Has it really been two years since that day my heart broke in a million pieces?
You fought so hard to stay with us
but the toxins from that nasty mushroom you ate 3 days earlier won the fight.
Cause of death - acute fulminating liver toxicosis -
at the tender age of 2 1/2.
Sadness took over my world. Even with the arrival of Mabel a few months later -
the sadness stayed - life goes on - but the sadness was always there,
just underneath the surface.
just underneath the surface.
I did not really talk about it - it was just the way it was. It seemed I needed to get past the first anniversary of your leaving to start to let the sadness go.
Your leaving left such a huge hole and although I knew that a new pup would help heal my heart - I was scared. Scared the pup would not take to training in obedience, what if the pup was as naughty as you - oh dear God! - what if the pup did not love me like you did - and the worst worry - what if I could not love a new pup because she wasn't you.
My Dear Greta - you showed us the way - we had looked at some puppies online but none felt right. Then I saw a picture of Mabel's mom and in her eyes I saw you. There were two girls - one smaller and darker - like you. And when a picture came with a comment - "she was the most stubborn for pictures" - it was like you were speaking to my heart - "she's the one" you said.
And now when I look in Mabel's eyes - I not only see Mabel's love - I also see you. It is like your spirit shines through her and you are one. Am I crazy to think that??
Mabel is so smart and full of personality - just like you were. She runs like the wind - just like you did. Oh Greta forgive me but thank goodness she is not as intense and naughty as you were - although she has her moments. No - Mabel is not you - but I love her just as much - thank you for guiding us to her and for showing me through Mabel that you are forever with us. Forever in my heart.
For those of you who may be newer friends
I would love it if you would read the tribute to my special girl
And if any are interested this link takes you to an imformative article about the effects of Toxic Mushrooms
dogs/dog-health/pets-poisonous-mushrooms
We are the PugRanch Kids
Bailey, Hazel & Mabel
Sending extra big hugs today. A beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWhen I was commenting on the previous post, I very nearly typed out loud that I was thinking about Greta this month... I hadn't realised it was actually this very week also. Still missed, but always remembered. Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
I asked me too if it really was 2 years ago... it probably feels so fresh because the cut was so deep to learn that your girl had to go... Hugs to you, we are sad with you ...
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss...I haven't been around Blogville for two years so I didn't get to know Greta, but I can tell she was a pawsome dog.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose one.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, it doesn't seem possible. In 3 week I will start wearing my Greta button in honor of mom, Linda and in memory of our precious Greta. You will forever live in our hearts. I have a black pug, Sassy, that too has a personality similar to Greta. She keeps me on my toes.
ReplyDeleteJanice, Snuggles, Sassy, Dixie, and Pearl
We think of Greta often too! Momma says that Cinderella led her to Jessie, and we know Greta led you to Mabel. That's not silly at all!
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry there is still so much hurt. I understand. When I lift the lid on a box that contains Barkley's orange collar and the remains of balloons my brother had waiting on my last visit, I still can't believe they are both gone and at the same time. That was the worst month ever. But you are so true, in that healing comes, with Abby our rescue and the support of my friends and family, there are fewer tears and more smiles.
ReplyDeleteIt does not seem like two years. We know the pain never leaves and it rears it's ugly head when you least expect it. We know Mabel built new love in your heart but there will always be that section of your heart broken by Greta. River helped build new parts of our hearts when we lost Foley. We have to keep going forward with new love and new dogs. They make our lives complete
ReplyDeleteIt does not seem like two years. We know the pain never leaves and it rears it's ugly head when you least expect it. We know Mabel built new love in your heart but there will always be that section of your heart broken by Greta. River helped build new parts of our hearts when we lost Foley. We have to keep going forward with new love and new dogs. They make our lives complete
ReplyDeleteThis post touched my heart so much because I know how dearly you loved Greta and because that is still how I feel about my Bridge. I managed to come to terms a lot better with Dips death because she had her life but like Greta, although not at so young an age, Bridges was snatched from her and she was my heart dog. There are days after almost 3 years I still sit and cry because I love and miss her so much.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have found the love and comfort you feared you would never have with Mabel.
Lynne x
Beautiful tribute. Two years! Feels like yesterday
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
We have tears in our eyes reading your beautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin
This is the most beautiful letter to such a beautiful soul. You and Greta were so very lucky to have each other, even if it was only for a short time...
ReplyDeleteBig Warm hugs and snuggles...
