Banjo
“If there are no dogs in Heaven,
then when I die I want to go
where they went.” Will Rogers
Banjo
My wife Amy held him as he went to sleep for the last time. The biggest heart I’ve ever known stopped beating. And at that exact moment, our hearts were broken.
Banjo the Border Terrier was gone.
Another pancreatic storm had viciously struck; this time even as he was medicated. The vet called us at 9:30 p.m. and the family went over to say goodbye. He died surrounded by his pack– the people he loved most.
Dogs are like snowflakes: No two are alike. And Banjo was definitely one of a kind. What he may have lacked in brains, he made up for in heart. He was the kind of dog who always wanted to be with you. If you were on the couch, he was right there. If you were crying, he would try to comfort you. He greeted you when you got home like you were the Allies liberating Paris — Never has there been such daily jubilation. He was fiercely protective of his territory and his pack. Lord help a squirrel or dog who entered our yard.
The first time I saw him was when he was six. He was a rescue dog and we were his adoptive family there to meet him. He walked across the breeder’s tile basement floor to greet us. I’ll always remember the big Border Terrier grin on his face.
It was love at first sight.
He loved sleeping next to my then-infant middle son. The two of them developed a special bond. My son was Banjo’s boy. My son is devastated today.
And so am I. Like my wife and I told my son, this is the hardest part of pet ownership. It’s so difficult to say goodbye to a creature who becomes a member of your family. But we know that eventually another dog will come into our lives. There is no way we would miss out on that kind of love.
He lived 14 1/2 years — a good run for a terrier. It’s an even more amazing run when you consider he battled diabetes for his last four years. That was a daily challenge for us as pet owners. It was a battle to make sure we regulated his blood sugar correctly. In the end, pancreatitis caused him to suffer. He suffered a bad bout of it a year ago and the storms started coming more frequently. Stress and worry caused flair ups. So did diet. He nearly died a month ago from an vicious attack that caused his diabetes to go out of control. That left him weakened. Another attack Friday night nearly killed again. He recovered just enough for my family to get home from a trip. And then a third attack ravaged him again last night. Hunched over, glassy eyed, whimpering and hardly unable to stand, he told us it was time.
We could not allow him to suffer any more.
Thanks to everyone for your love, prayers and support of our amazing dog. He was my buddy, my friend and at times my muse. I’ve owned several great dogs in my lifetime. None have touched my heart quite the same way as Banjo.
Good night Banjo. I worry about you because I know how much you must miss your pack. But know that we’ll always love you. And we look forward to the day we can rub your soft ears once again.
Goodnight Banjo,sleep tight,curled up safe foverever in the hearts of those who loved you.
“ditto”
As I write this my eyes are welling with tears by your touching words and you and your family’s love for Banjo. Some dogs are just plain special. Please tell his story to the world.
Beautifully put. God bless you all.
Run free Banjo, over the Bridge, no longer in pain, safe in the knowledge that you will always be in the hearts and memories of the pack you left behind. x
Through teary eyes and a broken heart, I offer my condolences. I , as well as many others, came to love Banjo. It is with deepest sympathy I say good night Banjo. Thank you Ramsey family for sharing him with us.
We ALL loved Banjo~ And we all are sad with you. Banjo was our dog too. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Renee’
Im heartbroken for y’all Marshall. I’ve been thinking a lot about Banjo and I awoke to to see this. I’m so sorry. I know he has that big doggie grin on his face now as he runs through the streets of Heaven. We of course know, all dogs go to Heaven. My thoughts and prayers for the Ramsey Family
I too have gone thru the same thing I had a golden retreiver “Buster Dog” we had him 14 yrs when he too let us know it was time for him to go home. I held him as he went to sleep and that my friends is the hardest thing I have ever done. We brought him home with us and buried him under the trees and outside the windows so we could watch over him as he lay sleeping. My heart breaks for you for what you have had to endure but please know Banjo was greeted at the gates by Buster Dog and he has been presented with his beautiful angel doggie wings. They are checking out all the pretty little ladies and Banjo is enjoying every minute of it he said he has never been happier except when he was with his “pack” and he is looking forward to when you all can be together again he will be waiting for you at the gate. But until that day comes he wants you all to keep him in your hearts as he will you. And he says that after alittle while if you happen to come upon another friend that needs alittle love and affection as he did it is ok with him for you to take him in and love him because after all Dogs and Cats need someone too. God Bless you all.
