I'm so sorry. He had a long and happy life, and the best possible owner. I know you feel you've lost a true friend. Blessings for both of you.
From Shelby
Bless you. My beagle, Roscoe, died in 12/01, my cat, Merle, in 1/02 and then my shepherd mix in 9/02. Both dogs had full lives and although it was sad when they died, they were at peace. This was given to me after Roscoe died and I thought you might appreciate it.
Dog's In Heaven
An old man and his dog were walking down this dirt road with fences on both sides, they came to a gate in the fence and looked in, it was nice grassy, woody areas, just what a 'huntin' dog and man would like, but it had a sign saying 'no trespassing' so they walked on.
They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. "Welcome to Heaven," he said. The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him. The gatekeeper stopped him. "Dogs aren't allowed, I'm sorry but he can't come with you." "What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs? If he can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life, I can't desert him now." "Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his area, he'll promise you anything, but, the dog can't go there either.
If you won't leave the dog, you'll spend Eternity on this road." So the old man and dog went on. They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside. "Scuse me Sir, my dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?" "Of course, there's some cold water under that tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable." "You're sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs weren't allowed anywhere." "Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?" "No sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven, he said the dog couldn't come in. We'll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But, I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too, and that's final.
" The man smiled a big smile and said "Welcome to Heaven." "You mean this is Heaven? Dogs ARE allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't?" "That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but, then it's too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there.
GOD wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, HE created them to be man's companions in life, why would he separate them in death?" Without Dogs In Heaven, It Would Be Hell
Author Unknown
From Ralph @ Pwani Reg'd Kennel Ltd.
Sorry to hear, our prayers are with you...........Ralph
From Linda and Dzenga - Belgium
Goodbye my friend I never forget you,
You give me hope and still do.
One day we all will be together on the rainbowbridge
Diane, I wish I could help you with this great lost. But I think only time can do that
Take Care
Love
Linda and Dzenga - Belgium
I am so very very sorry to hear about MacTavish's passing. What a fine old gentleman he was. I voted for him when he was in the photo contests...I never knew him but I just loved him. I don't have much of a heart left to break after just losing our Tag a week ago, but there is definitely a little room to wish MacTavish God speed to even a better place.
In sorrow.
Cherie Starr
Cimarron
Dear Diane
Oh dear, I am so sorry to hear that Mac Tavish is gone. My hear goes out to you, you must feel very sad and heartbroken now. Loosing a dear dog it's like loosing a family member. I hope you will feel
better as time goes by and remember all the good years you where so blessed to have him.
Here is a poem I hope you like:
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond's glint on the snow.
I am the gentle autumn's rain,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
When you waken to the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of
quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
<Author Unknown>
Many hugs
Jorunn & Papi - Europe
God bless his sweet old heart. That must be some sort of RR record to live to that age. Your heart must be aching. I do know the pain and I will light a candle for MacTavish and for you tonight.
Sharon, 'Dozer and Joey
"For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all ways." Psalm 91:11
A candle will be lit for him in Detroit tonight to light his way across the rainbow bridge
--- Michelle Armstrong
Just looked at your website and all the lovely pictures of McTavish from puppy to manhood. They are so beautiful. Your heart must be so empty and just breaking apart. Our Sushi will be 11 y.o. in May and your dog sure gives us encouragement that she will be around for a long time to come. We really feel for you - he looks as if he was your soul mate.
Catherine, Sushi, Simba & HarryBoy
I wanted to say how sorry I am for loosing your baby. I am 17 and I had a ridgeback for the past 11 years, I had to put him down just before christmas, and I couldn't handle it well. We got two new puppies and they just love life. Well I hope you well to the future,
Jamie
Dear Diane,
sorry for my english i'm sara from Italy (harmakhis rr) I read now your email I'm sad for MacTavish, don't exist words that can overwhelm the empty one that has left you.
Lovely sara & gang - Italy
I was saddened to hear of McTavish's death. What a lovely old boy he looked - and how well he must have been cared for to have lived to such an age! What memories you must have to help ease the pain!
A life well lived!
Regards
Christina MacLeod
Balnacoin Kennels, South Australia
Sincere condolences on your loss
Regards
Cyndy, Ko, Chilpep, Summer & Cassie
STARRIDGE RRs
For love of the breed - Queensland Australia
Our thoughts are with you. I am so sorry. He was one of a kind.
Mona, keith, Django and Layla
Diane:
My condolences on the passing of MacTavish. Eighteen years is an incredible life for any dog let alone a Ridgeback. Regardless it's always to soon to lose a friend.
My prayers are with you.
