My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Monday, October 4, 2010

Always in our hearts, Missy

For 14 plus years this little pug has been a part of our family. Missy has lived with spunk, resilience, and LOVE. Missy has an enlarged heart and collapsed trachea and the past few days has had a very difficult time breathing. Today, the vet told us it was time to say good bye. We knew this was coming but still so hard. Tomorrow, Tuesday we will let Missy go so that she doesn't have to be in pain. Saying good-bye to this sweet little pug will be so hard. No more giving Steve a 'high five' for her cereal treat (and medications in the morning), no more following Kendall, or excitedly greeting Natalie when she comes home for a visit. Our hearts will feel empty, and we will grieve.
There is not a family picture hanging in our home without Missy part of the picture. My kids tell me they don't remember much about their childhood without Missy. Our memories and love for Missy will live on forever. Thank you, Missy for the sweet joy you have brought to our family. After the pain, we will laugh and find joy again in our memories of Missy Girl. Through Missy I learned about the love of a dog and opened my heart to the possibility of a guide dog.

65 comments:

Addie, Llarson, and Ava said...

I am so sorry about Missy. I have been there with several pet dogs and it is never a good feeling. At least Missy will be out of pain. My thoughts are with you and your family.

lindsey said...

so sorry about missy :( I know she had a great life and was well loved by a wonderful family!

Erin J said...

So sorry! It's so hard to say goodbye.

Ruby's Raiser said...

We are so very sorry about Missy. Our thoughts and hugs are with you and your family today.

Katrin said...

I am so sorry to hear about Missy. She sounds like she has been a wonderful part of your family for a very long time. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.

Infrequent Flyers said...

I know your family gave Missy a wonderful life. I'll be thinking of you all today.

K and K said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending you love today and always. Love Katie & Kibby

Karen said...

Dear Missy! She always knew just when Kendall and Natalie needed a special loving presence in their day and was there to greet and love them. You will miss her so - all of you for sure!! She has been such a vital part of the family.
We will too.

Myrna R. said...

I am with you in your grief. I know the pain of saying good-bye to a dog.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Torie said...

I am so sorry to hear about poor Missy. I hope she goes over the rainbo bridge peacefully. Take care, and hugs and prayers to you. Xxx.

Reddunappy said...

So sorry about Missy, they are so hard to let go of.
We lost two dogs this year, one to old age, 15! and one to cancer at 9 1/2. They are beautiful little angels. She has had a wonderful life!

Ro said...

Oh Becky I'm so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and your family. *hugs*

wendy said...

It is the hardest thing ever to say goodbye to a pet
One who totally has become a part of the family

a few years ago my beautiful cocker spaniel died in my arms.
She had been sick and her heart just gave up.

they bring alot of joy to our lives
I am sure Missy was much loved while she was here

Maddie, Betsy, Jorinda, and Petuina said...

Sorry about Missy! You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!

Anonymous said...

Hi Becky, So sorry to hear about Missy. Thinking of you & Cricket today!

jennohara said...

So sorry to hear about Missy! My family's first dog lived 15 years, and we lost a family member when she passed. Missy lived a great life. Very happy. You can tell on that picture of her great big smile! :)

Beth and Alfie said...

My heart aches for you, I know this is such a tough transition. What a sweet gift she has been all these years. Know you're in our thoughts and prayers...

Lacey said...

So sorry to hear about Missy. Will definitely be thinking of you.

Steve said...

