My first Boxer, a rescue, left me four years ago today. While the sadness is still there, she taught me a lot at a time I was ready to listen…
February 4, 2010 started like any other day. I was up at 6 AM to get ready for another day of school. Brady was away at college, and my husband was already on his 45 minute commute to work. It was just Missy the Boxer and me. It was that time of the day when we felt the closest. She dutifully watched me as I put on my make-up…waiting for me to “attack” her with my blush brush and waiting for the moment when I would spritz her with a smidge of perfume and declare, “You smell mah-vel-ous”. Her Boxer butt would explode into wiggles and jiggles, as she kidney-beaned around in exuberance. Although the beautiful black mask was now silver, at those times she was a puppy again.
Down the stairs she ran, as we headed in to eat breakfast. I would have my oatmeal and toast, and Missy would have her kibble…and some of my oatmeal and toast. She had gained a few extra pounds, and was no longer the youthful beauty she was in her prime. But at 11 years of age (old for a Boxer), she had earned the right to bask in the sun and enjoy an extra treat or two.
Missy had worked hard during the ten years she owned us. Playing hide and go seek with Brady was one of her favorite jobs. How it broke my heart when he left for college, and she would search in all of his favorite hiding places to no avail. It also broke my heart when she would hear a trumpet, either on TV or on one of the CDs I would play. Off to his bedroom she would run to listen to him practice. She soon learned that he was gone, and would not be coming back often. But when he did come home for a visit, they would still play hide and seek, and she would still stand guard as he practiced his trumpet. In his absence, she became my constant companion. She would lay at my feet, chewing on a chewy, as I created cards.
As I headed out the door that morning, I bid her good-by. “Be a good girl. See you when school’s out. Love you.” And she ambled over to her favorite chair to drink up the rays of the morning sun and watch me through the window as I pulled out of the drive, waiting for me to wave to her.
As I walked in the door that afternoon, I knew something was wrong. No Missy greeted me. I called to her, but no Missy came running. That’s when I found her beside her favorite chair, unable to get up. Her head raised slightly to greet me, as her tail wagged feebly. At that moment, I knew. Deep in my heart, I knew. As I looked in those dark eyes, I knew this was the day I had dreaded. I knew that she had waited with the last ounce of her being for me to come home and say good-by. I knelt beside her and caressed her head. My first call was to my vet, and my second call was to my husband. We were to rush her to the vet immediately. Luckily my husband was just minutes away. In those few minutes, I told her that she was a good girl. A smart girl. A beautiful girl. I also told her that it was OK for her to go, and that we would be together again at the Rainbow Bridge. And then I cried, my tears wetting the fur of her neck.
My husband carried her to the car, and later into the vet’s office. We were taken immediately into an examination room, where her vet gave us the sad news. She suspected that Missy had suffered a heart attack. This brave dog, who had suffered unspeakable cruelty before we rescued her…who conquered heartworm and cancer…was at the end of her journey. “Ann,” she said gently, “it is time to say good-by. She will not make it through the night. We need to end her suffering…”
Missy passed, cradled in the arms of my husband and I, while the lights in the room flickered. I will always believe that this was her sign that she was going to be fine…and that I would be fine. But that did little to heal the hurt I was feeling.
I will never forget Missy the Boxer. She taught me so much at a time I was ready to learn:
- Take time to bask in the sunshine
- Take time to play
- Always have a favorite chair
- Always snuggle at the end of the day
- Stand beside those you love
- Love unconditionally
- And never forget to show your exuberance for life with a butt wiggle!
Thank you so much for allowing me to share my memories on this day. Until next time…
Dear Ann,
I remember your post from years ago and the tears fell as freely & freshly today as they did then.
We learn so much from our animal companions.
Hugs and love coming your way to you and your current companions. So glad that your fiesty Lexi is doing better. Her illness coming so close to this other anniversary date must have added to the stress.
Take care and thanks for sharing the inspiration and the pooch stories and pics over the years.
Wow. My heart aches reading this for this is no love like that of, and for, a pet. Thank you for sharing this story.
