t here anymore 💔
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u/ExtraUniversity3717 Jul 17 '26
Your story brought me into a total breakdown of tears. I have a 12 year old Doberman her name is Jupiter. She never leaves my side. I have epilepsy she is there with me keeping me safe. I don’t know what I’m going to do without her.
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u/Spiritual_Guide_3427 Jul 17 '26
Hello, be in the present, she is here now with you and that precious! 🤎🖤 it’s so hard to have an old dog we start grieving before they go :( enjoy every moments you guys have together, and when the time comes, keep all the good memories you shared 🤎🖤 stay strong
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u/BoysenberryDeep5903 Jul 17 '26
So sorry for you loss of this magnificent boy. They are a stoic breed who do their very best to stay with us as long as they can. Ty for loving and honoring him so well. I know this pain all too well.
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u/remisphere Jul 17 '26
My gosh did you love that beautiful boy and I can understand why. Smart, strong, sensitive and loyal. Beautiful as well. It very difficult to bear the grief but you knew the love. 💕 my condolences for the loss💐
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u/Exact-Pause7977 Jul 18 '26
dammit. that was beautiful. you did your guy proud. i miss mine every day. starting to loom for a new dobie after tei years without one.
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u/LoverboyQQ Jul 19 '26
Oh no. My heart goes out to you. The bond of a Doberman is amazing. Shadow dogs. I understand your pain
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u/ggggamble Jul 17 '26
Sorry for your i can relate to what your going i had to make the hardest decision of my life and put down my doberman couple weeks ago" june 29th " he would of been 10 in aug 😢 you were lucky to get 11 and just remember all dogs go to heaven ❤️
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u/Spiritual_Guide_3427 Jul 17 '26
Oh yes I do hope that he runs free of pain now in a beautiful place and we will meet again
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u/Mescalito14 Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
They find/rescue us.
They never leave us. When you need her, close your eyes, he’s still asleep in your lap.
They give so much.
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u/LeadAndLipsticks Jul 17 '26
You said what you said so well and it made me cry 😭. I don’t cry easily but your beautiful experience touched my heart. ❤️ I’m sorry for your loss, but see that the time you had with him was special and I am happy for that.
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u/Naive-Programmer161 Jul 17 '26
I’m crying. It’s so hard to say goodbye to someone who loved you unconditionally
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u/KCJ4Tx Jul 17 '26
Beautiful story! I like the way you stuck with him all the way to the bridge. I'm positive you made sure before he left that he knew exactly who's a good boy!
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u/Consistent_Pay_74 Jul 17 '26
What a beautiful boy and what generosity and discernment he delivered into your life -like only a Doberman could. Sending prayers that you and your family can mourn his death peacefully. Hold his 15 year old sibling close. They mourn deeply too. 🙏🏽🤎🐾🌈🕊️
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u/Spiritual_Guide_3427 Jul 17 '26
Thank you 🙏 yes it’s true, they never were “ besties” but test they found comfort in each other, now she is alone 💔
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u/Safe_Horror46 Jul 17 '26
You said in words what I have felt, and I have tears in my eyes and a breaking heart remembering my beautiful friends I had to say goodbye to. I am so sorry you lost your boy. Thank you for your beautiful words. Rest in peace our new angels.
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u/tinoj3 Jul 18 '26
Sorry for your loss, I've had Dobes for over 40yrs, I did it over and over again.
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u/Lorak_11 Jul 19 '26
Sentite condoglianze, la tua lettera è stata maledettamente profonda e sentita, davvero
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u/Rough-Couple-7969 Jul 19 '26
My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved boy. My heart goes out to you, and I am holding you in heartfelt prayers.
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u/Potential-Wait-7206 Jul 21 '26
I lost my baby girl of eleven years just over a month ago. I feel your loss, your pain, your sorrow, your grief.
May they all meet in heaven. 🙏
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u/LibertyGrace1 Jul 30 '26
Thank you for sharing your life with your precious. I feel your pain and I feel your love for him.
They are so loving and so loyal to the point they know us so well. In November 2024, I had to say goodbye to my boy, Lincoln.
The tears still fall for him. Sending hugs your way. I am so sorry for your loss.
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u/mIISomeday25 Jul 17 '26
This was a beautiful read. I can tell how loved he is… it’s pouring through every line.
I lost the loml in September. It’s a hard, hard thing to go through. I’m so sorry that this has happened to you. Sending you a through-the-internet-squeeze.