It is with a heavy heart that I am writing today’s post. Missy the Boxer passed away today. We knew that this would happen, but one always thinks later than sooner. I knew something was wrong when I walked in the door after work, and there was no wiggling Boxer butt to greet me. I called her name, but still no Missy. I found her in a weakened condition lying next to her favorite chair. Although she could not get up, she still wagged her tail in greeting. I frantically called my husband, and then I sobbingly called our vet. As I waited for my husband, I curled up by her side for one final time. I told her she was a pretty girl, and a smart girl, and a good girl. She understood. I told her that we had lived a wonderful life together, and that she had fought a hard fight. And I told her that it was OK to go. I think she understood.
I stood by your bed last night; I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today; your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today; you tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you; I smiled and said, “It’s me.”
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It’s possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew…
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over… I smile and watch you yawning
and say “Good-night, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out…then come home to me.
– Author Unknown
This post brought tears to my eyes…I’m so sorry for your loss. We had 4 boxers over the years and they are truly the most loving, fun dogs ever…my heart goes out to you. Thanks for sharing.
Dear Ann,
What a sad day for all of you and yet as always you shared it with such class and heart and soul that even though the tears are trickling down my face and my heart is feeling squeezed I can see Missy sitting in God’s Heavenly sunshine and know that all the love you shared for those 11 years is worth the pain of this single moment.
As always you are in my heart and my prayers. Hearts with paw marks on them are all the better for it.
Hugs and blessings – Jean
I’m so deeply sorry Ann. I’m sitting here weeping as I type just knowing how awful this has to be for you. We lost our boxer Sasha 3 years ago next month just a week after her 11th birthday. My husband and I felt like we lost a child…she was such an important part of our family as I’m sure your Missy was in yours. Know that you are in my thoughts.
I always cry when I read about the loss of a pet. Really they aren’t your pet, they are your child. Important members of our household. I applaud you for being able to hold her to the very end. That’s something that I just can’t do. I loved your tribute to her. I hope when you are ready that you can adopt another baby!
I am so sorry for your loss and understand your grief. We too just lost our boxer Buster, he had seizures and they just kept getting worse, even on medication.. They became more frequent and he had over 7 in 24hours. We couldnt do it anymore and neither could he. We also found out he had a stroke as well. We and our girls loved him very much and we still have his crate, bowl and collar and can’t seem to part with it. My love and thought are with you even though I don’t know you but share a special bond thru our beloved pets! Hopefully things will get better for you and your family as time goes on,Take care and bless you.
Sandy Curtis
Texas
Today was the first time I came across your blog. I had tears in my eyes while reading about your sweet pup and the wonderful poem that followed. Missy will have many things to share with you when you are united again. My thoughts are with you and your family. Dana
It is very sad to say good bye to our beloved pets, Ann I am so sorry you had to go thru that thankfully your kind understanding husband was with you to say your good byes together. Yes, you will miss her. My old girl is pushing 17 years old and I know one day we will also have to say our goodbyes. Thank goodness we will have great memories of them.
Linda’s quote is so true ” Dogs lives are too short. Their only fault really”
Kathy
Since you miss your dear Missy so much, I am sure you were a good person/family for her. She had a wonderful life, it is evident in what you have said I know first hand how much it hurts and I trust you will be able to look back and know her spirit lives on with you. Hugs and Blessings.
What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful dog. My heart goes out to you…it is never easy saying goodbye to our furry friends.
I’m thinking about you and your family Ann. Our pets are always a big part of our family and it hurts to let them go. Know that she is in a happy place with no more pain and that she was blessed with so much love. XOXO
Oh Ann, there are no words that I can say – I sit here sobbing and remembering all to well saying good bye to my best friend! My heart aches for you!! Its that unconditional love that you both reciprocate that is so hard to lose and is missed so much! May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you shared. You and your family are in my thoughts!
Oh Ann, I am so very,very sorry for the loss of your Missy. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs & Blessings,
Mary
Dear Ann,
Thinking of you in your time of sorrow. ;
Big cyber hugs {{{{{{{{{{{}}}}}}}}
Max
I read your blog every day and feel as if I know you and your faithful Missy. What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful dog. I am so sorry for your family’s loss.
Ann I am so sorry for your loss. I have tears as I feel your pain. Pets are a wonderful extension to our family and give us so much joy. I have grieved over two cats (Brander and Barney) and a beautiful Black Lab (Katie) and seriously I thought my heart would break. Each time I said no more, no more pets but I just couldn’t live with out their companionship. Dogs especially are so relational.
Just remember the wonderful times you had with Missy and that she loved yo more than she loved herself.
