 |
| Jacket: Fashion Bug Blue & Gold Sweater: Chico's Gold Tank: Chico's Jeans: Chico's Gold Shoes: Corso Como |
 |
| Harry was happy to have his picture taken. |
 |
| Cloisonne Pendant Indigo Flameworks |
Last Wednesday, I had to make one of the hardest decisions ever. I had to make the phone call to the Veterinarian to make an appointment to euthanize my sweet, sweet FarLeyJoE. I know I have mostly written about Harry, but FarLeyJoE was my 'heart dog.' The one who was the one I shall miss more than any other and I have missed many of them an awful lot. He was always "my" dog. I was his one and only. Even when others were around, he had eyes and love for only me. If you have never had a heart dog or pet, I doubt you will understand the depth of my grief over losing him. Some may think "he was only a dog", but he was more than just a dog to me. I made sure that the last thing he saw was me and the last words he heard were me saying "I love you."
This quote from Dean Koontz's book "The Darkest Evening of the Year", is the best one I have ever read about sharing one's life with a dog.
“Dogs, lives are short, too short, but you know that going in. You know the pain is coming, you're going to lose a dog, and there's going to be great anguish, so you live fully in the moment with her, never fail to share her joy or delight in her innocence, because you can't support the illusion that a dog can be your lifelong companion. There's such beauty in the hard honesty of that, in accepting and giving love while always aware that it comes with an unbearable price. Maybe loving dogs is a way we do penance for all the other illusions we allow ourselves and the mistakes we make because of those illusions.”
Most of the photos we have of my boy were actual film photos. I had to scan these, so they are not very clear.
 |
| What a beautiful, expressive face |
 |
| When he was younger, he liked to sleep in my chair. |
He came to us as a rescue, found in a local park by a Veterinarian who was running through the park. He was a big goofball. These last few years he has been in declining health and mostly slept and kept an eye on me. He would bark when I left the room, wanting me to return. It is so hard to be here in the den without him. I have and always will miss him, goodbye my sweet boy.
If you have read to this point, thank you. Thank you for sharing my Visible Monday and Monday Mingle with me. Please visit the other stylish ladies for their wonderful outfits and no doubt happier posts.
You look lovely in your time of grief, Debbi. It's not like you just slapped something together or skipped the Visibles - so that's very good, indeed. But there is nothing in life like the loss of an unconditionally loving, innocent pet. So here's to the time you did get to share with him!
ReplyDeleteAh Debbi, I am so sorry to hear this. I just went through it with my lovely old Kirra. It is so hard to let them go.
ReplyDeleteAw....sorry, Debbi. It's just so hard, isn't it.
ReplyDeleteDean Koontz has many wonderful quotable parts. He is a very thought provoking writer. I am so sorry about your loss. Take care of yourself.
ReplyDelete{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} Oh Debbie I am so sorry to hear about your sweet boy. I know what you're going through. FarleyJoe is with my Daisy on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge waiting for us-no more pain and no more suffering.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry! I haven't had many pets as I've gotten older but i vividly remember how that feels.
ReplyDeleteI feel compelled to say too that your blue and gold is lovely. I don't think it's too much gold, in fact, I think it's just right. xxoo
So, so sorry Debbi...I know it is difficult to lose a pet you love so much. You look lovely today and it is great to see you smile.
ReplyDeleteYou've earned your blue Monday, that's got to have been a sad event. I hope FarleyJoe is in heaven now, being his best naughty dog self. You've gotta love'em.
ReplyDeleteDebbi, I am so very sorry for your loss of FarLeyjoE. He was a soul mate for you, and he will continue to watch over you while in spirit. All relationships with our four legged companions are special. Their crossings always heart wrenching. The crossings of our friends with whom we have that almost indescribable, close bond are even more difficult. There aren't really words to express adequately my condolences, but please think of FarLeyjoE as flying free on the wings of an angel. He'd like that. {Hugs}
ReplyDeleteMy dear I am so sorry for your loss, what heartbreak you must be feeling. Even though i am not a dog person, I can understand your grief so well. The quote you shared is so very beautiful, and in it's words i am reminded of one of the reasons i have not been a dog owner...it takes a lot of bravery...
