It was bright and sunny in SE Iowa today, warm as far as February temperatures go. And in the mind of Brody, it was a good morning to say goodbye. Brody crossed The Bridge peacefully, with Kim and I by his side, and with loving and compassionate help from his vet since puppy-hood. There were plenty of tears shed this morning at the vet’s office, by those who loved him as much as we did. But, it was time. After struggling to eat his breakfast, he collapsed, never to get back on his feet. As his head dropped wearily to the floor, he pleaded for us to help him go. That unmistakable look in the eyes…full of love, full of sadness that the journey is ending…but undeniable in its intent. And so, one day before his 11-½th birthday, we honored his request. He was the victim, not of cancer, but a probable stroke.
Brody and Muffy shortly after joining our family
Brody and Muffy in 2021
Brody and Muffy on their 11th birthday – August 9, 2021
He was a special boy, who considered himself the most special of all of our kids. He was loving and kind to all, never knowing a stranger. And he absolutely adored puppies. He was the best uncle to Lexi, Jackie, Kia, Kendall, GQ, Sixx and Nueve…and they loved their snuggle and playtime with him.
Brody with Baby Nueve
Brody with Baby GQ
Brody with Baby Lexi
In his later years, he rarely left my side or Kim’s. And that is how it was this morning. With one of us on either side, we held him as he gently breathed his last. I am sure his littermate, Muffy, was there for him when he passed, asking, “What took you so long, Brody? I’ve been waiting…”
Tonight another food bowl has been retired. Tonight three dogs grieve the passing of the eldest member of the pack. And tonight my heart is breaking. One last time, here is his signature from back in the day, when like Nueve, he was my blog helper. How I will forever treasure those days. Run free, sweet boy…you will always be in our hearts…
Be sure to hug your furbabies. Until next time…
So sorry for your loss. 🙏🏼
Ann I am so very sorry for your loss – I cried when I read your post, Brody’s departure will leave such a gaping hole in your lives. Sending you big hugs <3
This brought tears to my eyes. I remember when Brody and Muffy were babies. They were both such beautiful members to your family. You and Kim are in my loving thoughts.❤
Ann, my heart breaks for you. I still remember when you brought him home.
hugs
jaydee
I am so sorry Brody had to leave you and Kim. How wonderful that you have so many memories to cherish.
Peace and healing to all of you.
Those are the hardest days of our lives, when we have to say goodbye to our well loved pets. Those photos were especially tender…Brody was near his people, being stroked by them, loved by them. I grieve with you, dear Ann. I gave my three kitties extra love today, in memory of Brody. Much sympathy from me, General Catton, Eleanor Queen of Norway and new kitten Butterscotch.
Dear Ann, Im so late in letting you know how sorry I am for Brody’s passing, just wanted you to know that my heart goes out to you and your family, the only thing I can say is that the memories you have of this sweet companion will help you grieve for him and soon, remembering his time with you will bring a smile instead of a tear.
Thank you for sharing your sweet doggies with us, through all of their lives.
I’m sending love and hugs.
Maria Rodriguez.
Ann, I am so sorry for your and your husband’s loss. It is always so sad.
Oh Ann, so sorry to hear this. It is never easy. I remember your posts from when you brought him and Muffy home. I know she greeted him and they are playing and running together. I am getting tears writing this, so I know how sad you are. Sending hugs! Take care.
So very sorry for your loss…. my girl is between 9-11 years old. She’s a white boxer so there’s no frosty face bit I can see here slowing down…. My heart is hurting for you….
I cried this morning reading your sad news about Brody. May he now be running free with Muffy. Losing a pet is so darn painful. I hope your fun memories of Brody give you comfort in the difficult time ahead of you.
So sorry for your loss…
I’m really so very sorry Ann! Having pets myself, I understand how hard this is. I’ve been following you since 2009 / 2010 and I smile at the pups stories and posts (my husband did too) and cry every time one of them leaves your family.
