Guild Wars 2

So Chris has been great to us here on the forums and I thought a good way to thank him would be to start grass roots push to do something nice for him.

I was thinking asking if Anet would put a memorial to his loyal Golden Retriever in game. Maybe even a drakehound statue with his dog’s name on it. I think most of us on here have lost a pet and can relate to how rough it is. Maybe something like this would help.

I could definitely get behind this. Losing a pet is just horrible. Having lost more than my share, I can definitely relate.

You have my support for such a push. I tend to consider my dogs to be my children and they get treated as such, so I completely understand how hard it is to let one go. It’s not any easier than losing a human family member, at least to me and those like me.

(I know there are those out there that don’t understand that, and that’s ok)

I couldn’t find anything about this. Can OP link the blog/twitter/reddit where he read it?

If not to that particular pet, maybe a statue to all beloved but now gone pets. A person with a cat, a dog, a bird on the shoulders for example, with some sort of inscription.

Or a person kneeling and laying flowers by a grave.

Astral Projections.7320:

I couldn’t find anything about this. Can OP link the blog/twitter/reddit where he read it?

If not to that particular pet, maybe a statue to all beloved but now gone pets. A person with a cat, a dog, a bird on the shoulders for example, with some sort of inscription.

Or a person kneeling and laying flowers by a grave.

This is a great idea! I love my dogs like my children!

Chris Whiteside.6102:

Hi All,

I was going to jump in today but this morning I took our Golden Retriever to the vets this morning and he had to be put down.

We are all very upset and i need to spend time with my family. Hopefully this will be the end o the issues we are facing and I will be able to give you my full attention.

Sorry,

Chris

It’s in the Guild Hall CDI.

I’d be for a general pet memorial. Much as I sorrow for Chris’ loss, I think previous forum discussions have come down against doing specific homages.

A statue in a peaceful section of woods with sunlight shining down on it would be lovely. People going through what Chris is could go there to be reminded that others understand their pain, and to just sit and meditate. Maybe make it an instance so only those you bring with you can be there (I hate to think of nude dancing aoe spammers mocking the mourners).

I’m sorry about his pet, but NO, NO, NO. I’m sure a lot of us lost pets, why does one guys unfortunately lose his pet need to be impose on the rest of us.

Besides…what u suggesting is creepy.

Shen Slayer.3058:

I’m sorry about his pet, but NO, NO, NO. I’m sure a lot of us lost pets, why does one guys unfortunately lose his pet need to be impose on the rest of us.

Besides…what u suggesting is creepy.

How is it creepy? Video games do things like this all the time. Guess you hate the Sanctum of Rall server too?

Chris has been pretty cool to the community especially in the CDIs.

Pets do exist in game, since rangers obviously have them, so a memorial of some sort would fit in with the lore. Even ignoring Chris’s dog, it’d be a logical thing to have in the game.

Prophet.6257:

Shen Slayer.3058:

I’m sorry about his pet, but NO, NO, NO. I’m sure a lot of us lost pets, why does one guys unfortunately lose his pet need to be impose on the rest of us.

Besides…what u suggesting is creepy.

How is it creepy? Video games do things like this all the time. Guess you hate the Sanctum of Rall server too?

Chris has been pretty cool to the community especially in the CDIs.

I understand he’s been good to us, but this take time away from resources that’s better spent somewhere else. Spend it update fixes, LS or new content, not this.

put it next to dulfy in the searing fractal

Oh, we’re sorry for your fellow pet = (

I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. Just because other people are going through losses themselves doesn’t mean your pain is any less. What a gorgeous guy he was!

Chris Whiteside.6102:

Here is a picture of him. He traveled all over the world with us. Wherever my career took me.

I do want to say though that many folks who are connected to Arena and Guild Wars have losses in their lives and whilst i so appreciate your care and suggestions I don’t think it is appropriate. There are folks in the community going through much more difficult things than I.

Chris

Awwwww! What a beautiful puppy!

..now I’m going to cry…. Dang it!

OMFG…he was adorable. Now I’m gonna cry.

That’s just …gah.

“Have you a dog in Heaven, Lord?
Is there room for just one more?
Cause my little dog died today;
he’ll be waiting at your door.

Please take him into Heaven, Lord.
And keep him there for me,
just feed him, pet him, love him, Lord,
that’s all he’ll ask of Thee."

-Unknown

Chris Whiteside.6102:

LanfearShadowflame.3189:

“Have you a dog in Heaven, Lord?
Is there room for just one more?
Cause my little dog died today;
he’ll be waiting at your door.

