There is nothing that can fill the hole in one’s heart that comes from the loss of a loved one. The pain is profound, and immeasurably deep. Sometimes the loved one is a human, and sometimes not. I can tell you from experience that the pain pays no mind to species.
Today, for the second time, we experience this deepest sense of loss with the passing of our “little girl” Lexi, and when she died, a piece of me went with her. It’s been nine months since we lost her younger sister Sandy, though I swear it seems like three. Now our house is empty and quiet.
Everyone I know who has animals love them. But it takes a very special dog to be loved by people outside their own family. Lexi was one of those special companions. She was not the kind of dog who jumped on people, or sniffed you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable. She didn’t lick you, or demand attention. In fact, I don’t recall a single time she really did anything wrong. She was just a beautiful, graceful and gentle creature who would greet everyone at the door with a wagging tail and an open heart.
Lexi taught me the true meaning of unconditional love. For nearly 15 years every single time I walked in the house she was at the door to greet me. If I had a bad day, or was in a rotten mood, all I had to do was call her name and she was at my side in seconds. There was never a single time that she didn’t want to be with me, she was never once mad at me, and I know there is nothing she wouldn’t have done for me.
I suppose I’ll keep the rest of the story to myself. Those who knew Lexi will remember her fondly as a dog that truly had no equal. Unfortunately old age caught up with her and she succumbed to illness very rapidly and completely unexpectedly. I’m just sorry that we didn’t have time to let friends and family know in advance so they could see her one last time.
Lexi loved everyone. And in return, we all loved her back.
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. I have a pomeranian and she is 9 now. Shelby is so smart and sweet. I wish we could have these best friends around longer as time is so short with them. As with anything we have to live everyday as it was our last as we never know what the future has in store for us. Each passing day is precious. True love is rare. Cherish it nothing more is valuable than health and the people and pets that love you (Your family and friends) My heart goes out to you and your family. Remember, even though we lost love. Better to have lost than not loved at all.
Lexi was one of the calmest and sweetest dogs I’ve ever met. I’m sorry it happened so quickly! :(
John, I’m so sorry to hear about Lexi. My thoughts are with you and your family. In the last year we lost both of our beagles that we loved so dearly, Beta and Cosmo. They were 16 and 15. I know that you’re going through a tough time right now. Lexi sounds like she was a wonderful companion. Her love will live on in your memories.
I’m so sorry to hear about Lexi. I am a dog lover who has 2 adopted dogs, Max and Penny. We adopted them because we lost our 3 year old, Smokey, to a truck accident. We wanted to save our current two “kids” from euthanization. Our dogs are an important part of our family. I’m sure Lexi was a great pleasure to your family too.
So sorry to hear that news…she was a great dog and friend.
Oh, my Lexi love! How I ache for you guys. I will always treasure the snuggle scrub time I got with Sandy and Lexi, dog hair everywhere. Hugs and love.
My heart goes out to you, John. I can empathize completely, having lost my “little boy” Todd to Multicentric Lymphoma last month, after 10 years together.
Just remember the wonderful times you shared.
Thanks everyone for the condolences.
It’s amazing how much our animals are part of our lives. Lexi was the last thing I saw as I petted her every night before I went to bed, and the first thing I saw when I woke up with her sleeping on the floor waiting for me each morning. And the funny thing is, it was the same for Holly because we have slightly different sleeping schedules.
Holly would get up each morning and Lexi would be waiting for her, then when Holly left Lexi would come back and wait for me. The process was reversed at night.
Of course, besides going to bed and waking up, Lexi would come and check on me several times a day. She loved to follow Holly and I around the house, and so we would each stop and spend time with her constantly. I could give 100 other ways that Lexi crept into our hearts, but I’m sure you all had similar experiences.
I can only tell you that even though I’ve had several other pets, Lexi was very, very special.
Again, thank you all for your outpouring of support!
John P.