You said it best Marshall and all the previous comments cannot above states how I feel also.
Marshall, our prayers are with you and your family today….the words of the Garth Brooks song, The Dance come to mind in that without the pain, we’ll never enjoy the Dance..Banjo will always live in your hearts and ours because of your gift of writing…
It hurts so badly. There will always be a hole in your heart and in your life. That’s the way it is with love. And thank God it is because it means there was something meaningful and loving there.
I truly feel for you and your family, Banjo was like a pet to everyone that followed him. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew of him. It is bringing tears to my eyes as I read your tribute to Banjo and as I write this, as I lost my Pug, Harley a few weeks ago to a car wreck as my son put it. I still call her name when I walk in the house. People say it gets better, I’m not so sure. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sweet Dreams Banjo. I look forward to meeting you at the Rainbow Bridge. I have enjoyed reading stories about you and know that you are truly a wonderful soul, your pack will miss you as you will them, and I will miss your stories.
To the Ramsey pack, as your hearts are heavy today, I will be praying for peace for each of you.
Well put MR. Thanks for sharing him with us.
Im sitting at waffle house with tears in my eyes. Thank you for letting us be part of your family through this time in your life. We will miss him in our own ways as well, and Im sure we will see it in your writing as well. I just want to say…Good boy Banjo, good boy
When we lost our 17+ year walker hound a few months ago, my father-in-law sent this.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Bless Banjo and bless you and your family. It’s been a long struggle and he fought a good fight. He loved and was loved and that’s the best we can all wish for… pup or people. Banjo will be remembered and talked about by people who never met him except through your comments and pictures. That’s more than can be said for some people. I feel your pain, I’ve lost some pretty special pack members myself.
I am so sorry… This is Leslie, your dog food store girl. Having met you personally and knowing the food you get for him, I know how loved Banjo was while he existed physically on this earth. He will always live in your hearts. I am sad I didn’t get to meet this fine guy :( please, if you can, bring a picture of him to us so we can hang him on our wall. Thank you for teaching your children that pets are family!
Years run down my face as I read the words that sum up the life of a beloved companion.
Love and hugs to your family. I am so sorry.
Puddles, Dayzee Loo and Murphy’s Mom
There is not a dry eye in the house~ Banjo was so lucky to have his family at home but I am sure he knew he had an enormous Facebook Family.. What a strong, sweet dog you were lucky enough to have come in your life! He had suffered enough–so everyone is happy that the pain is all behind him. All our many prayers will be with the Marshall Ramsey family today as they begin the grieving process along with all of us.. I hope his photo makes front page in Clarion Ledger tomorrow–all who have followed sweet Banjo want to see him honored front center.. Prayers for everyone.. We all suffer with you Marshall and Amy and the boys..
Prayers for your family at this time of loss. It’s not goodbye it’s I’ll see you later. Thank you for sharing Banjo with us. Be BLESSED!
Beautiful words. My deepest condolences.
I followed your posts concerning Banjo. I felt your pain. We love our animals so much and it is hard to let them go. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.I love the quote by Will Rogers. God Bless.
There’s nothing quite like a Border Terrier smile, and there’s nothing quite as soft as a Border’s ears. So sorry about Banjo, Marshall. Missing my Pistol a little more today. He was 14 too. They are (in equal measures) the most exhasperating, loyal, and loving dogs. Glad someone else around here appreciates them!
I had to do the same with my beloved Schnauzer, Brittany, a few years ago. She left us at 14 years of age. But now we have three that are all rescues. One we found on the side of the road. Our job is to give them a wonderful life that so many dogs never know. We have a 12 yr old Lab that we have raised from a puppy. I know we will be helping her cross over the Rainbow bridge sooner than we will be able to accept.
Prayers to you. We humans are the lucky ones to have loved dogs the way we do… they are truly a gift.
When your heart heals a bit you will honor Banjo with your acceptance and love for another pup! God Bless you and your memories of Banjo – Until you meet again! And you will…..All Dogs go to heaven, as just a reminder DOG spelled backward is GOD! Both love us unconditionally!
I have tears in my eyes thinking of what you and
Your family are going through right now. I know
you are glad that Banjo is no longer suffering. May peace
be with you and your family. Banjo is healthy again
and running around heaven. You will see him again.