Please take him into Heaven, Lord.
And keep him there for me,
just feed him, pet him, love him, Lord,
that’s all he’ll ask of Thee."

-Unknown

Well that tipped me over the edge. Crying at work is not good (-:

Chris

Fair’s fair then I guess. lol I’m sniffling at my desk and now my coworkers want to know what wrong.

LanfearShadowflame.3189:

“Have you a dog in Heaven, Lord?
Is there room for just one more?
Cause my little dog died today;
he’ll be waiting at your door.

Please take him into Heaven, Lord.
And keep him there for me,
just feed him, pet him, love him, Lord,
that’s all he’ll ask of Thee."

-Unknown

It reminded me of a story someone told me when one of mine died.

“A man was traveling along with his dog down a foggy valley.
He encountered a lovely looking angel who informed him of his death.
She was tasked to bring him to heaven, but he would have to leave his pet behind.
The man smiled and said ‘No thanks’ then left her.
After a while a creature of light showed up.
It revealed that the beautiful angel was not really from Heaven.
It was amazed how this simple man could see through such a deception.
The man shrugged and said, ‘I honestly didn’t know. All I knew was if my dog can’t come with me then I don’t want to go.’
He and the dog were both taken after that.”

My cat died today….i feel with u chris!

Oh god, who are you people. Let’s break this up and not make Chris cry, cause he’s got a lot to do today. Let him concentrate on that game update.

Chris, my heart goes out to you and your family. Dogs don’t stay as long, because they learn life’s lessons more readily. (Eat when you’re hungry, show when you’re happy, forget the bad and be excited for the good. Nap whenever you need to.)

If you need to cry at work, you cry, man. I can’t trust a person who won’t mourn their own dog.

Another family member waiting at the bridge – trust me, they’re in good company.

(getting kleenex, kitten)

stale.9785:

(getting kleenex, kitten)

offers stale some of hers

lol

For those who don’t know – the rainbow bridge:

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…

(I’m of no particular faith, with absolutely no certainty of heaven. Still, more than any reward for US, I do hope there’s a place like the bridge for our companions.)

Donari.5237:

I’d be for a general pet memorial. Much as I sorrow for Chris’ loss, I think previous forum discussions have come down against doing specific homages.

A statue in a peaceful section of woods with sunlight shining down on it would be lovely. People going through what Chris is could go there to be reminded that others understand their pain, and to just sit and meditate. Maybe make it an instance so only those you bring with you can be there (I hate to think of nude dancing aoe spammers mocking the mourners).

Oh, this. So much this. I want it. Donari – you’re awesome, sir.

Not long ago we lost our dog as well – it was painful to see him be put down, but in the end, that was the best that could be done for him. It’s a terrible thing to lose a friend like that, but it does get better.

LanfearShadowflame.3189:

“Have you a dog in Heaven, Lord?
Is there room for just one more?
Cause my little dog died today;
he’ll be waiting at your door.

Please take him into Heaven, Lord.
And keep him there for me,
just feed him, pet him, love him, Lord,
that’s all he’ll ask of Thee."

-Unknown

When they rebuild Lion’s Arch fully; a small dog (or group of animals) statue with this as a plaque would be enough. I’m sure LA’s citizens lost a lot of pets too.

My Dog is getting to that point now too. He can hardly get up by himself anymore, and every time he has to go up the two steps from the yard to the porch when he needs to go outside, someone has to carry his back end up the stairs as when he tries he falls

I feel for everyone who has lost a pet, this is actually the second one in my lifetime, though I was a bit young when the first passed.

I am sorry things like this are so tough, many of us can sympathize through our own pet losses, but each persons struggle with pet loss is different, so we cant know we can just understand. My thoughts go out to you and your family.

I lost a very close pet companion in May, more dear and closer than most humans. I know the pain of losing a pet and the conflict over how much the impact can have on you and your life.

There really isn’t anything that can be said but I just want to mention your animal companion will always be with you.

Chris, you have my sympathies. As many others have, I have also lost a very close pet.

My husband and I have a 3 year old yorkie (my account name is partly his). I dread the day already that he will not be around, as I have never seen a grown man love a creature so much as my husband loves our Oz. Should anything happen to either one of them, the other will be devastated. I have never seen such a strong bond of love and caring, because either one would move heaven and earth to protect the other.

My heart goes out to all those that have lost beloved pets – best friends. You will meet again someday.

The suggestion is a generic lost-companion-animal statue, in an out of the way place (at least my contribution is to make it out of the way).