Ruth A. Eneix
Rafiki Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Dear Diane,
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved MacTavish. We can feel the sorrow and pain you must be feeling right now. Think of all the good times you had together and know that he must have loved so ever so much because he stayed with you such a long long time.
May he be in your heart forever.
We will light a candle for him to guide his way across the bridge.
love,
mariette - Netherlands
My wife and I were so sorry to hear about MacTavish - for having only met him in photos, we felt a very strong connection to him. We began to "follow" him on your website several years ago, and I'm surprised at how much his passing saddened us - he was obviously a very special dog. Our first ridgeback was born the year after MacTavish, and he's already been gone for 7 years - I know you feel blessed to have had the chance to have a loved one like him around for so long.
You and your family are in our thoughts -
Keith Moorman
Ann Arbor, MI
Diane.... how are you doing dear? I know you are still hurting, but maybe it would help to come post with us some.... at least when you are ready.
I had to send this through here....; I don't have your address anymore since my computer commited hari kari. Please mail me when you can! I hope you don't mind what, errrr.... someone did to the title of the forum?
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
Wesley Cannon - The Mighty Pupster
dear one, i think you've been reading all the messages from your friends at the poll vault - or at least, delphi says they're being read.
i know it's very hard to respond, and i don't want to intrude on your grieving, which i know is so very devastating.
can you just send a reply to this email to let me know you're, well, not "ok" but surviving? you don't even have to type anything, just hit reply and send so i know you got my email.
and i'm only an email away if you need anything. my heart aches for you, my friend, and i wish there was something i could do to make it easier, but only time can do that.
love,
mindy
I am soo very sorry for your loss. He has graced the world for a longer time than I have known an rr tooo.
May he rest in peace.............:0)
Petra Cowled
Zawadi Rhodesian Ridgebacks
From Linda (Dzenga) from Belgian I heard of MacTavish. I saw him on your site and voted for him wenn he joined a contest (hope I write this correct) And now she let me know he died. I feel very sorry for, for such a long time he was with you. And now you have to let him go to the Rainbowbridge where he can rest. Let him rest in peace.
Bye bye MacTavish have a good trip.
And for the owners: I wish you all the best, I will think of you and burn a candle for all of you.
Greeting from Petra (Holland)
my friend, thanks for responding. i know it's terribly hard right now, but it's good to know you are
getting through it a little at a time in the best way you can.
please don't hesitate to contact me if there's anything at all i can do for you.
((((diane))))
Hello Diane,
I'm very sorry to hear that your 18 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback MacTavish has died. I can imagine that your heart is broken. He has been with you for a very long time, and you have taken excellent care of him, otherwise he would not have reached this extraordinary age. My condoleances and I wish you the very best for the future.
Kind regards,
Yvette Kaper and RR Jake
The Netherlands
what a loooong lifefor a RR! take solace that he lived a life surrounded with those who loved him.
my heart hurts for all who knew and loved him.
barbara sawyer-brown (aka bsb)
kwetu reg
Oh Diane, I do hope you are feeling just a little bit better. Remember, you do have some other great 4 legged friends that care for you!
I am glad you didn't mind those changes. I have also been trying to let some of those who were so involved with the campaign know what happened.
I am also working on another little thread (not posted yet) which I hope won't bring you any saddness. I hope it will bring a little laughter to you, while at the same time, serving as a memorial to MacT.
You are in my prayers, as well as many others. I know you are hurting, and I have seen that you have been reading the posts, so I knew you were hurting too bad to respond right now.
Wesley Cannon - The Mighty Pup
From: Sandra Dawson
Oh,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Tears here.
There are no words that I can pass onto Diane........Just a "soul hug" and my deep and genuine feeling
of loss for her.
Please pass on my sympathies...and also if you would or want me to announce to the people who voted for McTavish...........of his demise.
BUGGER!! Now I'm really crying!!!
Give Diane my love, as I don't have her addy!
Hi, Pupster. I'm sorry to hear of President MacTavish's demise. I've been having trouble getting into the site so I really appreciate the note. I've thought about all of you a lot. God bless.
Your friend and sister, Sue
SuzyQ! The Pup was just going through some old memories, and wanted to tell you the sad news. President MacTavish has passed on across the Rainbow Bridge. Please drop by and give Diane a hug. There is a thread about sad news.... The Pup is working on doing a "memorial" type thread soon.
Pup, I have been in to give Diane a hug. Please let me know when you get the memorial set up. It's amazing the way the Delphi Community fell in love with this dog.
Thanks,
Paula
Here are some more.... led off by our own Sunshine, currently serving in Korea!
