I was often told, when our precious boy Beckett passed away in late January, that we gave him the best life, his best years etc. But truth be known, Beckett gave us our best years - and in so doing, gave us our best life. There is no love like a dog's love - it is truly, immeasurable. Losing Beckett was the most profound loss I have ever experienced in my life; yet I would do it again and again and again if it meant I could have his love, and he have mine. I truly was not done loving him; and I never will be. Thank you for always showing us your tender heart, Elissa. And sharing Petey with us. Such an extraordinary gift. xoxo
We said good-bye to Teddy earlier this year - he was 18, not particularly sure what he heard (though it wasn’t much), or what he saw (perhaps a little more than what he heard)…and though he told me it was time, I wasn’t sure I was ready. And I realized that this wasn’t about what I was prepared for…the seasons change regardless…sending much love
What a moving and lovely story. I have a dear friend who has been going to Maine for umpteen years and now has a second home there. She and her husband have been rescuing Potcakes for years (they are their children and, quite frankly, their universe). They pack them up for their summer journey each year as they make their way from south Florida to Maine until about October. They recently lost their “Meadow,” the sweetest and loving fur baby one could only hope for in a companion. I’m thinking Petey is equally so. All my best to you 💚 Enjoy the moments.
Gorgeous and emotional. Here’s hoping the stress of traveling was the cause the first night and that you have many happy days on this trip. I’ve gone down this beautiful and sad road.
Your dear and beautiful dog reminds me a little of ours, who tears around in ecstasy at the mention of dinner. We haven't arrived where you and Petey are, and I try not to think of our dog's joy giving way to confusion. It's heartening to see that Petey still finds and returns joy, even at sundown. I wish the three of you many more gambols on the beach together.
A lovely post. And gosh! Aging animals are so prescious, aren't they? This particular post struck such a chord with me...I grew up spending a month each summer at a camp on Lake Dunmore. My Mom was born and raised in Brandon and her very good friend had a camp on the Lake and graciously allowed us to stay for a month each year. I remember hikes up to Silver Lake; days spent hiking/backpacking on the Long Trail; drives around the Lake at dusk looking for deer; boating (row boat) across the lake each morning by myself to the Island and back; getting jugs of water at the spring in Ripton (near where Robert Frost lived), etc., etc. So many wonderful memories. Thank you!
oh Maine, let me count the ways you are my healer...i’ve been returning to monhegan island every summer since 2005, and eventually purchased the cottage my (ex)husband and children had always rented.
monhegan is my solace and my refuge ~ it’s where i’ve found the clarity to see myself, ten miles out to sea.
i had the privilege of meeting your friend katherine last summer when she stayed with me for an overnight ~ she is a gem for sure!
Elissa, there are no words for what you've written here. I will say thank you as I am presently losing my last best friend to osteosarcoma. She's 12 and a half. She's beautiful smart loving protective everything a black lab would be. She's fought Cushing's disease a heart murmur and countless other things including losing her best friend her soulmate sister mother our Bella 2 years ago. They gave her 3 to 6 months on Friday and I am devastated beyond words. It came out of nowhere as I have her checked every 30 . Sending love to you and Petey. Please keep our Sam in your prayers. JB
This definitely pulls at my heart strings. I am a Maine native and I love how beautifully you talk about it. Also, I'm a huge fan of the book The Maine House. Such a beautiful treasure of photography and homes. I'm sorry about Petey. So, so sad. I grew up with two labs, one black one yellow, and we always took them to the ocean and on hikes. Losing them was hard, but when they're gone it's always the good, funny and loving memories that stay <3
So lovely. And my heart is with you and Susan as you care for aging Petey. The same here with Farmer, and I appreciate your reminders that they don't have ways to hide their cognitive loss - and they often will bounce back to normal overnight. We are so blessed to have them in our lives.
