Raider

From the first time that I looked into those beautiful eyes, Raider was truly my "Ray of sunshine." He was always the most faithful and loyal companion, never leaving my side. He was so loving and gentle. He had such a big heart and was a natural caretaker: He always took care of me when I was sad or sick. He even took the role of mother when Magic was unable to take care of her puppies, and when Dakota got hurt he stepped in and took care of her too.  Raider and I have so many good memories together. Like Forrest Gump says, "We was always together. We was like peas and carrots." Words cannot possibly express how much I miss him.

Raider lived fourteen wonderful years, but just could not hold out any longer. I am afraid that he was trying to hold on just for me. I had the unfortunate decision of putting him to rest. A friend of mine sent me a poem that was so very appropriate, so I am placing it here in hopes that maybe it will help someone else out too:

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for we know this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
but don't let grief then stay your hand,
for this day, more than the rest,
your love and friendship must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
what is to come can hold no fears.
Would you want me to suffer? So,
when the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
only stay with me until the end,
and hold me firm and speak to me,
until my eyes no longer see.

It is a kindness that you do to me,
although my tail it's last has waved,
from pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve, it should be you,
who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

I love you, Raider. You can finally be at peace. I find comfort in knowing that you are running and playing now, and will be waiting for me when I am ready to join you.

Please visit Raider's picture gallery and other features using the tabs located at the top of this page.

Number of views for this memorial: 1859

This site was created by
Brenda
02/27/2009

I know I never said "good-bye" Ray. I'm just hoping our paths will cross again someday. Till then rest in peace, we all love you!
Posted by Tobi on 02/27/2009
Rest in Peace Raider!
Posted by Celena McDermitt on 02/27/2009
raider i will always miss and love you!! :( <3
Posted by lacey stroupe on 02/27/2009
Just want you to know I love you so very much, Raider.
You always gave such love to everyone. Such a good, good boy! I will miss you forever. I hope to meet you again in heaven someday.
Till then, just know that I love you so much.
Posted by Grandma on 02/27/2009
May God Bless You and Your Friend.
Iam sorry for your loss.
Posted by Scott on 02/27/2009
Raider,
There are no words to express how much joy and love you have given to everyone in the family. You were a special boy and I love you oh so much. I really hope that you know how much you were loved. I have many beautiful memories of the times I was lucky enough to spend time with you. I'll never forget the doggie daycare I provided for you and Cassidy when you were puppies. You two had such a wonderful time chewing up my floor and door! I only wish that you were here now to chew up more of my house. I would gladly let you. I know that you are in a better place and are sick no more, but it is very difficult to go through this life without you. Look down from heaven and take care of your mom. Help to heal her heart. Rest in peace, Raider. I love you.
Posted by Aunt Donna on 02/28/2009
Raider,

My heart hurts so much today for you are missing in our lives. I know you are in a better place with no pain or sickness, but we just miss you so much here. We love you so much!
Posted by Grandma on 02/28/2009
Raider,
I miss you so very much...Even though my heart is breaking, I know you are now in a much better place and are no longer sick. I hope you know how much I love you and that I will never, ever forget the time we had together.
Posted by Brenda on 02/28/2009
We will surely miss you bouncing into this house when you come to visit. Our heart hurts but we know now that you are not suffering anymore. We love you Raider and enjoyed our time with you.
Grandma Judi
Posted by Judi and Gale Shfer on 03/05/2009
Raider,
It has been one week since I last saw your beautiful face. It is so hard coming home and not having you here. I miss you very much, and I think about you every spare second of every day. Gypsy and Dakota miss you too! The house is just not the same without you...Love you always!!
Posted by Brenda on 03/06/2009
Raider,

You were so beautiful inside and outside! You will never be forgotten. I love you!
Hope you will be waiting for your loved ones when they arrive in heaven for we will be so happy to see you again.

Love, Grandma
Posted by Grandma on 03/23/2009
Raider,
I think of you every day. You have even appeared in my dreams recently. I got a puppy, and I am sure that you steered me toward her to help with my grief. Although I love her dearly, she will never replace you. There is a special place in my heart reserved only for you! I love you and miss you so very much!!
Posted by Brenda on 05/09/2009
Ray Ray,

I am so glad to have had you in my life! You were always so beautiful and sweet. I think of you often and miss you.

Love, Grandma
Posted by Grandma on 02/07/2010
Raider, Today marks one year without you. I just wanted to simply say that I love you and miss you very much. You were my best friend and you will never be forgotten.
Posted by Brenda on 02/27/2010
RayRay,

I miss you so much. You and Brenda were so close and I want you to know I appreciate you being the companion you were to her!
There will never be a better friend to her. The whole family loved you so very much.
You were so beautiful in every way!
Posted by Grandma on 02/27/2010
RayRay,

I still miss you so much. You were such a good boy and I loved you so much!

My Jasmine is gone now, too,and my heart is heavy with the loss. I hope she is with you and Trooper and you are happy together, and that you all know how very much I love you and miss you.

Love, Grandma
Posted by Grandma on 10/08/2010
Ray Ray,
I sent my baby boy "home" to be with you. Please watch over him and take care of him until I can be with him. I still love and miss you and am thinking about you, especially at Christmas. Love you forever,
Aunt Donna
Posted by Aunt Donna on 12/19/2010
Raider,
I hope that you are taking care of Magic and Trooper, and all of the others that have joined you. I still miss you every day. I love you so much!

Mommy
Posted by Brenda on 04/01/2011