The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum » A Personal Message From Your Moderator

RadioActive · August 30, 2025 9:44 pm

For the past several months, I've heard from many people via DM's inquiring about some health issues in my family and wishing me well. I was very grateful for those who wrote me off board for their support.

So it is with the heaviest heart I've ever had that I have to report to those members that I lost my precious dog Smiley today. A mobile vet came to my house and, in the backyard where he'd spent so many happy times, she let him go peacefully and without pain under his favourite tree.

Smiley had been diagnosed with liver cancer in November 2024, and the vets told me he had just weeks to live. But I dedicated myself to his care 24/7 and managed to keep him going fairly happily for the next nine months. Sadly, he'd stopped eating the last three days, was plagued by arthritis and weakening back legs and was generally getting weaker and not breathing well.

And so, on Saturday, I let him go from his suffering. Sadly, now the only one truly suffering is me.

Normally I would not write about this here, but the folks on the SOWNY DMs have been so kind about checking on him that I just wanted to offer a personal thank you to all of them. Your kindness and support will never be forgotten and it meant a lot to both of us.

There will never be another dog like him. If you've ever owned a pet, you'll know what I mean when I say this was "the one." I will never get over his loss. He was simply the greatest friend I've ever had. Twelve and a half years is a good life span for a big dog. But I can honestly tell you, between oceans of tears, that forever would not have been long enough.

Goodbye my boy. And thanks for giving me the best dozen years I will ever have.

splunge · August 30, 2025 10:00 pm

i can relate and know the pain. remember the happy times.

Paul Jeffries · August 30, 2025 10:24 pm

So sorry to hear, RA. My condolences.

PJ

Lorne · August 30, 2025 10:26 pm

My deepest condolences, RA, and thanks for letting us know about your loss. You were obviously very fortunate to have him in your life, and I think that he was just as fortunate to have you in his.

turkeytop · August 30, 2025 10:36 pm

So sorry. Such a beautiful dog. Treasure the memories. I know how you feel. I've experienced the same loss too many times during this long life. He will haunt your home for a while. You'll hear sounds and catch quiuck glimpses.

Our last dog, Janet, we had to put down 20 years ago. We still think of her and speak of her every day.

Last edited by turkeytop (August 30, 2025 10:38 pm)

TomTV · August 31, 2025 12:25 am

My deepest condolences to you RA, while I've never been a pet owner myself a good friend of mine also had to let his dog go earlier this year due to illness and in our subsequent conversations it was clear that it was very much akin to losing a family member.

And another friend just this summer lost their cat, and while he quickly replaced it with a new cat (almost identical to the one that had passed), he still carries fond memories of more than a decade with his former pet. It's always a tough period to go through.

Walter · August 31, 2025 2:31 am

Sincere condolences for your loss.

Listener · August 31, 2025 5:22 am

I am reading this as tears well up in my eyes. I cannot and will not, find a better and loving friend than our dog. My sincere condolences.

Jody Thornton · August 31, 2025 6:00 am

I'll keep you and Smiley's memory in my thoughts RA. Last year, I had to say goodbye to my feline pal, Tisha, who was with me for nearly eighteen years. She was nineteen when she passed on April 9, 2024, a day after my own birthday. Heartbreaking, as she was indeed family. And I can see Smiley was the same for you.

andysradio · August 31, 2025 6:31 am

Sorry for your loss RA. Losing a loved pet is so hard

Leslieville Bill · August 31, 2025 7:52 am

I’m so sorry for your loss. Smiley was clearly deeply loved and cherished, and it’s touching to hear how much joy he brought you. Sending you strength and comfort during this difficult time.

unclefester · August 31, 2025 8:34 am

Gone through the same RA with our family cats over the many years

I have to leave the "arrangements" etc to my wife as I am always a blubbering mess

It is never ever easy

BowmanvilleBob · August 31, 2025 9:18 am

Our pets give us so much and ask for so little in return. Their unconditional love is often what makes it so hard to end their pain. Thanks RA for doing the right thing for your four-legged friend and condolences on your loss.

mic'em · August 31, 2025 9:38 am

As with the loss of any cherished soul in our lives, you will never get over it, but you will learn to live with it. My wife and I have not taken a new pet into our home after losing two dogs within a year of each other , the second last year which I had posted about here. On my drive into work and back each weekday , I go through the property of College Boreal in Sudbury, where the SPCA has it's shelter. I pass by the workers walking the dogs that they have in their care and it does indeed tug at my heart , but we have made the decision at this point in our lives to not have another pet. I wish you well RA and peace be upon on you quickly.