I know just how you feel. I just had to do this with my Bobby who was a Rat Terrier he to suffered from diabetes for the last year which also cost his his sight, but he was able to still get around and run and play cause he knew his way around his home. Bobby was 9 years old and a terrier is a special breed. he helped me get through a lot of rough times in his 9 years and will forever be in my heart cause he had a heart as big as all out doors and he shared it with me <3 he always had a smile for me no matter what and a special touch to say I Love you Mommy!!! Run free my sweet Baby Bobby till we are together again Mommy LOVES YOU !!!
Besutiful. Made me tear up thinking of my chihuahua, Sheila, I lost last December. We had a long battle with CHF. I think about her every day.
Our hearts go out to you and your family as you grieve you sweet Banjo. We have 4 rescue dogs and it seems we always have 4 as part of our pack, our family but every one is his or her own amazing, sweet and loving personality. We’ve had to say good bye to some very special fur babies over the years and no one is any less heart breaking then the next! We grieve them and then eventually find the time to open our hearts to another fur baby that is in need of rescue although I have to say, in many ways it is really they who rescue us!
Thanks for sharing. I went thru this several times with my fur covered kids. Especially hard was losing my best friend Chip last year. I still miss him terribly. My heart hurts for your loss and is also happy for the time you two had together. I’m sure Chip and Banjo will be friends when they meet.
I can’t see the screen through my tears…this is only a temporary separation…
My heart is full and is hurts for Banjo’s pack. Prayers for all. RIP Banjo.
writing as @diamondbertie I feel like I knew him, I have said goodbye to many friends and it never gets easier. It’s the flip side of having the love of a dog or horse whoever your bond with. It is a privilege and a joy. My sincere sympathy
Having lost our dearest @JinJinDoggy two months ago, I read your requiem in wonder that you were able to write so beautifully about your dear Banjo. We share your tears and heartache at the loss of a beloved fur-kid. #AngelJinny and all the other OTRB pals are there to meet him.
Rest in sweet peace, beloved Banjo. Your pack will meet you some day across the Rainbow Bridge!
Our thoughts & prayers are with your family. We know what you are going thru as we went thru this the beginning of June when Laci our 5 1/2 year old Golden Retriever was discovered to have a huge cancerous mass in her chest that prevented her from eating. She too let us know it was time. Deciding that time is one of the hardest thing to do with a family member. There will be other pets, but no one will ever replace Banjo. I’m thankful that you had great caregivers as we did when going thru the end. Take care & God Bless.
Thoughts and Prayers for the Ramsey Family. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing Banjo’s stories. We couldn’t keep him when he and Bullet repeatedly tried to kill each other in their determination to be the Alpha Dog, and were so upset to take him to the breeder. Later we learned that your family had adopted him and were perfect for each other! It made our hearts glad to know that he was in a wonderful home! So today take comfort in knowing that others are weeping with you and your family at the loss of this amazing dog. Banjo had the best dog grin and a huge personality. Our sincere condolences for your loss.
Thank you April.
Grief is the price we pay for love. It’s hard to believe that some people have never discovered the love of a pet– totally unconditional forever.
It’s so hard to write thru my tears. This was such a sweet tribute to your Banjo. I consider our pets to be blessings from God and Banjo was truly blessed to be so loved. We had a similar situation with a little mutt that my son found beside a country road. We gave the insulin shots until the diabetes could not be controlled. Your beloved Banjo and our Precious are at peace and they left us with so many wonderful memories…Thank you Jesus!
A great tribute! Your Family and you are in my prayers. I’m glad that your family returned in time to say goodbye.
So so sorry but yet I know you made the right decision. Banjo was suffering and now he is out of pain. Yes this is the cost of loving a dog or dogs. We have lost dogs over the years and each one hurts just as bad. Banjo had such a great following. We people of the Facebook world that have never met you or him loved him as if he were ours. I for one am going to miss the Banjo stories. Everyday I would check to see how he was doing. My prayers for your family. I know how today you are hurting.
My heart breaks for you and your family. Dogs are so wonderful; each so different and special in their own way. We had a dog named Max like your Banjo. Losing him broke our heart. He was a beautiful dalmatian with such a big heart,love for his family. People that did not like dogs fell in love with him. Your so right when you say another dog will find you when it’s time. For nine months later, a beautiful 10 yr. old yellow lab found his way to us. The best part Max’s sister Minnie just loves him. My prayers are with your family. God Bless.
What a tribute to an amazing dog! I know you will all miss him terribly. That was the hardest decision I had to make myself a few years ago…but they are forever a part of your lives.