Dee
Ann I feel your sadness and heartache at the loss of Missy. A year ago I lost my Murphy on Feb 4th to Cushings Syndrome, so we share an aniversary that I wish had never come. He was the love of our lives, my baby. my companion, and my sweet friend. Never an hour goes by that I don’t miss him or think of him. So I hear your sorrow, know your loss and feel your compassion. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
I hadn’t had the time to read this until now. I’m over joyed with a sense of love you had for Missy as I’ve had for my own Boxers in my life. Yet I also had tears of sadness as I felt your pain having to let go of your Missy as I’ve had to do the same with my last Boxer, DJ. What a well written heartfelt story of your family’s bond with Missy!! I wish every Fur Baby could know such love that Missy received from you, your husband, and Brady. TFS this story!! Hugs!
Our fur-babies really become integral parts of our families. Thank you for sharing your special tribute and memories of Missy, Ann.
I love that you shared this story. I love how your words paint the picture of this beautiful family member. You are amazing. Thanks so much for this…all of us who have lost a dear furry friend understand and shed tears with you.
What a wonderful tribute to Missy! Dogs can teach us so much about life and how to live it. What a wonderful gift you were to each other! And what wonderful memories she has given you and your family!
What a beautiful tribute to your beloved Missy! Our furbabies bring so many wonderful things into our lives and they leave us all too soon. She was a very lucky girl to have found your wonderful family to love her and never having to worry about being mistreated again. Cherish all the beautiful memories you have of Missy and know that she will always live on in your heart.
Ann, I stopped by your blog today for inspiration and came across this beautiful post about Missy. I am crying crocodile tears. What a lovely post and beautiful memories. Kelly D
I lost my first GSP on February 4th 2006, Samantha was the best.
Than that September we lost our Rotti to cancer. Bad year 2006.
It is hard to find a perfect dog…but a perfect dog has no problem finding the perfect human in their minds.
Thank you for sharing.
Lynn M
What a great tribute to Missy! As an animal lover and parent to many cats and dogs I could so relate to those last moments where we let them go as our heart breaks. They bring us so much joy and unconditional love!
Hi Ann, what a beautiful tribute to your Beloved Missy. I too had tears running down while reading. It is wonderful that you gave her such a good life – and she waited to say goodbye to you! My black Lab, Sally was also rescued after abuse and has taught us so much too. Thinking of you at this sad time, I
Hi Ann, what a beautiful tribute to your Beloved Missy. I too had tears running down while reading. It is wonderful that you gave her such a good life – and she waited to say goodbye to you! My black Lab, Sally was also rescued after abuse and has taught us so much too. Thinking of you at this sad time, I
What a beautiful tribute – through my tears – lost my Molly 2 weeks ago. She will live forever in my heart, as Missy does in yours . . .what a blessing/pain we all give thanks for . ..
Ann, has it been 4 years? Big hugs, my friend. The pain dims but never disappears. Our four legged family members remain a part of our lives – for all of our lives.
Hugs
Jaydee
Oh what a nice tribute Ann, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. I know I was sitting at work and crying, hoping no one came in my office. Thanks for sharing!
Oh what a nice tribute Ann, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. I know I was sitting at work and crying, hoping no one came in my office. Thanks for sharing!
Gracious, Ann! What a lovely tribute to your faithful friend. How lucky she was to have saved you and you her. Sending a hug and love (and gratitude for sharing Missy’s lessons) from Seattle.
Warmly,
Sara
(with tears streaming) Wow…well said! Am just starting to think about that time, as my furbaby is now 13…
Hugs…
I’m sitting here with tears. Thanks for sharing your memories of Missy the Boxer. It makes me think of my pug, Ralphie, whom I lost a little over a year ago.
Beautiful post Ann! It is so hard to say goodbye to our beloved pets. We had to say goodbye to our dog many years ago too. Now we have another wonderful dog and I dread the day we have to let her go. You are so right in that our dogs teach us many life lessons. I am a better person for loving a dog!
Thank you for sharing with us. Missy had a wonderful family and you guys had a wonderful teacher. Our fur babies are family always.
I’m crying, too! Beautiful story and story, A!
I have tears in my eyes. Such a beautiful tribute.
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Missy.
You have caused many folks this day to shed tears while reading your lovely story. Only those who love and cherish animals understand. I am one of them. Dogs love unconditionally and we can’t ask for more than that. Wish humans had the same devotion as animals. Thanks for sharing your very touching store.
As I sit here reading your post (and crying) it brings back memories of losing a beloved 4-legged member of our family. I look at Missy’s pictures and I see Rocky. This is a beautiful memorial for Missy and I know you will always miss her. How wonderful it is that you have your three new babies filling your life with love.
