Sunday, January 4, 2009

OUR HEARTS ARE HEAVY


Our hearts are heavy today. Our beloved Golden Retriever Penny passed over to the Happy Hunting Grounds this morning.
Dan had let the dogs out early, while it was still dark, but only Gracie came in. Penny loved the snow and it was not unusual for her to stand at the door and play a game of tease with her ball. But she did not do that this morning, and as cold as it has been lately, she was always back in the house within a few minutes. Dan went out to investigate and found her lying in the yard with her ball beside her. She was only six years old, and she was perfectly healthy.
I am too overcome to write any more today and tell you how much this Big Red Dog meant to me. Gracie is lost and Dan, Kristen and I are heartbroken.

51 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh Dear, it's so sad news :( I'm very sorry with it... It's so sad, when our friends passing away :( I have a dog, so I know, how hard it's for you. I send you hugs from Poland - it's a pity that I cannot help you in other way :( Take care Julie!

Kim Campbell said...

Julie, I am so sorry. I am heartbroken for you. I know how hard it is when this happens so unexpectedly. Much love to you and yours in this difficult time.

Leanne said...

Julie, I am so so sorry, sending you the biggest virtual(((hug))) i can. wish i could deliver in in person

Leanne x

Rowan said...

Julie, I was so sad to see the title of this post and I can understand just how heartbroken you all are especially as she was still a relatively young dog. I hope the thought that her passing was quick and painless will help a little.

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

What sadness for you - we feel it too - having lost our kitty of 12 years just a few months ago. Remember the fun times, when you can. And today I'll put a little ball out in the grove of trees in the altar area in remembrance.

Sometimes It's Good said...

Oh, Julie, I am so sorry about Penny. That is just so sad. You know she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge and is running and playing in the grass of heaven. What a beauty she was!
Hugs and love,
Susan

gma said...

She was precious. So very sorry about this Julie. It's especially hard because it was so unexpected. Sending warm wishes and lots of love to you, Dan and Gracie.

Lynn Cohen said...

I'm terribly sorry for your loss.
How unusal for a young dog to die so suddenly. I imagine so anyway, as I know nothing at all about dogs. Just feel your sadness.
(((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))))

Lila Rostenberg said...

Hugs to you, Julie! (and you family!)

How sad for you! She was a beautiful dog! (and she was lucky to have been your dog!!!)

Anonymous said...

Oh Julie, I'm so so sorry, I'll be thinking of you, and I'll light a candle for her when I get home.
(((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))

Patty said...

Julie
I am so sorry to hear this happened to you. I am sending hugs your way

Anonymous said...

So very sorry to hear this. Love Hugs and Blessings

Colleen - the AmAzINg Mrs. B said...

Oh my gosh Julie - I don't even know what to say. You know how sorry I am and words cannot take away the hurt. These partings are never easy and when it's unexpected - well, that's all that more heartbreaking.

I found this - author unknown- and thought you may take some comfort from it:

I was standing on a hillside, in a field of blowing wheat
And the spirit of our Golden Retriever was lying at my feet.

She looked at me with kind dark eyes, ancient wisdom shining through-
And in the essence of her being her love shone clear and true.

Her mind did lock upon my heart as I stood there on that day And she told me of this story about a place so far away.

Her tale did put my heart at ease, my fears did fade away
About what lay ahead of me on another distant day-

"I live among God's creatures now in the heavens of your mind
So do not grieve for me, my friend for I am with my kind.

My collar is a rainbow's hue, my leash a shooting star. My boundaries are the Milky Way
where I sparkle from afar.

There are no pens or kennels here, and I am not confined
But free to roam God's heavens among my Golden kind.

I nap the day on a snowy cloud, gentle breezes rocking me
And dream the dreams of Earthlings and how it used to be.

The trees are full of liver treats and tennis balls abound
And Milkbones line the walkways just waiting to be found.

There even is a ring set up - the grass all lush and green
And everyone who gaits around becomes the Best of Breed.

For we're all winners in this place, we have no faults, you see And God passes out those ribbons to each one, even me.

I drink from waters laced with gold my world a beauty to behold And wise old dogs do form my pride to amble at my very side.

At night I sleep in an angel's arms, her wings protecting me
And moonbeams dance about us as stardust falls on thee.

So when your life on earth is spent, and you stand at Heaven's gate Have no fear of loneliness for here, you know I wait".

All my love,
Colleen

Charmingdesigns said...

I am soooo sorry to hear about your sad news. Take care! laurie

Sheila said...

Julie, such a sad post. I know what a loss it is to lose a pet.
She was a beautiful dog, and you will miss her.
Big hugs to you and your family..
xx

Betty said...

I'm so sorry for your loss and know that it will be hard for you for a while. I have posted this before; but, each time I do so, I smile a little at the end. Hope you get a small smile, too.


"My best friend closed her eyes last night, As her head lay in my hand. The doctor said she was in pain, And it was hard for her to stand. The thoughts that scurried through my head, As I cradled her in my arms, Were of her younger years, And, oh her many charms. Today there was no gentle nudge, With an intense "I love you" gaze. Only a heart that's filled with tears, Remembering our joy-filled days. But an Angel just appeared to me, And said, "You should cry no more, God also loves our canine friends, He's installed a doggy door!" -Author Unknown

God bless.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. I know there is nothing much any one can say but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers

Dj Connell said...

I'm so, so sorry.

My thoughts are with your and your family.

We lost our own beloved boy to cancer at age 6 and it was a terrible blow, but we, at least, had some idea it was coming.

I can only say how lucky your boy was to have you and you, him.

The Feathered Nest said...

