"Mum, there is going to be a new ocean tomorrow."
"Why's that, T?"
"Because of all the tears we've cried."
The past two days have been rough. On Wednesday evening, we had to say good-bye to our sweet pup, Tiana. She has been with us since she was 18 months old, when she had a "career change" and left the guide dog training program. She has been in our boys' lives for as long as they can remember and we were all deeply attached to her gentle nature and kind soul.
Each day since she's been gone, we've looked for her at the back door, on her favorite soft bed and beside us as we walk up to bed each night. We can't seem to stop looking for her. Our minds won't let us believe that she is truly gone.
Tiana was not just a pet, she was truly a member of our family. Our memories of daily life, holidays with our families and camping trips are entwined with memories of her.
They are good memories and we will will treasure those forever.
But, oh, how she will be missed.
Rest easy, sweet girl. We love you to the ends of the earth.
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
Oh my goodness, tears here. What a sweet, special dog. I love the photos of her especially with your boys, and can only imagine how many great memories you had together. Big hugs to you and your family right now.
Dara
Thank you so much, Ali. She meant the world to all of us and my boys are holding tight to their memories.
Judy Fox
Dara,
Our precious fur children are with us all too short a time. But, one thing I know for sure, they will be waiting for us at The Rainbow Bridge and some day we'll be with them again forever! Until then, treasure the memories of wonderful times that you and your family have had with sweet Tiana!
Dara
That time certainly is far too short! My son keeps asking why Tiana couldn't have lived as long as my grandmother. 🙂
Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ)
I'm sure every pet owner had tears in their eyes, like I did, when they read this. Keep the memories and take care.
Dara
Thank you so much for your thoughts, Rachel.
Debi
I am so sorry for your loss. We just put our cat down after 18 years of love. It isn't easy, but at least you have some fabulous memories. Take care and know that she loves you still.
Dara
Oh, Debi. I'm so sorry for the loss of your kitty. We have two of our own and they are just as special to our family as Tiana.
Heather
I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope the many sweet memories of Tiana help comfort you and your family at this time.
Dara
Thank you so much, Heather. We are holding tight to those memories, for sure.
Sherry
Oh my...my... The ocean has just grown even bigger since i learned about Tiana.
My dear cat Molly is still alive but a year ago she disappeared for 5 weeks. I still wince when I pass any location where I scouted for her.
Anyone who has let a pet move into our heart lock stock & barrel knows your sorrow. I wonder if our pets meet one another in their next existence and share stories about the humans they knew. With three cats in my past, I like to think so. Your boys might like to imagine which stories Tiana would tell the other guys up there.
Be soothed in your grief. Sherry
Dara
Thank you, Sherry. I would certainly like to think that they are all "up there" somewhere, sharing stories. I will indeed talk to my boys about that. Thank you for that. 🙂
Pat
I am so very, very sorry for your family's loss. It's hard to accept because the brightness of her life makes this dim by comparison. I know, been there, done that on multiple occasions - each time it breaks your heart. But she will be there, waiting for you in Heaven (cause that is where she is now). Hold on tight, allow yourself and your boys to grieve, however long it takes. I'm still not over it and it's been a long time - you just accept after awhile. My heart goes out to you.
Dara
Thank you so much for your thoughts, Pat. We are indeed letting ourselves grieve. It is going to take time, that's for certain.
Simone
I know how hard this is! Will be praying for your family in this time - of dealing with the missing of a sweet loved one. I'm all teary-eyed just thinking about the times my family had to say good-bye to our pets growing up.
Dara
Thank you so much, Simone. We are holding tight to our memories of her.
June Caron
My heart goes out to you all...... Tiana surely left paw prints on your souls.
Melodye Whalin
Oh, no! When I saw your title & then her picture, I knew what had happened! So sorry! That hurts! Praying for your family.
Dara
Thank you so much, Melodye.
Dara
Thank you, June. She certainly did.
Debbie
So sorry for your loss. She will be waiting for you on the other side to romp, play and cuddle many years from now.
Dara
Thank you so much, Debbie. I'll have stored up plenty of pats and hugs for her by then. 🙂