I remember when missy followed our son to school one day when he had to pick something up from a teacher. He knew she wasn't allowed in school so he put her in an empty garbage can so she couldn't run around and get lost or into trouble. She waited patiently and walked him home when he came back out just happy to be with him. How much gratitude can you have for the dog that raised your kids and gave them unconditional love when they needed it most. Every morning for the past 14+ years missy and I have had breakfast together. She always gives me a high five paw to earn her chunk of granola. Tomorrow will be lonely without you Missy. I love you with all my heart. Thanks for the love and companionship. Missy would walk with me as Becky gives her Guide Dogs a walk. Missy liked to lead the way to show them were to go (and who was boss). She broke in two guides. Who will clean the floor with missy gone? She kept a very spotless kitchen floor knowing that guide dogs aren't supposed to be floor cleaners she was diligent at getting to the food and crumbs that dropped on the kitchen floor before the Guide Dogs could get there. Who will keep track of us in our home? Missy loved to sit in the middle of our home in the strategic places that allowed her to see everything going on. This allowed her to be ready for any action such as helping with the kitchen floor or cuddling to watch a show or go for a walk. She was ready, willing, and up until a few years ago, able. And I will never forget Missy's unconditional love. She loved us all. In times of celebration and in the darkest times of discouragement there was Missy Girl bright eyed, tilted head, saying its OK, you are OK and I love you, and oh by the way if you pass by the kitchen would you mind dropping a little something for that love on the floor. Spunky Missy, always there in love and in our hearts, we will miss you. Thanks again and I am glad you can hear, see and breath now. I Love You.

Becky Andrews said...

Thanks SO much for your love and well wishes for our family with your comments and emails. WOW! Such a sweet tribute to Missy, Steve. Miss you, Missy girl.

Maxmom said...

Dear Becky (and family)
I've not been to your blog before, so thank you for coming along to mine to introduce yourself.
I am really sorry to hear about your dear little Missy! It is so hard to say goodbye to a canine soul who has been a 'guide' - my heart goes out to you. If it is any consolation, just know that your final act was an act of ultimate love - the most painful type!... I am so sorry for your loss!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you walk a new path today.
Sending lotsaluv
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

Piappies World said...

We have come from Maxdog Mom's blog. We are sorry to learn about Missy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you send her off. Be rest assured that she will continue to constantly watch over you day and night and your home will still be filled by wonderful memories of Missy.

We hope to know more about Cricket too as we follow your blog.

Thankies!

Love,
Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai & Wai-Max

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

We read about Becky over at Toby Puppy's blog and came over to pay our respects. She was clearly a very special dog and filled all of your hearts with love. Saying goodbye is always so very hard. We just lost one of ours a few days ago, a 15-month old cat with a horrible disease and a world of love to share. Cherish the memories of Missy. Her love will always be with you.

The Poupounette Gang
in France

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I've come over from MaxMom's blog and wanted to let you know how very sorry I am about Missy. I know how heartbreaking it is to lose one of our four legged family members because they are such a part of your lives and home. I hope you find comfort and peace in your wonderful and precious memories of her, her life well lived, and in knowing that one day you will see Missy again--What a day that will be. ~Kim and all the Goldens at Golden Pines~

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

We are so sorry to hear your news. We never knew Missy ~ but we can tell how very much she meant to you and how loved she was ~ therefore your pain at her loss will be great. ((((((hugs)))))

Milo and Alfie, and our Mom xxx

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

I just came over from MaxMom's blog - and my heart goes out to you. You gave Missy a wonderful life and when it was time to let go you gave her the most unselfish gift of all and let her go - that is true unconditional love and it was shared by your family and Missy. Run free, sweet Missy.

(((HUGS)))
Lynn, the Rocky Creek Scottie Mom

verobirdie said...

Little Toby sent me there. Although it is my first visit, I do understand your pain at leaving Missy go. She sure was a good friend to you, and was surely dearly loved.

kks said...

what a beautiful, sweet Missy...i know how your heart is aching....
xoxo

KT and Easton said...

Stopped by to say how sorry we are that you have lost your sweet little girl. Time does heal, the fog of grief lifts and leaves us only with precious memories of these magnificent creatures.

Becky Andrews said...

Thank you SO very much for your kind comments. It means so much to our family. I got up and tip toed aroumd the area that Missy has been sleeping in the early morning and then realized I didn't need to ...she wasn't here. Her love resonates in our house. Tears as I miss that girl.