So sorry to read of your loss. Sounds like Missy was patiently waiting for you and your husband to get home from work to share his last goodbye. Thinking of you during these difficult days ahead!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how you feel. I miss my BJ so much. You & your family are in my prayers. Beth
I’m so sorry your family lost Missy. My heart goes out to you because I know how difficult it is to lose a pet. I lost my “Grand Cat” not too long ago and he’s still in my thoughts. My prayers to you and your family.
I am sorry you lost your puppy.
Aww, Your story has me crying this morning and remembering my four legged friends of days gone by. I’m so glad you were there to comfort her 🙂
Oh, Ann, I’m so sorry that Missy is gone, though it sounds like she had a wonderful life. I can’t imagine a happier dog, as it’s so obvious she was in such a loving and giving family. I’m glad you have such fond memories. XO
Leslie said …
After having just gone through this with Tango at the tail end of summer, I completely share in your grief and loss. It is so hard to lose one of our loved ones, especially when those pets are like our children, as I know Missy was for you. She is now at peace, and peace will come again to you in time. Time is the key factor. Love you and keeping you in all my prayers!
Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. I just lost my cat of 11 years and I know how hard it is. I cried when I read your post today. Time will soften the pain you are feeling, but it is hard to get to that point. I am so sorry you are having to go through this. I am a daily reader of your blog like many others here, and I love your work. I am not a big commenter, but I just needed to comment on this. You are in my prayers. Take care of yourself and know that you loved her and gave her the best life she could have.
Paula
I’m so sorry for your loss–dogs are such blessings from God.
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Ann, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for sharing, I felt like I was there with you as I read your words.
Jamie
Dear Ann,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know the sorrow and pain you are feeling today having lost our beloved lab, Max, in Oct 09 to collapsed lungs and our Boxer Matty June 06 and Harley our other boxer in June 05, both to lymphoma. They are such important parts of our families. Please know you’re not alone and that the pain eventually fades. We still miss our babies, but our memories keep them in our hearts forever. Scrapbooking about them does help. Cathartic. I know what you mean about that adorable boxer butt wiggling. No better greeting when we get home. I’m sure God has another baby for you when you’re ready. Blessings . . .
You have had more than your share of loss recently. Your dear aunt and now your beloved Missy. Sorry you have to deal with so much at once. Stay strong and gain strenght from your memories.
I am so sorry for your loss. We lost our Reno of 14 years in Oct so I know what you are feeling. My hearts goes out to you and your family.
Pam
I am so sorry you lost your precious Missy. I was reading your post this morning from work and had to put my phone down because tears were streaming down my face. I know you have a heavy heart now and it just won’t be the same around your house without her. I promise that the pain will go away and soon and instead of crying every time you think of her, you will smile at the wonderful memories you have. My sister has a boxer and they are so very special. I have enjoyed the photos and stories that you posted about Missy. Through your blog, Missy touched the hearts of people that you didn’t even know about. I copied the Boxer punch card you made a few months ago for my sister and she still has it on display in her craft room. Now I will think of Missy every time I see it. I wish for comfort for you and your family as you deal with your loss. Pets leave pawprints on our hearts!
So sorry to hear about Missy…
I am sitting here reading some of the coments with tears running down my cheeks.. I feel like I know you because you have shared so much of yourself with us. Just remeber you are not alone… We all will be praying for you and your family. Dogs come in to our lives for a short time but leave paw prints on our hearts forever.
Darlene-Joy
~Praying for peace for you and your family during this difficult time. How fortunate for Missy to be surrounded by such pure love. Blessings friend, Lisa
My heart goes out to you. I am a dog lover/owner and have been through this several times. It’s never easy…but aren’t they the greatest joy while we get to have them in our lives!?!
It is with tears of understanding that I write my condolences to you, having to let our furry friend go in Oct. ’09 due to a stroke. Our son had a portrait of Neehi painted for our Christmas gift. It is a bittersweet memory of a constant friend always at our side or feet. Thank God for memories of loves gone on before us.
Oh Ann… I am so very sorry.
I can barely contain my tears right now as I read your heartfelt post.
If there is anything I can do for you – I am here for you.
Missy was lucky to be part of such a loving family. Thank you for having the courage to share her story.
I’m sitting here reading the beautiful tribute to Missy with tears in my eyes. We lost our boxer a number of years ago & the thought of him still brings a smile to our faces & joy to our hearts for the time he filled our lives. Your memories of her will be with you always.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’ve never seen anyone state the feelings and events as beautifully as you. I am thinking of you and your family at this very sad time. I know you’ll one day be reunited with your Missy.
