I can't begin to tell you how much comfort I have received from your warm comments about our losing Ellie so suddenly. The pain is still sharp although I know it will lessen as time goes on. Because we are retired, we spent much more time with the Golden Girls than we did with our other dogs. And we miss Ellie all that much more.
Ellie's death has taken a toll on Lucy as well as on us. As regular readers know, the two dogs were rarely apart from one another. And it was always Lucy who sought out Ellie. And then used her for a pillow.
Lucy has never known a life without Ellie so it is not surprising that she misses her. At first she was very quiet and reserved. Then, after about four days we both noticed that she had wagged her tail for the first time. She is still a bit "clingy" and doesn't seem to want to be in a room by herself so she follows my husband around much like she followed Ellie. And she often uses his shoe as a pillow. But she is eating and drinking and seems to be doing well, almost enjoying the extra attention she gets.
I don't know when I will return to blogging. My muse still hasn't reappeared. But I will return. Meanwhile I will enjoy reading your blogs.
Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your wishes and kind words.
Take care...
22 comments:
Your beautiful Golden Girls have been a joy to all of us. I loved watching Lucy hog the covers, so to speak, and Ellie being such a lady--except for the tennis ball smile, which made me laugh every time you posted a picture. I know Lucy must be bewildered. I hope the special things you all are doing for her bring back her impishness.
Ellie had many fans. I know you're really hurting. Hugs….
I was a big fan of Ellie's, too. She was so special, even just in words and images...her light shown bright. I cannot help but shed tears with you, my friend. I understand about blogging, too. My muse has left me, as well, but I continue to take photographs of our Ohio and muddle through teaching. I just haven't felt like posting, which makes me sad(der). Thank you for all the wonderful images and words over the years, and give Lucy my love. I am glad her tail can wag again. Someday ours (tails, pens, keyboards?) will, too. Hugs, Michael
Thank you for posting and sharing with us how you, your husband, and Lucy are doing. I've been thinking of you and sending good thoughts for healing this pain of losing Ellie. I'll be here when your muse returns. In the meantime, give Lucy a little hug from me.
As you rightly say it will become easier as time passes, you will smile about dear Ellie without the heartache.
Lucy will learn to be an only dog, but I wonder may you get another Goldie? When I lose a dog, the only way forward for me is to get another dog. It does not replace the one that has passed away but gives me another bundle to think about. We are all different and you will make your own choices.
I have thought of you often during these last few weeks, mainly when Nella and I take a walk. I feel your hurt........
Pats for Lucy.
I am so sorry about you losing Ellie. Dogs are such a comfort I hope you will consider getting another one soon. It won't replace Ellie but can help a whole lot.
Please let me share a story which happened to me back in the 90. My collie mix, Rusty, passed on. He raised a lab puppy, KoKo, and they were inseperable. Koko was depressed for months afterward until a stray dog (another collie mix) showed up. She seemed overjoyed so we kept her (Luci). They were together for 12 years until Luci died and Koko passed within a month (both were elderly by then). I was overcome with grief but adopted another dog within days from a good family who couldn't keep her. Kookie, a boxer/lab mix is an only dog but has always been that way so I guess I am main companion.
I've been thinking about you guys & Lucy a lot lately. I'm still so sad for you! But It makes me smile to think of Lucy wagging her tail (& following your husband around). Thanks for the image...
Dear One, All of us have experienced loss of a beloved furbaby and understand your pain and grief. In time, memories will bring comfort but for now, be gentle with yourselves. Know that we are all here for you. Sending big hugs and lots of love your way.
Noreen
Tears fill my eyes as I read your grief over the loss of Ellie. I'm so sorry, I can't even come up with words to express it. You are in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
Around the time when I lost K, you wrote some words of wisdom to me. They said something like: Someday, you will smile because you knew K rather than crying because she is gone.
You were right. K's radiance continues to shine on my life. I still miss her - so much that it hurts - but I smile because I was blessed with the love of such an incredible dog. I think that you were blessed in a similar way.
My eyes do fill with tears for you. This is a very tough time. Your stories and photos made me love Ellie from afar, if for no other reason than that she brought you such joy.
I am thinking of you, far more often than you can imagine. I hope that you, your husband, and Lucy can find solace in the love you share.
Thank you so very much for the update in spite of your sorrow over Ellie. Time does heal they say, but never erases the good memories which you all have of her. Take all the time you need to feel better and wishing you all the best at the holidays, despite the sadness.
Thank you so very much for the update in spite of your sorrow over Ellie. Time does heal they say, but never erases the good memories which you all have of her. Take all the time you need to feel better and wishing you all the best at the holidays, despite the sadness.
Give Lucy hugs from us - we understand. Monty was lost without Sam, and still is. Neither Monty nor Harlow are willing to step up and fill Sam's pawprints, so right now both of our dogs are lost.
We are thinking of you.
Monty and Harlow
I'm SO happy to read some words from you. You've been on my mind…..much love to you, the husband and Lucy. Time really does heal our wounds.
XO
(((Carolyn))) Keeping you in my thoughts and wishing Lucy, you, and your husband peace.
Good to hear from you - you have been on my mind. Glad to hear Lucy is doing generally well. Imagine her bewilderment.
Love to you all - xo
A gentle companionship has passed on. It's hard to find the right words about all this as I think of you, the Golden Girls and our own disparate friends Baron and Simba. Be well, my friend
Ray
Unrelated to your post, but here's a link to a story I think you might enjoy:
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/12/02/5962616/lynn-setzers-new-book-details.html
So glad to see you back for a bit and to hear that Lucy is adjusting.
I wondered how Lucy was taking the loss. I pray that she will get comfort by being with you and that she will give comfort back.
I wondered how Lucy was doing. Dogs grieve too. We will be here when you come back.
My heart hurts for you and for Lucy. I know that dogs mourn. Our Rocky mourned the loss of my husband for a long time. Now I also mourn the loss of Rocky. It is so hard to let them go. We never stop loving them, missing them, but we learn to go on without them. Thanks for the update and the sweet picture of the golden girls sleeping together.
Thanks for your comments, everyone.
Cheryl - Yes, we do plan to get another Golden Retriever after the first of the year. We hope to get an adult 4-6 years old.
KB - Yes, I do smile in spite of the hurt. The happiness she gave me is worth all the sadness I feel now. I am happy that she was part of my life. Who would have imagined when K died that I would be losing Ellie so soon?
Tara - Thanks for the link. I had heard about it.
Post a Comment