So very very sorry for your loss. Thoughts are with you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know your hurt that you shared of that look Brody gave you asking you to end it. We experienced the same with our fur baby.
What a beautiful and loving tribute to such a faithful friend. Prayers for you & Kim as you grieve. Thank you for sharing Brody’s journey. May you find peace & healing through your tears.
Sending our hugs and sympathy, Ann, to both you and Kim. We’ve always enjoyed your “blog helpers” input and how it would have meshed with what one of our many fur members over the years. I’m sure they will have made friends on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.
I am so sorry for your loss of Brody. We will be praying for you all.
Ann and Kim – I am so very sorry for your loss of Brody! I know this is so painful. He was an amazing boy! Thank you for sharing him with us. He was obviously LOVED!
I am so very sorry for your sadness, Ann. Brody will always be with you in your heart. ❤️
My heart is breaking for you Ann. I know how strong your love will always be for your boxers whether they are with you 24/7 or only in your always present memories. Praying that you will have strength to get through these days of grief and love the babes you still have with you.
So very sorry for your loss. As a Boxer mom to three Boxers I truly understand how special Boxers are. Unfortunately over the years I have lost Boxers too since they are the best breed there is. Just know you and your family are in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss, I know how much our fur babies are a part of our family.
For as long as I’ve been following you, Brody has always been a part of our connection as I’m a lover of Boxers. I hate to admit that Brody has always been my favorite of the bunch but that’s due to him reminding me so much of my last Boxer, DJ. My heart is sad for you and all who loved Brody. I’m truly sorry for the loss of your beloved Brody. Thoughts & Prayers & Hugs!
A beautiful tribute to your sweet boy. I am sending heartfelt sympathy for your parting and hope your other fur babies provide you with much love and comfort at this time. I’ll let my babies over the bridge know to welcome yours.
I am so sorry. I know how it hurts, everyone we have ever had have passed and now that I am 79 and alone, I sometimes think of getting another dog. I just can’t bear the lost again. My thoughts are with you .
Billie
God Bless You all. My heart aches for you all. Deborah
Somebody said: “When I’ll pass away, I want to go to the place where our beloved dogs go.” When you discovered Brody had cancer, I wrote talking about giving Brody a good quality of life!” You had not too much time for this, BUT, you and Kim gave him a whole life of quality living. Ann and Kim, I am so sorry for your loss . . . may God grant you acceptance, serenity and peace. With much love.
I and my 2 furbabies ache for your loss and send you many hugs and licks. I don’t look forward to the days when I go through losing my furbabies but know that you will see him again since he is waiting for you with the others at the Rainbow Bridge. xoxo
It was with tears in my eyes that I read your loving tribute. I that last goodbye is so very hard. Remember all the wonderful times you had together. Treasure that.
A loving tribute to a much loved member of your family.
I am a follower of your card making AND your blog. So sorry to see this post. Praying for the healing of the ache in your hearts. Always hard to say goodbye.
So sorry for your loss. I know the heartbreak of losing a beloved furbaby. They are our family just as our children are our family. My heart goes out to you.
Oh Ann, I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye to Brody so suddenly. I know he was a well-loved member of the family.
My heart is breaking for you….God speed sweet lil fur baby, run free with your fur baby family as you cross that rainbow bridge. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️
I’m so sorry. Hugs.
Ann & Kim my heart hurts for all of you. A beautiful tribute for a wonderful boxer. Hugs my friends.
I am so sorry Ann. I know that we will see our fur babies again when we cross over. I know that you gave both Muffy and Brody such a happy & loving life. May God Bless you and keep you in His loving embrace.
I am so very sorry for your loss. It is so hard when we lose our Fur Babies.
My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your Family.
I know your pain, I lost My little Hollie after 12 years.
God Bless you.
It brought tears to my eyes reading this post. My sincere sympathy to you, Kim and the other Boxers! I know your heart is breaking. 😥 I remember all to well the days of tears when we lost each of our furry friends. They were both rescue dogs but I loved them so much! I am so sorry!