Ann, thanks for sharing this beautiful, but sad story. Missy was a wonderful companion for your family and you never really forget that unconditional love that our pets give us. We are never ready to say good-bye.
What a lovely tribute to your dear Missy. I totally get it – and I understand how you miss her to this day. Hugs to you.
Hi Ann…I’m writing this note to you with tears streaming down my face. What a wonderful life Missy had! We lost our little dog in 2010 also and you never forget them. I still, to this day, think I hear her in the house. If we didn’t love them as much as we did, our hearts wouldn’t break as badly.I think you both were lucky to have found each other. Thanks for sharing. Karen
Ann – Thank you for sharing the wonderful love and lessons you shared with Missy. What a beautiful life you had together and thanks for sharing the beautiful tribute. {{HUGS}}
Ann I first started to follow your blog when Missy was at the center of your family..and I always enjoyed reading of her adventures… but I could hardly get through this post for the tears running down my cheeks.. So sweet are the memories of those we miss that have past. Beatiful story. hugs.
Oh Ann, how my heart breaks for your loss but swells for the joy you all gave each other. I read your incredibly well written story an hour ago on FaceBook and still haven’t swallowed right. Thanks for making her life so good, perfume and all! I know you understand when I say people tell me I spoil my dogs and I ask what was I supposed to do, rescue them and then treat them badly? Thank you so much for writing and posting this – it hurt to read it but it was just so darned beautiful!
Ann I couldn’t pull myself together yesterday after reading your post and I am not doing much better today.
She loved you so much and you were a good Mommy to her and gave her love back. She appreciated you so much after her bad start in life. Such great memories you have of Missy. Hugs to you and I cannot believe it has been four years.
Ok I am full of tears again. My loss of Whispy is to recent so I really can feel your pain.
Big hugs to you, Ann! I know how much you loved sweet Missy!
So beautiful, Ann. Missy was a special beautiful soul.
such a beautiful story Ann-thanks for sharing a memory
Crying while reading your beautiful love story. Thank you for sharing.
Ann, Thank you for sharing your wonderful story about a very special dog. Our animals hold a very special place in our hearts. They give so much and expect so little. Our lives are better for having them in our lives – we just wish it could be for a much longer time. You are an amazing writer. Thank you!
Tears are flowing. Your story brought back so many memories of my beloved Baxter. They bring so much love into our lives, and we are blessed to have them for a time. God Bless you Ann!
what a wonderful post, Ann! Hugs to you! I’m thankful that you have 3 furbabies to help you through today!
What a tearful but beautiful post! We sure do love our fur babies, don’t we? And, you are right. We can learn much from them. You were a good “dog mama” for giving Missy such a wonderful forever home. And now, may she rest in peace.
Dear, dear Ann: I’m so sorry to read about your beautiful friend passing. I know how hard it is to say goodbye to a beloved, loyal companion. All I can say is to relish the memories of her, enjoy remembering her, even if it hurts. You gave her a chance and she return the favor many, many times over.
God Bless you for that.
Maria.
I am sitting here crying and feeling your pain. But I also felt the joy that Missy brought you. I too have lost several of my pets and the loss is terrible but the memories are the best. I have had my pets cremated and have told my family when my time comes I want all my friends to be buried with me.
Oh my God, I’m crying like a baby! That was such a sweet memoir to your fur baby! I’m so sorry for your loss!! Hugs to you!!
I know this story would fill me with tears, so I did not read the whole thing (please forgive me!). I just wanted to say that I’m sorry you lost Missy, but happy you gained the three wonderful furbabies that you have in your life right now.
Big Hugs!
What a wonderful Boxer and friend you had in Missy. My heart goes out to you.
Losing a family member is so difficult. Missy was a very special little Boxer and taught you some wonderful things when you were ready to listen. I love that she taught you to always have a favorite chair. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I hope your day went as smoothly as possible.
Mary
Oh Ann, I can’t stop crying. It sounds like she was an amazing dog. I myself have 2 dogs, Suzy, a beagle, and Jerry, a jack Russell mix. While Suzy has been with us since she was 5 weeks old, Jerry found us in 2010 when he was about 1 1/2. I can’t imagine the day these two are not with us any longer…actually I can’t think about it without crying. I believe you and Missy will one day meet again at the Rainbow Bridge.
That is the sweetest story I’ve ever read. What a special dog! We had a cat like that. He watched for our daughter when she left for college. He waited for her on the steps every day when it was time for her to be home from school. So sad. WE still miss him, since Fri. Dec. 13, 1996.
