Three years ago today, we had to say goodbye to our little girl.
There’s not a day we don’t miss her.
Don says it doesn’t seem possible that she has been gone three years. For me it does, simply because my Dad passed away three years ago last October and less than four months later, we lost Scout. A double strike to my heart.
The above photo is very blurry but it remains one of my favorites of her. Her joyful, mischievous, and playful personality is on full display. She was so, so smart. And so, so funny.
We had her with us for over 16 years.
Howling.
Pouncing.
I have thousands of photos, of course. I could fill up a month’s worth of posts.
She was an angel who blessed us with her presence and for that we are so grateful.
I miss her. I’m not the same without her.
And no, it’s not time for another dog for us. When it’s time, we’ll know.
With our beloved Riley.
The heart marking that never failed to astound us.
I hope she’s with us on a daily basis and that I’m simply too caught up in my routine to realize it. I’d give anything to feel her presence again. And Riley’s. And Winston’s.
All my babies.
Happy Friday.
What a beautiful girl. Those eyes. I know how much you miss her as I do my Charlie. That was a hard time for both of us. You losing your Dad then Scout, me losing my brother then Charlie. It was such a comfort to share our grief and I will never forget your kindness in sending me the watercolor of my Charlie. I have another cat, but she isn’t Charlie. I love her but miss him more then I can ever say and I know you feel the same. I do think they are with us and sometimes in the very quiet moments of the night, I know he is there. So I’m crying now and I’ll stop. Love and hugs to you and Don.
Didn’t mean to make you cry, my friend. I understand.
It is healing to share tears. xo
xo
I know the pain of losing a beloved pet and it’s excruciating. Time helps somewhat but the pain never completely goes away. May God comfort your hearts.
Thank you, Cindy.
💔 No words can ever fill the space where a dog lives, in your heart
Indeed. Thank you, Shanna.
The photos illustrate that she was just as smart and just as playful as you say!
She was. Thanks, Linda.
Hugs. My boy, Ace, left me 4 years ago. Yesterday, I found his puppy pictures. Gulp. We have another boxer, whom I love with all my heart. But, he doesn’t replace my boy. Sometimes, I wish for one more time, but it would be too hard (but I would take it!). More hugs!
Scout was in such bad shape at the end, and that still stays with me. I understand.
She is adorable and you will miss her forever. And when the time is right you will know — not a second before.
Exactly. Thank you, Jeanie.
Big hugs to you . NO dog for us since Huck passed. Tried with a foster and it didn’t go well.
These lovely animals live in our hearts and memories. I want Hucks Ashes buried with me.
I feel the same way, Kathy. Thank you.
She is beautiful and her spirit shines through. They are ineed furry angels.I feel for you and with you.It has been 1 year today for Blitz’ passing and still seeking to see through and find peace.Thank you for creating a safe and understanding space to express this here.Sending Love.
You are most welcome. I know how hard it is, Grace. Thinking of you.
Claudia,
As soon as I saw the header, I knew what this was going to be about. It was just 6 months yesterday for my little Chihuahua. She was my heart and I’ve cried a lot this week. I understand completely your not being the same without her. With sincere understanding.
Susan
I’m so sorry for your loss, Susan. It’s heartbreaking.
Claudia,
My comment wasn’t meant to be all about me and I hope it did not come across that way. I meant to tell you I understand your loss. My heart is with your heart.
Susan
Not at all! Don’t worry for a minute!
I still miss her and your posts about her. Scout was a lovely dog, and we are blessed to have known her. But I know that doesn’t ease the pain.
No. I miss writing about her, Dottie.
Gosh, has it been 3 years? Don’s right – it DOESN’T seem that long ago. She wasn’t mine & I never met Scout, but I was deeply saddened at your loss too. The loss of a beloved pet is a special kind of loss, in my opinion. Different from losing a human loved one. For me I think because of the power of speech that’s there with a human & isn’t with an animal. In a very weird & special way, I think we connect differently to our dogs, cats etc. A wonderfully weird way. I subscribe to Will Rogers’ theory: “If dogs don’t go to Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where THEY go…” Here’s hoping looking over all your photos of Scout & the boys brings you some joy today, and some measure of comfort. Have a great weekend, feel better & peace. 🐶
#Resist
#ProtectMueller
They are completely dependent on us. They love us no matter what. I like animals better than most humans. And I liked and loved Scoutie deeply. Thanks, Janet.
Such a beautiful girl! I know how much you miss her! We lost our most beloved boy almost 3 years ago and the pain in my heart has never gone away.
I choose to believe our sweet little dog is still with us everyday and I’m sure Scout is with you as well. And I do believe we will see our beloved dogs again someday…
I hope you and Don are feeling better physically. Of course, I know this is an incredibly difficult day for you emotionally. Please know I’m thinking of you both.
Take care,
Lily
Thank you, Lily. It’s been a tough 3 weeks or so and this day is doubly hard.
For some reason, and for several days prior to this post, you have been on my mind. I know that no dog will ever replace Scout. I still miss the Scottie I had when I was a little girl. I just want to give you something to think about. There are many, many dogs waiting in shelters hoping for a home like yours. A dog who would join your family. Do it in honor of Scout and Riley and Winston. When you do, it will help to fill a gap that is very large in your heart right now, and you would be a blessing to a dog in need. Please think about it. Sending you love.
Susan and Bentley
Thanks Susan. We are not ready. And until we are, we won’t adopt. That’s too important a decision.
