Oh Elissa--this post destroyed me. I lost my soul-dog in 2018--and I do think she sent me Roxane shortly thereafter. I hope Pete is watching over you and Susan and the kitties and I am sending you so much love and as much comfort as I can.
Knowing that Petey lived his life with you is a comfort. I understand the silence. Communicating with Dublin is an honor. How does he know I have become old enough to lean on him to guide me safely down the stairs? I hope you both find solace walking by the sea. I am glad you are crying. It is your body learning how to live without Pete. We share your grief.
I wasn’t sure I could read this. I knew it was going to rip me open. But that’s the point, isn’t it. Love that pure and constant is not supposed to leave its recipients closed and unchanged.
Thank you for writing this. It could not have been easy but my god, how beautiful. Sending big love to you and Susan. I hope it finds you in those quiet moments you need it most.
Oh my weeping heart! I was someone who didn’t want nor have time for a canine companion— until one came into my life in my early 50’s. Cooper was my first best friend- helped me through my divorce and showed me new love for almost 13 years. I became someone I used to make fun of- regarding love of a pet. Then after that first sad goodbye and heartbreak, we waited. I will probably never get over Cooper, but 10 months later , we found another puppy and did it again! And after that, we did it one more time- -another great puppy rescue. So here we are in our early 60’s with two fabulous puppies (they are well trained, well traveled and enjoying life and each other). Here’s to life with Finley and Ruby and the next chapter!
Your essay is beautiful and heartbreaking. I’ve experienced the same heartbreak with our cat companions. It’s so hard and so confounding how such small beings can create an enormous hole in your heart when they leave.
May the memory of Pete bring you both comfort. 🙏🏻❤️
This is beautiful. I had a tradition of reading the poem, ‘Nothing Gold Can Stay’ by Robert Frost, every September, outside and out loud. My big husky seriously sat and listened to me recite this poem.I too, am navigating a new world after he passed. Your beloved Pete was truly blessed to have you.
As a lover of animals and owner of many cats and dogs over the years, I completely understand the routines that help define us when we have animals in our lives, and the ensuing silence when they are no longer there.
This was a beautiful tribute to Pete and the love you all shared with one another. You were all so very lucky to find one another and be part of each other's lives.
I have found that irrespective of how many pets I have had over the years, it hasn't become any easier to lose one. In fact, I think it becomes harder as we age because we are more mature and realize the fragility of life whether it be in human or animal form.
May you, Susan and your cats comfort each other in Pete's absence and may his spirit live on in all of you forever more. Sending big hugs!
Oh Elissa- what stunning, moving writing. You brought Pete to life in your luminous, sorrowful piece and let me feel I knew him, too. I know how it feels to have to let them go and then to miss them like that. I’m pretty sure he’s still around and always will be. Thank you for sharing this.
I’m hung up on “JUST” a dog. JUST a dog!?!? Oh it’s JUST your HEART! My goodness I don’t know if that produced a weird crying laugh or what but there are surely humans who differ and I for one love your human heart that just loved your dog just like your words make my heart squeeze!! Thank you for all you share!
This is the worst part of being a dog owner, and it is something that we all face at some point in their lives. I have let go of two Black Labs, and each time I thought my heart would never mend, and that I could never love another dog as much as the one who had just died. And in time, foolish me, I made space for yet another Lab, who will surely break my heart as the others have, but will offer me the most generous love, and companionship, and a reason to get out of bed on the coldest days, and more laughter than tears. I feel your sorrow and hold you both close: grieve well, and keep your heart open.
I, too, have been weeping the loss of my beautiful dog Isla just four weeks ago. She also had been sundowning, alleviated only when her seizures (not grand mal) became so bad that I put her on seizure medication. It was kidney disease that took her life, though.
I found out just in time about a local vet who specializes in at-home euthanasia. What a blessing! I am so glad you were able to ease Petey out of his suffering in the peace of your own home.
