My Best Friend Is Gone

[Azrael52]

My Dog Stinker, who many of you know either, in person or from his Eric and Ray Show cameos, is missing. He's been gone since Tuesday night. He's a house dog, but we let him rome a lot. Well, he's never gone long. A few hours at the most. He's been gone, now, for almost a week. He's my best bud, and I miss him terribly. He's an adorable, smart, and smart-alecy half-Jack Russel, half-Rat Terrior (A Jack-Rat, in other words). My wife, dad, and I have been all up and down the various roads by our house. I've talked to a few people about him, but the last time anyone saw him was Wednesday (the last time I saw him was Tuesday night chasing a deer out of our yard). You might remember that he was attacked a year and a half ago and tore open pretty badly. Then, in November, Jesse, my cat was attacked and lost his eye because of it. Well, I'm afraid that some animal might have attacked him. Also, I've been told that occasionally people will come through here and pick up dogs at random. It's really robbed my wife and myself of any energy to do much of anything. Your prayers are appreciated and greedily requested. I keep looking out my window to see if he's on our porch or in the field by our house, but he isn't. I keep seeing his food bowl, and I feel like all those parents who just will not disturb their kid's room after he's been killed or kidnapped. There are so many things about him that I've taken for granted. Plus, he knew how to put Eric in his place.

[Ringslinger76]

I'm really sorry to hear about Stinker Ray. Jen's favorite triplet kitty dissappeared a couple of weeks ago. She still tears up periodically. It was one of the outdoor kitties.
I hate that Stinker is gone. Pets are family. You know where we are if you need to visit.

[Jeff Brady]

I'm sorry to hear that. I hope he comes back safe & sound.

[Michael P]

Best wishes for Stinker's safe return.

[Lester C.]

I love that dog. I hope and pray that he comes back safe and sound.

[Papergirl]

I am so very sorry, Ray. I understand the frustration and worry you're going through. And I pray he returns home unharmed SOON!

~Bev

[shrike]

He might be out looking for a new name. :o

Anyhow... as a fellow pet lover I hope he finds his way home soon. It sucks not knowing whats going on.

[Azrael52]

Thanks, guys. Shrike, you're definitely right about the not knowing part. My wife and I have both said that if we only knew what happened, then we might could "move on." He wasn't hit by a car, because I've checked every road and ditch around here. He's got some social issues, so we really don't see him going in a car with someone or even going inside someone else's house. There is a possibility of both, however.

[sk716]

Damn Ray, I'm sorry. Benny once went missing for several days and made his way home wearing a different collar.


Hate to hear one of the Stygian Triplets is missing, too.

[Dark Galaxy]

Our cat was missing for about a week and a half once and came back with a broken leg, and very dehydrated. Our neighbors were on vacation, and we think she may have been accidentally locked in their garage, since she showed up the day they got back. We had thought she was gone forever, and then...there she was. Not to give false hope or anything, but strange things do happen.

Our thoughts are with you.

[cedardryad]

I know how it is to have a close friend/pet missing for a long while. I had a cat missing for a week, we couldn't find her, we went around the neighborhood asking for her and no one saw her. Well after we posted up signs she mysteriously showed up, well fed and groomed. I will pray for you. If you are religious in any way Saint Francis of Assissi(sp?) is a good catholic saint to pray to. I'm not Catholic, but I do admire the man.
Either way I hope he returns, animals have a way of finding their way home even if they rarely venture out.

Is he neutered? That can also be a reason he is gone, he might have found a lady friend. If you think he is gone it might be a wild animal, coyote, wolf or something of that sort. I'm hoping he's on a date.

[Flamebird]

You have my sympathy. When we moved to where we are now acouple of our cats took off and we thought they were long gone.

But after about 8-9 days they showed up dirty and half starved acting like it was our fault. Cats just have NO sense of humour.

As long as you're dog is okay, he'll probably find his way home, so let's all hope for that.


