I have a sad, sad heart...

My sweet little Gracie girl died yesterday.  She had been a part of our family for ten years. This morning as I looked through photos to include in this post, it became even more apparent how present she was in every minute of our lives. Sets of photos of birthday parties, Christmas, photos of Bayleigh... you name it. Gracie may  not have been the subject of the picture, but if we were gathered, she was there. Part of our family.

Watching Casey open presents on his birthday with the rest of the family.

In the middle of the mess on Christmas Eve.

Making unexpected appearances in shots on her way to get near me.

She did love me. Unconditionally, wholeheartedly, she loved me. If I left for a while she watched out the window and cried and met me at the door, tail wagging as soon as I returned. She was the top dog for a long time. Till Toby and Lucky came along and she became on of three vying for attention. I say one of three and not four, because Angel has always preferred to be a little more to her self than the other dogs. She likes a pat on the head and an acknowledgment that she's a pretty girl, then she's fine to be off in her bed instead of in the middle of the action. Not Gracie, if there was action, she was there. She was kind and gentle with Bayleigh, but chose to watch her from afar when possible. She was so smart, we often swore she was more human than pup. She would pout if your hurt her feelings and look back to see if the pouting was working. She would make a big scene of eating her dog food while we were eating dinner (only after giving up on getting any table scraps) she would get a piece of food and make sure we could see her eating, as though to say see what I have to eat, while you sit there eating real food.

She wasn't a prissy little yorkie. If I took her to get a fancy hair-do, she'd have the bow out before we got home and once home she'd promptly roll in the grass till her hair was no longer smooth and silky and was full of bits of grass.




She was such a sweet, smart little girl. I know time will ease the pain, but this morning, my heart is broken and I'm missing my tiny girl with the huge heart.

Goodbye my sweet girl. Thank you loving us and letting us love you  for those ten short years!
You are so missed!

Comments

[Mimi]

Sorry for your loss.We lost our Chloe( mini-schnauzer) last November.

Hugs from Sweden!

[Vicki's Bit-o-Earth]

My heart goes out to you. We all can see by the out-pouring of love from your readers just how much we humans love these animals we've been entrusted with. We lost our Jazz (Border Collie)two years ago this Memorial Day, and I still mourn him... have not been able to get another one just yet... still too tender. We had him for 14 years. If dogs go to heaven, I know my Jazz is there and I'm sure your Gracie is too.

[Jeannie]

My heart goes out to you. I know how hard it is to say that final goodbye. Sending you hugs and warm thoughts.

[Jane Weston]

So sorry to read about your sad news. It is so hard losing a family pet. My thoughts are with you.

[lera]

Awww. I'm sorry Autum.

[Patti]

I am so sorry, I can't imagine losing such a good friend. xo

[Leonie - Australia]

So sorry to hear you lost your little dog, hope the happy memories you have will ease your pain.

[Bonnie]

Awww, Autum. Sad day for sure. I'm so sorry for you loss. Gracie sounds like a wonderful companion. Hugs to you!

[melissa s.]

i'm so sorry. hugs to you.

[Jennifer]

I am so sorry for your loss!! Take care!

[Amy]

My condolences on your loss of a much loved family member.

[Anne]

It's awfully hard to see such a faithful companion go. It's wonderful that she had the good fortune to live with you.

[Rita]

I will pray for you during the loss of your sweet pup. We had a little poodle for 17 years and when she died well........we felt like you feel. That was over 10 years ago and when we see pictures of her a smile on our lips and tears in our eyes. I'm sorry.

[Thimbleanna]

Oh Autum. I'm so, so sorry. ;-(

[kathryn]

i'm so, so sorry for your loss autum. gracie had the sweetest face--it sounds like her personality matched it perfectly.

[Libby Dillard]

Oh! I'm so sorry! I know this hurts! I'm saying a prayer for you. She gave you 10 years of sweet memories! Love, Libby

[randi]

I am so sorry for your loss, Autum. Our dog died a few years ago (his name was Chuck and he was a lab) and that was a hard loss for us. He kind of grew up with our kids. I know what it is like to have a dog intertwined in all of the family memories.

I like to think that maybe Chuck and Gracie are friends now. A awkward pair, but best friends just the same. :)

[Diane]

Oh Autum, I am so sorry. My little girl Betsy (a Lhasa Apso) is 10 now and although she seems to be in perfect health, I know she's entering her "golden years" and I'm already wondering how in the world I'll ever be able to live without her. Just like your little Gracie, she is so much a part of our family. I'll be thinking of you. God bless you.

[Elizabeth]

I'm sorry Autum. It's hard losing such a good friend.

[Erin]

I'm so sorry to hear about your Gracie. We have two Yorkies. I definitely understand how they are always there, always happy... Little Gracie was beautiful and I'm sure she will always be remembered.

[darlene]

i am so sorry honey, warm hugs! xo

[Tammy]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

[Rhalina]

I am sorry for your loss. Your post brought tears to my eyes. Losing your friend sucks....

[Kim Nicholson]

Autum - You have my deepest sympathy on the passing of Gracie. They say that time heals, but she will always remain in your heart forever young. She was a lucky dog to have you and become part of your family. My heart is breaking for you.

[Nina]

I'm so sorry.....losing pets is never, ever easy. They are so much a part of our family. I wish they had longer life spans...