goodbye sweet girl

Monday, August 08, 2016

7.18.16
I can't believe how hard this post is to write.  I have wanted to come to this space, but just couldn't bring myself.

A week ago today, on August 1, our sweet Trouble died suddenly and unexpectedly.

Four days earlier I had her at the vet because of a weird cough.  The vet thought perhaps she was developing asthma or that maybe she had a tumor resting on her lung.
7.31.16
Then, last Sunday she didn't want to eat.  (Except for the few bites of alaskan king salmon Andrew fed her right before the photo was taken.)  She didn't sleep all night.  In the morning I called the vet for something to help her breathe.  At 9am, I was on the phone with Charlie (also had my mother on the other line) when Trouble brought herself downstairs.  Her breathing was labored.  I went to get Andrew out of bed to help me get her to the vet.  She died 30 seconds later.   Her sweet heart just stopped beating.

It truly is heartbreaking to lose a pet.  We are forever grateful to have been blessed by this sweet girl.  She brought so much joy into our lives and taught us so much.  This last year, since her return, we felt as if we were on extra, special, bonus time with her.  What a gift.

Please go hug your pets,  give them a treat and take lots and lots of photos.  You truly can never have enough.

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76 comments

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. I'm so so sorry for your loss...hugs

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  4. Losing a loved family member is truly heart-breaking. I'm sorry...

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  5. I'm very sorry Leslie for you and your entire family. Trouble had the sweetest spirit and was a most beautiful and dear girl. Lots of hugs for you and your family.

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  6. I am so sorry. Heartbreaking is just the right word.

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  7. I'm so sorry for the loss of your furbaby.

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  8. What a gift to have such a dear sweet companion all these years.
    Lots of love to every single one of you.

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  9. Leslie, my heart is broken for the loss of your lovely dog. There are always not enough of the right words to say at a time like this. Many of us have been where you are and it is just all around dreadful. I am so happy Trouble came back to you and that you and your family were able to be with her. She was a lovely dog and knowing that she died in your presence is likely an indication of how much you all meant to her. Many hugs and love from me.

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  10. With tears in my eyes I am writing to say how sorry I am to read this post. I remember when Trouble was missing and the joy of her return. Keep memories of her close to your heart. My dog is right under my desk - in my way - but instead of asking him to move, I'll reach down and scratch his belly. Hugs to you and yours.

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  11. I'm so very sorry to read this. We have been dealing with a 'reverse cough' with my beautiful Afghani rescue pup and I'm for sure going to take her to the vet.

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  12. Pet love runs deep. I am so sad for all of you. xo

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  13. Feeling your pain, loss and sorrow. Thinking of you and your family.

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  14. I am so very sorry for your loss.

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  15. Hugs. Lost one at old age, lost one suddenly, lost one sick. Lost each of them too early. I do cherish each moment with those I have. i try to make each day special for them. Their lives are so short. And they do not understand if I promise them a long hike/a nice game/a yummy bone for tomorrow. They live in he NOW. I learned this lesson.
    Tina in Germany

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  16. We had almost the same thing happen with our sweet little Sami girl we had her for 12yrs.
    Vet said she died from enlarged heart which caused heart failure.
    It is so heart breaking because they are so much a part of our family.

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  17. I'm so so sorry. Pets are family members and their loss is so devastating. Keeping you in my thoughts.

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  18. So very sorry for the loss of your dear Trouble. May time and good thoughts ease your pain.

    Richard in Charlotte, NC

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  19. Anonymous8/08/2016

    I am so sorry for your loss! Losing a pet is losing a family member. Keep the good memories close to your heart.

    Beth in PA

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  20. I'm sorry. A dog is a loving companion, never to be forgotten.

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  21. Anonymous8/08/2016

    :o( I'm so sorry for your loss. What a hard day for you all.

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  22. Loretta8/08/2016

    Oh Leslie! I am so sorry! We lost our golden Jake suddenly on 6/30. I know the pain and big gaping hole in your heart that you feel right now. I miss my boy deeply and you will miss Trouble -but you loved her deeply and she is running free at the Rainbow Bridge without pain. Know she is always with you in spirit. Hugs.

