Holly

[Hollysdad]

It's so hard to know what to do with all their things. I really admire you and Ruth for tackling it and wanting to give her toys to her friends or to help other dogs in need.

We're keeping a few things which have particular memories attached. She had a huge chew root which she always carried around the house when greeting people. It will make a wonderful door stop and keep her memory alive. Only a few visitors will know the story behind it.

 

[Woodwoman]

I have only just caught up with your very sad news. I am so so sorry about Holly she was such a lovely dog. You gave her a lovely life, hang on to that during this awful time. Also, she helped Becca and Pippin with their fear of other dogs for which I will be eternally grateful.

 

[Mr Beanwood]

I'm so sorry for you both.
The only positive is she didn't suffer, and went when the time was right - which whilst hard for you both was merciful to her. Small consolation I know. Our thoughts are very much with you both.
I still have very fond memories of Severnside Walks, and coffee and cake at the Old Station at Tintern. Holly was alsways the star

RIP Holly.

 

[Candy]

So very very sorry to hear this sad news. Holly was a Forum legend for her wallowing and her gentle ways and we are all going to miss her, although none of us as much as you and Ruth will. My heart goes out to you at this sad time and I am sending love to you both from GGJ and me xxx.

 

[Stacia]

Holly lives on in all our minds in several different countries and her hairs still gently float in foreign lands. She is remembered with love and affection. But still heart rending for you both to have lost her.

 

[Hollysdad]

These last few days have been hard. Holly's presence is everywhere. We walk into a room expecting to see her but she's not there. We walk to the shops and expect her to pull us towards the pet shop. I drive the car and expect to see her head in the rear-view mirror. We sit to watch the TV and expect her to lean against our legs for an ear rub. We have breakfast and she should be lying at our feet waiting for the last corner of the toast. I wake up during the night and there's no-one snuggled against my legs. There's no peace or rest at the moment.

 

[Candy]

So very sad for you. They really leave the most huge and aching void when they go, don't they?
You and Ruth are in my thoughts.

 

[Cath]

 

[Xena Dog Princess]

There's no peace or rest at the moment.

Oh how I feel that.

 

[Cath]

Oh how I feel that.

 

[Stacia]

So distressing for you, an aching void and for you @Zena Dog Princess

 

[Naya]

 

[Granca]

 

[SteffiS]

 

[kateincornwall]

It really is the hardest and most awful time , constant reminders are everywhere often taking us by surprise and bringing with them the tears . My heart truly goes out to everyone who has lost a precious dog , grief they say is the price we pay for love xxxx

 

[VanillaBean]

Sorry to hear about Holly.

 

[Candy]

It really is the hardest and most awful time , constant reminders are everywhere often taking us by surprise and bringing with them the tears . My heart truly goes out to everyone who has lost a precious dog , grief they say is the price we pay for love xxxx

I believe it was our late Queen who coined the phrase 'Grief is the price we pay for love'. She was right, ....but it's worth it for the love, as far as I'm concerned. Not to have known that love would mean a life that is more empty even than a life with the loss whilst the love is still there. We must never let the fear of loss make us afraid to love.
Love going out to all of us who have loved and lost tonight. xxx

 

[Lab_adore]

My heart goes out to you and it's good to come here and talk about your grief with us here as we all know exactly what you are going through

 

[Candy]

My heart goes out to you and it's good to come here and talk about your grief with us here as we all know exactly what you are going through

That's just one of the good things about this lovely safe place.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

I'm so sorry for how you are feeling now. It's really the most heart-sickening feeling and the reason it took me so very long to accept another dog after Brogan passed.

I hope I don't offend anyone by saying this, but I found losing my dogs harder than losing my own mother. They were with me 24/7 and especially in the case of Brogan, he was like my right arm. I didn't even know how to walk without him right there by my side. So you're missing them terribly, plus re-learning to do all the things you did with them, now without them. And of course the assistance dog thing doesn't really matter in that context, as you mention these daily things, moment by moment - like driving in the car or watching TV - and Holly is missing.

After a few days of silence - because I used to talk to Brogan all the time when he was alive - I started talking to him again. 7 years later, I STILL talk to him. Maybe in certain circles that would make me seem completely crazy, though I know no one here would think that. I don't care in any case, because it helped me enormously to believe - as I do believe - that he's still with me.

I hope you and Ruth find your own way to ease your pain, whatever works for you.