Dear PuP! *wipping* Me too, Pup! Me too! I will miss our sweet MacTavish. Tell Lady Diane for me, I will miss him too!
From a friend of mine at work, who voted for MacT and helped with the pictures....
I'M SO SORRY PRAYERS AND LOVE TO ALL WHO KNEW HIM HE WILL BE MISSED GLAD I COULD HELP IN MAKING HIM THE DOG OF THE YEAR AND MAKING HIS LAST DAYS HAPPY
Diane,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, and I'm sorry that I wasn't aware of this until I read your post on
Jon's forum yesterday. I know how sad I was recently when one of my closest friends had to put their cat to sleep - particularly because I watch their pets whenever they are away - and I know how much it
affects me when I hear about their yellow lab being sick (you name it these days, but he's a tough one).
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how sorry I was to hear this. *Hugs*
Gina
Bob and Dianne, We were sorry to hear from Lisa that your beloved McTavish passed away. it's never easy to lose a loved one and we know you were devoted to him. We hope you draw some comfort in knowing he had a wonderful life. Our best to both of you.
Don & Loretta
again......my heart hurts for you. and again.......you gave him a wonderful life. that is all we can do for our dogs.... make certain they are loved and well cared for. most sincerely
barbara sawyer-brown (aka bsb)
kwetu reg
Hi Diane,
I was sad to hear about Mactavish. You had him for so long and I know he was your baby. I know how it feels because I lost Lucy (my beagle) after only 5 years and it feels like you have lost any blood relative; maybe even more. It's been about a year and a half since Lucy died of rat poison and I still miss her so. I still want to throttle the stupid Vet that miss-diagnosed her as having a back problem and wouldn't give her what she needed. Larry finally got another dog, but it's not the same for me. Take care Diane. Bob finally mentioned you guys bought a house two years later; Congrats! Maybe we can invade Lomita sometime in the future!
Virginia
Hello there Diane & Bob
Well I am obviously very very sorry to hear about your little boy. I couldn't help but shed a tear as it brought it all back about Ben dying as his passing was much the same way - being surrounded by all those who loved him and very peacefully so I know exactly what you are going through. It's practically a miracle that he lived to such a wonderful old age. It must have been your will and your love that kept him going.
I will tell Mum tomorrow. She is a lot stronger than you think - and she will be comforted by your words.
Know that all our thoughts are with you during this sad time and I am very proud of you for being so brave even though I know your heart must be breaking.
Chin us dear sis.
Lots of love and kisses from all of us - especially your Mummy.
Angela - Aberdeen Scotland xxx
From: Marilyn Prindle
My heart goes out to you. He was a wonderful dog.
Hi Diane,
I am so sorry to hear about your beloved MacTavish. I know your heart must be breaking right now. I lost my Sara when she was 18 1/2 but I did feel so blessed having had her in my life for all those years and all the love we shared was great comfort.
Many hugs,
Virginia
Hi Diane: Was sorry to hear about Big Mac passing on but you gave him a wonderful life and it is good he died in peace. I keep hoping to see you on the trail but all I see is Peaty once in a while. It gets lonesome out there.
Hope you and Bob are doing well.--Love you guys--George
Oh Diane,
I'm so sorry. Call if you want to talk or if you want anything else from me. I know how much you loved MacTavish and I know you know he's in a better place right now and no longer in pain. Try to remember how much fun you had with him and how devoted he was to you, in other words, all the good stuff about his long and very good life with the best human friend he could possibly have had.
Love Lisa
Hello Diane
I'm so sorry. How are you?
(((((((((((((((((((((((Diane)))))))))))))
Laylaa
Diane, Bob and family
I am so sorry to have received your news. I am praying for Mactavish and hope at the same time that his energy will give this universe of ours more harmony and peace from wherever he is checking up on us. I know he will do that. No matter what and how old he was, he always checked the situations way in advance (including my bag with cookies).
Take care and don't be strangers.
Hugs Spark and Marjorie
Sorry to hear about Big Mac but glad he went peacefuly--we should all be so lucky. We miss seeing you out walking and only see Petey once in a while. Had a Christmas card from your sister and it was so nice to hear from them.
Come around some time.--George
Oh, I'm so sorry. I will say a prayer for him and you. You gave him a wonderful life.
patty
Diane,
I'll pray for you too. We are so sorry to hear your news of MacTavish's death. If I can do anything for you please let me know.