ReplyDeleteI send love and strength...
dear debbie,
ReplyDeletei am so sorry that you lost your beloved compagion. only in your heart FarLeyJoE will stay forever. i can understand that you feel incomplete without him.
Oh Debbi, I am so sorry for your loss. We are allowed to have our wonderful animal friends for just a short time, and they give us so much. then we have to say goodbye so soon, and it's heartbreaking. FarleyJoe sure knew you adored him. Big hugs are sent to you.
ReplyDeleteOh no, so sad Debbi! We all know the day is coming, but we can't mourn in advance. We have to feel the loss every time, and like you say - sometimes worse than others. Doesn't it do you good to find old photos of him? It's a way of honoring him, I think.
ReplyDeleteYou look so lovely in the blue and gold outfit. These colours are absolutely gorgeous on you, and I love the intricately patterned sweater with the gold tank under, and those super cute flats!
I'm so sorry about your lovely boy, and yes, going in, you know your time with a pet is going to be all too short, but there's comfort for me, in knowing, that animals have no concept of time, and no awareness of how you'll suffer and miss them when they're gone. They only know how much you love them.
ReplyDeleteYou have all my sympathy, Debbi. We lost my dearest old mare a few days ago, and I miss her so much ... know exactly how you feel. And I agree with everyone else, you look very pretty. Aren't you glad to see navy blue coming back around? Of course, the gold makes it look like a modern take. I'm going to take a page out of your book ... dress up to feel a bit better!
ReplyDeleteThis has got to be so hard for you, especially for an animal that was so very attached to you in particular. I'll bet Harry misses FarleyJoe too. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThe pattern on your blue sweater is lovely...
Never too much gold, you look amazing, darling~ That top is one of the most gorgeous things I've ever seen you wear, I love it. The whole look is just wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your loss. So much so quickly this year. There is nothing like those heart animals. They are so few and far between. My Gomez-kitty who passed this summer was like that. The quote you posted is exactly correct. Our time with our pets is so short. But in that time they fill our lives with joy and a special love, like little furry children. I am so sorry. I'm sure he knew he was loved. Nothing will ever replace FarLeyJoE.
I agree, the gold looks great!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear heart dog. I've never actually heard that expression before, but I know that kind of animal. Our dear Inigo kitty that we lost in April was like that. It's been 6 months, and both my husband and I deal with waves of grief over losing our poor boy. My heart goes out to you, Debbi. *hugs*
First of all...you look just beautiful. Your blue and golds are so pretty and I love that pendant.
ReplyDeleteSecondly...I'm so, so sorry to hear of your loss of FarLeyJoE and this time of grieving you are going through. As you know, John is feeling the recent loss of his precious Emma too. Certain times of day are more difficult. All I can do is love him and hold him, listen and understand.
Just remember the love you and your beloved pet shared and the good life he had because of you.
Big hugs and thoughts of days ahead when your pain will ease to some degree.
I am so, so sad for your loss. Your post brings tears to my eyes. Obviously FarLeyJoE was dearly loved and he knew it until the very end. Saying goodbye is the hardest thing. The unquestioning love of our animal friends is mystifying and an incredible gift. My sympathies.
ReplyDeleteYour blue is the bluest of blues. It is beautiful and sadly sweet.
Oh Debbi I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your special pet FarLeyJoE. They are such trusting and innocent creatures who share our lives and become part of the family in such a special way. I am thinking of you this week. Your blue outfit is perfect, and absolutely lovely. Not too much gold, just the right amount; and I love your jacket very much.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the touching story of FarLayJoE's life. He certainly loved you so, so much, he must have been everything to you and I feel honoured to read about the beautiful friendship you had with your heart-dog. He heard the words he must have always loved to hear, in his final breaths. Big hugs to you. xo
ReplyDeleteDebbi, I am so sorry to hear about your dog! Loss of pets is painful! However, for having grief you look amazingly good! Blue is indeed a great color for you!