For the record, every one of our dogs has been rescued from a shelter. I firmly believe in that. I also firmly believe that we were led to adopt each of our dogs at the right time – we held off until we felt guided to do so. We’ll know when it’s time.
I love your pictures!! Dogs are so wonderful. I have a story. My daughter just adopted a 4 year old Greyhound in October. She is the best dog. Her personality is coming out. What she like to do now is when Hadley turns her back for a minute to scoop poop she will run into the bushes and stay very still. Then Hadley will have to find her (which isn’t too hard, she is very tall and the bushes are usually small). Then Hadley will call “I see you!!” and she will come running with a big grin on her face and ready to get to get hugs and loves. Dogs are the best!
That is the best story, Tana! I absolutely love it!
Claudia, your post has brought the tears again, knowing how much you miss your girl, and how our fur babies impact our lives and bring so much love and joy, and yes, sadness when they leave us. Aren’t we the lucky ones? It has been 3 years for me as well, losing my 2 corgi boys, and I still tear up over them, however, I could not stand this lonesome house any longer and we brought a new baby boy corgi home 2 weeks ago. I had forgotten how much time they require as babies, especially for a senior mom! Cooper is a cutie and a handful, and I know I will grow to love him,
but there are certain pets that just fill our hearts more than others, for me anyway. Scout was a pretty girl and I do believe somehow they reach us again. Have you seen “A Dog’s Purpose”? A real sobber but gives me hope. If you are ever ready to love another pet, that feeling will tug at you, maybe it’s our lost pets guiding us. Take care.
I’m so glad you have your Cooper, Penny. You knew when it was time. Thanks!
Having lost three animal family members who were well-loved and, I like to think, loved us back, I totally understand the ache that comes from missing them. All your dogs were well-loved and were fortunate to have you and Don, and the same equally go for you and Don being blessed with their unconditional devotion and true spirit. I’ve waited years to adopt again after one of my cats passed on and I was left without feline companionship, and I’ve waited only months. It is only my personal experience, Claudia, but waiting only a few months to fill the kitty void in my life was better for me than waiting the couple of years. Adopting so soon after my beloved Sienna’s death didn’t diminish the grief or love I held for her, but, as Susan commented above, I felt that I was honoring my previous rescues by giving three more adult rescues a loving home. But, that was my decision, and your decision will be made with entirely different life circumstances and reasons. When you and Don are ready, I know you’ll find the perfect canine companion (or 2?) to add to your lives. A strong hug for you today. May all your memories of Scout, Riley and Winston always be sweet ones.
We’re just not ready. It isn’t that we don’t discuss it, we do. But there hasn’t been a strong enough tug. And until that happens, we’ll hold off. I truly believe we’ll be guided when it’s time.
I know. When I waited two years before adopting another cat (we adopted two), it was because my husband wasn’t ready. He was still grieving for our first and didn’t want to disrespect her memory and my young daughters and I respected that. When my third cat died, my husband had died a couple of years before and I think I adopted quickly because I was missing having a cat, which reminded me of my husband’s presence. You’ll be ready when you feel that tug within you, or when you meet that special creature who will tug at you. Meanwhile, your writing of your dogs and how special they were may encourage someone else to adopt a rescue, so you’re already paying it forward, Claudia.
Ah, thank you so much, dear Wendy. xoxo
3 years just doesn’t seem possible!!…I miss seeing her here and her wonderful doggie smile!…she was such a beautiful girl…
She sure was. Thank you, Nancy!
Dear Claudia, my heart is with you. I’ve been counting months since I lost two of my kitties this summer. Eight months for one…and it seems an eternity and just like yesterday. And the ones who left me 15 years ago are still in my mind and heart. I wouldn’t want any other way despite the pain. I’m happy you have so many wonderful pictures of Scout (and Riley) that show her special personality. I loved reading her stories. Thru social media I have come to truly love several special animals who appear in the lives of people’s blogs, FB, instagram posts from individuals to rescue sites. They have a real, not virtual, place in my heart. I’m sure that’s true with others. Scout is a favorite of mine. I don’t know if it helps to know that she touched a lot of hearts or that many people also loved your baby, but she did and they do. No matter how they go, winters are a tough time for you. If it sounds good, fire up the redoubtable Stella to bake some angel biscuits and make the house smell good while you play Don a romantic melody. Or not. LOL. That’s just my wish/fantasy for you to comfort yourself. Take care sweet heart.
Thank you so much, Nora. I don’t have the energy to fire up Stella, but hopefully, I will soon!
oh Claudia. tears are streaming here now.
how did I miss this post? I have no idea.
but I’m so glad I caught it. it’s full of love. the best kind!
my heart to yours and Don’s. they’re our own children. and it’s never ever easy. xoxo
We had to say goodbye to our boy, Dexter Lee this past May (our Red Male Dachshund 14 1/2 years old and he had been with us since he was 6 weeks old). We still cry for him every day. Every. Single. Day. His brother, Toby (our 14 year old Black and Tan Doxie) went through a severe depression and has not been the same since his brother passed. Dexter was the Alpha – it has been hard on Toby – learning his new place in the ‘pack’ here. Now it is just Toby, the two cats…and us. We are, not ready either for a new pup – and may not ever be. I know too well your sorrow that you still, and always will feel at the loss of your Scout.
It has been a long time since I posted on your blog – I don’t get on the computer much anymore. Take care!