Abby, Ted, Cameron, Zeke and Wallace
Hi Diane
Sorry to hear about Mac, but he had a great life with a great mom, just like Magic had a great life with a great dad. Now my old guy has another old guy to hang out with until their parents show up. I prayed up to Magic and told him to keep an eye out for Mac.
Hope you are doing OK. I know how hard it is.
Bob and Gretsky
What a dear, dear boy. He will always be a legend on the trail. He was so good to you and you to him. He can run and loop freely in green pastures now, smiling down on you each day.
love, Ann
We are also owners of 2 Rhodesians. We love your site and have been inspired by your sense of humor as well as the unusually phenominal age of Mac tavish. What was it that you did that helped keep him so healthy for so long. We sent you a picture that we made of our dog Archer. Let us know what you think.
Wayne
My prayers are with your entire family but mostly with Mac. I am sure his star is looking upon us and will try to protect us in these difficult times.
hugs
Marjorie
Dearest Diane,
I am deeply saddened to hear about MacTavish's passing. I felt like I knew him and believe me when I tell you, having gone through this kind of tragedy before, that I am grieving with you. I know how special he was and how important he was to you. Losing him has got to be devastating.
At some point in the future I hope that you'll be comforted by the fact that you gave Mac a beautiful, loving home for many years and he was a happy and healthy soul for it. Surely he knew how much he was loved and loved you every bit as much and loves you still - every bit as much as you love him.
If there's anything I can do to help you I hope you'll only just ask. Please know I am here for you if you need it. I understand exactly how you feel. :-(
Love,
Kim
P.S. Please don't feel like you're under any obligation to answer this. I can imagine how you must feel right now and I don't want to add any unneccessary stress. I just wanted you to know that you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Dearest Diane,
I am deeply saddened to hear about MacTavish's passing. I felt like I knew him and believe me when I tell you, having gone through this kind of tragedy before, that I am grieving with you. I know how special he was and how important he was to you. Losing him has got to be devastating.
At some point in the future I hope that you'll be comforted by the fact that you gave Mac a beautiful, loving home for many years and he was a happy and healthy soul for it. Surely he knew how much he was loved and loved you every bit as much and loves you still - every bit as much as you love him.
If there's anything I can do to help you I hope you'll only just ask. Please know I am here for you if you need it. I understand exactly how you feel. :-(
Love,
Kim
P.S. Please don't feel like you're under any obligation to answer this. I can imagine how you must feel right now and I don't want to add any unneccessary stress. I just wanted you to know that you're in my thoughts and prayers.
I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you, and praying for MacTavish, you, and your hubby. I can only imagine how grief stricken you are right now and I know you're trying to hold it together as best you can. Please take good care of yourself and DON'T feel you have to respond to this email. It isn't necessary.
Love and Peace,
Lori
Hi Diane
I wish there was more I could do to help you at this time. It is not long ago that I was in your position when my beautiful Zack left me. I too would have surely gone under but for the support of my worldwide extended family of RR friends. It is 14 months since Zack left me now and I find that even though it is still hard I am beginning to cope with the parting. I know that he is really always with me and this is the thing you have to believe in. If I can ever do anything at all please just contact me and I will always try my best to help.
love and hugs to you all
(((((((((hugs)))))))))
Yvonne and the Hounds of the Bowkerville
You will always be proud to take a Chomananga Rhodesian Ridgeback into your home and your heart.
Our prayers are with you and MacTavish.... I'm sure you have the link to the "rainbow bridge".... if not, let me know... Mac is up there waiting patiently for you...... you will be reunited when the time comes.
Steve
Dear Diane, Bob & Winnie,
I am so sorry to hear about Mactavish. I know there is nothing I can say to make you feel better.
You, Bob and Winnie should come and visit us some weekend. Kenya misses all of her buddy's. There really are not any other dogs around here for her to play with. We go for lots of walks in the hills and she loves the walks and chasing all the animals. When other dogs do come to visit she gets so excited.
We miss you come and see us soon.
Love,
Janie and Kenya
Diane........my love and thoughts are with you.
Any creature that we bring into our hearts are loved and we know that we have given them the best of life that we could offer.
He is at Rainbow Bridge, playing with My Flo-Jo and Maximillian and Otto!!!
and they are all young again!!
((((((((((((((Diane)))))))))))))))))))
Hi Diane,
How are you doing?
That's a wonderful site you put together for MacTavish! You web designs are just really great.
Hope your heartache is easing somewhat. It does get better. When I think of Sara it always gives me a good feeling and a smile that I had such a special love in my life and we had so many good times together. But I swear that first night she was gone I wanted to dig her up just to hug her one more time. In 16 years living in that house I'd never spent a night there without her. It was so odd.
