At 2am this morning my mastiff Martin died in my arms. He was 8 years old. Martin was sort of famous around here. A big brindle mastiff, winning "favorite fan" and "biggest dog contests" around the area. He was a special, special dog and I will miss him terribly. Those who met him I know will never forget him.

Martin...you truley were a gentle giant. Your heart was as big as you. You tolerated people and kids running up to pet you and people staring at you everywhere you went. Always a gentleman, you made the breed proud. I will miss you very much. I know one day we will meet again. A heaven without Martin would be like hell. RIP big boy. I love you!!

Awww! What a handsome boy!! :huggy:

How much did he weigh?

Oh no! RIP Martin...and to you and his daddy, :huggy: He was such a sweet boy. I met him at Rita's.

:huggy:Sorry to hear :huggy:

At 2am this morning my mastiff Martin died in my arms. He was 8 years old. Martin was sort of famous around here. A big brindle mastiff, winning "favorite fan" and "biggest dog contests" around the area. He was a special, special dog and I will miss him terribly. Those who met him I know will never forget him.

Martin...you truley were a gentle giant. Your heart was as big as you. You tolerated people and kids running up to pet you and people staring at you everywhere you went. Always a gentleman, you made the breed proud. I will miss you very much. I know one day we will meet again. A heaven without Martin would be like hell. RIP big boy. I love you!!

What a beautiful boy! I'm so sorry for your loss. :huggy: He looks like he was loved very much and had a wonderful home.

Oh no! RIP Martin...and to you and his daddy, :huggy: He was such a sweet boy. I met him at Rita's.
Thank you. His daddy is very upset. He was 220lbs and all heart.

:frown: Bye Martin. :huggy:

Aw, I'm sorry you lost your pup :huggy:

Sorry for your loss... :huggy:

One of the hardest times I've ever had was when I lost my last dog... he was special too. It sucks that we have to deal with this kind of pain so very often in order to have the joy of their company.

At 2am this morning my mastiff Martin died in my arms. He was 8 years old. Martin was sort of famous around here. A big brindle mastiff, winning "favorite fan" and "biggest dog contests" around the area. He was a special, special dog and I will miss him terribly. Those who met him I know will never forget him.

Martin...you truley were a gentle giant. Your heart was as big as you. You tolerated people and kids running up to pet you and people staring at you everywhere you went. Always a gentleman, you made the breed proud. I will miss you very much. I know one day we will meet again. A heaven without Martin would be like hell. RIP big boy. I love you!!

This makes me cry everytime I read it, thinking of my precious pets that have gone before. I thought I'd share it. The link to it is at the bottom.



RainbowsBridge.com
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...

Rainbow Bridge Poem (http://www.rainbowbridge.com/Poem.htm)

Sorry for your loss. :huggy: Did Martin attend the Oyster Festival?

sorry for your loss, he was a great dog

Sorry for your loss. :huggy: Did Martin attend the Oyster Festival?
He did one year. Was quite the hit. Got more attention then the oysters. Everyone loved Martin. He just made you smile.

Sorry for your loss.

RIP ~ Martin

He was 220lbs and all heart.

Oh my! I don't think I've ever seen a doggie that big.

So sorry for your loss

Im so sorry for your loss. How sad. He was a beautiful big boy.

Condolences to you and the family FrmGrl

I'm very sorry for your loss. I know how it feels to lose a loyal and loving friend and companion.

He did one year. Was quite the hit. Got more attention then the oysters. Everyone loved Martin. He just made you smile.

I thought I recognized him! He was so beautiful and well behaved!!! Oh, and did I mention, HUGE???

At 2am this morning my mastiff Martin died in my arms. He was 8 years old. Martin was sort of famous around here. A big brindle mastiff, winning "favorite fan" and "biggest dog contests" around the area. He was a special, special dog and I will miss him terribly. Those who met him I know will never forget him.

Martin...you truley were a gentle giant. Your heart was as big as you. You tolerated people and kids running up to pet you and people staring at you everywhere you went. Always a gentleman, you made the breed proud. I will miss you very much. I know one day we will meet again. A heaven without Martin would be like hell. RIP big boy. I love you!!


