Name: Nakimiso Remote Name: 72.130.215.84 Date: Thursday, March 01, 2007 Time: 01:35 PM Feedback ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: carol c Remote Name: 24.161.141.38 Date: Thursday, March 01, 2007 Time: 07:52 PM Feedback Thank you for writing such a beautiful column. I hope I never have to experience such sadness, but for those who have my hearfelt prayers go out to you..... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Angie Remote Name: 71.117.171.152 Date: Friday, March 02, 2007 Time: 12:44 PM Feedback a very nice article. it is definitly very touching and even though I am not a pet owner, I love dogs. If my health were better I would have one of my own. The ask buddy column is very unique and very helpfull I am sure to many pet owners. It is a very good article. Thanks for your efforts each month. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: cheryl Remote Name: 66.91.100.251 Date: Saturday, March 03, 2007 Time: 08:02 AM Feedback Very late one evening, we knew that the time had come to euthanize our beloved baby. We found an emergency pet clinic in Pearl City that was so caring, helpful, and compassionate in helping us through this difficult process. We were distraught with grief at the thought of losing a member of the family. First, we were allowed to spend some time alone with our pet to say our goodbyes. Then the vet explained the process before she administered the shot. It was very difficult to feel my baby's life drift away in my arms, but it was fast and peaceful. We were allowed to grieve privately with our baby, and I clipped some of his fur before handing him over to the vet. The staff at the clinic helped me arrange for his cremation and placed my order for his urn. They were very sympathetic through the whole process, even when I went to collect his ashes in his little urn to bring him home. Thanks for writing this informative article. It will prepare those who are contemplating the euthanasia of their pet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Lisa Remote Name: 24.161.149.213 Date: Saturday, March 03, 2007 Time: 05:06 PM Feedback Thanks for writing such an informative column. I have a very loved aging kitty and your information has helped me know what I will want to do when the time comes. Thank you! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Cyndy Remote Name: 66.8.217.157 Date: Saturday, March 03, 2007 Time: 08:11 PM Feedback We had two dogs who grew up together. They were very close companions so when it was time for the older one to be euthenized, we brought both dogs with us to the vet. We heard that when there are two animals who are so close, and when one is taken away to be euthanized, the other would begin to search the house wondering where its companion had gone. So after he passed away, we let her sniff his body and say her doggie goodbyes. Somehow, we think that she sensed that he was gone. This helped her in coping with the loss, for she did not seem to be confused about his absence. We hope that this info will help those who have to go through this difficult process. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: rustywarren Remote Name: 66.8.244.201 Date: Saturday, March 03, 2007 Time: 11:19 PM Feedback It's hard to type when your tears are flowing. What a touching article. I have had to euthanize 2 of my beloved pets over the years. i'm glad to see that today there are some wonderful options available for when that time comes. I love the way you express your thoughts ... so kind and so warm . Thank you again ... I love the Buddy column ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: gigi Remote Name: 66.91.220.204 Date: Sunday, March 04, 2007 Time: 02:39 PM Feedback nice ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Danette Remote Name: 207.200.116.71 Date: Monday, March 05, 2007 Time: 06:56 AM Feedback Thank you for your article and suggestions. I've had to let go of a few pets, and it is a VERY difficult thing to do...sometimes it takes years or wondering if the decision was right on time....It's just a VERY difficult thing to deal with...I'm glad for you suggestions, they are good one...This should be VERY helpful in the future, and to share with friends and family that encounter this situation. Thank you SO MUCH, Buddy, for your insight... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Sue Remote Name: 66.8.143.113 Date: Monday, March 05, 2007 Time: 09:02 AM Feedback One of my concerns was knowing when to actually have my baby euthanized. I can still recall the words of my vet. She compassionately said you will know when the time comes. How true. After 7 months of battle my baby knew it was his time and I knew it without doubt. Its been 4 years and feels as if it was yesterday. Thank you for kindly addressing this matter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Rocky Usita's mom. Remote Name: 66.8.252.2 Date: Monday, March 05, 2007 Time: 08:41 PM Feedback Thank you for the column. I look forward to reading your future columns. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: shelly young Remote Name: 70.95.153.243 Date: Tuesday, March 06, 2007 Time: 09:13 AM Feedback Aloha and many mahalos about your column on pets . I'm truly touched by your article. Here's my way of dealing with our baby's death.My husband's son and friend took our beloved dog we named Kohola (whale ) to the beach. We were training the dog to go on the kayak with us. The friend let the dog off the leash and a car hit him severing his spine. Needless to say when we got the call that the dog was at the vet and needed there in minutes. When we saw the our baby shaking and trembling in pain even after pain medicne) we had to make a choice. The vet said he would never walk again and the chances for survival were dim at best. So while we bent over him whispering what a good dog he had been and what a good friend he was to us, he went to sleep. We had him cremated. My husband and I took our kayak with Kohola's ashes waiting for whales to appear. We had a lei and some floating candles and his ashes along with his doggie tags. When we spotted a whale in the distance we put out the lei with the candles in the middle and his tags. We said a prayer and let the ashes go. They were the color you'd see of a whale under water. a sort to tourquiose blue as if it were flippers and we really thought it was a whale beneath us. When we went in after our goodbyes, tears, and prayers we saw a mother and her calf appeared right in front of us. It was very close to shore. The calf held up a fin as if to wave, and so our mission was complete. It was the best memorial I have ever been to. We got a cousin of Kohola a few months later. I'm sure she's from the same mom and dad as they exactly alike. She's our baby girl and we named her Lola. It sounded alot like Kohola only more femine. Later about a year after we got her my husband and I looked at a house and fell in love with it. We didn't even see the name of the street before we decided to buy it. When we went back to see what the name was we knew it was the righthouse for us. The name of the street is Kalola Place. Home sweet home to two of the best doggies in the world! Many mahalos for letting me share. Shelly ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Michele Remote Name: 74.62.234.198 Date: Tuesday, March 06, 2007 Time: 05:43 PM Feedback Thank you for this wonderful article. Our dog KeAka, the shadow, is a 14 yr old Chow-Golden. We know he won't be with us too much longer. When this time comes, it will now be just a little better for us to bear, thanks to this article. Thanks, also to those of you who have shared your experiences...espcecially Shelly, whose story truly touched my heart. Mahalo Nui. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Kahu's human Remote Name: 66.75.103.180 Date: Wednesday, March 07, 2007 Time: 11:14 AM Feedback Having just having to say Aloha to my best friend a week ago today, this column was something I'm glad I stumbled upon. It still hurts knowing he won't be around any longer and the recurring doubts about whether it was something done too hastily is something I am still trying to deal with. He was only 5 years old and was a fighter to the end. Thank you for helping to make this time of sorrow a bit more bearable. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Rhonda Remote Name: 76.83.151.202 Date: Wednesday, March 07, 2007 Time: 08:29 PM Feedback After reading this article I feel so many pets will pass on with kindness, compassion and dignity.With all they have given us its our one last way to show them how much we love them. My dog Pua is only 6 years old and I know I have alot of good years with her and when the moment arrives for her to go it will be a softer and more gentle way. Its always difficult when someone you love dies but shareing your article with us will help us with the process. I hope every pet owners has the chance to read this . I know all the pets thank you along with Pua and myself. Mahalo ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: hayashi Remote Name: 70.95.124.74 Date: Thursday, March 08, 2007 Time: 10:28 AM Feedback i cried reading this because recently my rabbit died...i can't imagine two of my dogs and my cat to pass away like that...this will touch many people's heart...thank you very much! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: michele from kailua Remote Name: 66.91.126.173 Date: Friday, March 09, 2007 Time: 12:57 PM Feedback thank you for writing this column in buddy's words I think I have seen buddy at kailua beach park in the morning I hope buddy is healthy?? (doesn't he like to chase the birds?) take care ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Bob Remote Name: 72.130.249.115 Date: Saturday, March 10, 2007 Time: 09:10 AM Feedback As a dog lover & owner I'm always on the lookout for tips & help information on improving my relationship with Kai my Golden Retriever. Two columns now, have dealt with end of life issues. Can we expect future columns to deal with living issues? For example, moving, spay neutering, desirable body weights, feeding recommendations etc. I've already read Cesar Milan's book, and occasionally watch his show. There's a LOT of us that want to know more about proper caring for our best freinds. Please?? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Mary Remote Name: 72.130.250.26 Date: Saturday, March 10, 2007 Time: 11:52 AM Feedback I enjoyed reading your latest column, but realize I missed last month's. Could you direct me to it online, or e-mail it to me please? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Buddy the Dog Remote Name: 66.8.244.201 Date: Saturday, March 10, 2007 Time: 02:23 PM Feedback Next months column is about making the public aware of the doggies that are neglected, some right in our own back yards and how to help them, future columns will address how to help your pet loose weight, how to travel on the airlines with your pet, and some pointers on how to groom your pet at home. I appreciate any ideas for topics. Buddy is fine,he is raising money for the Windward dog park. He is representing the BIG DOGS...he is 100 lbs. How do you walk a big dog...come to Kailua Art Walk, March 11, 2-5pm. Buddy will be signing autographs and giving out homemade lollipops as a thank you for donations. Thanks so much for reading my column. Woof,woof, sniff, sniff...Buddy ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Animal