It brought tears to my eyes reading this post. My sincere sympathy to you, Kim and the other Boxers! I remember all to well the days of tears when we lost each of our furry friends. They were both rescue dogs but I loved them so much! I am so sorry!
So very sorry. Saying good-bye to our 4 legged children is so very, very difficult.
The hurt will be there but, may you also be at peace knowing Brody no longer hurts and is at peace. Our pets brings us much joy and that is what you remember.
Wishing him a safe passage over the rainbow:):)
Tears in my eyes thinking of the loss of my Schnauzer over 20 years ago.
The pain never leaves but the love stays forever!
Hugs (()) So sorry for your loss of Brody. I remember reading about him and Muffy when you got the.
Tears in my eyes just thinking of losing my Schnauzer over 20 years ago.
The pain never leaves us but the love stays with us forever.
I can’t believe that I’ve been following you since before Muffy and Brody came along. It’s hard to understand that now they’re both gone. One of my daughter’s dogs is nearing the bridge and we’re trying to savour the time we have left with her. May the thoughts of Muffy and Brody running together again bring you some comfort.
I am bawling! And not quietly. Losing a beloved friend is so difficult. I pray God will give you peace and comfort. What love he gave to you, and you to him.
So very sorry! I enjoyed when Brody helped with your blog. Hugs.. It’s so very hard to lose a friend like Brody.
My heart aches for yours in your loss. Virtual hugs from Durham.
It’s a sad day when you need to say goodbye to a beloved pet. So sorry for the loss of your fur-baby, as they are your family too.
So sorry. Lots of hugs!
I’m so very sorry, Ann! I remember when you brought him home! What a good life you gave him…and he you! Sending you a hug!
prayers. so sorry .. such a hard loss.. our pets are our family.we have lost so many and now no pet ..
but the longing for one does not go away.. just have to remember what we had ..and loved..
you never forget them..
Ann, my heart goes out to you and your husband on this sad day! I know how it is when we lose an animal we love! They’re part of our families. May your other dogs bring you good days ahead!!! With loving thoughts,
Diane Gil
Again, I sit here crying. Although we haven’t met personally, I feel like I know you through Nueve and Sixx as well as our love for SU and card making. I am so sorry for your loss but so glad you were able to give Brody much love and affection. You are still probably grieving over Muffy since it was only November. We grieve because we have loved. My heart goes out to you, Kim and your other fur babies.
I am so sorry. I know the feeling.
Sincere condolences for saying goodbye to Brody. You two pet parents are so compassionate. I too share a recent loss as my Willie crossed the bridge two weeks ago. I understand your loss. Hug your remaining pups for me.
My heart goes out to you. Our pets are a huge part of the family. Try to focus on all the good times you shared. Hugs and sympathy to you and your family. 🙏
Sending prayers, hugs and love for you and Kim. So very sorry.
Condolences on your loss. I, too, lost a most wonderful dog, Rex, to rapid moving cancer which took him I, 1 day. I cherish the 11 years we had with him and know he is in a better place playing playing fetch with a frisbee .
I am so very sorry for your loss. The pain of losing a pet is something that never goes away just something you live with.
My thoughts and prayers for you and your husband as you grieve. 🙏🏻
Ann, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Brody was family and you will have wonderful memories to share. Rest in Peace Brody.
Ann and Kim, I’m heartbroken for you both in your loss of Brody. Went through two losses myself 1 & 2 years ago (Muffin, then Max, our sweet ShihTzu’s).
Thoughts and prayers as you grieve your precious fur baby/babies.
Carole
XO
Our fur babies live in our hearts and show us the way love should always be. I am so sorry for your loss. 💔
So very sorry, Ann. I know this is a hard day.
Debbie
What a beautiful Goodbye!! So sad when our fur babies leave for heaven!! My thoughts are with you!!
So very sorry~ I know how this hurts!
Debbie