I have lots of excuses for my weeklong absence here, but excuses are a bore. I’ll be back soon with lots of gardening, a fantastic giveaway and more.
But for now, I just want to take a moment to remember our Newfoundland Rita. She died rather suddenly Monday morning. She was 11½ but was as healthy as a horse. Just a week ago she had a great checkup and excellent bloodwork. We expected we’d have years to gaze into her deep brown eyes and give endless tummy rubs. But it was not to be. She was a comedian who made us laugh every day of her life and brought us endless amounts of joy. Rita was fine in the afternoon and gone eight hours later (a bleeding, previously unknown mass likely on her spleen was to blame).
I’ll be back shortly with the subject matter more typical for this space, just as soon as the tears stop falling quite so freely. I’m glad I snapped a photo of her with the crabapple with planted for her a couple weeks ago.
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20 Responses
So sorry Erin. What a terrible heartbreak. Take your time
Oh man, that is tough. Hang in there, it is hard to lose a family member.
Oh! So sorry for your loss! So happy you have that wonderful tree/dog picture as one of the many things to remember her by…
I'm so sorry, Erin. Don't rush for us — we'll be here when you are ready. Take care.
You are the fourth friend/"friend" who has lost a dog in the past week. I am so very, very sorry. It is such a hard and sad time.
So sorry to hear that. We lost our golden last year in almost exactly the same way (hemangiosarcoma on his liver instead of spleen, internal bleeding that we didn't know about until it was critical) and on a similar timeline. It was an incredibly hard experience for all of us. Now, 8 months later, we finally brought home a puppy. Doesn't make me miss him any less, but I forgot how much I missed the sound of paws on hardwood. Take care.
Very sad to read about your loss. So hard for you, especially as it was so unexpected. Hugs.
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Oh Erin, that's so sad. I know just how it feels and I'm so sorry. Take care.
So sorry for you loss.
peggyd
My heart aches for you, I'm so very sorry. She was a beautiful girl and I can only begin to imagine the love she provided for you! Take your time, we will still be here!!
Erin, I am so sorry for your sudden loss. It is never easy whether it happens after a long illness or is a sudden event.
I am so sorry for your loss. Annette
I'm so sorry; losing a dog is hard and hurts so much. I have lost dogs both ways — fast and unexpected, and gradually of a known illness. Both are painful, but an unexpected loss is very shocking. It has taken three years for me to be able to look at pictures of my old golden retriever without pain, but the good memories outweigh the sadness now. I wish the same for you in time. My thoughts are with you.
We lost a black lab the same way several years ago. He had a mass on his spleen. He was operated on and came home. Later that evening he went into shock and died on the way back to the vet. He had a bleed somewhere post operation.
Erin, I'm so sorry about the loss of your dear Rita. How wonderful to have recently taken her portrait with her tree – a cherished and comforting memory. Cathy
Oh Erin. I am so sorry. I always loved to see pictures of big, beautiful Rita. I know she was special to you and you are in my prayers, friend.
So sorry to hear about your Rita. Big hugs from afar!
I am so sorry you're having to deal with this. My four dogs are like people to me and I know how hard this is. I love the pic of her on the deck with her snow pile.
It is so difficult to lose an old friend. You have my sympathy. She was gorgeous.