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  23. So sorry to hear this, but thank you for sharing with us. What a blessing that you did get this last stretch of time with Trouble since her adventure. Hugs to everyone.

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  24. So very sorry for your loss. I'm shedding a tear for you. And for Trouble.

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  25. So sorry for your loss. Losing a pet that you have loved as much as your human family is so difficult.

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  26. I just wanted to offer my deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved friend.

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  27. Leslie, Trouble touched my life through what you shared about her. I'm deeply sad for you and your family

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  28. Wishing your family comfort.

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  29. Deepest condolences for your loss. It's so heartbreaking, but I'm amazed that pets know the end is near. She came down to be with you, and that is a beautiful thing. My own beloved pup did the same with me. Hugs to you and an invite up on the bed to my dog tonight- in honor of Trouble.

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  30. Oh no, I'm so, truly sorry for your loss, Leslie. a pet is a member of the family, and there is nothing to say to make their loss any easier. But she was beautiful and sweet and such a great dog, and you will always have her memory, and the knowledge that you gave her a wonderful happy doggy life- you gave her love and compassion and a sense of belonging.

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  31. I'm so sorry. It is so very painful to lose a pet. I know how special she was to all of you.

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  32. So heartbreaking for you and your family. I was so sad to see this post. I went and hugged my cat, as much as she would let me.

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  33. Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss. Pets are such good, loyal friends while they're with us, and it's so hard to say goodbye. I'll hug my cats and give them extra treats tonight for sure.

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  34. Anonymous8/08/2016

    Trouble was special to your readers, too. I, like so many others I'm sure, said a prayer for her safe return when she was lost and was so happy/relieved when she was found. It is so hard to say goodbye to a beloved pet--they are family. I am truly sorry for your loss.

    Melody

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  35. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

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  36. Lovely story of her "walk-about" and returen, making her extra special. Glad you had the time with her - it is an intense loss when you lose a pup - probably because we have them for such a short time. But their love is SO worth it. Prayers to you.

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  37. I amso sorry for your lose. When I lost my dog who helped me trough my divorce, I felt hart broken. I mad a photo album from the most beautiful pictures taken from pup to the last days before she died. That helped me a lot.

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  38. I'm so sorry about your sweet Trouble. It's so awful to lose a friend like that...take care, Maire

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  39. You, Trouble, and your family are all in my prayers. My heart is breaking for you right now. Read Cynthia Rylant's children's book Dog Heaven. You will be sobbing but it is a lovely book and may help a little.

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  40. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your beloved Trouble has given your family unconditional love and I hope all of those great memories will help ease your pain.

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  41. This is such sad news. Glad you shared it with us as we do care. Dogs and cats ARE Family. BLess you as you heal

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  42. Oh I am so very sorry to hear this. I know that it is both horrible and heartbreaking, and it sucks. We lost our Dug in late June, and I know just how you feel. I am so very sorry. I'm glad she didn't have a prolonged illness and suffering, and I'm glad she knew you were there. Everyone at our house (furry and otherwise)will say a special prayer for all of you, and the kitties will get extra special kisses tonight. Please take care, and know that she is still with you. God bless all of you.

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  43. Dear Leslie, thank you for sharing fabulous Trouble with us via many posts. I am so very sad to read this post, and send lots of love to you and your family. xo

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  44. Leslie I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets are always much loved members of our families and loosing them is heartbreaking. Sending hugs.

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  45. Barbara H8/09/2016

    Dear Leslie, I am so sorry for your loss.

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  46. Sending you great big, giant bear hugs. I'm so sorry to hear about Trouble although I'm glad, for her sake, she didn't suffer a long, drawn out illness. You and your family will be in my thoughts & prayers.

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  47. Special prayers for you and yours. There are no words -

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  48. MIchelle B.8/09/2016

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Pets are family members, truly, and occupy special places in our hearts. And bring so much to our lives.

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  49. So sorry about your losing Trouble. Thank goodness her suffering was not prolonged. I know this sweet baby will always hav a place in your hearts.