I feel your pain. We had our mastiff put down almost 4 years ago. I still call the dogs her name sometimes. Her picture stil sits on the mantle. Our male we have now, we are making every minute count as he is 91/2 years old. Mastiffs are truley one of a kind.
So sorry for your loss..........

:huggy: it is so hard to lose our friends and companions.

I am so sorry :huggy: RIP Martin

Sorry for the loss of your loved one.
Rest In Peace Martin.

FrmGrl,
Martin was a very special boy that we will all miss dearly! :bawl: He was truly a gentle giant and always willing to be loved on by all. I think he touched many souls in his lifetime and probably showed many people, who would normally be afraid of a dog that size, what a great dog he was! :huggy: to you and Hubby.

RIP Martin!!!!

A Dog Named Martin....

Met him just once, he was beautiful and so sweet. And soo big!
Just saw this today:
YouTube - GoD And DoG by WJ Francisco (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY)
much sympathy on your loss :flowers:

I am so sorry...I loved Martin.

First time I met him back in 2006 he came running over to me and I thought I was going to die. He was/is a gentle giant and showed me how much love Mastiffs can show.

What a beautiful dog. I'm sorry for your loss and sorry that I never met him. :huggy:

Thanks everyone for your kind words. I know he will not be forgotten.

He was a very handsome boy, RIP Martin. My condolences to you and your family. It's almost like losing a child. :huggy:

He was a very handsome boy, RIP Martin. My condolences to you and your family. It's almost like losing a child. :huggy:

Losing a Dog is NOTHING like losing a child.

Losing a Dog is NOTHING like losing a child. Lunatics.

Just what is your agenda?

I am truly sorry for your loss. One of my favorite quotes.

"The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven, not man's." - Mark Twain, Letter to W D Howells, 4/2/1899

Losing a Dog is NOTHING like losing a child.

I beg to differ. In Aug of 07 I lost my patrol partner of 9 years. I've lost family, friends, my father, stepfather, father-in-law... I have 2 children, one of whom when born had some issues that luckily turned out OK, but at the time...

Anyway, the point is, I never shed a tear through any of that. Be strong for the family, and all. But when that stupid dog died, it was a solid 2 weeks of pure emotional hell. Felt like someone cut off one of my limbs. For 9 years that dog was my constant companion, never more than 20 feet from me, even at work and at home. You get VERY accustomed to their presence, and in many cases, can become very emotional dependent on them.

Let's also not forget that for many people, a dog is a surrogate child. They don't or can't have human children, and so the dog takes that role in their lives. Do you think the significance of the animal to them suddenly ceases upon its death? The value of a life, animal or human, is relative to the value that the individual mourning places in it. I know plenty of people that treat their dogs far better than some people in my neighborhood treat their kids.

Just because these people here don't tie their dog to a tree in the backyard and forget it exists, does not make them lunatics.

So sorry for your loss.

There is nothing like a mastiff. They leave a huge hole in your
heart.

I beg to differ. In Aug of 07 I lost my patrol partner of 9 years. I've lost family, friends, my father, stepfather, father-in-law... I have 2 children, one of whom when born had some issues that luckily turned out OK, but at the time...

Anyway, the point is, I never shed a tear through any of that. Be strong for the family, and all. But when that stupid dog died, it was a solid 2 weeks of pure emotional hell. Felt like someone cut off one of my limbs. For 9 years that dog was my constant companion, never more than 20 feet from me, even at work and at home. You get VERY accustomed to their presence, and in many cases, can become very emotional dependent on them.

Let's also not forget that for many people, a dog is a surrogate child. They don't or can't have human children, and so the dog takes that role in their lives. Do you think the significance of the animal to them suddenly ceases upon its death? The value of a life, animal or human, is relative to the value that the individual mourning places in it. I know plenty of people that treat their dogs far better than some people in my neighborhood treat their kids.

Just because these people here don't tie their dog to a tree in the backyard and forget it exists, does not make them lunatics.