Oh Julie. I am so very sorry for your loss of your precious Penny...they are definitely wonderful members of our family and I know your heart is hurting. Sending you ((((hugs)))) xxoo, Dawn

Janet said...

Julie, I just came by to read your blog and found this sad news. I am so sorry. I'm sending you hugs and lots of good thoughts.

Kate Robertson said...

Julie,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved pet. I will be thinking of you the next few days.

xxoo

Kate

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry! Having loved and lost precious dogs over the years I know how strong a bond they have in our hearts. I wish I could give you a great big hug!

Shopgirl said...

My Dear friend, this is so sad, our pets are so special, and they give us so much.....Sending a long tearful hug, Mary

Mary said...

Julie, I came by to catch up on your news and was saddened to learn you have lost your lovely Penny. I hope you can find some comfort knowing she was doing what she loved, and that she didn't have a prolonged illness.

My thoughts are with you - I know this is hard.
Love, Mry.

Anonymous said...

Oh am so sorry, sending all the hugs and warmth I can, take care of yourself and yours fiona

J C said...

I can only send you a huge hug Julie. I know a pet is a family member. xoxoxo

LW said...

I am so sorry about this sad news...

Hugs to you and your family,

Louise

Casey said...

Please know my thoughts are with you, Julie. I know my Shannon is with your Penny right now & they are both very happy.

I'm sending you a hug.

Patrice Palmer said...

I am so sorry to hear that you've lost Penny. Having lost a loved one myself, I know there is no real consolation in words, but please know that I do send my kindest thoughts and sympathy to you and your family.

couragetocreatewriteandlove said...

oh my!!!
I am so sorry for your lost.
I know what it feels, i have been in your feet, with healthy and unhealthy pets.
I am crying, that's all I can say, I feel your pain deeply dear Julie, and Dan and Kristen, too.
love you sweetie pie!
hugs!
Carmen

Lena said...

Oh Julie. I've been thinking about you all week, and now I know why. I'm so sorry to hear this news. I know how hard it is to lose such a beloved pet, and my heart goes out to you and your husband.

My sincere condolences.

couragetocreatewriteandlove said...

just checking on you, and also tO let you know that i am thinking of you A LOT
HUGS!

GlorV1 said...

I am so sorry about your loss. I do know what you are feeling in the loss of Penny. I still feel it every day. I had my sharpei/chow Chorizo girl for 14 years. She loved me so much and I her back. I miss her so much, it still hurts. She passed in October 14, 2007. She has been gone now 1 year and almost 3 months. Try to remember all the love your shared with her and how she made you laugh and gave you goo goo eyes. She is with her real mother now, that's how I look at my chorizo being gone from me.Her spirit remains in your home and wherever she wandered. Again my condolences, smile and think of her. Take care...gloria

Anonymous said...

Oh dear! What happened to her while she was outside? I'm so heartbroken for you... I know the feeling! I've been there before, sorry for your loss! Hugs to you and your family! My prayers go to you guys! :(

Shell said...

Hi Julie. I am coming over from Carmen's blog where she talked about you. I'm sorry about Penny's passing. When my beloved Siamese cat, Terry, died it hurt. We had her for sixteen years. She has been my childhood companion. Over the years, the pain has left. I still remember my Terry fondly. She is always part of me like Penny will be with you and your family.

Laurie said...

Dear Julie,
I am so, so sorry to read this. I know how heartbreaking it is to lose a beloved pet.
Sending you hugs.

Diana S said...

Julie, I'm very sorry to hear of your sudden loss. My thoughts are with you. Take care.

Lila Rostenberg said...

Back to see how you are now!
I hope you will have a good weekend!

AutumnZ said...

I'm thinking of you and your loss.

Naturegirl said...

Julie I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Gracie and Penny are part of a loving family and I know the sadness and emptiness in your hearts having lost Penny.
Sending comfort to you Julie as well your family peace be to your beloved Penny.Holding you in my prayers.
Gently hugging you aNNa xo

Naturegirl said...

Julie I just read Colleen's poem..I sure hope you get some comfort from the beautiful words.Rainbows and stars..a nice way to remember Penny. love and light NG

Carole Burant said...

Dearest Julie,

I've just now read your news...my heart goes out to you. Losing a beloved pet is never easy and I know how much you're hurting right now. Please know that I'm thinking of you. xoxox

Anonymous said...

Oh no :( Sometimes you wonder why these things happend. Rest in Peace little dog.

Victoria said...

Oh Julie, I am so sorry to hear this. My heart breaks for you. Please be gentle with yourself and know that there are so many who understand your pain. A big hug to you. Victoria

Sandy said...

My Dearest Julie, I am so very sorry. Please know that my heart is with you. (((((((Hugs))))))

GreenishLady said...

Oh, Julie, that is such sad, sad news. My heart truly goes out to you. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Annie Jeffries said...

Oh Julie. I'm so sorry to arrive at this post so late. Days and days afterwards. I'm so sorry. We all grieve with you.

Anonymous said...

Oh Julie I am so sorry to hear of your tragic loss, and truly feel for you. Nothing I say will be enough to make you feel better, but just want you to know I'm thinking of you and your beautiful Penny. At least you can be thankful that the end must have come quickly and painlessly, and that she was happy and well-loved during her short life. Tears and hugs from Seawitch x

Deborah Yost said...

So sorry for your loss. Your writing is very touching and I have
decided to award a Superior Scribbler Award to your blog.
Blessings.
-
Deborah
award at
http://therosemarytree.blogspot.com/

marthaberry said...

Oh Julie, I am sorry! I will keep Penny, you, and your family in my prayers.

Margaret's Ramblings said...

My daughter, Fiona, has just showen me your blog. I just wanted to say how sad I feel for you. Keep your memories close and remember the good days. Take care, Margaret