Joey our saint bernard

6 years ago we made a trip an hour away and brought home our first dog, Joey was being given away, his family was moving and didn't want to take an older saint bernard with them. Joey was 7 and showing his age at that point already but to our family he was perfect. He LOVED being the center of attention and would come sit by your side and rest his big 'ol lunky head in your lap and drool all over your jeans while you pet him and told him how wonderful he was. Grandpa passed away in 2007 and Joey came to us in 2009, this was a godsend for gran, the house was a bit lonely now even with grandkids over there almost 24/7. She took an immediate liking to Joey and they became very close, Joey spent the majority of his time in the middle of the kitchen blocking the hallway and making everyone step over him (make him move? NO way!) He had a rug behind gran's chair where he would go and sleep while she watched tv or read the paper (or hide out when it thundered) poor dog was terrified of thunder. Joey was such an amazing example of the saint bernards wonderful personality that when Zoey was listed on Christmas day of the same year (with rhyming names! we didn't name them) we ended up expanding our family by 1 more. Joey and Zoey went everywhere together and Zoey being a few years younger had WAY more energy that Joey, she seemed however to understand that he couldn't roughhouse and play like she could so was always more careful around him. 2010 found us adding yet another saint bernard, this time breaking away from rhyming names, Molly joined us and fit right in from the get-go, she is our youngest saint and of all of them she has the most subdued personality. In 2012 we thought that because Joey was getting older and gran had always wanted a Newfoundland that perhaps buying a puppy would help in the event of Joey's passing. Abraham was her Christmas gift that year, very excited black puppy jumping out of the box and licking her face, PERFECTLY captured by the camera. Alas however the best laid plans of mice and men, Abraham was NOT a full newfie (must have some lab in there) and his puppy energy was too much for gran. Joey remained her best pal and Abraham became the kid's playmate.

This morning after 6 years with us Joey passed away quietly, it was time. He was a GREAT dog who will be missed by all of us.

Below is a pic that was taken a couple of years ago

I'm so sorry. Good dogs are so wonderful

I'm so sorry for your loss Melissa . Thank you for sharing the story about Joey and your grandmother with us. Joey was a beautiful boy. You and your family will always remember the best of times with Joey, and the smiles and laughter he gave. Hugs!

So sorry for your loss. Joey looks and sounds like he was a very good dog.

Deepest condolences for your family's sad loss of Joey. We were fortunate enough to share our home with a St. Bernard for a little more than a decade. I know the loss is tremendous. Joey was a very handsome boy, what a gorgeous photo. Hugs to you.

I am so sorry, Melissa. Joey was such a hunky, gorgeous Saint. Loved reading all about him, Zoey, Molly, and Abraham. WOW, you don't all that often hear about a Saint Bernard getting to be 13 years old.

Rest easy, big fellow. You will be missed.

HUGS, Melissa!! :smile015:

Thank you all! Gran now knows about Joey's passing and is taking it SO much better than we imagined she would. What a relief, we weren't sure how that would affect her

I'm so sorry for your loss Joey was a beautiful boy and I am so glad he had the opportunity to become part of your family.
I'm glad your Grandma took it better than expected. It's so hard to lose one who is loved so much.
You and your family are in my thoughts.

I am very sorry to hear of Joey's passing.

Adopting a senior dog is a wonderful and rare expression of kindness, and Joey rewarded you with his unconditional love. He was a very handsome Saint Bernard and will be missed.

I'm so sorry for your loss Melissa.
Love the backstory and picture, beautiful!