I was often told, when our precious boy Beckett passed away in late January, that we gave him the best life, his best years etc. But truth be known, Beckett gave us our best years - and in so doing, gave us our best life. There is no love like a dog's love - it is truly, immeasurable. Losing Beckett was the most profound loss I have ever experienced in my life; yet I would do it again and again and again if it meant I could have his love, and he have mine. I truly was not done loving him; and I never will be. Thank you for always showing us your tender heart, Elissa. And sharing Petey with us. Such an extraordinary gift. xoxo
We said good-bye to Teddy earlier this year - he was 18, not particularly sure what he heard (though it wasn’t much), or what he saw (perhaps a little more than what he heard)…and though he told me it was time, I wasn’t sure I was ready. And I realized that this wasn’t about what I was prepared for…the seasons change regardless…sending much love
PS - losing my dog Rosie was incredibly heartbreaking.
Perfect post. I arrived in S. Thomaston yesterday for a two-week stay at an artist’s retreat. Watching the morning fog burn off.
Mercy, mercy...hold onto each other.
What a moving and lovely story. I have a dear friend who has been going to Maine for umpteen years and now has a second home there. She and her husband have been rescuing Potcakes for years (they are their children and, quite frankly, their universe). They pack them up for their summer journey each year as they make their way from south Florida to Maine until about October. They recently lost their “Meadow,” the sweetest and loving fur baby one could only hope for in a companion. I’m thinking Petey is equally so. All my best to you 💚 Enjoy the moments.
Gorgeous and emotional. Here’s hoping the stress of traveling was the cause the first night and that you have many happy days on this trip. I’ve gone down this beautiful and sad road.
Oh, Petey. Bless you.
Beautifully said ! It was fun to see you last night and meet Susan. Hoping you both all have a wonderful rest of your stay. Thinking of Petey.
Your dear and beautiful dog reminds me a little of ours, who tears around in ecstasy at the mention of dinner. We haven't arrived where you and Petey are, and I try not to think of our dog's joy giving way to confusion. It's heartening to see that Petey still finds and returns joy, even at sundown. I wish the three of you many more gambols on the beach together.
Oh my goodness, so poignant, Elissa. My heart went directly to my throat. 🥰
A lovely post. And gosh! Aging animals are so prescious, aren't they? This particular post struck such a chord with me...I grew up spending a month each summer at a camp on Lake Dunmore. My Mom was born and raised in Brandon and her very good friend had a camp on the Lake and graciously allowed us to stay for a month each year. I remember hikes up to Silver Lake; days spent hiking/backpacking on the Long Trail; drives around the Lake at dusk looking for deer; boating (row boat) across the lake each morning by myself to the Island and back; getting jugs of water at the spring in Ripton (near where Robert Frost lived), etc., etc. So many wonderful memories. Thank you!
oh Maine, let me count the ways you are my healer...i’ve been returning to monhegan island every summer since 2005, and eventually purchased the cottage my (ex)husband and children had always rented.
monhegan is my solace and my refuge ~ it’s where i’ve found the clarity to see myself, ten miles out to sea.
i had the privilege of meeting your friend katherine last summer when she stayed with me for an overnight ~ she is a gem for sure!
safe travels and enjoy your time!
Elissa, there are no words for what you've written here. I will say thank you as I am presently losing my last best friend to osteosarcoma. She's 12 and a half. She's beautiful smart loving protective everything a black lab would be. She's fought Cushing's disease a heart murmur and countless other things including losing her best friend her soulmate sister mother our Bella 2 years ago. They gave her 3 to 6 months on Friday and I am devastated beyond words. It came out of nowhere as I have her checked every 30 . Sending love to you and Petey. Please keep our Sam in your prayers. JB
This definitely pulls at my heart strings. I am a Maine native and I love how beautifully you talk about it. Also, I'm a huge fan of the book The Maine House. Such a beautiful treasure of photography and homes. I'm sorry about Petey. So, so sad. I grew up with two labs, one black one yellow, and we always took them to the ocean and on hikes. Losing them was hard, but when they're gone it's always the good, funny and loving memories that stay <3
So lovely. And my heart is with you and Susan as you care for aging Petey. The same here with Farmer, and I appreciate your reminders that they don't have ways to hide their cognitive loss - and they often will bounce back to normal overnight. We are so blessed to have them in our lives.