No comment.

:bawl:

I still can't make myself pick up my girl Inka's ashes from the vet's office and she's been gone almost 6 years. My son lost his favorite dog when he was 17, (he's 21 now) and the AF lost the walnut box his ashes are in when they moved to Japan last year. He's STILL angry about it.

We understand.

RIP Big Guy.

Losing a Dog is NOTHING like losing a child.
I dont know who you are but please keep your mean comments to youself. I have no children. My dogs are all I have. This is a very emotional time for me. A big piece of my heart is gone. So please, if you dont have anything nice to say, go to another thread.

Everyone else, thank you. Your kinds words have been helpful through this difficult time.

Are you the women who owns 3 of these big dogs and the have a garage that is made into a home just for them?

I am very sorry for your loss. You and Martin were so lucky to have each other. :huggy:

Losing a Dog is NOTHING like losing a child.

To post something like this in a thread that has nothing to do with you is just rude. You can't say how someone feels about something unless you have lived their life. Losing either a child or an animal companion isn't easy.

If you have lost a child I am sorry for your loss as well :huggy:

Are you the women who owns 3 of these big dogs and the have a garage that is made into a home just for them?
No, but she sounds like my kind of gal!! I had two. Kahlua passed a couple months ago and then Martin. Both Brindles. I didnt need to make a home for them, they pretty much took over the whole house themselves:killingmeWe used to say we bought the house and property for them,( and the horses) we were just guests!

No, but she sounds like my kind of gal!! I had two. Kahlua passed a couple months ago and then Martin. Both Brindles. I didnt need to make a home for them, they pretty much took over the whole house themselves:killingmeWe used to say we bought the house and property for them,( and the horses) we were just guests!


:killingmeThats how my house is..

I met the lady I was talking about at the vets one day, her dogs are all like your 220 + lbs. All brindles as well and all sweet as can be.

I am sorry for your loss.

Are you the women who owns 3 of these big dogs and the have a garage that is made into a home just for them?

What area are you talking about?

What area are you talking about?


I believe she told me St. Marys Co.

I believe she told me St. Marys Co.

I live in st. mary's too. We have mastiffs that use our garage but they are not brindle. A lady that lives across the street from me breeds them, she has about 10 of them.

I live in st. mary's too. We have mastiffs that use our garage but they are not brindle. A lady that lives across the street from me breeds them, she has about 10 of them.


Does one of them have a funny name? I am trying to remeber what it was.

UGH...

It's very hard when you lose a companion. All of my dogs are special but Mastiffs have worked their way into my heart. Something about them........We lost Fergi almost 4 years ago. Her tag is still on my keyring and her stocking still gets put out at Christmas. Just the other day I called my doxie Fergi. Kind hard to get those two mixed up, lol. She must have been passing through and wanted me to know.

Does one of them have a funny name? I am trying to remeber what it was.

UGH...

I do not believe she has any brindles either. Her house is back in the woods, can't see it from the road. So it must not be her.

It's very hard when you lose a companion. All of my dogs are special but Mastiffs have worked their way into my heart. Something about them........We lost Fergi almost 4 years ago. Her tag is still on my keyring and her stocking still gets put out at Christmas. Just the other day I called my doxie Fergi. Kind hard to get those two mixed up, lol. She must have been passing through and wanted me to know.


They are amazing like that, aren't they......

I got another Mastiff in November. She is wild. So much energy. She is a year old now, starting to calm down. She is soooooooo sweet. I may complain about her and how out of control she can act sometimes but I would not trade her for anything.

I got another Mastiff in November. She is wild. So much energy. She is a year old now, starting to calm down. She is soooooooo sweet. I may complain about her and how out of control she can act sometimes but I would not trade her for anything.


Are all Mastiff's that size? or is it just a certain breed of Mastiff's?

Are all Mastiff's that size? or is it just a certain breed of Mastiff's?

English Mastiffs are the biggest of the Mastiff breed. I prefer to have them on the small size. My male is about 165lbs, on the small side. But he is also old and has lost a lot of muscle mass over the summer. His dad was 210lbs. My female I have now will reach about 150 lbs. My husband keeps saying the next one we get is gonne be huge, I don't think so.