Beth, Dory, Arty, Jakey & Bilbo
Oh my goodness...my eyes are damp....I know I've told you this at least 1,000 times...every time I try to type Greta...I always without fail type GREAT...first...then I look and see yep I did it again. That says it all Greta was Great....a great friend, a great sibling and now a Great Angel. I will always think of Greta with a smile and I still have her button on my pocketbook. Greta did lead you to Mabel...and it sure does appear Great..there I did it again.. Greta is sharing all her ring secrets with Mabel. Sweet little Greta was only here on earth for a bit but she lift a huge mark on all our hearts.
ReplyDeleteWe send you lots of hugs and love
Madi and mom
We are only on here a minute today cos mom had to take dad back to the U but we remembered what today was earlier, and it came up on our facebook, we will always keep a part of Greta in all our hearts, and of course Gussie still has many a nights when life gets heavy, sitting on that tree branch whispering to little "G". We are so sorry you lost her, one thing that happened is we all became much more aware of the deadliness of mushrooms, so we know her loss has probably saved others. We are also so happy little Mabel has came into your life, she certainly holds her own there, and your heart. Your dear friend, 3 little pugs and momma
ReplyDeleteWe never forget our angles! We remember Greta too, and can't believe two years have passed already!
ReplyDeleteWe know you'll always have that little hurt spot in your heart, but we're glad Mabel made it smaller and provided you with memories of Greta. We pups have taken on some of Daisy's characteristics and give her warm memories each day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute! We didn't know Greta, but we do understand loss. My mom thinks a bit of my great-brother Zim lives inside of me. I mean, I'm ME, but there are sparks of him. So we understand the spirit you see when you look into Mabel's eyes. We think it's a beautiful thing.
ReplyDeleteYours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher
What a lovely tribute to your angel, Greta. I feel like I could have written almost the same post about our angel Abby, also taken at 2 1/2 years old (although by cancer). Sometimes I see Abby in Rita too - and like you with Mabel, I'm glad Rita is not as rambunctious as Abby was. :) Sending virtual hugs your way!
ReplyDeleteYes, we had it come up on the Facebook app that brings up past posts. It was a very, very sad ending. We were honored to be the last ones Greta played with.
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Our mom is sobbing. What a beautiful post♥
ReplyDeleteSending big hugs. Greta wuz a speshul pup.
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad to read about your beautifur Greta. We are sorry that she has left this world.
ReplyDeleteLouis Dog Armstrong
What a wonderful tribute to your sweet girl. She was gone too soon but will be with you forever.
ReplyDeleteSending rottie kisses...
ReplyDeleteDearest Linda
ReplyDeleteYou have let your words flow, and these words will continue to be some of the "healing" for your heart. To let your words come out and lay on the oceans shore,,, for the waves to sooth,,,,sooth your heart...
When friends care about friends,,,, they do not forget-- that a dear friend somewhere is still hurting, We do not forget the sadness, that also made us sad,,,a shared sadness so deep. Greta made her way into our lives,,, Everyday we think of her. Every nite,,,we see her star.
Did she lead you to Mabel?.. Yes, she did,,, and I believe Greta is living in Mabel.. it really is true,,, Two puggys in one body....one soul,,,, and your soul too.
I wonder if when Mabel looked into your eyes for the first time,, and you looked into her eyes,,, when your eyes met,
I wonder if Greta had told Mabel about you,,, I think she did,
Yes,, they both fly like the wind,,,and twirl.....the two of them,,, as one.
Someone wrote about the broken pieces in your heart,,,
We understand,,,
and we will never forget Greta,,, because her little paw tracks are all over our heart,,, forever, and ever.
This is the most beautiful post,, thank you for letting your words flow out from you,,, the ocean waves,,, will sooth you,
love
tweedles and moms
This broke my heart because like all pet parents, I understand that devastating pain. I'm sure that Greta is smiling down on little Mabel and wagging in delight. ☺
ReplyDeleteOh my... I could have written a similar letter to my Angel K and talked about my Shyla the same way. That pain of loss, especially so young, is almost unbearable. Greta was so very special and full of love. I'm glad that she sent you Mabel. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is just the sweetest tribute to your sweet gurl! I knows she is givin' you gentle kisses from heaven....
ReplyDeleteKisses,
Ruby ♥
I think about Greta a lot, too. That was a very heartfelt post about dealing with the loss of a loved one. My dad and I will keep you guys in our thoughts. So glad that Mabel is in your lives and shares some of the same spark that Greta possessed. <3
ReplyDelete-Love,
Sid.