But yeah, not knowing blows. :(

[Larry Dixon]

You have our hopes directed your way.

[Cam63]

The same goes for me, Az'.

Good luck, mate.

[Cream Filled Taco]

Sorry to hear that, Ray. I always got a kick out of Stinker's antics, so I hope he turns up soon. I had a cat that went missing when I was a kid. Turns out she had quite the adventure. She managed to get caught in our next door neighbor's chimney while they were on vacation. They eventually found her, but she ran off back to our house after they got her out. We had some people working on our garage, and this sooty cat came running home. They tried to spray her off with a hose, but she ran off, and we didn't see her after that. Many months went by, and eventually I started seeing a cat in the window of a neighbor way down the street. My mom didn't believe me that I was seeing my cat. The cat had very unique features, so when my mom finally saw the her in the window, she tried to get her back. The neighbors didn't want to give her back, but somehow my mom eventually convinced them, and I had my cat back. She lived to the ripe old age of 17 after all that. So miracles can happen. Keep your eyes open, and hopefully you'll have some resolution soon.

[heystacy]

Damn. Sorry to hear that Az. my cat did the same thing. I hope your story turns out ok.

[Gail Simone]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

:(

COME BACK, STINKER!

Gail

[Alan Lynch]

Damn, my fingers and toes are all crossed for you. Losing a pet is awful; I hope Stinker comes back.

[Shisho]

Oh no. I hope he comes home soon. Have you tried the local shelters and such? Maybe he just got lost and then picked up. If he wasn't "lojacked" with that little chippy, they might not know who he belongs to. Try the local shelters and pet adoption places. Ask your neighbors too.

*preps big juicy steak and a squeaky toy for Stinker to return home to.*

[hellokittykat]

:(
I'm so sorry Ray!
Sending many doggy prayers for his safe return.

I can greatly sympathize because someone let my cockatiel fly out of my front door about three years ago. It is one of the most horrible feelings ever because I still don't know what happened to him. I like to think that someone found him and took him in as their own because as much as I miss him I could be happy knowing that he was cared for.

[Azrael52]

I'm hoping a packet of pictures will show up in the mail showing Stinker in front of national landmarks and such.

[hellokittykat]

I'm hoping a packet of pictures will show up in the mail showing Stinker in front of national landmarks and such.

Have you checked MonkeyBoy's rear for Stinker? Monkey doesn't shower much and Stinker could have bit onto his ass and still be there.

[Azrael52]

I'm sure that were I to look, I'd only find a spare rodent or two.:rolleyes:

[TCJohnson]

When I was growing up, I had this cat that would wander the neighborhood but would always come in at night to sleep on my bed.

Then there was a time that she was gone. She didn't come back.

Then, 8 days later, I was sitting on my porch reading my GI Joe comic and looked up and saw her walking up towards me.

Hope the same thing happens to you...it does happen.

[Night Swordsman]

I had a cat,when i was very young,escape outside the vet's office,about 5+ miles away from my house. He ran and we could not catch him.

About 6+ months later,he showed up at my house,without a word.
He was much more wilder after that than he used to be,but he was home.

Hope your dog shows back up ALOT sooner,Az. Best Wishes.

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

Good luck with the pooch, Az. I had a couple of cats who ran off, but they never came back. Here's hopin' for a better ending to your own story.

[Ed Cunard]

Any word yet, Az? You've checked the local ASPCAs and Humane Societies, right?

[Hurricane]

Sorry to hear about that, Ray. As Vic said, pets are family. I don't live with my parents anymore, but they have an inside dog that we've had since she was a puppy. I know how I'd feel he something happened to her.

I really hate to hear it and I really hope your little buddy turns up soon.

[Hurricane]

Have you checked MonkeyBoy's rear for Stinker? Monkey doesn't shower much and Stinker could have bit onto his ass and still be there.

Check his bedroom. Last time I went in there, I got lost on my way back out. I came out a week later starving, parched of thirst, and 15 pounds lighter.