Marshall, April just told me. We cried together over the phone. I am in San Francisco this weekend for work. So sorry to hear about our loss. Despite having to return him to the breeder, it was such a joy to know that he was adopted by the Ramsey’s. I wear with pride the scar on my hand from breaking up the last alpha fight that Banjo and Bullet had before we made that decision it wasn’t going to work.
A Border is such a special pet, and Banjo was the ultimate protector. Over the years, our family always waited for your Christmas card, to read about the pack and to see where Banjo was placed in the sketch. We know that this year he will be in Heaven looking down protecting your family as usual.
Sincerely our hearts are with your family.
Beautifully said, Robert. I am sure it was a tough decision for your family to let Banjo go, but it was the right thing to do. And who would have guessed he would end up a star and SO loved after you made that tough decision. He ended up where he was supposed to be because of your tough decision. Kudos to you for doing the right thing which allowed the Ramsey’s to have such a blessing in their life.
Thanks for sharing ! I am sad to think that I will lose my daughter Gracie. She is Scottish Terrier that is also battling diabetes. She has lost her eye sight and hearing but she has adjusted well. I love her so much and cannot imagine life without her. As you mention, our dogs are family and just great door greeters and companions who love unconditionally. I am just happy that Gracie has been in my life for 12 years. Your family are in my prayers.
For those of us who have known the love of a dog, we share your grief. There is always one special dog…….mine was Maggie. Best dog we ever had and we had a lot of ’em and loved ’em all. It seems that the rescue dogs come with a something that makes them special. Perhaps it’s because they are so grateful for a loving home and secure surroundings that they want to repay the debt with a double dose of affection. It takes a long time to grieve and you’ll never forget, but yes, in time there will be another dog. No doubt he’ll be special in his own way. But for the one you’ve just said good-bye to (I know he’s chasing those squirrels in doggie heaven,) hold him in your heart and celebrate Banjo…the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the good times you shared together.
I followed you when I lived in Jackson, Mississippi and worked for Books A Million throughout the state and Southern Tennessee. Your words about Banjo and his passing touched me. May your family find peace knowing that not only did you save his life when you rescued him, but you also allowed him to pass with dignity, knowing that he was loved. Thank you!
I have kept up with Banjo after following you, then him
On Twitter. My family has four dogs and my heart cried when I read of Banjo’s passing. You are so right when you say you must get another dog because of the love you receive. Praying for your grieving family. God bless!
My condolences. Banjo’s tweets were some of my favorites.
Marshall, in every man’s life he’s allowed one good woman and one good dog. Some will go to their grave without realizing one or the other, so consider yourself lucky that you didn’t have to wait too long for either.
Rest in Peace sweet Banjo
(((((((((((((((Ramsey Family)))))))))))))))
Better to have loved and lost than never have loved at all. You will always have great memories and that special place in your heart. With tears and a sad heart I pray for comfort for your family in this time of sadness.
I am typing this with tears in my eyes and a heart that is breaking for you and your family. Banjo is finally pain free and not having to deal with the Diabetes or Pancreitis that he has suffered with for so long. Marshall, as I read your beautiful tribute to Banjo, I can only imagine the pain that you must have been feeling as you wrote it. Banjo will always know the love that you and your family showed him and in his passing, that love will never cease. He is at the Rainbow Bridge now and is running with the other animals knowing that one day, he will see his “pack” again. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I know that over time, a new dog will come into your life and the lives of your children. May God bless you for sharing Banjo with the rest of us. We all feel that we lost a member of our family.
We feel like we knew him. God bless Banjo and all of you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Even though I never physically met Banjo, I can tell be was a special boy through your words. One day you will be able to think about him with a smile on your face instead of a tear in your eye. He’s at peace now and would want his pack to be also.
What a fine tribute. My prayers are with y’all. But somewhere out there is a dog watching the door at a shelter, waiting for someone like you and your family to walk through and invite him into the heart of the pack. No dog will ever take Banjo’s place, but they can benefit from the love Banjo grew in your hearts and the compassion that has prepared a place for him to love and be loved.
Even though I suspected it was coming, this story hit me like a ton of bricks and I sobbed as if Banjo were my own. We have a rescue Chihuahua/Miniature Doberman, Lupe, and they really tug the strings of our hearts. I know how your family is feeling today and my heart goes out to all of you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve come to love Banjo through your tweets since sky armada set me up on twitter. I am praying for strength for your family. Banjo will be missed by all of us.