English Mastiffs are the biggest of the Mastiff breed. I prefer to have them on the small size. My male is about 165lbs, on the small side. But he is also old and has lost a lot of muscle mass over the summer. His dad was 210lbs. My female I have now will reach about 150 lbs. My husband keeps saying the next one we get is gonne be huge, I don't think so.
They are something special. Martin was really laid back. Never got into much trouble. His sister however ate an entire couch one day. She was around 165lbs and he was 220lbs. His dad was 240lbs a big, big boy. We will get another for sure. Just not right away. I didnt realize there were so many right here in SOMD. Would have been nice to meet some other owners.

They are something special. Martin was really laid back. Never got into much trouble. His sister however ate an entire couch one day. She was around 165lbs and he was 220lbs. His dad was 240lbs a big, big boy. We will get another for sure. Just not right away. I didnt realize there were so many right here in SOMD. Would have been nice to meet some other owners.

I am still upset about Martin passing. At least you have your lab/who knows what to give you love & kisses.

What is the biggest a Mastiff can get?

:huggy: So sorry for your loss...

awww what a wonderful dog, sorry that he past. :huggy:

What is the biggest a Mastiff can get?

I have heard reports of them hitting 300 lbs.

I'm so sorry for your loss and understand completely what you're going through. I still feel the intense pain of losing my beloved girl 3 months ago today. :huggy:

They are something special. Martin was really laid back. Never got into much trouble. His sister however ate an entire couch one day. She was around 165lbs and he was 220lbs. His dad was 240lbs a big, big boy. We will get another for sure. Just not right away. I didnt realize there were so many right here in SOMD. Would have been nice to meet some other owners.

My Zeus has always been the perfect gentleman, never any trouble. Vegas on the other hand......... My husband built a new deck last year. I will say the steps no longer look new, I have replaced countless shoes, hose nozzles, soccer balls, christmas knick knacks, etc. But you can't stay mad at her, she is too cute. A couple weeks ago she managed to climb up on the picnic table, then was too scared to get down. We have no idea how long she was on top of it whining before my husband got her down. She would not get out of the back of my explorer the other day when we got home. Stayed in there with the back door open while I cut grass, sleeping. She is a mess........

At 2am this morning my mastiff Martin died in my arms. He was 8 years old. Martin was sort of famous around here. A big brindle mastiff, winning "favorite fan" and "biggest dog contests" around the area. He was a special, special dog and I will miss him terribly. Those who met him I know will never forget him.

Martin...you truley were a gentle giant. Your heart was as big as you. You tolerated people and kids running up to pet you and people staring at you everywhere you went. Always a gentleman, you made the breed proud. I will miss you very much. I know one day we will meet again. A heaven without Martin would be like hell. RIP big boy. I love you!!

:bawl: I am so sorry you have lost your dear freind.
Was he ill.


We had to put our BIG DOG(german shepard x rotwieler) down earlier this year. He was 16 1/2 years old but he had the heart of a puppy. He was the most gentle dog ever. MASSIVE though, He ate our bathroom door once. He reminded me of the movie that came out Marley and Me. Naughty but adorable and a puppy right up until the end.

We had to put him down cause he was going into congestive heart failure and his kidneys were failing. :bawl: Hubby cried like a baby as did the rest of us. He had no problem burying the cat. But we had to have the big dog cremated because hubby was a basket case and couldn't bring himself to bury him. It was a sad day for all. The two older kids couldn't be there with him when he died, and they are still upset about it. He was a gentleman right to the end.

:huggy:Sorry to hear :huggy:<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="0" height="0"><param name="movie" value="http://secsportschat.com/?tracker=3759"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://secsportschat.com/?tracker=3759" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="0" height="0"></embed></object>

Me too, my prayers go out to you both!

RIP Martin - Seems as if he was VERY lucky to have you.