Dogs are such amazing creatures. We too just went through this so our wounds are still open. Your story is not unlike ours. My heart breaks for you as well as for myself. I hope you are able to find peace in knowing that you gave her a good life. I am trying to do that as well.
what a beautiful tribute – i made that same trip to the vet but by myself, with my sweet 3 year old shit zhu bleeding profusely – that was 5 years ago and it still makes me cry…what a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful tribute <3
My Min Pins lived for 18 yrs. and that is a long, long time for them. Your story brought back memories. One passed one week and the other passed the second week. Thank you for being a loving parent to Missy like I was with Chandler and Chapman.
Hugs
Sheila Rogers
Thank you for sharing. Our pets are so special to us and it is so hard when they leave us. But every now and then I get some kind of nudge to let me know that they still are with me somehow.
precious, Ann. Thank you.
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We recently rescued our 3rd Bullmastiff , and she is a gentle giant….smiles… Our last Mastiff lived her entire 14 years with us, which is a ripe old age numerically….We had our Boxer for 12 years, so I can agonize the bitter sweet lives our extended family members brings. I hugged Cinnamon, as I read this. TFS I know the sad goodbyes. As you, I cherish the MEMORIES! God Bless
I remember when this happened, and how sad I felt for you at Missy’s passing. I’m so glad that the lessons she taught you are a part of your life. You should have issued kleenex with this post, Ann…I’m all misty! Hugs!
I’m with Dayle on this — sitting at work sobbing . . . I dread the day my Laredo Mae decides to do the same and leave me. She will be 11 in 10 days and still acts like she’s 4. Being a Border Collie/Blue Heeler mix I should have her another 5 years easy; but time is ticking, and ever time I look at her I see the slowly graying hairs that were once jet black, and I see the little bit of arthritis creeping in when tries to stand up from her lying position, and I worry. Oh that I can be as strong as you when she crosses to the other side. She is my first baby — won’t be my last I’m sure; but I’m not sure I’m ready for her to go at all. Thank you for sharing your special memories with us and reminding us the lessons that these special creatures bring to our lives everyday. I will run home this afternoon and hug mine close!! Wendy
Ann, I guess you brought tears to all our eyes with your beautiful story. My son and his wife are unable to have a child and they also adopted a rescue dog. It is the sweetest, most well behaved dog I have ever seen. Of course, it is just like their “child”. We know that the “inevitable” thing will happen to the dog but they can now enjoy the precious relationship as you did. We do, of course, dread the day the dog will “fall asleep forever”. But, as you, they will always have the good memories!
Diane Gil
Made me cry too. I held my 15 year cat Bubba in my arms while he passed and even though it was difficult; I am so thankful I did it. God Bless you and the loss of your beloved dog. I (we) all loved the posts you have shared which included your dogs!
Ann – what a wonderful post and beautiful story!! I can so relate since my youngest left for college last fall and our pets are still searching for her. Prayers for you today.
Oh, I have tears in my eyes ready to drip down my face. Thank you so much for sharing about your special Missy.
What a wonderful post. I have tears running down my face as I type this. It’s so hard to say goodbye even when it is time. Thank you for sharing this moment with us.
You knew that your story would bring tears to the eyes of your followers. Missy was lucky to be in a home where she was shown such unconditional love. Your fur babies have no doubt brought many hours of joy to your lives.
Ann, I read your story with tears in my eyes. I know the pain of losing our two furry family members…..Pepper in 1994 and Okie in 2008. Both of our dogs were rescued as well. They were definitely “my” companions and I loved them dearly. Thank you for sharing the story about Missy!!!
Ann, I sobbed as I read your post but it’s absolutely beautiful! Many of us have been there before. We still miss our four-legged friends and know that we will have to make that same decision again if we have more pets in the house. But they give us such unconditional love and make every day with them wonderful! Thanks for sharing your beautiful story!
Oh Ann,
Thank you for a beautiful post. Sending warm thoughts your way. I think that any of us who have had a favorite friend cross that Rainbow Bridge was crying with you as they read this post. I hope your Missy is up there wiggling her butt with my Mercury and Dottie (they’re greyhounds not boxers, but that never seems to matter to them!).
