On November 10, 2013 our dear Ellie died suddenly. She had been the picture of good health. "Passed" her physical with flying colors a month before. My husband had taken the two Golden Girls for a walk and all seemed fine. As he approached our driveway, Ellie fell down and could not get up. We rushed her to the nearest animal hospital where they found bleeding into the sac around her heart. She died on the operating table from the large hemangiosarcoma on her heart. She was ten.
Ellie was the gentlest and most obedient dog we ever owned. She learned quickly and was always eager to please us. She was so very tolerant of our higher-strung Lucy and was a subtle alpha dog.
No matter what attracted her, she did not break a "sit" command
She was frequently seen with two tennis balls in her mouth.
She could carry three but seemed to prefer two.
She allowed Lucy to use her for a pillow, never growling or disturbing her
The last photograph of the Golden Girls together.
It was a gorgeous late fall day and they had been running and playing.
We made them stop for some water and to rest.
Who would have dreamed that this healthy dog would be dead less than two weeks later?
This is my favorite photograph of Ellie, now the wallpaper for my laptop.
She was not allowed in the hallway leading to my study. So she stood patiently at the door hoping to catch my attention so I would come out and play.
Ellie's breeder had the following sign above a photograph of one of his favorite Goldens. It has been attributed to Dr. Seuss, but that is not definitive. It is very appropriate for our memories of Dichi Sirius Eleanor Rose:
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
And we take comfort from the words of Kahlil Gibran:
"When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart. And you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."
Oh, dear Ellie, you truly were my delight.
HAVE A MOST WONDERFUL WEEKEND, EVERYONE!
16 comments:
That Dr. Seuss quote is just perfect for so many things in life.
Ellie was your heart dog and she will never be forgotten. What a lovely life!!!
My goodness - two years. Ellie truly was your delight. Such a beautiful and sweet-spirited dog. You wrote something like that Dr. Suess quote to me when K died. Over time, I gradually realized that I was able to smile because I'd known and loved her. I hope the same thing is happening for you. We know how much you miss dear sweet Ellie.
A beautiful quote...........and it is true. Ellie had a wonderful life too......loved and cared for.
A beautiful post that did bring tears to my eyes. I know you miss your sweet girl but time does heal, I know that you will think of her and smile.
I am so glad you have photos of Ellie with the tennis balls. I thought that was such a cute trick of hers. There will always be that empty spot by your chair and in your heart.
Do you ever get an indication from Lucy that she remembers. . . ?
Sweet Ellie, such good memories and photos and you are so fortunate to have them to look back on.
Your stories of Ellie over the years made me fall in love with her too. She was quite a sweet dog, the kind that makes me want to have a doggie of my own.
The Gibran quote is so wise.
That is why Grief is cruel and deep. And, always, so very personal.
Ellie enjoyed a life full of love that many people may never know. You were all fortunate.
This was so sweet, and I loved the quotes. I'm dealing with Muffin's loss ok, I think. Everytime I have to throw away something that related to her, I say "It is not disrespectful to do this, my level of love is not diminished in any way."
Indeed! And fond memories of all my hunters Max, Chessie, & Muffy. And then there was Baron the GSD.....
Still makes me sad - she was a gorgeous dog!
What a sweetie she was! I'm so glad you had (and shared) her as long as you did.
It doesn't seem possible that it was two years ago that you lost your dear Ellie. I always looked forward to your pictures of the two girls and I felt the loss keenly too. Thanks for the remembrance.
I felt the sorrow at your precious girl's loss along with you, and remember her fondly today. You shared Ellie with all of us, and so many like me, felt like we'd lost a dog of our own. She is truly missed and not forgotten.
And I've not heard that quote -- It's a perfect one to remember.
A most beautiful post that brought tears to my eyes.
Lovely photo's - she will be forever in your heart.
All the best Jan
Thanks for your comments, everyone. And yes, I am smiling because she was part of my life. Having her was definitely worth the grief of her dying.
Remembering Ellie, too. Though I never met her, I "met" her through your posts. Thank you for sharing so much of her, including this sweet remembrance of her death. Smiling, indeed.
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