A lot of us have been through the loss of a pet. To say it’s heartbreaking is an understatement. Among many, I’ve been following Banjo’s story. We’ve been cheering with the positive updates and praying hard with the solemn ones. I’m so sorry for your loss and the heaviness on your hearts. Still praying, although I know Banjo is in a much better place than we are. God bless you all!
I cried big alligator tears as I read this – so heavy hearted and saddened for your family over Banjo’s passing. I remember the trauma and loss my kids endured when a dog went to heaven (all dogs go to heaven, according to the story). The next Ramsey pup will have a high standard to reach! I think there might be a Banjo book out there!
Christ’s Peace to you and yours, Susan
I’m just so heartbroken for your loss and your family but thank you so much for sharing this with us. So many days this summer I’ve let the heat or my schedule keep me from spending the time I should outdoors with our dog, walking her or throwing her favorite ball. I will remember Banjo and cherish every moment I have with our dog. I will pray for peace for your family during this difficult time. There really is nothing like the love of a dog. God bless.
My eyes welled and now run down my cheeks. After reading this I missed knowing and loving Banjo. I hope he is with my pack that has crossed over. There will be more as my oldest Rowdy inches up in age and I see gray where a black mask used to be. Run free Banjo and tell my pack I will see them all again one day.
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you and your family. I have been praying for Banjo to make a recovery, however, with diabetes, it is always difficult. I will continue to pray for you and your family. I know that he is in a better place with no pain. May God bless you all.
Marshall, what strikes me here even more than the condolences offered you for the death of Banjo and the stories your readers have shared about their dogs is the example you have set for readers about how humans should treat their pets. Newspaper Journalism is still a very powerful medium for education, awareness and even persuasion. I believe that not only have you been effective in teaching people about the value of dogs to society but you have also set an example of compassion, strength, charity, kindness and love and perhaps persuaded people to follow your example of Banjo’s handling from the time you got him until his death. Cheers to you Marshall, one of the few good guys left in the world.
Prayers for you and your family. Those of us who have been through this know that ache in the heart. Thank you for sharing Banjo with us. Our world is a better place for our fur babies who love us with great abandon. We should learn more from them!
My heart is broken for your family. Rest in peace, Banjo, you did good, boy!
So, so sorry. In tears. Will pray for peace and comfort for those left behind. Including me. I’ve come to love that little guy. Rest in peace, Banjo!
I am so sorry.
I am so sorry to read of your loss. Our beautiful border collie/shepherd mix left us on Saturday and we are brokenhearted, too. We share your pain.
Thank God for the love of dogs who teach us how to be good, faithful friends. Sorry Banjo’s crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Of course all dogs go to heaven!
Peace be with you.
My deepest condolences to the Ramsey family-I know this pain too well myself. I also believe all dogs go to Heaven and if I make it there, I hope to me my beloved Dice and Daisy Pig. I’m pretty sure Daisy Pig is showing Banjo where the all you can eat places are.
Wonderful tribute to a great dog (with a huge heart & relish for life). He taught us some needed life lessons… translated from dog-language by an excellent communicator. Good Dog, Banjo! Good Dog!
My middle son clutched the certificate you made for Banjo and cried himself to sleep last night.
Dear Marshall and family,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of Banjo. I know that there is deep empty hole in your heart right now, but I know that as time passes, that hole will fill with all of the wonderful memories and love the you and Banjo shared. Banjo is in a better place now; a place where he does not have to have insulin shots, where squirrels are there for the chasing, and there is always a game of tug or fetch waiting. God bless you all.
Sincerely,
SheltieMom and her 4-footed children Molly, Eli, and Maggie
My heart is breaking for you and your family. I am nursing my rescue dog of 8 years
with problems no where as severe as Banjo’s. We have made trips to Memphis and MS State only to hear there isn’t much that will “Fix” him. You were so lucky to have Banjo for 14 years! He was lucky to have YOU! Celebrate the good years you had. I too hope to see my dogs in heaven. Our sympathy goes out to you and your family. The Godfreys
Goodnight, sweet Banjo. An entire community came to love you. We cheered for you, prayed for you…and now we weep for you and the broken hearts you leave behind; broken, but never to be empty of the love you shared. Sleep tight, sweet Banjo. You’ve made us all a little happier and a little more aware of the simple sweetness of life. May God comfort your pack as they learn to live without you, and may every nook and corner of your old stomping ground reveal beautiful, surprising secrets of joy and spontaneous smiles as memories of you come spilling out. Sleep tight, sweet Banjo. It’s all green grass and sunshine now.
