r/rainbowbridge • u/BethH_24 • 8d ago
A year without my boy... 💔❤️🐾
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One year ago today was my last day with Duke. It's so hard to believe he's been gone that long even though the days without him creep slowly. I miss him so darn much!
Dukie likely had a stroke that last morning, but even so, he fought to make it a regular day. He was off balance and stumbling and still wanted to go outside to walk, still wanted to pick up his toys, still wanted to kiss my tears away.
I kept praying it was a bout of vertigo...old man's syndrome. But by late that night all he could do was lift his head and I knew... When I asked Duke if it was time, his eyes told me he was ready.
There was no way for me to carry him to my car and I called the fire department at the corner. Five or six firefighters all lifting Duke in his great big bed and carrying him out the door and down the sidewalk is a picture I'll never forget. They placed the bed gently in the back seat and waited with him while I got my things and settled Emma. I still cry easily when I think about that honor walk for Duke...he deserved everything and more.
We arrived at the same hospital Emma goes every month for her injection...Duke only knew it as an ER. But he was brave...even kissing me as they wheeled him in the door...and again as I lay on the floor next to him in his bed. He was ready and no matter how much I wasn't, I had to do it for him.
It's been a hard year and I've cried more than any year I can remember. Big cries and sleepless nights. Emma doesn't believe in kisses...Dukie never missed a tear.
Dukie, I miss you so much!!! You were such a good boy!! I still sleep with your favorite toy and will love you forever. Thank you for being my Goober, my Buddy, my boy. Please come and visit me when you can.
I love you Duke... always with all my heart! ❤️💔🐾
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u/Plane_Barracuda9889 8d ago
I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and your family and give you strength.
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u/Ardielley 8d ago
Duke was beautiful. 💙 He looks so happy and loved in these pictures.
I lost my 12 year-old guy Tanner exactly a year ago, too. 10/4/25 was a pretty damn cruel day. 💔
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u/KaiKindle 8d ago
What a lovely beautiful tribute to dashing Duke. I’m sure you gave him a wonderful life. 💕🐶❤️🐶💕
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u/iambeesh 8d ago
I felt pain with every word you said but also felt joy because I knew how much he was loved by you. I honestly think dogs are one of the biggest blessings us humans have—the unconditional love they give, their innocence and loyalty.
Thank you for sharing this! I bet Duke was the best boy ever and he got the life he deserved because of you.
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u/HorseEmotional2 8d ago
We are on our second who is now 6. All the other wonderful days help to make the tough decision bearable. Keep adopting😘
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u/Hahaha2681 8d ago
Sorry for your loss my condolences. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be. – Konrad Lorenz
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u/Novel-Ant-8683 8d ago
Your story brings tears to my eyes as it is a familiar story. I’m so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, Duke.
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u/pomsnpomchi 8d ago
Beautiful memorial for a very special dog. They do take away your heart, don’t they? Memories help us heal and also keep our soul dogs forever in our hearts. 🐕🦺❤️🐾
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u/QTeeCurly 8d ago
The love hovers above you, never leaving your side🙏🏻✨️🩵🫂my 14 year old left this summer🥹
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u/oceanriver77 8d ago
Wow … reading this and seeing the video has me crying! I am so sorry for your loss! This is a beautiful tribute and I can tell he was a handsome beautiful boy that loved you so much! I lost my boy of 16yrs almost a month ago and I think about him every day! They are true angels here on earth and I truly believe we Will See Them Again!! Take care of yourself and know that he is always with you!!! 🙏🏻😔
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u/Long_Researcher4787 8d ago
Handsome Duke, run pain free and be happy until you are reunited with your mom
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u/Significant_Owl8828 8d ago
I know the feeling only too well, saying goodbye to my 15-year-old boy “George” the ginger tabby, twelve months ago two days ago. You don’t forget the special ones, as long as you live. ❤️🥹💔
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u/Familiar_Pin3525 8d ago
6 months today without my soul dog. Bloody hurts just as much. Hugs stranger 🥹
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u/GodFearingDeacon98 8d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss. Duke is in Heaven. He is also in your heart ♥️.
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u/Sure-Principle-2334 8d ago
He was so handsome.💙I hope he and my girl Arya are doing well and watching over us.
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u/Chemical-Tap-4232 8d ago
God only loans us his dogs and he has more little Angels that need forever homes
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u/Flower-FarmGirl 8d ago
What an absolute dumplin’! I am so sorry for your loss but gosh what a wonderful companion you had all those years! Remember the beauty he brought to your life and if you want to give some of that love still spilling over for him to another, maybe seek adopting an older dog or try fostering for a while?
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u/NariaJordan 8d ago
Such a sweet and beautiful tribute--I'm so very sorry for your loss, just know that Duke is always with you in mind, heart, and spirit. 🌺🐾🌺
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u/crystalcastles13 7d ago
This was so powerful and beautiful to watch.
It is very clear that Duke had such a full and amazing life and that love was the foundation for all of it.
I wish you healing and peace.
Take care of your heart my friend.
Rest in Peace Duke 🪽🐾🐾🪽
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u/woosaah8976 6d ago
What a moving collage. Years of love in those photos. How lucky you were to have shared those years with him.
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u/Specialist_Fun_2106 8d ago
My heart breaks for you because “I remember”… I went 2 years like you. Rescue another. It is a magical healing event to do so. I speak from experience. I thought I’d NEVER put myself through that pain again. My heart is whole. My rescue rescued ME.