Dogs’ lives are too short.
Their only fault, really.
– Agnes Sligh Turnbull
We said goodbye to our sweet golden retriever, Buckley, this week. He developed some health issues a few months ago, and we knew that his time with us would soon be coming to an end, but nothing can prepare you for the gaping hole it leaves in your life when you have to say goodbye to a pet you love.
We shared our lives with him for twelve wonderful years. After our last dog, Tucker, died, I only lasted a few weeks before I couldn’t stand the emptiness any longer, and I got a puppy. Fred was out of town on a trip, and I wanted to surprise him when he came home, so I made the bold move of not telling him about the new little ball of fluff I had brought home. I knew he’d fall in love with him at first sight. After all, who could resist this face?
Well, the surprise was blown when I was chatting with Fred on the phone a day or two later and, as I was telling him about my day, I inadvertently blurted out, “And then the pup-…….Oh, damn!” (I never swear!)
Fred: “Pup? Did you say puppy? Did we get a puppy?!?”
I just laughed. I should known better than to try to keep a secret from him.
We definitely had a puppy! A happy little bundle of energy who would keep us smiling for the next twelve years.
Last winter, when I was keeping a gratitude journal, I devoted a two-page spread to Buckley…
I never got around to posting it at the time. Maybe somehow I sensed that it was better left till another time.
I painted the sketch from a photo I took of him eagerly urging me to throw a snowball. I could pack and throw twenty for him, and he would still bark for more. He was so obsessed with snowballs that every winter we would freeze a giant-size bag of them, then bring them out on a hot July day to surprise him.
He had a life any dog would love. He occasionally headed off to sniff around in the woods, but most of the time he stayed close by, never wanting to stray too far from his people. He loved everyone he met, but he found kids absolutely irresistible, especially the little ones whose peanut butter- smeared faces were within easy reach of his tongue.
He was the kindest, gentlest, friendliest, and most empathetic dog we’ve ever had. When I was upset or sad, he would come and lean against me to comfort and steady me, or he’d lay his head in my lap and look at me as if to ask, “Are you okay?”
We’re not okay now. We’re heartbroken over losing him. The house feels like it’s lost a part of its spirit. I didn’t realize how much he was a part of me until he was gone. A hundred times a day, he crosses my mind. We miss him so much.
This is how I’ll remember him. Happy, excited, and free, running to meet me for a scratch behind the ears then dashing off again to explore our little corner of the world.
It was a privilege to share our walk on earth with him – he was the best of dogs.
The misery of keeping a dog is his dying so soon. But, to be sure, if he lived for fifty years and then died, what would become of me?
– Sir Walter Scott
I know all of you who met Buckley here at Summerhill understand how we feel, because you, too, were touched by his sweet spirit and friendly smile. Thank you for petting him, snuggling him, and throwing his tennis ball – you made him happy.
P.S. – I put together a little video of Buckley’s life that I shared on Facebook the other day. For those of you who didn’t see it there, here it is…
26 Comments
Sending (((hugs.
Xx)))
The love and companionship of a dog and for a dog is a very special gift.
I’m truly sorry for your loss. We have rescued older dogs, so we haven’t spent 12 years with any of them. Losing a sweet furry family member is heartbreaking leaving a gaping hole in our hearts. Prayers and hugs to you and your family.
Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a beloved dog. So sorry for your loss
We had 3 goldens over the years. They were so wonderful – especially Cassie, our last one.
I’m so sorry for your loss!
Oh Leslie, I’m so sorry for your great loss. Nothing can replace him and all those wonderful memories he has given you. My Hamilton (my cat who thought he was a dog) is waiting at the other end of the the Rainbow bridge to welcome Buckley there).
Hugs,
Roxanne
So sorry, it’s so dang hard.
)))hugs(((
Paw prints will always be with you ~
Leslie,
I am truly sorry for the loss of your friend Buckley. I know the pain of it, having had to put two dogs down within a year. I highly recommend checking out the FB group for AKC pet loss. Hearing other people’s stories of loss helped me realize I was not alone. Others who haven’t suffered a pet loss just don’t get this until it happens to them. We also just adopted a rescue dog, who is older (like we are) and she has fit right into that void our dogs left. She hasn’t replaced them but we have another fur baby to love again. Hugs, Anne
What a beautiful tribute to Buckley. I am so very sorry for your loss. I lost my Jinx years ago but still miss him. Our babies are still with us in spirit and in our hearts. Sending love and hugs.
