Blogging has been on hold. It’s been a rough few days around here. My 13 year old lab decided that it was time to go. She lived well beyond what was expected and I’m so grateful for that extra time we had together.
It’s interesting how all the memories start to come to the surface after a pet’s death. At least that’s what’s happening for me. About 13 years ago we drove south to Rhode Island to pick her up from Tony, the breeder. His house was crazy and chaotic. Filled with puppies, grown dogs and his elderly mother in her pajamas. No joke. We weren’t sure what to make of it, but we knew that a little chocolate lab puppy was coming home with us.
After struggling with unexplained infertility for a few years it was nice to finally have a change of focus. She would be my first baby.
We placed her in a small box and she whimpered all the way home.
She has been by my side most days ever since. I’ll never forget the first time I took her for a run with me around the Charles River in Boston. I ended up having to carry her half way around the river.
She witnessed our family grow as we created a family through both adoption and natural childbirth. She went from being the center of attention to one of the many needing attention. This dog was able to withstand three energetic boys literally climbing all over her, tugging at her ears and pulling her tail. She was a saint.
When I decided to place my law practice on hold to raise my family she wagged her tail in support. A few years later when I started my own business I was grateful for the flexibility it gave me to be home when my kids came home from school, and it also allowed me the ability to spend time with my sweet dog during the day while I was working. She was always close by. She reminded me (by needing to go out during the day) that taking breaks to stretch and breathe fresh air is an important piece of the work day. She taught me how to live in the moment.
She inspired posts about Tips for Choosing Healthy Dog Food, Natural Flea and Tick Prevention, and just cute photos of her. She was an inspiration both for my blog and in life.
So if I’m a little off over the next few days or weeks now you know why. She was my first baby. Please bear with me as I find a place for all of this. It’s going to take me some time.
Let me know if you have any tips to help with the grieving process. I’m learning very quickly that I’m not very good at this stuff.
I’m so sorry to hear this. It’s so hard to lose a pet. Take your time, we will understand.
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I can’t imagine what you are going through. I’m so sorry. I know how a dog can become a family member and their loss must a huge hole in all of your hearts.
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So sorry for your loss. What a sweet dog. Yes, part of the family for sure.
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so sorry for your loss. It is so tough losing a pet as they are definitely part of the family.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear the sad news Lori. It’s not easy losing your first baby. Dogs have more than what we can ever have as humans. You should take all the time in the world to grieve. It’s inevitable. You can’t side step it. Cry if you have to. It’s ok and definitely allowed. {hugs}
So sorry to read this Lori. I also have a lab (mix) who turns 8 this year and was the baby before the other babies and sits next to me everytime I write. Think of all the great experiences you had with her and how great it was for your kids to have her in their lives when they were so young. Hopefully the great memories will help you all feel a little better.
A couple years ago we had to put our 13 year-old Springer Spaniel to sleep. We miss him every day. It’s very hard to lose a beloved family pet.
I’m so sorry for your loss- she was such a sweetheart. If you need some puppy love, let me know and I’ll bring Maggie over for snuggles. Hang in there!
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I am so sorry for your loss Lori. She was a beautiful girl. I empathize with you and your family. I’m sending you big hugs.
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So sorry for your loss. I can’t give you any tips but can make your smile a little today. I love that picture of you. Are you about 14 in it?
I’m so sorry to hear about your dog. That sucks. I recently went through this with my cat, who found her way to me when I was in college, almost 18 years ago. Your pictures of her are beautiful.
Hugs Lori. My family has buried three labs in the past two years, one golden and two black. It is so hard and they are such good buddies. Treasure your memories. 🙂
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Oh Lori, I’m so sorry to hear. I don’t have any tips except to acknowledge the feelings of everyone in family and don’t be surprised if the kids act out in weird ways. But remember what a lucky dog to get to live with you and your family.
Lori, I am sorry for your loss – no advice except to do what you are doing – taking the time to process and mourn.
what a darling, beautiful dog. I’m so sorry for your loss. My stepmother put down our lab of similar age a few weeks ago and I went along… These dogs become such a part of your heart and family, no matter what others may believe.
Lori, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Take all the time you need to process and mourn as well as to remember all of your precious memories together. It is very difficult to lose a pet and it takes time for it to not hurt as much. Hugs to you.