Just passing through. I am so so sorry for your loss. I understand. We lost our “Pita” last may. It hurts like losing a human family member. You’ll always have good memories of her. We do.
God Bless you and your family.
Susan Jones
What a sad but bittersweet post. I am so sorry about the loss of your dear Missy and I pray each day will get a little better. You will have wonderful memories of her. Treasure them always.
I am so sorry about Missy. As I type there are tears running down my face. I too know the void when a dearly loved pet passes on. Hugs to you and your family.
I’m so sorry that you have lost your precious Missy. We lost our Butch 2 years ago and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of him and love him. I know you will do the same. blessings
Sandy M.
Ann, you were so fortunate to be there with Missy as you said goodbye..I didn’t get that opportunity with our Digger and still feel so bad. I hope the sweet memories keep your heart at peace as you grieve.
I am so sorry about the loss of you Missy. I cried reading the wonderfull things about her. She was blessed to have you and you were blessed to have her.
Ann, I can’t even begin to imagine how you feel. As a fellow dog owner, I relate to this feel. So sorry for your loss.
No words to say that will console – but know that we have all been there and share in your grief. Know that the pain will be replaced with wonderfully irreplaceable memories that will last the test of time. Sometimes we have to do what our head knows is best, even when our heart begs to differ.
In my thoughts and prayers,
Mike
worst loss that I’ve ever felt, was when I lost my dog… So sorry about the loss… big hugs coming your way….
Cookie
So sorry to hear of your loss, but so glad you could both be with her at the end. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
So sorry for the loss. Losing a pet is the toughest thing I think. Glad you were with her to the end. Cherish your memories.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your post made me cry. I’m so glad you have great pictures of your happy times with Missy.
Ann,
My heart hurts for you and your husband today as I read your post. May you find peace during this very difficult and sad time.
Amy
Dear Ann,
I’m so sorry – My heart goes out to you – I was in the same place a year ago. Our four-legged family members become so much of our lives and we grieve their passing. Thank you for sharing- everything! You are such a blessing & inspiration to us all!
You are in my thoughts and prayers today!
Oh, my heart so goes out to you, Ann! I enjoy your posts so much, and today you touched me and I am crying for you, because I know how those stubby tailed, doe eyed, furry lil’ beings can worm their way into our hearts with a tilt of their head, their comical expressions and their unconditional love they bestow on us. So glad you could be with her at the end. She knew how much you and your husband loved and adored her.
It is so hard when you lose a part of your family…I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes and a huge lump in my throat. Your story takes me back several years to when my kids were very young and the 3 of us came home to my beloved Chocolate Lab barely hanging on ’til we got home. I had to call my husband and we had to wait for him to take our Sienna to the vet. She was my baby before my husband came into my life and the kids were born. I got to hold her in her final moments and we still share stories about what a wonderful dog she was…I know you’ll be able to do the same…it does help to eventually lessen the pain. May God bless and comfort you. Cheryl
{{{Ann}}} Missy knew she was loved. There is no doubt about that. Your heart is heavy with sadness now, but will grow lighter with each and every memory that brings a smile or a tear. I’ll be praying for your family. Love, Patti
Ann- I’m so sorry to hear about Missy…I know how much you loved her. Thank you for sharing her with us too. Take Care
Ann – I come to your blog every day and my tears are just falling out of my eyes for you. I am so sorry that Missy is not with you on earth. She is happy and her little tail is just a wagging where she is. My Mom always said that death is hardest on the living, and she sure was right. You’ll never fill the void in your heart, but everytime it feels like it’s getting bigger, Missy will be right there to lick your face again. Liz
I am so sorry to hear of you loss. Our pets are our family and it is a very difficult thing to handle. But know she is now at peace playing with all the other furry friends. God Bless….
Donna Warner
SORRY YOU HAVE LOST A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR FAMILY, BUT AS LONG AS MISSY IS IN YOUR HEART
SHE WILL NEVER BE FAR AWAY! I AM CERTAIN THAT SHE REMEMBERS ALL THE KIND THINGS YOU DID FOR HER AND THAT’S WHY YOU EARNED HER UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!
Oh my God, I am so sorry!!! What a shock and I so understand what you are going thru. I will say a prayer for you today. It is so hard to say goodbye to our precious ones. I, too had to tell my Ply, that it was okay to go, that was the hardest thing I have ever done. They love us so unconditionally!!! I’m glad you notice those moments, that speak to us. Hugs and Love,
There is NO love like it…missy was blessed by yours and Kims and Brady’s love Ann…she will always have that. You now have an angel in her. Call upon her for strength. She will be there for you. I promise you that…
Oh Ann….I am so very sorry for your loss. People who don’t own pets just don’t seem to understand…they are like our children.