MySpecialDoggies said...

May Missy's memories remain with you always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Run free, sweet Missy.

Woofs & hugs,
Nadine Apples & Neeli

Sheila and Bob said...

We are so very sorry for your loss.
We truly understand the pain in your heart.
This is from "A Dogs Prayer" amd it has always given us comfort when we had to help one of our loves on the trip to the Bridge.



"And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands."

♥I am Holly♥ said...

We came from Toby's blog to tell you how very sorry we are about your loss of dear Missy. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Lots of love, Holly and mom

K9 Katastrophie said...

We came from Toby's. We are so sorry for your loss. Missy was beautiful!

licks,
Ruthie

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Hello I came from Toby puppy to say I send huge purrs and hope they help in a small way. I am so sorry to hear you lost your sweet Missy.. Sent with loe. GJ and Carol xx

Maxmom said...

Just come to send more ((Hugs)) to you. You have been in my thoughts the whole day! May you be surrounded with love...your pain is shared across the world! We understand!
With love
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

houndstooth said...

I am so sorry for your loss! Fourteen years is such a wonderful long time to spend together, but they're never with us long enough. Our hearts go out to you!

brooke said...

We found our way over by Toby and Maxmom, and wanted to send over our condolences for Missy. Big hugs and giant Dane kisses from Seattle to your family!

Scout and Freyja said...

Hello, a friend told me of your loss and I wanted to stop by to offer my sincere sympathy. I have been where you are right now and will be there again. I know that I can't give you any words to ease your pain but please know that many, many others know a deep loss such as yours.

My Mind's Eye said...

Hi Becky and family,
Mom and I read about your precious Missy on MaxMom's blog today.
We are so very sorry for the loss of a sweet soul. Mom and Dad have experienced what you have with two other family pets. They had Milky-way (cat)for 14.5 years and Toto (Dachshund) for 10 years. Both left them with so many sweet, funny memories. They still tell tales of the adventures those two had.
We hope in time you will have lots of sweet and funny memories of Missy.
Madi and Mom

Maggie Mae and Max said...

Miss Becky and family,

MaxMom and Toby told us 'bouts your sad news and we is very sorry fur your loss. You are in our prayers. RIP Missy.

Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We also have come from MaxMom and Toby Puppy to send you some gentle hugs and caring thoughts on the loss of you sweet Missy. We too have known the pain of losing a beloved pet. It is never easy no matter how much you know it is the right thing to do. Take time to grieve and remember all the good things about your special girl. With time it will get easier even if you always miss her.

Hugs to all of you.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder,and Ciara and Mom too

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

MaxMom sent us over. We are so very sorry for your loss of Missy. We are sending you gentle headbutts and purrs!

The Heartbeats said...

Toby Puppy in SA sent us here. We are so sorry to hear about Missy. She lived a long and very loved life! What a gift these furry friends are!?! We are so lucky to have them as long as we do.

doyle and mollie said...

loves and licks xxx

The Life of Riley said...

Toby sent me over, and although this is my first visit to your blot from what you and Steve have written Missy sounded such a special dog. Not having her physical presence around will take time to get used to, but through all your pain and sorrow she is still with you all in another way. She is in the hearts of your family, and that is where the wonderfulness of Missy will stay forever, close to you all, with so many memories that make you smile because the time that you spent with her has changed the way you see the world.

sprinkles said...

I read about Missy from the Living Life To The Max blog and just wanted to stop by and give my condolences. It's never easy to lose a family member.

I'm so very sorry and will keep your family in my prayers.

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Toby and MaxMom sent us as well -

We are sorry for your loss BUT as we've pawed another furiend's blog today, it is the biggest gift of love we can give our furries -

I'm sure Missy has caught up with Saffron, Lyle, Emerald, and the other new residents of The Rainbow Bridge -

We'll include her in the candle we'll be lighting this evening -

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Her Mom

Doris Sturm said...

