Wolfgang was a blessing in disguise. He is the son of my fathers dog, Sergeant and my aunt’s dog Sweetie. Only two puppies were born in the litter; Wolfgang and Cody. Before their eyes were even opened, I picked him out of the litter.
He grew up while I was away for basic training with the military, but was there on my graduation day. He already had his ears partially standing and those long lanky legs of his. He stayed with my family for the first few years until I could find a place on my own.
Once I took him with me, he stayed by my side since. He’s traveled with me every new duty station and helped me through my hardest times. I never thought I’d find a GS that wasn’t high energy/maintenance. He loved to walk yes, but if he didn’t like the weather outside, he was more than comfortable inside snoozing away.
Every time I’d come home, he was there with a wagging tail and sometimes a squeaky toy. I always made it a point to take him out first thing. Then we’d relax for a moment before playing indoors for an hour or so. Once he started hoarding his toys, I knew he was ready to relax and be a lazy boy again.
At the age of thirteen after moving to my current location, he started to have a little trouble with stairs and getting to his favorite spots on the furniture. After nine months, his legs failed him, he stopped eating/drinking and started staring off into the distance. At times he would lose where he was or have coughing fits/trouble breathing. I took him to the vet before I had to make one of the hardest decisions in my life. . . . I lost my soul dog.
If love alone could have saved you, you’d live forever.
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement is committed to keeping our site accessible to everyone. We welcome feedback on ways to improve the site’s accessibility so it is easy for everyone to navigate.
©1998–2025 Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement,
a certified nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Built by ELYK Innovation. Powered by Wordpress.
We are now offering Online Video Support Groups every Saturday from 7 pm - 9 pm EST/USA.
Our Video Support Groups are available to all Silver and Platinum members.
If you want to learn more about our Video Support Groups, please click or tap the button below.
Webinar: A Conversation on Pet Loss with Author E.B. Bartels
Join us for this exciting event
In honor of Rainbow Bridge Memorial Day (August 28), we are offering a 20% discount on Silver and Platinum memberships throughout the entire month of August. By joining us, you will have the unique opportunity to create a lasting online memorial for your pet, complete with photos and stories you can cherish.
Navigating Pet Loss & Grief, hosted by Moose’s
March, this webinar is designed to support pet
owners through the difficult journey and depth of
pet loss, anticipatory grief and understanding
guilt. This webinar will also provide 3 key
takeaways for the management of grief,
Featuring insights from renowned experts
Colleen Rolland, Association of Pet Loss and
Bereavement and Dr. Nancy Curotto, Pet Loss &
Bereavement Specialist. Attendees will have an
opportunity to ask questions of the experts.
We understand that the holidays can be a difficult time for pet parents missing their fur babies. APLB will be extending our hours this year to help you – we’ll get through this together.
Sun Dec 24: 2 – 4 pm EST
Sun Dec 24: 8 – 10 pm EST
Mon Dec 25: 8 – 10 pm EST
Tues Dec 26: 8 – 10 pm EST
Wed Dec 27: 8 – 10 pm EST
Fri Dec 29: 8 – 10 pm EST
Sun Dec. 31: 2 – 4 pm EST
Sun. Dec 31: 8 – 10 pm EST
Mon Jan 1: 8 – 10 pm EST
Sat Dec 9: 7- 9 pm EST
Sun Dec 10: 7- 8:30 EST
Sat Dec. 23: 7 – 9 pm EST
This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.Â
Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.
This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, on December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.Â
Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.