[Azrael52]

So that's why Eric always looks that way.

No update, yet, on Stinker. I did have a dream last night that we found him in my wife's car that's not running. I dreamed that he had somehow got locked in there. He was really sluggish and skinny, but he was happy to see me. Then, I had the opposite of that dream: I dreamed that I was in bed and started smelling something dead coming from our garage. I was up out of bed heading to the garage before I realized I had been dreaming. That pretty much sucked.

[cedardryad]

Well here is a story that might make you feel better:

http://cbs3.com/video

go under search and type in "pooch returns home". I think its inspiring.

[Azrael52]

Yesterday, I contacted Stinker's vet, tried to call another local vet with no response, talked to a real jerk at the animal shelter, and called 1 of 2 close stores. I'll try to hit the other one today. Last night was a really rough night for me. It's like it just hit me. I really had been holding out a lot of hope, but last night, I just lost it, I dunno.

[hellokittykat]

Yesterday, I contacted Stinker's vet, tried to call another local vet with no response, talked to a real jerk at the animal shelter, and called 1 of 2 close stores. I'll try to hit the other one today. Last night was a really rough night for me. It's like it just hit me. I really had been holding out a lot of hope, but last night, I just lost it, I dunno.

Dammit!
I wish with all my heart that there was something I could do for you Az:(
I, and my family who are animal lovers, are still praying for Stinker's safe return.
Don't give up yet.

[Azrael52]

Thanks all for the kind words.

[Shades0077]

Aw man, I'm so sorry Ray. I hope Stinker turns up. He is one of the best supporting characters on tE&RS. He's also the exact same kind of dog I want to get some day.

[hellokittykat]

My mom works for the Catholic school affiliated with our church. She supposed to add your name to the prayer list when she returns to work today.

[Azrael52]

My mom works for the Catholic school affiliated with our church. She supposed to add your name to the prayer list when she returns to work today.

That's very sweet, thank you.

[Azrael52]

Aw man, I'm so sorry Ray. I hope Stinker turns up. He is one of the best supporting characters on tE&RS. He's also the exact same kind of dog I want to get some day.

Um . . . Sean . . . this is kinda embarrassing to ask, but . . . did you take my f'n dog????

[Shades0077]

Um . . . Sean . . . this is kinda embarrassing to ask, but . . . did you take my f'n dog????

You will receive his collar along with a ransom note by an armed courier some time within the week.

[cedardryad]

Well once again yesterday I heard about a woman in NY whose dog came back after a year. So once again: DON'T loose hope.

[Azrael52]

I just heard one about Manhatten this morning. It might have been the same one. I think that they said the dog had been missing for 17 months (I might have heard incorrectly, though). That dog had a chip in it. Mine does not.

[Azrael52]

I'm afraid that I have some really bad news. Yesterday afternoon, my Dad was dropping me off at the house. On the way home, we passed 2 older gentlemen who walk most of the roads down there on a daily basis. I asked if either of them had seen a dog matching Stinker's description in the last couple of weeks. I had really wanted to ask them since he went missing, but I just hadn't done it. Well, the one guy had seen him about the time that he went missing. He said the dog had been hit and he had moved him off of the road. He told us where, and so we went and looked. It was Stinker. Dad and I went back to my house (about a quarter of a mile if that), and I broke the news to my wife. That was so hard. Then, I grabbed my gloves and a black length of plastic to wrap him up in. Fortunately, my dad said that he'd do that if I'd get started digging the grave. He is such a good man. We decided to bury him with a Christmas blanket that my wife had made for him a few years back. Also, we put in his collar and rabies tag, a rope that he absolutely loved, and a little stuffed toy that he had gotten for this past Christmas. Last summer, Dad and I had built an entertainment center, and we had built some larger drawers for the center that we decided not to use. They were still in my garage, so we decided to nail them together for Stinker to have a coffin of sorts. Again, dad put him in it and nailed it shut. I cannot thank him enough for everything. I finished digging and we carried the box around to the side of the backyard where we decided to bury him. We placed him in it and covered it up. We had a moment of silence and it was over.