I'm so sorry - please accept my deepest condolences. I cry thinking of that time when I have to say good bye to my boy who will be 13 next month and also has an enlarged heart - he's on meds too! I am so sorry for you and your family. Missy will be forever in your hearts.

With love and compassion
Doris

Molly the Airedale said...

We just came from Toby's blog. We are so very sorry to hear about Missy. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Sue said...

We're so sorry to hear about Missy. Our Mom has been thru this so many times and it never gets any easier. We'll all be thinking about you and Missy.
Morgan, Tsar and the Porties

Hailey said...

Dear Ms Becky and family. We too, pawed over from Toby's after hearing the news. No words can really say how one feels at this time. Allow yourselves to grieve for Missy. You have been blessed with 122,640 beautiful and memorous hours of her. That in itself is speechless. Know that we are all here in bloggy world for you and that you are never truly alone.

Hugs & smoochies! XOXO
Hailey and Mommy too

Those Elgin Pugs said...

We are deeply sorry about your loss of Missy~

We found out from our friends we3doxies.

Our heart goes out to your family and you will be in our thoughts and prayers~

Much love,
Katy,IzZY, Josie, and Anakin Man

Lisa and pups said...

So sorry to hear about Missy. What warm memories you have of her!

Davina said...

Becky, I'm so sorry to hear about sweet old Missy. She has lived such a beautiful life with a very lovely family. She will miss you as you will miss her...

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I am a friend of Toby Puppy.
When I heard this sadness, I hurried over to tell you that,
I know your heart is breaking,,,
I know that there are no words that I can say to help you,,
Your sweet baby that you loved so much is now a star in the sky,,,
I will come and sit beside you, and I will cry with you,, and tonight,,, I will light a candle for Missy,, and then I will look to the sky.... and say a prayer for all of you.
So many peoples are feeling your sadness, and we wish there was something we could do,,, we know your pain,,,,
I don't want to go now,,, but I must,,, and so I stretch my paws out around each of you...
love
tweedles

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Sending you my Golden Thoughts. For sure Missy had a great wonderful life and lots of precious memories that you'll remember forever. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

3 doxies said...

I read about Missy over at Maxmom's and wanted to come by and let you know how very sorry I am to hear of your loss. Words never seem to make the pain and greif go away...so, I will just say that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
What a blessing she was to your life.

Allison...Puddles mum

Jen said...

Hi Becky. Sorry I'm only reading this now, and really sorry to hear about Missie.
Its a horrible thing to have to put a dog to sleep even though you know its the right thing. We had to do it with our pet labrador 6 years ago. I got him for my sixth birthday and we had him for over 13 years. The house was very strange for a long time after.
I hope you and Steve will be ok.
Jen and OJ xx

Cassie said...

So sorry about Missy....no matter how long we have them in our lives,it's never long enough. It's so hard to say goodbye.
Diane, Cassie, and Hunter

s day @ sdayrunning.blogspot.com said...

Oh Becky, I'm so sorry. What a big loss. Missy was so lucky to have such a wonderful, loving family.

3 labs 4 me said...

We are very sorry for your loss. We are happy to have met Missy & we have fond memories of her during our stays with you. Missy will live on in your hearts & you'll always have sweet memories of a very special girl.
Thinking of you, Debi, Steve, Desma, Dakota, Culver & Honda

Anonymous said...

Hello...MaxMom told us about your darling Missy going to the Bridge and we just wanted to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. She sounds like she had a very much happy life and was loved so much. That's the most that any of us can ever ask for. You were very lucky to have each other.

Gentle Wiggles & Wags,
mayzie

George The Lad said...

I have come over from Maxmoms blog. I do feel your hurt, having lost my heart dog just after Christmas, who lived to 15 years, we have to let him go. My thoughts are with you
Jan x

Pamela and John said...

Oh Becky, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. John and I loved the posts and tribute to her. She will be missed.