My Inspiration Passed Away

What a sweetie, and a true Muse to you by the look of her.

My best bud Bruce was with me for 18 years, and despite loving my other furry kids since then, he will always have a very special place in my heart, and I hope I get to catch up with him again when I drop off my perch.

And when the time comes (and it will..) to get a new buddy, make sure you rescue them from a dog shelter, maybe a mature mutt as they need rescuing more urgently than cute pups do.

All the best to you and your loved ones, from me and mine

- Helene

Sorry for your loss Sid.

Thank you all. I appreciate your reading about my little girl. The joy she brought will shine forever. I know the pain will pass somewhat and we will remember more of the great times and less of the sadness. I did not realize how huge a hole she would leave.

If you have a pet - now would be a good time to give them a huge hug.

Best always,

Sid

I know how you must feel, man. I have lost some dogs too. To me they aren't just animals roaming around in my yard. They are family as well, and I love them with all my heart.

Nothing will replace that pup you had, man. She was family to you and I will pray.

D'aww loosing a dog is sad, but once in a while you get to remember memories of playing time, laughter, company and love...

Hi Sid

I know just how you feel.

In fact I was just about to write a post asking fellow warriors for some comfort when I came across yours.

Six weeks ago I had two lovely black Labradors- Juno and her daughter Hebe. To day all I have are photographs and memories because they are both gone.

Cancer killed them both. Juno was 13 and was living on borowed time. But Hebe was only 10 and had had what seemed a successful operation.

On Monday last week she was fine, carrying home her usual large stick and when I say large they were large, sometimes the size of small trees!

On Tuesday morning she fell sick, that afternoon she was gone.

Like your little dog she was my insiration- snoring gently beside my desk- a calming sound when things were not going right.

I went out walking yesterday, walking their usual trail and pretending to myself that they were behind me because they had found an unusual smell. Any minute now both would come bounding past... but of course they didn't.

Thank you so much for the lovely poem. I send you this in return and hope it will help with your loss.

"They are so much more straightforward and honest.
They have no sort of pretensions.
They live out their lives in a special way-
They know the rules and the regulations.
They live within the sphere of nature,
They don't pretend they are god.
They don't pretend they are intellegent.
They don't invent nerve gas; and above all
They don't hold cocktail parties."

..Gerald Durrell

Hebe Jan 1999 to April 2009

@Gerald - thanks so much for sharing and my empathy and sympathy to you too. The speed with which it happens is mind boggling. Her kidneys just gave out and looking at her distress it was the last loving thing I could do. My wife and I have stayed away from the house as it is just not the same - in fact I think it was her house :-)

@Susan - thank you for sharing about Charlie. My sympathy to you too. I am so grateful that there are people that can see how special dogs (in fact all animals ) are and how much we can learn from them.

I am grateful for all the wonderful memories and all the fun and loving times we shared and in time those memories will soothe the emptiness we feel this weekend.

Sid

What a beautiful little dog....Sid, I'm so sorry for your loss. Years ago, my best friend got a Lhasa Apso and I always thought it was the greatest dog. :-)
_____
Bruce

Hi Sid,

Found this in a paper at the week end.
It has helped me in my loss and I hope it will help you too.

It's an extract from a obituary written by a journalist about his colleague who died last week.

"Death thinks a lot of itself, without good reason.
It takes life but it can't subtract from it,
can't touch that which came before.

Death comes but once and in an instant is gone.
Life is the thing, the stuff that endures.

You might recollect how Elvis died,
but listen to Mystery Train or Jail House Rock
and death becomes a footnote'.

-Steve Dennis

We can substitute our dogs for the line about Elvis.
We don't think of them dead but remember them
bouncing around us, full of the pure joy of living.
__________________

Hi, I feel very sympathy. I've lost dog too before and it's very hurt. I know how you feel

Awww... She was gorgeous Sid, I really feel for you.

We lost our 21 year old Border Collie, Rogue, last year, and we were devastated. It's still not the same without her. Being with them when they pass is one of the most difficult experiences you can have. Good on you for having the courage to be there though. Many people leave their doggies alone at the time when they need them most, and it was very good that you were there for her.

There aren't many people who really get to experience the kind of bond you can have with a doggie. The love that they have for you is so pure that it's a kind of bond you can't even have with any human. They are so pure and innocent that they bring nothing but light into the world.

We still have our 12 year old, who is beautiful. Like you said, having them there with you every day brings inspiration. Every time you look at them and they give you their wide eyed stare and doggie grin, you have to smile. They are a constant source of light and love in your life.

Excuse me for posting a picture, but Roggy's face still makes me smile. Perhaps she might make you smile too.



Rogue on the left. Storm, still with us, on the right.

Hang in there Sid. Whilst it doesn't really pass altogether, because you always miss them, it does get a little easier day by day.

@kezz thanks so much for sharing. They are both beautiful but then I have not met a dog yet that cannot make you smile.

The last few weeks have been hard - pain, guilt, sorrow but they have been tempered by the memories of her love, her unique personality and the joy she gave always. You are right that there is a bond with them that defies description in just words.

Your sharing made me realize that so many people go through this. I had to be with her at the end holding her, it was the only way to honor all she had given to us her entire life.

Best to you always

Sid