We lost our precious Amydog (daschound) last year…she was 13. We got her when our children were small and she grew up with them. We knew it was time to put her down…I can remember that day as though it were yesterday…
I pray that God will heal your heart and that you find peace in your memories together.
Sending HUGE HUGS your way Ann…xoxo ~ Cheryl
What a touching post. I’m sobbing on this end. big hugs . . . animals ARE our family. I’m so sorry. Mary
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your famiy. Only friends who have lost a pet can understand the hurt we all endure when a friend loses part of their life. I enjoyed our meeting in Washington, Ill.
Oh…my heart goes out to you! I am weepy as I type this…so sorry for your loss.
Ann,
I am so sorry for your loss! As I read your blog, I cried for you and your family! I also have a dog(Maisy)and I can’t imagine losing her! They are our children too! I will keep you and your family in my thoughts & prayers! I feel like you are part of my family! I read your blog daily! I appreciate all you do for us friend!
Anne, So sorry for the loss of your furry friend and companion. She’ll be greatly missed. Take care and know she’s in doggy heaven. Blessings to you and your family.
I am so sorry. It is so difficult to lose our beloved furry family members. My thoughts are with you.
so sorry for your loss, I guess I wasn’t the only one with tears while reading your post… thinking of you today.. R
Ann- First my eyes filled with tears then they kept falling as I read your story on Missy. I have a lab and a bulldog and love them dearly. It is so hard to lose our best friends. My heart goes out to you and Hubby!
Yvonne
Oh, Ann, what a beautiful tribute to a beloved pet! I’m positive Missy knows that she was deeply loved by every member of your family and that she will be terribly missed. May she rest in peace always. My loving thoughts are with you and your wonderful family. Tears are streaming down my face as I write this. I feel so good that you have always shared Missy with us. Thank you.
Ann,
Iam so sorry! I do understand about the loss of a beloved pet! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers! Hugs,Elizabeth Glass
Ann….My eyes are tearing up while reading your sorrowful post. It will never cease to amaze me how animals can crawl into our hearts and cause us to love them so dearly. I can tell that Missy had such a good life with your family…..I’m sorry for your loss!! Cindy
Ann,
So sorry for your loss. I have a 15-1/2 year old Miniature Dachshund myself, and though she is in pretty good health we know that our time with her could come to an end at any time due to her advanced age. Dogs are such wonderful gifts from heaven! Take care, and God Bless.
Hugs,
Lisa Atha
Oh, Ann. I’m so very sorry to hear about Missy. I cried as I read your tribute to her. I know how much you loved her. I loved the many stories you shared with us about her funny antics and feel as if I knew her, too. I know how very hard it was for you to say good-bye to her, but I’m so glad you had that opportunity. My heart truly aches for you and your family. May your sweet memories of her comfort you as you mourn her loss. Rest in peace, sweet Missy.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Missy. She sounds like she was a special girl. And it sounds like she lived a good and well loved life. I hope you can take comfort in that fact. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. We are facing a similar situation. Our Savannah(Cairn terrier/shih tzu mix) will be 15 in a few weeks and we are watching her slip a little every day. We face some tough decisions ahead,so I feel a little of your pain.Our dogs are such a part of the family and there is definitely a big hole when they are gone! Take care and know I’m thinking about you!
Inky hugs,
Janet
Tears from here to you and for Missy. A pain I know all too well. Hugs from our two kittens to you and angel Missy.
Ann, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Our little furry family members are such a part of our lives and our homes I know it is devastating when they are gone. My prayers will be with you now and in the weeks to come. May the memories of Missy comfort you. God Bless.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I just want you to know that I read your blog daily, and you are so inspirational. I know that I have not commented before, but I just want you to know that I know what you are going through and that you are in my prayers. Missy was blessed to have owners who obviously cared for and loved her like you and your family. Tammy
Ann, my heart is breaking for you. From your posts, I know how much you and your family loved Missy. Losing your pet is devastating. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and so is Missy. ~Bonnie~
Missy sounds like she was such a good girl – and so LOVED. I’m sorry that you lost your girl! My thoughts are with your family.
My favorite quote: “Dogs lives are too short. Their only fault really.” by Agnes Sligh Turnbull
So glad you got to say goodbye……xoxoxo
I am so sorry for the loss of your Missy. I can only imagine the day when my Lucy is gone. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and also your creativity. Your blog is one I read almost every day; I feel like I know you. Thank you and God Bless! ~ Anne in MN
Sorry for your lost! She is there with you, all the time. In your heart.