# \[RIP\] My sweet fuzzy buddy Goliath (update) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 25, 2014, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505 "2014-08-25T22:11:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2014, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/1 "2014-08-25T22:11:28Z")
The last few days have not been good in the Witt household. My dog, Goliath, had been lethargic and I could no longer rationalize away his condition. I took him to the vet this morning and he found fluid in/around his lungs. A trip to the emergency clinic confirms that there is fluid, and his heart is not to blame. This is bad news. Heart issues could likely be treated but whatever he has can’t be. The exact problem can be narrowed down with another $7-8,000 in tests. It is money I don’t have and it can’t help him anyways. I want to share his story because he is so important to me. I realize that I may be a bit biased, but Goliath is one of the greatest dogs that has ever lived. I got Goliath as a young puppy from a former Doper named **Ziactrice**. She had adopted a dog from the pound that was pregnant. Goliath was the big dog in the litter, which is how he got his name. He is a small dog, never more than 29 pounds but his big personality matches the name. Anyone who has met him likes him. He is friendly, outgoing and totally charming. He is so charming, that when he (and I) were bit by another dog, he didn’t want to leave, he wanted to play with the dog that attacked him. He has been with me through job loss and more than a few moves. He has comforted me though those times and various bouts of depression. He has served as a wonderful mentor to my young dog Duncan, and I can take some comfort in knowing his personality has rubbed off on Duncan so it sense he will always be with me. If I think about this too much I will not be able to stop crying. So I wanted to share this. When I am a bit more up to it, I will share some pictures of my dogs and stories of Goliath. [Here](http://www.dogster.com/dogs/163449) is his Dogster account, but it hasn’t been updated in several years. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2014, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/2 "2014-08-25T22:53:38Z")
I am so sorry. I love my dog Nathan so much it tears me up to just think about losing him. I hope that however this goes for you and Goliath, that things are as painless as possible, and that you remember the good times and not just the end. This is my favorite poem, about loving dogs, by Rudyard Kipling. [http://www.poetryloverspage.com/poets/kipling/power\_of\_dog.html](http://www.poetryloverspage.com/poets/kipling/power_of_dog.html) ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2014, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/3 "2014-08-25T23:02:08Z")
Thank you for sharing that poem. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2014, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/4 "2014-08-26T16:55:57Z")
Sorry to hear about your dog, **Ike**. It’s a nice thought that his personality has rubbed off on a dog that is still with you. I’m going though the end stages of life with my baby Dolly right now, so reading about Goliath has made me weepy. My heart hurts for you. Peace to you. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2014, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/5 "2014-08-26T17:00:05Z")
^ **Zipper** said it better than I could. Sorry for your loss. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2014, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/6 "2014-08-26T17:37:34Z")
To open yourself up to the possibility of love is to condemn yourself to the certainty of pain. But with a dog, it is always worth it. > [@](#): > > One last word of farewell, Dear Master and Mistress. Whenever you visit my grave, say to yourselves with regret but also with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long happy life with you: “Here lies one who loved us and whom we loved.” No matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail. From [here](http://www.eoneill.com/texts/blemie/contents.htm). Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![EmilyG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/emilyg/32/364_2.png) [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2014, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/7 "2014-08-26T23:58:36Z")
So sorry to hear this. What an amazing dog. ---
**Author:** ![troubledwater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f4b2a3/32.png) [@troubledwater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/troubledwater)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2014, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/8 "2014-08-27T00:17:32Z")
I have nothing as lyrical as what **Shodan** quoted but yes, do try to take comfort in knowing what a good life you’ve given him. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2014, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/9 "2014-08-27T00:57:08Z")
Thank you all. I do appreciate it. It seem like only yesterday he was a little puppy, jumping at birds flying overhead with the certainty he was going to catch one. Or chasing the leaves as the swirled in the wind. I always giggle when I remember you licking the water off my toes when I get out of the shower. I’ll never forget your unique yodle/howl. Or your patience, especially with children. You were willing to put up with things I wouldn’t allow you to put up with. I remember fondly walking you and you would sit in the middle of the path when you saw people 1/4 mile away. You were always sure the people were new friends coming to say hello (yeah, sweet except when people would turn off and Goliath would keep waiting:D ). I remember the dog you befriended. He had been lost for over a week, and his family was happy to get him back. I always remember having the feeling that Goliath was the dog that belonged to everyone, he is that easy going and friendly. I also think that even though he belongs to everyone, I was lucky enough to take him home every night. ---
