Tuesday, September 15, 2015

R.I.P. Buddy

 
Buddy died in my arms last night, at home, peacefully and quietly. He had been diagnosed with cancer last May, and it slowly invaded his body, ultimately affecting his heart and lungs. The vet said Buddy would not make it to see the summer, let alone live through it. But live he did, tail wagging and eyes sparkling, and I made sure he had the best summer ever. He ate steak and fresh strawberries, swam and retrieved endless sticks, chased chipmunks off the deck and napped on the couch. And then I had to let him go. I woke to my new reality of life without my beloved Budster. No gentle snoring in the corner of our bedroom woke me this morning, no nails clicked behind me on the hardwood floor as I made my way to the kitchen for coffee. My home feels so empty, and my heart is broken, the price one pays for loving so fiercely. We sign up for this reality when we bring that puppy home to share our lives, but damn it's hard to say goodbye.


7 comments:

nightsmusic said...

Oh, Pam! My heart breaks for you. I'm so sorry at your loss and I know how very hard it is. And it will never go away, but it will get easier to bear. Hugs hugs to you.

Vicki Pettersson said...

Oh, Pam! I'm so sorry. I'm crying as I write this, and wish I were there to give you a fierce hug. I am so, so very sorry.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Buddy was a beautiful soul and I was so sad to hear of his passing.

Colleen said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Pam. Our dogs really are like our children - it is so hard to lose them.

Unknown said...

I've been wondering how you were doing. And now I know. As much as Buddy was a great part of your life, I know your grief was as deep as the emptiness his passing left. That old saw about our pups taking a piece of our hearts with them when they leave us is true. He was a champ and will always remain one in your memories.
Ive already asked my Tessa, Pepper, and Deacon to take in into their pack.

Unknown said...

I haven't checked into your blog in quite awhile and so today I'm just learning about Buddy's passing. It's heartbreaking and I'm so sorry for your loss Pam. The resulting grief and emptiness of losing your best pal is awful. The empty house was the worst for me, not to mention losing my desire to go walking. It's been almost a year since I lost Jack, and after spending 15 1/2 years with him I'll always miss his big old Poodle bones. RIP Buddy, there's a place beyond where all the Louisa dogs have their own swimming hole and sticks and chipmunks galore. xo

Donna Rubino said...

I'm heartbroken for you, Pam. I know how much you've loved all your dogs. Especially as We’ve grown older and the house is empty, we have more time to focus on the fuzzy cherubs we live with. Buddy knew you adored him. The great Dog knows you loved and cared for him always.
And now that he’s crossed the rainbow bridge, using the piece of your heart that he took with him for his pillow, he’ll find all of our dogs waiting for him. He’ll never be alone.