Now, the healing begins. My wife and I agree that it's better now that we know. Now, we know where he is, and we can go visit him. We'll put up a marker and possibly plant a rose bush or something. I had thought briefly about some red fern, but figured that'd be too corny.



STINKER

August 2000
to
March 2007

[sk716]

I'm sorry Ray. Stinker was a good dog. When I get home I'll cut you a Stinker's Greatest Hits video including the full length debate where Stinker out barked Eric.

[Alan Lynch]

Damn, that's horrible news. Really sorry to hear that, though at the same time glad you know for sure what's happened.

[Papergirl]

I am so very sorry for your loss, Ray. :(

~Bev

[Weetomuncher]

I'm really sorry to hear the bad news.

I was really hoping the little fella would make it back home.

[Hybrid2]

I'm so sorry.:(

[Shisho]

I know this must be so hard. At least there's some kind of closure. (I was hoping for the good kind :( ). I know the not knowing part must have been driving you nuts. Heck, I didn't even know the little guy and I kept checking in to see if he'd come home.

*hugs* I'm so very sorry.

[Drumore]

Very sorry to hear your story.
When I was around 10, our dog was hit by a car, and some years later another dog disappeared and we never knew if she died, was hit, or even kidnapped (as had apparently been happening in the area).

As I look at my current dog, a 13-year-old dachshund; she is slowing down and having some health problems, I realize her time is becoming more limited, so trying to give her more attention.

I hope things will be better for you soon.

[Lester C.]

I'm so sorry Ray. Through the web show I got to know the dog and and grew quite fond of him. It's devastating loss but at least now that you know you can stop wondering and start healing. In time the good memories will far outweigh this bad one.

[Michael P]

I'm so sorry, Ray. Stinker sounds like he was an awesome dog.

[the4thpip]

http://forums.comicbookresources.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

[Corrina]

So sorry. :(

[Shades0077]

I'm sorry for your loss Ray. My thoughts go out to you and your wife. Losing a dog is one of the hardest things anyone can go through.

[Jeff Brady]

I'm really sorry, Ray. RIP, Stinker.

[cedardryad]

Aw, I'm so sorry to hear that. I know how it is to have an animal die like that. Too many times I've lost animals like that. My condolences to you and your family. At least you have some closure.:(

[Cream Filled Taco]

I'm very sorry, Ray. I am glad you got some closure though.

[Azrael52]

Thanks, everyone. It's been rough. I have to do a lot of driving with my job, and you do nothing but think while you're staring out the windshield, you know?

Shel, that's so cool of you. I was actually gonna call you and see if you'd mind doing that and also, maybe, put some still pictures in with it that I've got, I don't know. Have you told Eric?

[Cam63]

My condolences too, mate.

[hellokittykat]

I'm so sorry Ray :(

My condolences to you and Mrs. Az. Take comfort in knowing that you gave him a loving home and a wonderful life.

...Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you...
I love(d) you so -
'twas Heaven here with you.

-Isla Paschal Richardson

I added the () around the 'd' because I don't believe that love stops just because someone/thing has moved on. If one thing can transcend death, it is love. That is never gone.

[sk716]

Thanks, everyone. It's been rough. I have to do a lot of driving with my job, and you do nothing but think while you're staring out the windshield, you know?

Shel, that's so cool of you. I was actually gonna call you and see if you'd mind doing that and also, maybe, put some still pictures in with it that I've got, I don't know. Have you told Eric?

I'm in Ruston this week, so I haven't seen him. He's probably been through here, though.

[TCJohnson]

I had thought briefly about some red fern, but figured that'd be too corny.




Not too corny.

Sorry to hear it.

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

Poor poochie. :(