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  50. What a heartbreak. I am so sorry for your loss! I

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  51. Leslie,
    So,so,sorry for your family's loss. No matter how long pets are with us, it is heartbreaking when they go. Sending thoughts and prayers.

    Anne in NC

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  52. Hugs to you and your family. Trouble was a special member of your family. I know she will be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge where all our friends have gathered. No one can know the loss unless they have had the love of a four-legged friend.

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  53. Hugs to you and your family. Trouble was a special member of your family. I know she will be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge where all our friends have gathered. No one can know the loss unless they have had the love of a four-legged friend.

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  54. Oh Leslie... I am so, so sorry. We had to put our dog down the week after Christmas this last year and I, quite honestly, was surprised at how deeply I mourned and how profoundly it affected me. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you remember her and miss her being a part of your daily lives.

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  55. Anonymous8/09/2016

    Her sweet sweet face. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  56. I am so sorry. That is indeed one of the toughest things to go through.

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  57. I am so very sorry for your loss. Pets are truly a part of our family, and to lose one is heartbreaking. Sending many healing thoughts to you and your family.

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  58. Sending lots of love, Leslie. I was so sorry to hear about Trouble. xoxox

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  59. I'm so sorry for your loss. It can be so hard to lose a family member this way. I hope you find peace in knowing that your Trouble has crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is romping through beautiful fields with lots of friends.

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  60. Anonymous8/12/2016

    I'm so sorry!! I know how hard it is to lose a best animal friend! Be blessed! Janine

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  61. Oh geez! This was me in March. We lost our beloved Mocha. My heart still aches. So sorry.

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  62. Oh Leslie, I am so sorry to read this. How shocking and sudden this came about - that must make it harder on you and the kids.

    Take care
    Debra

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  63. It's amazing how deeply they wind their way into your heart. It was one of the hardest things about my time working at the vet clinic, but also a blessing to see the love..

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  64. Anonymous8/13/2016

    I started following your blog because of a pic of Trouble....I held my breath when Trouble went missing and breathed a sigh of relief when she came home. You loved her well, and she mirrored that love back...RIP

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  65. Anonymous8/14/2016

    So sorry for the loss of your dog. It's hard losing a family pet. Thinking of you and your family.

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  66. Anonymous8/14/2016

    I'm so sorry to read about your lovely Trouble passing so unexpectedly. What a treasure to have been able to take all those pictures. Blessings to you and yours Take Care, Silvia

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  67. my heart breaks for you. Both our dogs died last year. One very suddenly in January and the other a few months later of cancer. It broke my heart. For months I struggled. I truly know the pain you must be going through. Hugs across the miles to you and your family.

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  68. Anonymous8/16/2016

    saddens my heart to learn this news, our pets are the best, and your dear Trouble looked to be a real sweaty. Hugs to you all. Shelly

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  69. So sorry for your loss.

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  70. So sorry for your loss Leslie. My mom lost her black lab this summer and it is just so sad to not have her around. I'm so glad that Trouble found her way home to you for her final days. xoxo

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  71. Have not been in the site for several weeks. I literally caught my breath when I saw your message bi am so sad for you and your family at this sudden loss of dear trouble. I feel like I lost my own pet. We lost one of our sweet Havenese dogs two years ago. It was the saddest day of our married lives. Thinking of you and hoping you will heal in time and remember with joy how Trouble enriched your lives. Chris

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  72. My heart breaks for you and your family. Trouble was such a cute dog and I was so happy when you all got her back last year. May she rest in peace with happy memories for you all.

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  73. I'm so sorry for your loss! It is so heartbreaking. I remember when she was missing and I kept checking your blog to see if you found her. I was sooo happy when you did. Aafter all that time, it seemed miraculous. I'm so glad you had this last year with her. Hugs!

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  74. Oh I am so sorry for your loss. I am in tears as I write this. Hugs to you and your family.

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  75. These photos are a treasure. So sorry for the loss you're feeling.

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  76. These photos are a treasure. So sorry for the loss you're feeling.

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