Hello friends
So much can happen in a week. We evacuated from the beach for Hurricane Irene, one of my sons turned 7, and two of the boys started a brand new school year. Unfortunately during this time something awful happened, and I can barely bring myself to post about it here. We lost our dear friend and family member, Hodgie. This little guy came in to my life back in 1995 as a first Christmas present from my husband. We were living in Monterey, CA and we had a new life ahead of us. Hodgie was as loved as a puppy could be from that first moment I saw him. Hodgie has been a part of my life spanning 3 decades. He would have been 16 in 2 months. I posted about his 15th birthday here.
I’ve dreaded this day for a long time. I knew one day it would have to come but oh how I wanted to put it off forever. It’s been especially hard late at night when the house is quiet, and my constant companion is not there nearby. Or when I come home and he’s not there to look up and greet us. We’ve had so many wonderful years though and I will cherish them every day. I’ve relived many memories over the last few days, looking through old pictures, many on old 35mm film and not yet scanned. I wanted to share a few favorites here on my blog, in honor of our dear pups Hodge. I am heartbroken but so thankful for all of the years that were graced by this special friend.
-Cindy
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When I saw the title of your post, I thought you were saying “good bye” to the beach and summer, which is also a big adjustment. Losing your beloved pet is MuCH bigger, most of us have experienced that a few times in our lives, and we always remember their personalities and quirks and loyalty! Obviously, Hodgie had the best life possible, that thought should comfort you. It does get better, just hang in there and keep that beautiful family moving forward! I don’t know who said “Change is inevitable, but not always welcome,” but it’s just a fact that applies to many circumstances. Sending you a hug!
Oh this breaks my heart, I’m so sorry for your loss 🙁 They’re such important parts of our lives…I wish we could keep them with us forever.
I am so very sorry sweet friend. There is no way to say goodbye. Just hold him in your heart, where he will be close always. I feel your loss and pain…one day at a time now. Sending many warm thoughts and big hugs. Riki xoxo
Cindy- How sad you were away when he passed. Thank goodness you have tons of photos of your memories. Protect them always! So sorry for your loss.
Be brave! maureen
Dear Dear Cindy, how i feel for you. To have had him in your life means that you were blessed, (this i’m sure you know), as he was also to have had such a loving family, i hope the ache of grief does not sit too long on your shoulders, you’ll always have the memories.
Take Care x
Oh Cindy, I am so sad that you lost your close friend. The photos are just so sweet. From the photos looks like you live an “Idelic” life, handsome husband, all those lovely little wide-eyed boys and their puppies
Be Blessed to be a blessing Sandy
Aw, Cindy, I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss 🙁
No matter what anyone says, losing a pet is just as bad and just as hurtful as a human being.
It’s a beautiful tribute to your furry little friend’s life with you!
My oh my, you and your family have been through a lot recently! Sweet pictures! And hugs to you all for Hodgie’s farewell. We said goodbye to our Scotttish Terrier, Winston, a couple years ago. We still miss him very much. Take care!
Dear Cindy,
I am so so so very sorry. I know that this has had to be hard on you and your family. Dogs are more then just pets, they are family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Know that I am thinking of you and that I am hoping that you are feeling a bit better with each day.
You all will miss him so much, i’m sad for you Cindy..
Some people would say that a dog is just an animal but that comment could only come from someone who has never had that special and perhaps mystical connection with a creature who is dedicated to loving a human the way that only a dog can do. They have been our companions and helpers for tens of thousands of years and the bond of dog and human is almost sacred. They warm our beds, greet us at the end of a long day, alert us to danger, never judge, always accept our moods and ask for nothing but our love. Rest well, Hodgie, in the sweet meadows where there are rabbits to chase and boys to play with. You were well loved.
I am so sorry Cindy. It’s obvious from the photos that he was right at the heart of your family.
Jo x
Oh Cindy I am so sorry – we lost our beloved Boston terrier when he was 15 – it’s been 2 years and not a day goes by I don’t wish I heard his little snorts or toenails on the floor XOXO they are so much like one of our children! (((HUGS)))
It’s so hard to lose a friend. You have beautiful pictures and memories of him. I am still sad when I think of our cat who we lost 5 years ago and the horse that we lost last year around this time. I’m truly sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It’s always so sad when one of our beloved furry family members leaves us. I hope you find comfort in knowing you gave him the best life you possibly could, and he obviously loved you and your family very much.
Cindy, I’m so very sorry to hear about Hodge. We love them so, but know that he crossed the rainbow bridge…..
BEYOND THE RAINBOW
As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that’s trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.
I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, an on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful – lush and green and wide
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do
I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I’m alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright glow pierced the night
“Twas the glow of many candles, shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in it’s brilliant shades of gold.
For although we may not be together in the way we used to be
We are still connected by a cord no one can see
So whenever you need to find me, we’re never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart
Oh, Cindy. I’m so, so sorry. It’s always so hard when you lose a family member, and it’s clear that Hodgie was definitely a member of the family! I know I’m late with this comment, so I hope you’re doing okay with his passing.