ReplyDeleteI do love your blue and gold outfit. I judt read this post about your dog. I am very sorry to hear about your 'heart' dog. I had one too that I had to put down several years ago. He was a black pomerinian. The hardest to train dog I ever had but we had a love affair that none can top! He loved me above everyone else. Although he had dog friends and people friends he used to make a funny noise when he saw me. It was a twirling gurgling noise that he made for noone else. Yes dogs are amazing creatures in the way they emerse themselves into our lives and hearts. I cant talk about bear without getting choked up.
ReplyDeleteI have gotten another dog since Bear and she is fast becoming my girl too..
I hope as time passes you will feel better especially since you know you gave that dog a great life.
That is such sad news. I did get a chuckle out of the choice of your clean laundry as the spot to do his "business", so you'd know it was not OK to go off on another business trip.
ReplyDeleteThat's such an adorable dog! I got mine from a retired couple who couldn't take him to the nursing home. He's in dog heaven now. My brother also got his sheltie from a shelter.
ReplyDeleteVisit me:
LeeAnne, Style N Season
http://stylenseason.blogspot.com
So sorry for the loss of your beloved 'heart dog,' Debbi. Blue is the perfect color to wear in his memory.
ReplyDeleteSo you're following the "I feel bad, but I will look good" school of thought? I'm so sorry about your dog. But you look great... and I love all the gold, it's spread out enough to avoid tackiness, IMO.
ReplyDeleteOh, Debbi - load up, load up with gold to celebrate the shining heart of FarLeyJoE, perfect honour for your precious friend. I am so glad you had each other, and so sorry for your loss. This is one of my favourite outfits of yours, both for the meanings it carries and for how really beautiful it looks on you.
ReplyDeletexo
Debbie just read this coming from your latest post, so sorry to hear about your dog FarelyJoe. That's the second loss for you this year right? That must be tough - I hope you are doing okay.
ReplyDeleteYou look wonderful in your blue and gold outfit - very smart and the top is great.
I'm so, so sorry. Good night, sweet prince. :(
ReplyDeleteDebbi your story is a sad one and I totally feel your pain. I have felt this before and know it is coming again someday. I truly feel for you. I am glad I dropped in to read this, I didn't know you were grieving. Not sure what else to say other than you are a great dog mama and he was so lucky to have you and you him. RIP FarleyJoe. dawn suitcase vignettes xo
ReplyDeleteOh Sweetie I'm so sorry about your dog.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss!
ReplyDeleteMy father has a heart dog right now. She lives only for him!
Debbi, I just found about about FarLeyJoE and I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I totally understand how you feel as I recently came to know the love of a dog myself and how hard it was to give him up when I knew it was the best thing for him. I hope the pain eases with every moment. xo
ReplyDeleteDebbie..just read your post about your precious FarleyJOe...soo sorry. I could feel your pain reading your post. What a beautiful dog he was. I have a shihtzu and she loves me to death also so I understand your love for FarleyJoe..I feel the same about my Sophie!! I know the pain will never go away...just know I am sending you some cyber hugs from Texas!!!! (((((HUGS)))))) Sheri in Texas
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie just found your post from reading Pam@0ver50feelin40.I love her post & after reading about your sad loss of your Heart dog I feel we have so much in common. We have had three adorable Labradors all so different & lovable but one was MY special heart dog & I know how you feel losing your dog. I still miss them all. But remember the loving happy times you shared. sSo now I will be a follower of you & look forward to sharing your happy posts & seeing the lovely outfits you choose to wear. Barbara Lilian
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie, this is the first time i was on your blog, when i read about your Heart dog, it broke my heart. I too had a Heart animal, it was my beloved cat Caesar. He died with cancer a few yrs ago, but he lives in my heart forever. I share your sorrow and shed some tears. I am happy u still have Harry to help u thru this.
ReplyDeleteJudy