So sorry buddy =(
That sucks major you-know-what — so sorry to hear that news, John. 15 years is a great, long, and happy life for a dog, and it’s great that you made her life so happy everytime you came home. :)
I am sorry for your loss. I have felt the loss of a favored pet and it is not easy to bear. I am sorry
John,
I really feel for you! I had to put my 13 year old chocolate lab down on January 2nd of this year. He was my little boy. I’m 35 and it was the first time I had gotten a puppy outside of my parent’s home. He was my buddy. We went everywhere together and that sad day in January was one of the hardest things I have had to deal with emotionally. Sorry about your loss :(
Brian
Oh you guys! I’m so so sorry – my heart is breaking for you!
Yes! I couldn’t agree more!
My heart goes out to both of you. I’m really at a loss for words…trying to think of just the right thing to say, even though I know there really isn’t anything that fits the bill. Geez, how many times can I type something and backspace?? Just know I’m hurting for you and thinking of you.
May Lexi rest in peace.
So sorry to hear that John. We had to put our family dog to sleep several years ago and I still think of her sometimes.
:-(
That is all I can muster……….
Hey my friend,
I know the pain of losing such a close friend. Shortly after Kat and I married we got our little cocker, Brandon. He was an amazingly sweet and wonderful dog. He was FUN. Crazy fun. You’d open the door to the backyard, and he’d dash out yelping in joy, go screaming around the year (yelling at the top of his lungs) and come running back to the door. We’d open the door, he’d poke one paw in, turn around and do it again… and would do this as long as you let him. He loved to play. Illness got the better of him and after only a few years, I had to have him put down. He just couldn’t take it. That’s something that I’ll never forget. The pain I suffered was excruciating. I wish that on no one.
Lexi was such a sweet girl. She’d always come up and greet me when I came over. Such as sweet thing. I’m gonna miss seeing her, but thanks for letting me know her.
You guys are special to Kat and I and we love ya’ll. Our prayer for you is that God just fill ya up with all the fun and special moments you’ve had with her.
Take care my friend.
-d
Man, John, I feel your pain. Two weeks ago I had to put down my beloved 13+ year old Chow Chow, ReggieFu. Reggie was one of those dogs, like yours, who ahad quite a following outside of his home. He had all of the regal qualities associated with Chows, but was always a gentle soul, loving and trusting of everyone. It is very painful, as it is for you, but time heals the hurt. I do take a measure of joy in the way he left. Moments before seeing the vet, he met a new dog and tails were wagging and both were playful. That is my final image of Reggie. No one but me had the chance to say goodbye and while the decision was clear, the sense of loss, sitting in my truck, was crushing.
My heart goes out to you John.
John,
Just came home & saw your post. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts & prayers to you & Holly.
– A.J.
John, long time Woopra user, first time commenting.
About 3 years ago my wife and I got a very special breed of dog for our 2 kids, our daughter named her Lexie, so I couldn’t help but to give you our condolances. Sorry for your loss!
Gary Anderson II
John, I’m sorry to hear that. I lost my dog of 10 years about a year and a half ago and I have to admit I was depressed for months. It’s odd how a loss of a pet can do that to you, but when a living thing is part of your life (your world) everyday, it just hurts when they’re not there anymore. Today we have a new family member with his own personality and his own fuzzy place in our hearts, but I know all to well that one day he’ll be gone to, and yes that will be a sad day too. Thanks for sharing. We’re all pulling for you.
John,
I told my girls about Lexi and how the man who made all their “farmyard of steel” animals (they say it like they’re action heros) lost his puppy tonight. They are sad for you but are sure that she is with her sister playing catch now. My seven-year-old commented that “When Mr. John gets to heaven, the good news is that Lexi will be there at the front door waiting for him like always!” Kids rock. You and Holly in our prayers.
For the second time in too short a span of months, I’m very sorry, John. My heart goes out to you and Holly. I feel privileged to have met, too briefly, both Sandy and Lexi.
I’m so sorry to hear about Lexi. You are absolutely right, she was a wonderful dog. You and H. will be in my thoughts.