Lover Remote Name: 75.85.142.213 Date: Saturday, March 10, 2007 Time: 06:25 PM Feedback Oh my gosh! I read this column and cried the entire time. Several years ago, I had to make that decision for Tiffany Jo O-Keaahala Tutu, and it hurt so bad. It still hurts today. I cried for days and continue to cry today whenever I think of her. A year ago, a relative left Pepe with me and I grew to love her. Two weeks ago, the owner got mad at his brother and took Pepe from me and my mom. Pepe was such company to my mom who is 80 and always made me relax after a long day of work. Taking Pepe has broken our hearts, but at least she is still alive and I do hope she is happy. Huli, please bring her home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Jenn Remote Name: 24.165.43.79 Date: Sunday, March 11, 2007 Time: 09:57 AM Feedback This is a very touching article which brought tears to my eyes. Just the thought of loosing my dog someday makes me realize the unconditional love I have for her. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Jan Zingaro Remote Name: 66.8.136.16 Date: Monday, March 12, 2007 Time: 01:06 AM Feedback Your story about Buddy reminded me about my beloved and dear friend Michi, a Bethland Shephard Terrier that I raised from a puppy. I lost him during the summer of 1996 and till today I still grieve over his death. I've had many pets since his death, but no other animals can take his place in my heart. I had him cremated through the Vet and they were kind enough to assist me in making the arrangements for the cremation, urn, carring bag for the urn and a message on both the urn and the bag. Thank you for your touching and very informative column about Buddy, I hope that viewers out there really love their animals to a point where they can let go when it's their time to pass on into the immortal world. God be with you and your viewers.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Grace K Remote Name: 66.8.244.201 Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 Time: 05:35 PM Feedback Thank you Buddy for the heart-warming story. I will be making that decision about my 15 year old cat this weekend. Thanks, Grace ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Dominique Remote Name: 24.165.42.47 Date: Friday, March 16, 2007 Time: 06:04 PM Feedback I really cried. I couldn't believe this story, this is the same way i felt when my Auntie Lia's dog Makanana died, i was pouring, tears running down my cheeks. I love you Makanana, if you can hear me, I love you. Thank you buddy for helping me realize how special my aunties dog was. lots of love and i hope you do not experience this, love Dominique... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Reality Stuff Remote Name: 70.95.58.247 Date: Friday, March 16, 2007 Time: 11:06 PM Feedback Big thanks to all U people who truly care and love animals. STRONG ADVICE- Do not get an animal because you just want it. Get it because you will sincerely treat it as family. Care, love, feed, clean and do every responsibility that comes with it. Do NOT get it and rid it like a piece of furniture when tired of it, and if it is a temporary thing eventually to be discarded, DON'T get one. An animal is not trash. Be responsible and remember it has feelings to. Do not chain it on a very short leash forever. Please take it for a walk. Reflect if it was you, how would you want to be treated? Surely not that way. Have water available. Do NOT be ma-lepo. no mildew in the water. SCARY- I seen people who get a small dog and the kid squeezes the life out of it or grab it the wrong way and the dog yelps. come on people, show your kid right. They are not stuffed animals. They are live and can feel? Remember humans are animals to, but we can stand on our two feet, talk and somewhat defend ourselves. Can you imagine what animals would say it they could talk to us and tell us how they feel? Awesome article! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: N Remote Name: 72.130.215.84 Date: Saturday, March 17, 2007 Time: 05:27 AM Feedback She was my baby, useless as a watchdog, friendly to everyone. It was hard to discern whether the dog was wagging her tail, or the tail was wagging her. She had Cancer and treatments didn't work. It mestastisized and was causing her pain. I made the decision. I still miss her. I was the first feedback to this article. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: michael Remote Name: 64.136.27.229 Date: Sunday, March 18, 2007 Time: 01:10 PM Feedback informative & helpful. thank you! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: jenai Remote Name: 67.49.130.176 Date: Monday, March 19, 2007 Time: 09:07 PM Feedback I was very touched by your story that brought tears to my eyes. I remembered when I had to make that decision to let my pet suffer or should I put her to sleep, by euthanizing. It was a difficult decision, but I had to say my loving goodbyes and had her put to sleep. She is with me always never ever will be forgotten. Thank you so much for an awesome and touching story. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: Nalani Ohana Remote Name: 67.49.186.63 Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 Time: 07:53 AM Feedback Your article is very touching and made me cry. This is reality, we have 2 small house dogs and we love them. Thank you for sharing... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- Name: MM Remote Name: 24.94.82.248 Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 Time: 10:46 PM Feedback Thank you so much for this article. You will touch and help so many people for such a long time. Are you able to continue the articles with how much the Pets are enjoying it at Rainbow Bridge. Thank You

