Wednesday, December 7, 2011

A BROKEN HEART


I have written about our furry family many times on this blog. Last night we lost our beloved Duffy. As you may remember about a month ago he had a bad episode but seemed to recover. Monday was our son's birthday. As always Duffy joined in with the celebration, he was our son's best friend. He was like a puppy going up stairs with Zach and cuddling all night. Just before Zach and his family went home we had let Duffy out. My husband found him just standing in the yard and had to bring him in with his collar. Yesterday he had the same symptoms as a month ago but not as bad. He had dry heaves. I held him and rubbed his back and told him everything would be okay. He finally stopped the dry heaves and wanted to lie down in his mudroom with his Penny. He slept. We checked him and he was sleeping soundly. As it got dark our power went out. We lit candles and put some in the mudroom too. He looked at us and went back to sleep. The power came on 2 hours later and when we went to see him he was gone. My heart is breaking. I knew that it would happen one day but I do not think you are ever ready. Over the years we have had 10 dogs, 2 and 3 at a time. Duffy was with us the longest, probably because he was not a purebread. We have had Duffy for 13 years and Penny for 9. Both were adopted and around two or three so Duffy was almost fifteen. It still hurts as much as if we had lost him 10 years ago.


Penny is already lost without him, we all are. He was a lovely, happy dog. From the day we got him he adored our son. Zach was 18 and just starting college and they were inseperable. Zach is coming home today and we are laying our lovely boy to rest on our farm.


Duffy was our gentle giant. He was such a big dog but we trusted him even with little Luca. They became best friends and Luca would come running when he heard Duffy come in the house. We were hoping that Duffy would be here for a little granddaughter this summer so she would have a good first dog to love her and protect her.


Christmas will be especially difficult this year. Duffy came in on Christmas morning and loved to sit with us and the cats. He was my Christmas clown. I could put anything on him and he would sit for a picture. I will miss that so much.




Duffy was always happy. He was always glad to see us and knew where we were at all times. If my husband went to the neighbours, Duffy would sit and watch and not move until he returned. That is my profile picture and it always will be.


We have always had two sometimes three dogs at a time. I have always felt every creature needs a companion so that was what we did. Everytime we lost a furry family member we would bring another one into our lives quite soon after. I do not know this time. It hurts so much losing him, and Penny only ever got along with him, that I do not know if I can do this again. I may change my mind but right now the pain is too deep. All of you who have furry families, and I know there are many of you, understand how much this hurts. A little piece of my heart is taken away with every loss, I do not know how much more I have left. I am going to spend even more time with Penny. She is losing her eyesight and Duffy was her eyes. He was losing his hearing and she would bark loudly for him to come to her. They were the perfect pair.

We will miss him so much like all dogs he never asked for anything but love and we gave that to him three fold. My life became better because of this lovable, sweet boy who picked us out at the animal shelter to be his family. I will be forever grateful for that unconditional love and bond we all had with him but especially for the love and happiness he gave our son. Sleep well my love.

20 comments:

  1. Oh I am so sorry, darn it! It's so hard to lose a beloved pet. I know you do feel heartbroken. I've had it happen to me, yet I don't know what to say except I'm so sorry.

    Hugs, Susan

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  2. That is so sad! Sounds like he was a member of the family. That has to be really hard losing someone whos been with you that long! So sorry!

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  3. O how my heart aches for you , Duffy was a good dog, friend, family member to you , may God grant you peace as you deal with his loss ! hugs and prayers lilraggedyangie

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  4. I am so sorry for your loss. You have some great memories. Duffy had a good life and I do believe animals have a place in heaven, too.

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  5. Such a sweet tribute to Duffy. I am so sorry for your loss and share with you the saddness you must be feeling. Our cat was 13 years old when we lost him a few years back... they become just one of the family and the loss it felt deeply. Sending up a prayer for you and your family.
    Angela

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  6. Oh, golly, I was sad but holding it together until I read the last part about the dogs being each other's eyes and ears. The tears are slipping down my cheeks now, I'm so sorry for all of you, I have to go now.
    Warm Holiday Wishes,
    Susan

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  7. Deepest sympathy from me and my furry family. I to have had many dogs and cats travel with me through my life. They ask for nothing but you end up giving them your heart.

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  8. Love shared, heart to heart, decades interwoven by and with threads of memories, loyalty, comfort and trust....

    There is little difference in the strength and joy or the pain in the loss of two hearts that have watched over each other ~ be they human or animal. At times I have suspected we learn much of unfailing love from them.

    Wrap the sadness of your separation with the joy of what you shared with your sweet Duffy.

    Somehow I feel sure one so loved remains in the winds of the earth, never far from your heart...

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  9. I am so sorry for your loss. It's so hard when you lose a pet. They are truly part of the family! Hugs!

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  10. I am so sorry that you lost your beloved Duffy. my heart goes out to you and yours.

    Hugs, V.

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  11. My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of Duffy. I am so so sorry to you and your family. They are never with us long enough.

    Run free on the Bridge sweet Duffy. ♥

    Carmen and the Primcats

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  12. I am soo sorry for your loss of Duffy. Our pets have such a special place in our hearts--many hugs coming your way!

    I know Duffy is playing with the pups I have lost over the years--have fun on the Rainbow Bridge Duffy!!

    Karen

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  13. I am crying so hard that I cannot even see the screen to type...

    dearest Sue, I am so so sorry to hear of your loss. I don't know what it is, but it is hard enough to loose a parent of friend, but animals...I don't know....maybe the pain is that they seem so INNOCENT and I wonder, "Where do they go?" Oh, I am crying...I am a coward. This is why I can't have a dog. I am sending you virtual hugs my dear. He is just the cutest little or rather BIG boy ever...and I bet he was such a good boy. Thank you for commenting and allowing my words to speak to your heart today. I am convinced that LOVE can never separate us from our loved ones, both flesh and FUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    LOVE TO YOU ALL! Anita

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  14. So sorry about your beloved Duffy. My sympathy to you and all your family who loved him. Barb

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  15. How awful! My heart goes out to you and your family! We know all too well what you are going through!Just know that you gave him the best life a dog could have. And he is never going to be far, a psychic once told me my animals are all with me! She knew each one, even my bunny! I was floored!
    So you may not see him, but he's there.

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  16. Good Morning
    I am a new follower. I just read about you and your losing your sweet boy. And had to come over and see him. And give you a blog land hug. I am so sorry of your lose. How wonderful to have had such a beautiful loving companion friend in your DUFFY! Our furry ones are truly our kids too.
    Hugs Trace

    www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com

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  17. Dear Sue,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Duffy was a very special dog and now he is a very special angel. I know how it is to loose one of your precious pets and companions. Have no doubt they live on and will be there to great us one day when we cross over.
    Hugs, prayers, and sympathy,
    Laurie

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  18. Oh Sue :(
    I am so so sorry for you.
    I know how hard it is to lose a pet.
    They're not just a pet, they're a part of the family
    Duffy was so loved and gave so much love.
    I know it's heartbreaking for you now, but the pain will ease.
    You have so many good memories of him and he will always be in your heart
    Sending you lots of love
    Claire
    xxxxx

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  19. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. He was lucky to have such a good family to care for him. I hope you feel a little comfort from all the caring thoughts sent your way by your many blog friends. ~Roberta

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  20. Oh Sue, my heart is bleeding for your loss. I know the depths of this type of wound. It cuts through to the marrow of our entire existence. Honey, I am so sorry and I know there is nothing that can be said to mend your pain, but please know you are in my heart and thoughts. Much love, Mina.

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