Kendara’s Show Boat, our Nola, has died. I, my wife, and our entire pack are bereft, beside ourselves with grief.
Three weeks ago a mass was discovered just above her hip. It continued to grow, she lost her appetite, lost weight, became increasingly weak and fatigued.
I am taking her death very hard. She was the sweetest, most loving, gentlest, and most dear dog we have ever had. We were especially close—she was licking my hand to the very end. In her last trip to our backyard yesterday morning she, my wife, and I played The Game. Now only Kara will play it with us.
Additionally, she represented a special sort of connection. She knew every dog we’ve ever had with the exception of Jenny. Of our present dogs Ziva knew only Nola; Kara knew Tally, Will, Smidge, and Nola; Mamie knew only Nola and our present dogs.
Ziva, Kara, and Mamie have been looking for her and scolding us for her absence. I feel the same way. Kara seems to understand what has happened and is taking it particularly hard. She’s seen a lot of her pack mates die in her short life.
Well, that is very sad. I literally have a tear in my eye as I think about a lost former dear pet.
This, too, shall pass.
It’s part of the package when you take a dog into your home. We’ve learned to shoulder the responsibility more easily than we used to but we’re taking each death harder than we used to, too.
My condolences to you, your wife, and the rest of your pack.
My condolences for your loss.
I’ve had several dogs who’ve lived and died over my lifetime. They’ve all been members of the family and losing them was like losing a best friend.
Condolences on the pack’s loss.
My condolences – it’s clear she was and remains well loved.
David, I was heart broken to hear about Nola passing! She was the sweetest dog ever! It’s not surprising that the passing of a dog effects us more than many humans. They give unconditionally and only have love for us. The world is a little grayer and more empty with her loss! My heart goes out to you, Janice and the rest of the pack!
So sorry to read this posting about your loss. The personal voids created by such losses are always difficult to adjust one’s daily life around. I wish you and yours the best during this unfortunate time.