Eileen B.
So very sorry for your loss. Buckley must have filled you both with so much comfort, love and affection. A wonderful dog leaves a huge hole hole in our hearts.
An enigmatic blessing.
Sending love your way Leslie and Fred. He sure was a special friend. Loved by all who met him.
What a sweet boy… im so very sorry for your loss. I’m a dog-mom too… my first as an adult. Same age as Buckley and I have no idea what I’ll do without her. She is definitely my soul-dog. Praying your memories can fill some of the void in that huge hole he’s left! ❣️🐾🤗
Leslie, I am so sorry for your loss. Dogs hold such a special place in our hearts. ❤️ I enjoyed reading about Buckley and seeing your paintings of him that you scattered throughout your blog posts over the years. Thank you for sharing him with us. 🐾 Hugs to you during this difficult time.
Sara
Leslie, I loved your artwork and am truly sorry your family has lost Buckley. What a beautiful tribute to your sweet dog. ❤️
So sorry, and so sad for you. I know exactly how it is. But he lived in such a beautiful, dog-friendly place. I’m sure he had the best dog life possible living there and being loved, cared for, and enjoyed by you two.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Blessings to you and your family,
Marilyn
What a smile he had. Thank you for sharing. They give us so much. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Candy P.
What comfort and joy Buck must have brought to you and your family over the years. Dogs are full of surprises and never run out of ways to amuse us and themselves. They help us to keep close to what is important and even closer to them. Buckley lived a full measure. I am sorry for your loss. This video is a lovely tribute. Thank you for sharing your news.
Gretchen
Thank you so much for posting this beautiful tribute to Buckley. It brought me to tears as the music played and to know about your lovely relationship with him. Bless you and your family. Jeanne
Leslie, what a beautiful tribute to Buckley.
Betty
I am so deeply sorry, Leslie. Anyone who has lost a fur companion that has been such an integral part of one’s life for so many years (including me) knows exactly the deep sorrow and emptiness you are feeling now. My deepest wishes for peace and healing.
Your blogs Leslie have always touched me with their beauty and sincerity. I must admit to having a few tears on this one. Most of us have loved a dog in our lives. (or even a cat) and they do become as part of you. I still remember my last dog ands sometimes dream about him. We lost him to a car when he darted into the street one day before we could stop him. Sad sad day. The driver was sad too and it wasn’t his fault. He’s buried in the yard near where my kids grew up in the old house from their childhood. I love the memories you have shared and I am sure we all remembered our dogs through you. Thanks.
I’m truly sorry for your loss. Buckley was a very handsome golden boy! I’ve loved seeing him in your art over the years. You gave him a beautiful tribute and wonderful life. I have to admit, I cried as I read your post. We lost our 8 year old golden boy 4 months ago very suddenly due to cancer. Thinking of you and your family, sending you
wishes for peace and healing.
I’m sitting here crying as I read and watch the video of Buckley’s life. I remember him from my visit to one of your workshops. He really was a great dog! I lost two of my dogs this past year, a mother and daughter shih tzu. The daughter went first and several months later her mom. I miss them still too. I loved when they sat with me at night and when they were always so happy to see me. Each dog is his or her own special pet. I’m so sorry for your lost. The truth is it takes time to heal, sometimes lots of it. It doesn’t happen quickly. I am grateful for their lives with me, as you are for yours with Buckley!
Thank you so much for your kind thoughts, Sherry.
When our fur babies pass, they take a piece of our heart with them . Their time on earth is way too short, but Buckley shared a life of joy, love and adventure beyond words. Til you meet him again, he is running free, having no ailments or pain, and endless stream of playmates and treats. Two of our Golden Girls are with him🐾🐾🐾
🦴🦴🦴. May your heart heal with time, and keep the great memories in your heart and mind. Your tribute is lovely ❤️