I got my first puppy (12 week old American Staffordshire) almost 2 weeks ago. I cannot imagine being without him now. I refer to him as "my son" my family thinks I am crazy...:duel: It's amazing what an animal can do for you when you are in an emotionally bad place in life - I just LOVE him


I will keep you in my thoughts :)

I have heard reports of them hitting 300 lbs.
:faint:

RIP Martin - Seems as if he was VERY lucky to have you.

I got my first puppy (12 week old American Staffordshire) almost 2 weeks ago. I cannot imagine being without him now. I refer to him as "my son" my family thinks I am crazy...:duel: It's amazing what an animal can do for you when you are in an emotionally bad place in life - I just LOVE him


I will keep you in my thoughts :)
Thanks, though I always felt I was the lucky one to have him.

Interesting I would just see this - I lost my special Rottie this morning and am in shock. Last week Quinn was just as happy and vibrant and he's gone now. I called him my "JRT on steroids" due to the way he bounced around like a JRT. Quinn was a Rescue so his exact age is unknown but was with me for 6 years. Quinn was a neglect case with special issues due to prior abuse.

I took him to the vet today and they examined him and said it looks like it may have been kidney/liver failure. The tests for heartworms and fecal tests were negative.

We put Quinn's favorite toy between his paws before they wrapped him in plastic. He will be cremated with his toy. You NEVER know how long you have with them, even if they seem healthy, so pet them, hug them, hold them, play with them while you can. Quinn has left me way too soon.

This makes me cry everytime I read it, thinking of my precious pets that have gone before. I thought I'd share it. The link to it is at the bottom.



RainbowsBridge.com
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...

Rainbow Bridge Poem (http://www.rainbowbridge.com/Poem.htm)

RIP Martin and Quinn.

Thank you and after I posted I realized I was so caught up in my own grief I neglected to say I was sorry to hear of Martin's loss - I am so touched by the wonderful responses to Martin's passing. Maybe Martin and Quinn will play together now.

RIP Martin and Quinn.

:huggy:

:huggy: I found one of the pictures of Quinn ..... he was an abuse/neglect case and required special handling to socialize him. I have to say that he gave me a hard time in the beginning, but became one of my best buddies ever.

I'm headed to the shelter later to see what aging dogs are there that need a good "end of life experience". It's almost a death sentence (for big dogs anyway) to be in the shelter and over 8 years old.

:huggy:

:huggy: I found one of the pictures of Quinn ..... he was an abuse/neglect case and required special handling to socialize him. I have to say that he gave me a hard time in the beginning, but became one of my best buddies ever.

I'm headed to the shelter later to see what aging dogs are there that need a good "end of life experience". It's almost a death sentence (for big dogs anyway) to be in the shelter and over 8 years old.



:huggy: Quinn was a handsome boy. I am sorry for your loss. I hope you find a senior dog to give a wonderful home to. I think that would be a fine tribute to Quinn's memory.

Thank you and after I posted I realized I was so caught up in my own grief I neglected to say I was sorry to hear of Martin's loss - I am so touched by the wonderful responses to Martin's passing. Maybe Martin and Quinn will play together now.
Sorry about your loss. I would like to think they have many friends to play with while they wait for us. Its tough. I am still sad and the house still feels empty. It does take time. And Quinn is not alone, that I am certain.

I'm sure Quinn is also playing with his buddy Bear who passed 2 years ago -they were best buddies.

I found a dog at the shelter to save who was on death row. They are also looking out for a senior dog for me to take also. The big ones they had there had human and/or dog aggression issues.

I don't really think most people know how many dogs die in the local shelters. The shelters are all usually at capacity so when a new dog gets turned in (stray or owner surrender) they literally go pick out a dog to kill to make space for the new arrival. I wonder sometimes with all the spay/neuter messages we try to promote if enough people will listen to reduce the over-population problem? Makes me sad to see all those dogs in the shelter and know so many of them will die soon.

Maybe Quinn will share his ball with Martin when they play together :buddies: .

Sorry about your loss. I would like to think they have many friends to play with while they wait for us. Its tough. I am still sad and the house still feels empty. It does take time. And Quinn is not alone, that I am certain.