Oh Lori! I am so sorry for you and your family. I bet the boys are heartbroken as well. We had to put our yellow lab to sleep almost 2 years ago at the age of 12 and I still cry at times thinking about my first baby. It takes time. In the beginning, I couldn’t even look at another dog or pictures of him. Now I can smile thinking about him. take your time.
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I remember baby Mico. What a love she has always been. You were lucky to have her by your side all this time. Sending lots of good vibes your way. Take your time and let your feelings flow.
dear Lori,
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your sweet dog. Time will ease the pain and hopefully the joy she brought will remain.
I was shocked by how many tears I shed over weeks , I still miss my boy. Time.
Hugs, Brenda
Thank you for sharing this Lori. Mico was such a good doggie. I remember her being so tolerant of Molly when she was a pesky puppy!
I love the baby pictures of her.
Lori, I am so sorry for your loss. It’s strange how much of our heart those furry little critters take over. When I lost my baby I said I never wanted another and the grief was all consuming. My husband worried about me as I had been quite ill a few months before and my strength was still not up to par. We did have a computer so he started bring home pictures from work of local shelters and their oh so many offering. At first I just cried and told him I didn’t want to see them. He left them by my chair. Of course I glanced over them on the sly pretending they meant nothing to me. I missed my companion so much. One picture kept turning up over the month. Finally I gave in and had him call. Bob and the lady at the shelter made arrangements for a meeting. That was nine years ago and we brought that crazy 8 month old puppy home with us. She had no socialization, no training and was a bundle of energy. It didn’t take away the pain but she definitely gave me something to concentrate on. Now she is a cuddlier, smushy dog that has to has her mouth wiped off after dinner. Not spoiled much, just very much loved and very much sent by a higher power to get us threw a very rough time. I hope the pain eases and the gentle love that was given to you and your family warms your thoughts every day.
What a beautiful tribute to the sweetest dog EVER. xoxo
I’m so sorry for your loss, Lori.
Lori, I am so sad for you all. I remember many afternoons when the kids where small – Mico waiting for the school bus with us and the happy faces on the kids when they got off the bus when they saw her there – then jumping all over her, and she was so sweet and good natured! We will miss her.
SO sorry, Lori. You never expect the well of emotion that happens when you lose a beloved pet. Maybe it’s the companionship, the unconditional love or the history you both shared – a deep loss indeed. I’ve been there and will be again. Thank you for this sweet tribute to Mico.
Oh Lori. I wish I had advice for you, but all I can say is she was lucky to have you as her human! I can’t imagine how hard this time must be for you, but what a long and wonderful life she lived. I wish I could give you a REAL hug, but since I can’t I will love my own dogs a little harder and appreciate the time I have with them.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. We lost 4 dogs in about a year and a half and it was hard. I have no advice really for getting over it except take one day at a time and don’t worry about us! We’ll wait for you until you feel up to writing again.
What a beautiful tribute to an obviously very special pooch. We hope some good news comes your way soon to distract from the loss! Best wishes, Jeff and Liz
I’m sorry for your loss. Having been through this several times recently, the only grieving advice I can give is: let yourself. You will cry. It’s okay.
I am so heartbroken to learn about your loss. Hugs your way.
I’m so sorry for your loss Lori.
Losing an animal is not easy, but it will get better as time passes. Just remember the good times.
so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how hard this time must be for you.
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Sorry, Lori. So very sorry. Take your time to grieve and get back to writing later. We’ll all be here waiting. xxx
Sending virtual hugs! So sorry for your loss.
Hi Lori, so sorry to hear about your loss. I had to put my cat down after nearly 17 years last week as well. So sad for everyone.
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Hello Lori! So sorry to hear this! Tears just welled up because I remembered my own pet german shepherd that I lost when I was 16. Time is the healer. Hugs!
I am new to your site and am so sorry for you loss, we always had labs in our family, they are amazing. I don’t know if I could help you, I wish I was better at this too. My dad died this year and his 3 year old lab died shortly after, perfectly happy, just missed him, they are indeed special and I’m sure she is with you. I will check back with you soon butfor now all I can say is so sorry.
Kim Maples
Oh, this was a lovely post and now I’m crying. So sorry for your loss.
I wish there was some way to breed pets to last as long as humans. It’s so incredibly sad to lose a part of your family. Sending big hugs your way Lori.
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