Hi Buddy Thanks for sharing, this is a great article and Im sure it will encourage many pet owners enclouding myself. I have a male dog "Yoda" and he`s a small house pet. and we love him so much he`s now about 161/2 yrs old. and not looking forward for that day when yoda will leave us. I do believe like humans when we die I would not want negative people around me I want possitive people by my side. I am a Buddhist and believe that at the moment of our death and how we die, is so crucial. and when we come back into our next life is whom or what kind of life condition we will be in. same like animals. We know that we have to be possitive but at that crucial moment how do you refrane yourself from not being emotional for the one you love as like your own kids. thats really hard to digest at that moment or time. But great article keep up the good work. Rusty Iijima

Dear Buddy, Hi, this is Rachel, Kona's mom. I saw you and your mom (forgive me for forgetting her first name, I know your last name is Rizzo). Anyway, this is a beautiful article, very moving and very touching. At first I didn't even want to read it, as it is such a difficult subject. But you handled it beautifully. Have a great day!

Good job Buddy. Love your column. We saw you in MIDWEEK magazine. We saw you on Channel 9 News on 3/17. I hear you are going to be on TV on OC 16 in a few weeks. We love you Buddy.

Thanks Buddy for this column. I had to euthanize my dog Soca on Feb. 22, 2007, who I had since I was 10yrs old and I am now 26. It was a difficult decision and I am still so emotional about it. I grew up with this dog and feel like I lost apart of me. This column has helped me realize that how I have been feeling is normal. I have gotten over the guilt b/c I know he is no longer suffering(Cancer). I just miss him, his presence. Again thankyou for these encouraging articles. Rest in Peace "Soca" Sunrise-Feb 22, 1991 Sunset-Feb 22, 2007

I am sitting here crying my eyes out, I am glad I found this page, I have to do the inevitable, my pom is 15 and I am having a hard time doing this, my selfish side says dont but my head says it's time, he has bad hips, bad neck and is in kidney failure, he is crying is pain, when the meds wear off. Please someone tell me it's ok to let him go...

Your words have acted as a source of solace for me right now. Two nights ago my family and I had to put down our beloved Dalmatian, Jesse. She was 3 months shy of 13 years (a significant milestone for a Dalmatian). Old age culminating in a heart condition and seizures (everything else was fine) proved to much for her and whllst we selfishly wanted to "try every drug known to mankind" to keep her with us just that bit longer, it was kinder to let her go and be at peace. I too, have grown up with many, many animals - and the pain I felt when each one passed away was enormous, But with Jesse, she has left such an imprint in my heart - maybe it's just me getting older... but she gave us joy beyond anything I've known. Do we feel guilty for ending her life? Yes, but I know that's normal emotions to have when having to let your best friend go. We had to think of her first and her quality of life - the drugs may have prolonged her life 1 week, 1 month or maybe at a stretch one year, but she would not have been "our girl", our "spotted angel"... it was time to let her go to God and the Doggy Heaven we all talk about. I lit a candle for her tonight in Church, on my way home from work - and hers was the brightest candle of all. I know she'll always be in our hearts and her energy will always surround us. We will scatter her ashes in the river water where she used to love to swim - covered in mud she would come home proudly showing her adventures. We miss her terribly, but our Jesse lives on forever in our hearts. Goodbye my girl. Goodbye.....

Thank you wonderful people for sharing your heartfelt stories. Anyone who has to say goodbye to their best friend makes me (Buddy) cry doggie tears. Mom and I will say a prayer for you and your beloved pet. My mom cried when she read the comments posted here. She reads all the comments to me. Us pets have a short life on this earth, but we touch the heart deeply. We pets need you humans more than you can ever know. There are so many animals that need to be cared for, some of them are lucky enough to find good humans like you. Buddy licks and kisses to all of you humans. Buddy the Dog.

I had to put my golden retriever, Sonny, to sleep at age 14. I was 10 when Sonny was born and he was with me more than half my life. It was a very hard decision, but he was suffering. The hardest part was that I had to make the decision. Sonny was my best friend, and like a soul mate to me. He knew when I was sick, or sad, and comforted me when I felt no one else in the world loved me. I suffer from depression and the days that I no longer wanted to live, I knew I had to stay here to take care of Sonny. In a way, he saved my life. The last day, I did all his favorite things for him. Took him to McDonalds in the morning and gave him my hash brown like I always did. His FAVORITE thing in the world was to be brushed-and I brushed him alllll day long. It was the hardest thing in the world to have to say goodbye to him. I still MISS him every singe day, even though I have a new golden retriever. He certainly did not replace Sonny, but he has brought a new joy into my life. The hardest thing is knowing I will eventually have to do the same thing with Ozzy as I did with Sonny. Dogs are wonderful creatures, and I can't wait for the day I get to be with Sonny again.