One of The Most Heart-Wrenching E-mails I’ve Ever Received

Jack Riccardi
Jan 22, 2020 @ 12:59pm

A listener from New Braunfels, TX wrote me:

“Awhile back, I heard you mention the loss of your family dog……and I thought this was kinda of a lame topic…..after all, it’s just a dog….

“Yesterday, I had to give up my 3 year old weimaraner that got a mass cell tumor out of the blue….This was the worst day in my life as I was blind sided by this news and I dont think my life will ever be the same again…..especially learning that with chemo, mass removal, and radiation [ in Austin ] all that could be promised was 3 to 6 mos. extension of life for $ 9000.00 to $ 10,000.00…….I guess this topic is not so lame when you are the one receiving the dire news…..I hope you have healed since the loss. Maybe tomorrow won’t be a horrible as today was……..I don’t know if we will ever be the same again or ever get another dog…..just too painful to say good bye…..too much pain. TY for reading”

To be honest, the first line infuriated me.

But as I kept reading, I felt for this guy.

Here’s what I wrote back:

“I am sorry to hear about your Weimaraner (such a beautiful breed!). My German shepherd had the same kind of fast-growing tumor, and he would only have had additional days or weeks, even with surgery.

“Honestly, I didn’t know how to take your note. Speaking just for me (and maybe some other dog owners too), Masi was actually my best friend. Not “just a dog”. Doing radio for 35+ years, when I talk about personal things (loss, divorce, parenting, etc., etc.), people engage and respond much more than they do over what’s in the headlines.

“Just wanted you to understand. Again, I’m very sorry for your loss. I hope, in time, you will consider another dog. They make our lives better.”

Not sure about “healing since the loss”, but I miss my pup. When I do, I remember him in health. He was a complete nut, and he made friends everywhere we went.

I know, at some point, I will be ready to make a new friend.

Always stay open to it.

One of The Most Heart-Wrenching E-mails I’ve Ever Received

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