RadioActive · August 31, 2025 10:19 am

Thank you all for your kind responses. I can barely get through this day, as everything in my house reminds me of him and I keep expecting him to show up looking for a walk or a cookie. I am in a terrible place, but your good wishes help more than you know.

I miss you Smiley and always will! There has never been a greater or more loving friend.

darcyh · August 31, 2025 10:22 am

So sorry RA. I can feel your heartache.

Everyday with a treasured pet is a gift and Smiley gave you 12 and half years.

paterson1 · August 31, 2025 11:10 am

Sorry to hear about your loved pet. Just remember RA, the tears today will be replaced with warm comfort, smiles, and laughter when you think back about all of the joy and happiness that Smiley gave. Take care.

maybo · August 31, 2025 11:21 am

My condolences, RA. Saying goodbye to our four-legged family members is always so incredibly difficult. In time, the memories will bring smiles, not grief. Smiley was one of the lucky ones, being the recipient of your unending love and care.

Capricasix · August 31, 2025 11:37 am

I’m very sorry for your loss, RA. He was obviously the best boy ever.

May his memory be a blessing.

eladb · August 31, 2025 1:50 pm

So sorry for your loss RA....I know how it feels, having lost several pets over the years. They are a full-fledged part of the family.

Last edited by eladb (August 31, 2025 11:57 pm)

Storm · August 31, 2025 3:02 pm

I am so sorry. Pets become part of the family - a big part. We had both a dog and a cat which came into our home a year apart and both left a year apart, in each case after 18 years. There is no question, the loss is real and it hurts, but you will always have the memories. Our thoughts are with you.

SteveM · August 31, 2025 4:05 pm

So very sorry to hear of your loss RA.
We had a beautiful black lab, raised her from a puppy. She sadly went the way your beautiful dog Smiley went.
Indeed, tears will flow. Yet, they will eventually be replaced with many warm memories.
Our most sincere condolences to you.
A pet IS truly a family member.

Dale Patterson · August 31, 2025 4:15 pm

Sorry to hear about Smiley. We had a dog years ago that was like a family member. I still think about her.

torontostan · August 31, 2025 4:57 pm

My condolences, RA.....

newsguy1 · August 31, 2025 6:35 pm

Awfully sorry to hear this, man.
Hope to talk to you when you feel ready.
Just take time to absorb the loss.

Muffaraw Joe · August 31, 2025 6:59 pm

Sorry for your loss, RA, wishing you grace and just be gentle with life right now man.

Prayers sent.

bbqguy1962 · August 31, 2025 7:12 pm

Nothing beats the love of a pet. Sorry for your loss.

jughead jones · August 31, 2025 9:52 pm

The single worst day of my adult life was saying goodbye to my Bichon. I am very sorry. Only time helps, but since I never lie, the feeling of loss never completely goes away.

RonaldS · September 1, 2025 3:10 am

Hi RA. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I said goodbye to my 20-ish year old cat earlier this year and I still expect to see her curled up next to my pillow where she often slept.

Take time to grieve.

mace · September 1, 2025 6:45 am

I helped my sister grieve through the loss of her first two golden retrievers named Baxter and Doug. She is on her third now named Simon who hopefully remains for a good number of years. Do you think, down the road, you will get another furry friend to keep you company? The photo of Smiley that you posted was absolutely adorable. Perhaps you have other photos of Smiley you could share. I think your SOWNY family members would enjoy that.