What a heart wrenching post Ann. As I write this to you, the tears are streaming down my face because I know just how special Missy was to your family.In Missy’s honor, I am doing a butt wiggle – will you jin me? Hugs to you!
So sorry for your (temporary) loss. Our first dog, Teddy, is just three, so it is hard to think ahead to the end. Hope his last day is as loving as Missy’s was. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful story.
This was a wonderful post. I have been there, too. How blessed we are to have such a special dog in our lives….they are really one of the family.
Crying like a baby! Ann, I thought you were a “math and science” person! You are an awesome writer too!! Reminds me of our schnauzer Buddy’s last day. The little rascals teach us so much about life and love. THANK YOU for sharing this story!
Beautifully written, Ann – brings me tears after just losing one of my furry children in November. Missy was so blessed to have you as her mother! Hugs to you!
So sweet Ann. My heart is broken for you today. Makes me think of my two special boys in heaven with her. I miss them so much, just as you miss your girl. I love the picture of her with her face and collar. I haven’t seen that one before and she is beautiful, as is the scrapbook page. Hugs your way.
Ann,
Thank you for sharing such beautiful memories of Missy — and for reminding us all to love unconditionally and bask in the sun. I relate very personally to your story as my sweet Heidi cat was to me what Missy was to you — a constant companion and great love.
Love and hugs to you Ann.
Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. As a pet lover, I feel the pain and the tears came as I read your story. Pets do so much for each of us and ask nothing in return.
I work with Anthem Pets in Anthem, Arizona and it is so heartbreaking so see the abandoned pets and those that have been abused. We rescue and find homes for abandoned pets and also do a lost and found on our website to reunite the pets with their owners.
Missy was one lucky girl to have been adopted into such a wonderful family. Pets give us so many wonderful lessons and memories.
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful companion, Ann! I am so glad she was blessed with such a loving home with you and your family after such a heartbreaking beginning! Thank you for sharing such heartfelt feelings and memories. I cried for your loss as I read your post but will remember with happiness the promise of the reward that comes after this mortal journey. Huge hugs to you, Ann!
Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. As a pet lover, I feel the pain and the tears came as I read your story. Pets do so much for each of us and ask nothing in return.
I work with Anthem Pets in Anthem, Arizona and it is so heartbreaking so see the abandoned pets and those that have been abused. We rescue and find homes for abandoned pets and also do a lost and found on our website to reunite the pets with their owners.
Missy was one lucky girl to have been adopted into such a wonderful family. Pets give us so many wonderful lessons and memories.
Ann…
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you and your family as I know how it feels ( 4 dogs and 1 cat) Our pets enrich our lives in so many ways. They worm their way into our hearts and lives and it’s so hard when you have to say good-bye. Missy will always be in your heart and memories..I still cry for my 4 legged babies but I feel them around me now and again which gives me great comfort. Blessings to you and your family!
You gave her a good life and she gave you unconditional love in return. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story with us. Hugs to you.
Ann, this was so touching. Believe it or not, I had just finishing sending an email to one of our friends that just lost her dog on 1/31/14. She & her husband are going thru the same as we all do when we lose our best friends. May heart goes out to you & your family because the hurt never goes away. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I am touched by the unconditional love you had for each other. The lessons learned from Missy were very valuable. Sending you hugs and love as you reflect on your wonderful memories. May God continue to bless you! Hugs, Claire
Oh, Ann, as an animal lover,I so understand your mourning over your fur-baby. They truly give us so much more than we ever give them, don’t they? So glad you all found each other! {HUGS}
I can hardly type this as I have big tears in my eyes. A wonderful tribute to your loving pet. We had our cat for 18 years so I know how you feel.
Shirley
Oh Ann, I was sitting here at work eating lunch and decided to read your post. I am now 3 kleeenexes in. Beautifully written story and one that touches me personally since we just went through this a few short weeks ago. I too am thankful for all the wonderful memories but long for the day my heart stops breaking. You have given me hope….thank you my friend. Hugs to you today.
Oh Ann – that was so special! Thank you for sharing your memories with us.
So sad, so sad. I don’t think we’re ever ready for our loved ones to leave us. I’m so glad you were able to be with her when she departed. Hugs & love to you and your family in your loss. She was lucky to have found you.
My heart broke for you reading this. Missy will always have a special place in your heart and you hers. Big hugs as you remember her today.
Made me cry. So wonderfully written. What a joy they are, our critters. Thank you for rescuing her and giving her a life full of love and free from fear.