So sorry – we have been in that situation and it took us many years before deciding to get more pets. When they went to “doggie heaven” it took many more years before we got two more. They are an every day joy in their lives and I can not imagine going through it again but their love and companionship has been worth it. Remember the many good years with Banjo and treasure the memory of unconditional love.
Our sorrows are the price we pay for the gift of love. Banjo was the perfect match with the Ramsey family. Y’all brought quality years to his life and gave soooooooo much tender, love and care…enabling him to reach the day which was intended for him to journey to the meadow. Love and comfort to you and yours!
My heart hurts for you – have been where you are, and no, there will never be another dog quite like Banjo. And you will always miss him. But – there will be room in your heart to love another dog that needs a loving family. I’ll be praying God will soon ease the pain you’re all feeling now. Thanks for sharing stories of Banjo with everyone. He obviously lived a lot of good, happy years with your family.
Man…that breaks my heart. I have two younger dogs; a Chihuahua named Yoga and a Dachschund/Yorkie “Dorkie” named Sadie. I dread the day I have to face this with either of them. I think I’ll hold them just that much tighter tonight when we drift off to sleep. Thank you for this post and I’m very sorry for your loss.
Such a loving tribute. Once again, I thought of that same quote from Will Rogers. I have lost three dogs of my own at around that age. It is sometimes debated whether or not our pets go to Heaven. My thought is this: Our God is a loving God, and I believe that whatever made us happiest during our life on earth, our God will provide in abundance in Heaven – that includes the love of our furry friends. There are people and pets that I can’t wait to see when I get there. May God comfort you in your time of loss.
Dear Ramsey Family, I am so sorry for your loss of Banjo. He was a wonderful loved member of the family and you will always remember him and love him. I can assure you that he has some wonderful dogs and people who were waiting for him and are now showing him the same love he gave all of you. He will be there for you at your time too. This is a difficult time but the pain does lessen as you remember him and all of the joy he brought you. You will also find room in your heart for another dog who will not replace Banjo but complement what he did in his life.
Prayers for the Ramsey family as you begin a new week, a different week. I’m the one who held our two labs when they went to sleep. It was the right thing to do, but it wasn’t easy. We’re now taking care of a post-surgical 13-year-old Golden who wouldn’t be here is we hadn’t rescued her. It’s almost like she knows! Thank you for showing people everywhere what it means to truly care for an animal, to do right by them, and to treat them with love and respect. So many people don’t.
“Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.” Proverbs 12:10 ESV
Banjo was a great dog. He was blessed with a great family!
Sweet Ramsey family,
We just went thru this same thing one week ago today. We had to put our sweet 12 year old to sleep. She had epilepsy and cancer (we didn’t know til autopsy) but she let us know it was time to go. Never EVER is it easy.
We got a card in the mail later in the week that looked like a thank you note. As I opened it and saw it was from the vet’s (who happens to be my brother) office. It was a card with a little poem on in and our Missy’s footprint. My daughter proudly hung it on our refrigerator as I quietly sobbed in the bathroom.
Thanks for sharing Banjo with all of us!
My deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved Banjo. Rest in the peace of knowing he is healthy and running free, while waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. Having been in similar circumstances with my yellow lab, Rebel, I acknowledge your loss and pain. It will lessen over time, but it never completely goes away. Prayers and hugs as you grieve for Banjo.
So sorry for your loss. I know the pain well myself! And I’m with Will Rogers on that quote! ;) It’s a very hard thing to take, but knowing my babies are in Heaven with their creator, it eases the pain. Hope your hearts mend soon so you can give another doggie the love I know you gave Banjo. God Bless!
Dear Marshall and family,
Thank you for sharing Banjo with all of us and for having the strength to write this beautiful tribute to him. It is never easy to put a beloved pet to sleep but it is the last kind thing we can do for them in this world. I KNOW anjo is in Heaven now and will be waiting for the day his pack joins him. Take comfort in knowing you gave him a wonderful life. My prayers are with you and your family.
There is always that one special dog. Regardless of how many you have had the pleasure of having as your friend, one always hold a little bigger piece of your heart. . Rascal was the one who stole my heart. He was a rescue Snorkie. He had lots of family members to greet him and every day is one day closer to seeing him again. Thanks for sharing Banjo with us.