Vicki's doodle, Gracie died on Sunday. To prevent flooding her inbox (which I hadn't thought about till now) please post your thoughts as responses below. I'm sure they will be appreciated when she has a chance to stop by.
This is what Vicki told me today when I found out: My beloved Gracie died yesterday. We're not sure why or how. It appears as though she died of natural causes somehow. She looked very peaceful as if she layed down for a nap and did not wake up. We have chosen not to have an autopsy. My 22 year old son died three years ago, and after seeing his autopsy pictures, I couldn't stand the thought of my Gracie being disected that way, and it would not bring her back. She was my constant companion and has helped me so much to find some kind of peace over the loss of my son Leonard. I can't imagine life without her and yet I have to.
Vicki's husband recently posted the following on Vicki's page: Im Steve, Vicki's husband, I wish you all could have seen and know the most wonderful doodle we called Gracie. Vicki, our loss is huge but the gift of all the love she gave us is even greater. My tears have been many. You know the two pictures of Gracie behind your monitor? When I look at this one its almost like Gracie is saying 'it'll be o.k. sir' ..love you.
They would like to add a new doodle to their home and are seeking a rescue if possible.
Vicki and Steve,
I am so very sorry about your loss. Gracie was absolutely beautiful. I'm sure she was truly a blessing and I know she's left you with fond memories and stories. Please know you're in our thoughts.
I was so upset to hear of the loss of your Gracie. How do you say goodbye to a good friend? And there is no friend as good as your dog. I know your loss for I have lost 4 dogs of my own. No matter what the situation the loss is so deep. I have 4 dogs playing and waiting at the Rainbow Bridge...I will ask them to look for Gracie and be her friend so she will not be alone and will have someone to play with. I hope all the good years you had with her brings smiles to your face and that warm fuzzy feeling to your heart. My deepest sympathy on her loss.
Steve and I want to thank all of you for your kind thoughts and prayers. I don't even have words to express how much it means to us. We used to call Gracie our "Rock Star Dog" because she was such a charming little clown. I took her everywhere with me and she would often have a crowd around her at Home Depot. Strangers would ask to photograph her because she was just so adorable. Most of all, she gave me so much comfort. She could sense when I was sad and she would come and lean into me or lie down with me and just cuddle. I know you all know what it feels like to cuddle with your Doodle, its truly the best medicine. There is a huge hole in my heart. I know that no dog can replace Gracie, but my hope is that we will find a new special Doodle friend to love. I think Gracie would want that. Thank-you all again. Your thoughts and prayers mean the world to us.
"JUST A DOG"
by Richard A. Biby
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
From time to time, people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a
dog," or, "That's a lot of money for just a dog."
They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or
the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but
I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a
dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog"
gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably
understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a
promise."
"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me
a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take
long walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an
embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond
memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my
thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a
dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being
"just a human."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile,
because they "just don't understand."
Truely Gracie was your best friend and constant companion who healed your hearts and loved you unconditionally. And, she was blessed to have been loved by you as well. I am so profoundly sorry for your sudden loss of her company.
Recently I heard something regarding grieving that I found to be of great comfort; I'm hoping it will be so for you as well: "The goal is not to forget; but to remember with less pain."