I would recommend against an inscription that subscribes to any particular faith, however. The statue itself would be enough, if it comprised a small grouping of animals using GW2 existing models such as drakehounds, cats, and birds (ravens?). Those who need it would know what it signifies and it would be more timeless without a particular plaque.

Donari.5237:

The suggestion is a generic lost-companion-animal statue, in an out of the way place (at least my contribution is to make it out of the way).

I would recommend against an inscription that subscribes to any particular faith, however. The statue itself would be enough, if it comprised a small grouping of animals using GW2 existing models such as drakehounds, cats, and birds (ravens?). Those who need it would know what it signifies and it would be more timeless without a particular plaque.

They could do a GW2 based inscription, that would be nifty. Based on the beliefs of the area the statue was in. They’ve done similar with some of the headstones and monuments already in the game, so there is precedent.

LanfearShadowflame.3189:

Donari.5237:

The suggestion is a generic lost-companion-animal statue, in an out of the way place (at least my contribution is to make it out of the way).

I would recommend against an inscription that subscribes to any particular faith, however. The statue itself would be enough, if it comprised a small grouping of animals using GW2 existing models such as drakehounds, cats, and birds (ravens?). Those who need it would know what it signifies and it would be more timeless without a particular plaque.

They could do a GW2 based inscription, that would be nifty. Based on the beliefs of the area the statue was in. They’ve done similar with some of the headstones and monuments already in the game, so there is precedent.

I’ll be mighty annoyed if anything is done in-game for the dog, and so will a lot of people. Let’s take the personal aspect away from this game, it’s a business.

I’m sorry to hear of your loss, Chris. =(
I’ve lost a few dear animal friends over the years and my husband and I share our lives with two wonderful cats. I also have shared 17 years with a wonderful horse (hopefully he’ll live at least that many more!).
It doesn’t matter how long you get to have them, they always leave an emptiness when gone.

Shen Slayer.3058:

LanfearShadowflame.3189:

Donari.5237:

The suggestion is a generic lost-companion-animal statue, in an out of the way place (at least my contribution is to make it out of the way).

I would recommend against an inscription that subscribes to any particular faith, however. The statue itself would be enough, if it comprised a small grouping of animals using GW2 existing models such as drakehounds, cats, and birds (ravens?). Those who need it would know what it signifies and it would be more timeless without a particular plaque.

They could do a GW2 based inscription, that would be nifty. Based on the beliefs of the area the statue was in. They’ve done similar with some of the headstones and monuments already in the game, so there is precedent.

I’ll be mighty annoyed if anything is done in-game for the dog, and so will a lot of people. Let’s take the personal aspect away from this game, it’s a business.

I see where you are coming from but part of what makes MMOs so special are the personal touches. Little things like this add some sort of depth to the game and makes for a more interesting world. I know GW2 has a lot to do and improvements to make but I think a project like this would take up a reasonable small amount of development time for the benefit and good will it would generate in the community and game.

So far i’m not seeing many people that would be annoyed if this was done.

It’s sad to see a part of someones family die, but this all seems a little unnecessary. Adding anything into the game because of an employees dog dying just seems like a little much. Next people will be wanting every employees marriage somewhere in game too.

Man… I really want a /meditate emote so I can sit at the pet memorial now.

Fernling.1729:

It’s sad to see a part of someones family die, but this all seems a little unnecessary. Adding anything into the game because of an employees dog dying just seems like a little much. Next people will be wanting every employees marriage somewhere in game too.

You mean like naming a server in honor of a gamer that passed?

Or naming servers after team members to honor them?

Or creating NPCs that honor devs? Either in name or physical appearance.

Come now, it’s not like such things aren’t already present.

Well Chris has already stated, and I think rightfully so, that a specific memorial to his golden retriever would be inappropriate. However, I do feel that a general pet memorial statue could be warranted given that rangers have pets. I don’t really know what form of memorial would be “right”, but role players would probably appreciate this, and players in general could pay homage in spirit to their own actual pets that have passed. It’s not outlandish considering certain aspects of the game. Perhaps this is just a catalyst for a decent idea.

I am definitely in support of a non-specific pet memorial.

Yeah… maybe in the spot where Killeen is buried? That’s a beautiful location.

Actually… you know what would be really cool, would be to put a graveyard in the new guild halls they’re talking about in the CDI currently. Maybe we could name the graves and such… could be funny or sincere, depending on the guild!

Hey little fighter, soon things will be brighter! You gots my sympathies, I had to go and cuddle my kitty cats after reading about your loss.