Sophie1995-2009
Our dear, sweet Sophie died last night leaving an enormous emptiness in our hearts and in our canine pack. She was our oldest dog, but a perpetual puppy in looks and charm. The smallest of our pack (we had 5 dogs before her passing), she was always last in the pecking order. She bore that with grace and a sweet temperament. Even though she had been blind and in failing health for the last year, she never lost her gentle demeanor. Or, her desire for the next treat-until yesterday morning.
And Sophie was a traveler. She joined our family in FL, but soon began making the treks out to New Mexico, which eventually turned into a permanent move. She would patiently lay in the back of the Suburban for the three day trip from Florida to New Mexico- only registering a complaint when one of the big dogs would step on her. This picture was taken in 1999 in Abiquiu, NM in a spot we used to go to picnic. It has a spectacular view of the red rocks surrounding Ghost Ranch. We thought it perfectly captured her- a small dog with a big heart.
We had three other dogs that had left us over the years during our odyssey from Florida to New Mexico and finally to Texas. When we moved here two years ago, we brought their headstones with us, but never really found a place for them. This morning, we buried Sophie in a lovely little spot on our property and set the other stones there too. It seems all of us will finally settle down here.
We'll miss you Sophie.
And Sophie was a traveler. She joined our family in FL, but soon began making the treks out to New Mexico, which eventually turned into a permanent move. She would patiently lay in the back of the Suburban for the three day trip from Florida to New Mexico- only registering a complaint when one of the big dogs would step on her. This picture was taken in 1999 in Abiquiu, NM in a spot we used to go to picnic. It has a spectacular view of the red rocks surrounding Ghost Ranch. We thought it perfectly captured her- a small dog with a big heart.
We had three other dogs that had left us over the years during our odyssey from Florida to New Mexico and finally to Texas. When we moved here two years ago, we brought their headstones with us, but never really found a place for them. This morning, we buried Sophie in a lovely little spot on our property and set the other stones there too. It seems all of us will finally settle down here.
We'll miss you Sophie.
23 comments:
Your blog entry seems a fitting tribute of a life well lived and shared. May you find comfort in your memories. Having lost two dogs last year (sisters) I know the feeling of loss, take care.
So sorry to hear about Sophie, only anyone who has loved a pet so much could understand. We give them our love and they love us back unconditionally.
It's always hard to loose a loved one. Dogs and cats (and all pets) become such a part of the family, that it really does feel like part of your heart is missing when they pass on. All good thoughts and wishes to you...
Maggie
So sorry to hear about Sophie. You traveled long distances to take her to the vet, didn't you? I think you wrote about that in a recent post. I believe that all good dogs go to heaven.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of sweet Sophie. After just reading your small blog piece about her I feel I too love her. It sounds like she had a heart of gold. Sophie will be with you in spirit forever. Take care of yourself. It sure is hard to lose a much loved family member.
I am so sorry about Sophie. Your post was a touching tribute to a beloved family member.
Deborah, I am so very sorry to hear about Sophie. What a long time you had such a cherished one. Take special care of you and yours this week.
Oh, I didn't know that Sophie was a Corgi. That was what my daughter's sweet dog, Mac, was. She lost him late last year. A tough goodbye.
Heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Sophie. It sounds as if she was a lucky dog to have you.
My canary of 16 years is by the pear tree.
Your post is meaningful because so many people no longer bury their pets. Having a resting place for loved ones deepens the meaning of your land and garden and the art you make. The care you give extends outward.........
Thanks so much for sharing your photo and memories of Sophie. You gave her a wonderful life and she made yours more so. Fourteen years is good for a little dog but it makes it that much harder on us to have to adjust to the loss after that much time. It's good that you were able to lay her to rest nearby. I wish you ease in your grief by fond memories of her sweetness.
I want to thank all of you who have left comments here as well as the many people who emailed me to express their thoughts and kind words about Sophie. It is very much appreciated.
Deborah, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I always feel in the end that the joy of having them outweighs the sorrow of losing them, but boy is it tough.
What a beautiful little dog...so sorry for your loss.
So sorry Deborah, you must be so upset. She looks a lovely, gentle little thing but she will live on in spirit and memories with you I am sure.
The photo says much - what a sweet dog Sophie looks like.
My condolences.
Deborah, sorry to hear about Sophie. Our pets give us so much love and can teach us so much about ourselves. Sophie was a lucky dog to have been a part of a family that loves.
Oh, Deborah. It's always so very hard to say goodbye to the ones we love. Sounds like you had a long and loving relationship. She was one lucky dog! My deepest sympathy.
Deborah, I'm very sorry for your loss.
Again, thanks everybody for all your comments and condolences- I am overwhelmed by all the wonderful emails I have received too- lots of dog lovers and good folks out there!
I appreciate it so much.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Pets are such a wonderful part of our life, they are not here long enough.
So sorry for your loss Deborah - she sounds like a great dog. I wish our pets could live as long as us =(
Sorry to hear that Sophie died.
We were both in Abiqui this morning, and we're going back tomorrow (M's got to get a painting finished).
Hope the rest of the seething mass of fur are all in tip top shape, as well as you two of course!
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