Oh Elissa--this post destroyed me. I lost my soul-dog in 2018--and I do think she sent me Roxane shortly thereafter. I hope Pete is watching over you and Susan and the kitties and I am sending you so much love and as much comfort as I can.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Knowing that Petey lived his life with you is a comfort. I understand the silence. Communicating with Dublin is an honor. How does he know I have become old enough to lean on him to guide me safely down the stairs? I hope you both find solace walking by the sea. I am glad you are crying. It is your body learning how to live without Pete. We share your grief.
My weepy heart. Such a gorgeous ode to Petey. Sending you all peace and comfort. He was such a loved fellow. 🩵
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved Pete. Your words are a beautiful tribute and have brought me to tears.
I wasn’t sure I could read this. I knew it was going to rip me open. But that’s the point, isn’t it. Love that pure and constant is not supposed to leave its recipients closed and unchanged.
Thank you for writing this. It could not have been easy but my god, how beautiful. Sending big love to you and Susan. I hope it finds you in those quiet moments you need it most.
Oh my weeping heart! I was someone who didn’t want nor have time for a canine companion— until one came into my life in my early 50’s. Cooper was my first best friend- helped me through my divorce and showed me new love for almost 13 years. I became someone I used to make fun of- regarding love of a pet. Then after that first sad goodbye and heartbreak, we waited. I will probably never get over Cooper, but 10 months later , we found another puppy and did it again! And after that, we did it one more time- -another great puppy rescue. So here we are in our early 60’s with two fabulous puppies (they are well trained, well traveled and enjoying life and each other). Here’s to life with Finley and Ruby and the next chapter!
Your essay is beautiful and heartbreaking. I’ve experienced the same heartbreak with our cat companions. It’s so hard and so confounding how such small beings can create an enormous hole in your heart when they leave.
May the memory of Pete bring you both comfort. 🙏🏻❤️
This is beautiful. I had a tradition of reading the poem, ‘Nothing Gold Can Stay’ by Robert Frost, every September, outside and out loud. My big husky seriously sat and listened to me recite this poem.I too, am navigating a new world after he passed. Your beloved Pete was truly blessed to have you.
He was such a beautiful doggo - and this is the perfect tribute. I loved the crest of wiry hair along his back; true punk. Love to you both.
Dear Elissa and Susan,
As a lover of animals and owner of many cats and dogs over the years, I completely understand the routines that help define us when we have animals in our lives, and the ensuing silence when they are no longer there.
This was a beautiful tribute to Pete and the love you all shared with one another. You were all so very lucky to find one another and be part of each other's lives.
I have found that irrespective of how many pets I have had over the years, it hasn't become any easier to lose one. In fact, I think it becomes harder as we age because we are more mature and realize the fragility of life whether it be in human or animal form.
May you, Susan and your cats comfort each other in Pete's absence and may his spirit live on in all of you forever more. Sending big hugs!
Oh Elissa- what stunning, moving writing. You brought Pete to life in your luminous, sorrowful piece and let me feel I knew him, too. I know how it feels to have to let them go and then to miss them like that. I’m pretty sure he’s still around and always will be. Thank you for sharing this.
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Petey 🥲
I’m hung up on “JUST” a dog. JUST a dog!?!? Oh it’s JUST your HEART! My goodness I don’t know if that produced a weird crying laugh or what but there are surely humans who differ and I for one love your human heart that just loved your dog just like your words make my heart squeeze!! Thank you for all you share!
Beautifully expressed .
This is the worst part of being a dog owner, and it is something that we all face at some point in their lives. I have let go of two Black Labs, and each time I thought my heart would never mend, and that I could never love another dog as much as the one who had just died. And in time, foolish me, I made space for yet another Lab, who will surely break my heart as the others have, but will offer me the most generous love, and companionship, and a reason to get out of bed on the coldest days, and more laughter than tears. I feel your sorrow and hold you both close: grieve well, and keep your heart open.
Beautiful. My heart goes out to you.
I, too, have been weeping the loss of my beautiful dog Isla just four weeks ago. She also had been sundowning, alleviated only when her seizures (not grand mal) became so bad that I put her on seizure medication. It was kidney disease that took her life, though.
I found out just in time about a local vet who specializes in at-home euthanasia. What a blessing! I am so glad you were able to ease Petey out of his suffering in the peace of your own home.
Wishing you good memories between the tears.