**Author:** ![InternetLegend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/internetlegend/32/13154_2.png) [@InternetLegend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InternetLegend)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2014, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/10 "2014-08-27T01:09:17Z")
I’m sorry to hear about Goliath. It’s just not fair that they can’t live as long as we do. Our border collie cross, Weaver, would have been 14 in November, and his health had been declining greatly over the past year. On August 4, after he’d had a very bad weekend, we took him to the vet and had him put to sleep. We still expect to see him around every corner, and I find myself not wanting to go out in the back yard because he’s not there. ---
**Author:** ![jimbuff314](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@jimbuff314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimbuff314)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2014, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/11 "2014-08-27T01:54:26Z")
[George Graham Vest](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Graham_Vest) - “Eulogy on the Dog” 1870 Sedalia, MO courtroom : "Gentlemen of the jury: The best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it the most. A man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads. The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog. Gentlemen of the jury: A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies, and when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death." Always loved that this actually took place. Thank you, **Ike** , for sharing Goliath with us, and your love for him. ---
**Author:** ![MrsTime](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@MrsTime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrsTime)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2014, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/12 "2014-08-27T05:09:26Z")
So sorry, it is always so hard to lose a well loved pet. > [@](#): > > Rainbow Bridge > > 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… > > Author unknown… ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2014, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/13 "2014-08-27T10:24:27Z")
Goliath will always be waiting for you. He’s just a quarter mile ahead. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2014, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/14 "2014-08-27T12:24:19Z")
Again thank you all so much. My main feeling of despair comes from the fact that I feel indebted to Goliath. The love and the joy he has given me is something that I can never re-pay. If the pain from his loss has to balance with the joy he gave me, well - it may kill me. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2014, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/15 "2014-08-27T18:04:06Z")
I just found one of Goliaths old squeaky toys that I hadn’t seen in ages. I pulled it out and squeezed it. Goliath’s eyes lit up and his tail shot up. I got down on the floor and we played like we used to. It is both the sweetest and most painful thing ever. ---
**Author:** ![MrsTime](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@MrsTime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrsTime)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2014, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/16 "2014-08-27T18:10:42Z")
> [@Ike\_Witt](#): > > I just found one of Goliaths old squeaky toys that I hadn’t seen in ages. I pulled it out and squeezed it. Goliath’s eyes lit up and his tail shot up. I got down on the floor and we played like we used to. > > It is both the sweetest and most painful thing ever. While this is all very painful as you think about the joy Goliath brought you, remember that you gave him not just joy, but a reason for his life. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/17 "2014-08-30T20:19:39Z")
Today is the worst day in a string of bad days. I had to have Goliath put to sleep today. We went to the dog park and it was hard on him even though he enjoyed it. When we got home his breathing did not slow down and he restlessly moved trying to find a comfortable position. When I saw the look in his eyes that said it was time. Thank you little buddy for all the love and memories. You are forever in my heart. I am forever in your debt. ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/18 "2014-08-30T20:35:55Z")
Changed the topic title as you asked. I’m sorry for your loss. ---
**Author:** ![OttoDaFe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ottodafe/32/356_2.png) [@OttoDaFe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OttoDaFe)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/19 "2014-08-30T20:39:19Z")
Consider this: Goliath (or whatever his real name was) would have come into this world no matter what. So many dogs have heartbreakingly short lives and/or lives which are mainly misery and neglect; because of you, he had years&years of a place to live, food, play and love. Most of all, love. And he went to his rest knowing that he was loved. Which puts him 'way ahead of so many of his kind. This probably won’t help much (if at all) now, but it may at some point. Pax. ---
**Author:** ![gardentraveler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gardentraveler/32/3576_2.png) [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2014, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505/20 "2014-08-30T20:44:59Z")
I’m so sorry. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-my-sweet-fuzzy-buddy-goliath-update/696505.md?page=2)