Today was one of the toughest days I can remember. My dog, Ranger, was hit by a car a little over a month from his second birthday. He was a beautiful big red golden retriever who was mature beyond his years.
Ranger loved everyone and everything. He loved other dogs, cats and all people. He never left the yard, so for the last year or so we never tied him except when we had people around who were nervous around dogs. Ranger was our greeter at our nursery, and everyone knew him. Sometimes, when he was in the house folks asked if I would bring him outside so they could see him.
It’s funny. When we got him, we weren’t even in the market for a dog. In fact, I said repeatedly that this place wasn’t safe for dogs to run free, and I didn’t want to have a dog on a chain. My daughter came to us and asked us if we would take a golden retriever puppy. One of her bridesmaids, Morgan Murray, had his father and she couldn’t keep any more dogs. We agreed to go look at the litter.
I was smitten immediately. This one puppy, the biggest of the litter, climbed out of the kiddie pool and stumbled right over to me. That was my dog! I counted down the days until we picked him up. We were inseparable. I took him to work every day, and he laid by my desk.
He loved the water. Whenever we were near any body of water he had to go for a swim. He loved to play ball, and for a big dog with huge feet he was very quick and athletic. Unlike most dogs, he wouldn’t overeat, and he always left food in his dish for later, even if it was something he really liked, so he was lean. We hadn’t yet neutered him, since several people expressed interest in breeding him.
Early this afternoon while I was fixing lunch, a young lady came to my door and told me she just witnessed two dogs get hit and one ran to my lawn. Ranger was in the house with me or at least I thought he was, but I followed her outside and saw him lying there. I lost it. He was the best dog I ever had. This is going to be one tough grieve. I loved him like a son. Please pray for Roberta and me. We are devastated.
Ranger being tall
Ranger and Charles on the couch.
Ranger relaxed
Ranger gazing over the water
Ranger out fishing
tedmanzer 
Ted snd Roberta. I am so sorry. I know how much you loved your sweet Ranger.
We’ve never had another dog like him. He was a Godsend.
I am so sorry for your loss!! We do love them
as family .you will meet again one day!!❤🙏
He was one of a kind.
Dogs truly were created by God to be man’s best friend. After all, “dog” is God spelled backwards. I lost my “Watson” several years ago and I still miss him. 😢
Ted and Roberta, we are so saddened to hear this news. Ranger had made such an impression on us last week. He was so friendly and full of energy. His intelligence and maturity was as obvious as his stature and vibrancy.
Our hearts are broken for you both.
Thanks, I can’t express how much we are going to miss him.
Ted and Roberta, so very sorry to hear this. To love deeply is to grieve deeply. Savor those beautiful memories.
Thank you Wilma.
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful dog–thanks so much for sharing this. We know he takes a big part of your hearts when he leaves. May you find joy in your memories of Ranger.
Thanks so much. He was such a smart and sweet dog. I’ve been thinking of him constantly, and every time I do I try to channel that love to Jesus.
I’m so sorry. I’m grieving with you. You are not alone.
Thanks.
What a beauty! So sorry for your loss…there’s always that one dog that will have your ❤️ forever.
That’s for sure. Thanks for your comment. The only way I’m getting through it is to thank God every time I think of Ranger. I was blessed to have him even for less than 2 years.