It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.
Jen, this was so beautiful and heartbreaking. We had to let our sweet boy go last October when he was 16.5. The conversations about when, the agonizing, the guilt, the meds, the research, and the intimacy of his last moments all the same. Dogs are worth the price we pay at the end but the emptiness they leave is real. Thanks for sharing your story.
This made me cry, which is rare for me. My sweet Flaca was abandoned near the Rose Bowl in LA as a puppy, and I rescued her from the humane society. She was still so thin her spine showed and you could count her ribs. I had always wanted a dog and finally as my work wound down, I could have one. Learning about her and training her was the hardest thing I ever did. We walked all over Silver Lake early every morning before the other dogs were out, because she loved every human and hated every dog. When we moved to the mountains, she was in heaven. The leash came off and she could roam anywhere she wanted in the forest. She brought me deer bones, she chased rabbits and deer and turkey; she warned me as soon as anyone turned onto our driveway, which started 1/2 mile from the house. She was by my side when my marriage cracked open. She followed me everywhere. She was my heart. Your essay reminded me so poignantly of that unspoken connection we have with dogs that no human connection can ever compare. I miss her every day. Thank you for this essay. Remembering her makes me cry but love does that to you.
Pippa, my glorious Dane, was 12 and in perfect health, as they say, heart lungs kidneys all fine, except for the cancer in her shoulder. I did all those things you did. And she would look at me and smile. Then one morning I took a picture of her, covering my eyes with the camera - and her face changed. I saw the pain. And called the vet.
This is just beautiful-and heartbreaking too of course and surely captures so very perfectly how anyone who has ever deeply loved and lost a dog has felt.
A beautiful piece of life with your beloved family member, more than the word “dog” implies. I love how you opened, with her hair fluff, and then deepened the portrait of how Gidget befriended you and sometimes became your master. Your storytelling swept me up and carried me to its sweet, sad ending. Bravo!
Jen, chiming in late to say thank you so much for writing this; I felt your words deeply. I'm also a second wife with stepkids and the human of an increasingly fragile 15-year-old dog (and your former coworker at the Voice, hi!). I'm so sorry for your loss; Gidget was very lucky to have you. May her memory be a blessing.
Rebecca! So good to hear from you, and I love our shared experience (minus the aging of dogs, which just honestly should not be allowed). Hang in there. It is so hard but they are always worth it. <3
This touched my heart; I have an 11 year old Boxer who is starting to show her age in many ways. I live alone; Tallulah is my best friend. I recently found a helpful app for those who experience "anticipatory grief":Lap of Love. Their resources are very comforting.
Anonymous:
It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.
<3 <3 <3
Jen, this was so beautiful and heartbreaking. We had to let our sweet boy go last October when he was 16.5. The conversations about when, the agonizing, the guilt, the meds, the research, and the intimacy of his last moments all the same. Dogs are worth the price we pay at the end but the emptiness they leave is real. Thanks for sharing your story.
It is the hardest thing I've ever done! Sending you love and hugs.
This made me cry, which is rare for me. My sweet Flaca was abandoned near the Rose Bowl in LA as a puppy, and I rescued her from the humane society. She was still so thin her spine showed and you could count her ribs. I had always wanted a dog and finally as my work wound down, I could have one. Learning about her and training her was the hardest thing I ever did. We walked all over Silver Lake early every morning before the other dogs were out, because she loved every human and hated every dog. When we moved to the mountains, she was in heaven. The leash came off and she could roam anywhere she wanted in the forest. She brought me deer bones, she chased rabbits and deer and turkey; she warned me as soon as anyone turned onto our driveway, which started 1/2 mile from the house. She was by my side when my marriage cracked open. She followed me everywhere. She was my heart. Your essay reminded me so poignantly of that unspoken connection we have with dogs that no human connection can ever compare. I miss her every day. Thank you for this essay. Remembering her makes me cry but love does that to you.
This comment makes me cry, too! Love to you and Flaca.
Pippa, my glorious Dane, was 12 and in perfect health, as they say, heart lungs kidneys all fine, except for the cancer in her shoulder. I did all those things you did. And she would look at me and smile. Then one morning I took a picture of her, covering my eyes with the camera - and her face changed. I saw the pain. And called the vet.
You knew when you knew! <3
yes, they put on their best show for us at times.
This is just beautiful-and heartbreaking too of course and surely captures so very perfectly how anyone who has ever deeply loved and lost a dog has felt.
Thank you, Lettie!
So heartfelt & lovely.
This was so lovely. Thanks for sharing Gidget's story.
A beautiful piece of life with your beloved family member, more than the word “dog” implies. I love how you opened, with her hair fluff, and then deepened the portrait of how Gidget befriended you and sometimes became your master. Your storytelling swept me up and carried me to its sweet, sad ending. Bravo!
We dog lovers know the special heartbreak of the end of a dog’s life. Thank you for expressing it—and all that came before —so beautifully.
I kept reading parts aloud. I love this so much!
This is beautiful. What a wonderful life you shared with her! She is smiling in doggie heaven.
I hope so!
Jen, chiming in late to say thank you so much for writing this; I felt your words deeply. I'm also a second wife with stepkids and the human of an increasingly fragile 15-year-old dog (and your former coworker at the Voice, hi!). I'm so sorry for your loss; Gidget was very lucky to have you. May her memory be a blessing.
Rebecca! So good to hear from you, and I love our shared experience (minus the aging of dogs, which just honestly should not be allowed). Hang in there. It is so hard but they are always worth it. <3
Love this! What a beautiful piece on the ways pets and people come into our lives and become family.
Crying JD. and laughing. I can hear you snap at the vet, Why don't you try a lick mat! xo
This essay about Gidget is heartbreaking and heart-opening. Thank you.
This touched my heart; I have an 11 year old Boxer who is starting to show her age in many ways. I live alone; Tallulah is my best friend. I recently found a helpful app for those who experience "anticipatory grief":Lap of Love. Their resources are very comforting.
Losing a dog is so hard!
Also, I hope Tallulah stays healthy for a very long time <3
I thought Lap of Love was really helpful, too!