Gwendoline
July 1, 1998 - June 6, 2012
Today we said goodbye to our beautiful girl, Gwendoline. The cancer that struck a few weeks back came back despite the surgery and chemo she bravely went through. We had to make the hard decision so that she could leave us in a dignified manner and our last memories of her were happy ones.I like to think Gwen found us, not we found her. She was dropped off at the side of a busy road at a family center Alan used to work at. We do not know her history before she came to us - but her physical condition at the time was very poor. Circumstances were such that Alan had to bring her home and the rest, as they say, is history. We had 13 wonderful years with her and loved her every day.
Like any other being, she had her own personality. She had no problems telling us (literally) when it was time to be fed or given attention and would regularly do the "stare down" at meal times. She had her favorite toys - recently Monkey Man and Harry the Hedgehog. She hated going to the "salon" and was guaranteed to get dirty some how within a few hours of being home. We had many names for her that were used either in exasperation or pure joy - Missy, Gwenie, Stinky-doo, Puddin, Baby Girl....She freely gave kisses and was known to frequently do the "shakin the bacon" - all four paws in the air looking for the required belly rub. For such a little thing she ferociously stepped out and (in her mind) let the neighborhood dogs know she was the "boss". We have lots of Gwen stories - like when I took her for lessons on running an obstacle course. After the second "run" she had figured out if she got to the platform at the end of the last obstacle she got a treat. So on the third try she ran straight to that platform avoiding all the preceding obstacles - and demanded her reward - she was a smart girl.
After the passing of her big brother Gryphon in 2010, she really came into her own as our little princess. She could be terribly standoffish, but overwhelmingly affectionate depending on her mood. The last couple of years as her hearing started to go she truly mellowed; but although she no longer made the big jumps on to the bed and slept a lot in her favorite spot, she was still a feisty old girl right to the end.
Help us celebrate her life. Give a kiss and hug to your loved ones (animal or human) and tell them how lucky you are to have them in your life. We will miss her terribly. Julie
Ah, Jewels, I'm so sorry. I'm dreading that day with Maggie. Sounds like she was a wonderful dog and that you had a good life with each other. I love the story about the obstacle course. Big hugs, Leslie
ReplyDeleteOh, Julie - I am so very sorry that your dear little Gwen was not able to make it. I feel so sad for you and am sending you (and Alan, too) a big hug. I have tears in my eyes just thinking how you both will miss your dear little girl so very much. You can feel so good about the fact that both your dear little dogs had the best and most loving people and home any pet could ever have. Bless your herts!! Carol
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your dog, Jewels.
ReplyDeleteOh Julie, I am so sorry to hear of Gwen's passing. These darn animals - they become family and we love them so much. I feel your pain - please know we are thinking of you. K, J and S
ReplyDeleteThis is the saddest news, Julie. Thank you for sharing some of your happiest memories of your sweet girl, I enjoyed reading them (through tears). She truly fell on her feet when she came into yours and Alan's life.
ReplyDeleteSending love and hugs,
Jo
xoxo
Oh Jewels, I'm so sorry. Such a hard choice to make. I know you will miss Gwenie...who wouldn't. It brings back memories of my sweet scottie McGregor. He was such a loving boy! (Now I'm starting to cry). Mudge (my scottie) sends hugs and kisses to you..doggie kisses. You and Alan are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending wishes for happier times. Beth
ReplyDeleteLittle Gwen sounded like a wonderful dog with a BIG personality-much like our Reesie. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeletehi aunt july sorry to hear about gwen thinking of you love you lots syd
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry to hear this sad news. My heart goes out to you at this sad time *hug* Mo x
ReplyDeleteHello Julie, my heart breaks for you, not easy saying good-bye to a beloved pet. Bless your heart for saving her and giving her a wonderful home, will hug my little girl Angel tightly,woof woof!! Blessings Francine.
ReplyDeleteHi, jewels - just catching up from the past week and am learning your sad news. I feel like I knew your dogs, and I'm really sorry for your loss. Thinking of you - Barbara
ReplyDeleteHi Sis, as I have said before, Gwen couldn't have had a better couple to be with. You showed her a life she never would have had and her sad circumstances before coming to you were erased from her mind the minute she became yours. Pets bring out things in us that people don't. The look of unconditional love, the slurp of a rough doggie tongue on your cheek and the crazy behavior always bring us joy. I'm so glad you spent her last day with her doing things that you will remember always. Thank you for being so brave and not letting her suffer. I have been there and I know the emptiness and heartbreak you are feeling. I'd like to think that she is with Gryphon and Higgins now. Love you. Jen
ReplyDeletedear jewels. first, I am sorry to not have gotten here to comment until now. I am so glad you wrote about Miss Gwendoline so I could know her better and you could speak your feelings about her with your heart. She sounds like one very special dog and remembering all these things you spoke of is good because it will keep her in your heart, especially now when you may miss her the most.
ReplyDeleteI have had many pets, many furry love-balls, and when they passed the thing that helped me the most was to hold the light of their love near me. I try to remember all the goodness and love they showered upon me and how it made me feel and coulld still make me feel, if I thought about it.
I am very, very sorry for your loss. Keep remembering all the good things she brought into your life and cherish them . . . I hope this idea helps. with love, lenna