Sincerest sympathies, Dr K.

 “We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way.We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan.”

"The Once Again Prince” by Irving Townsend

Ellie June 11th, 2009 08:37:31 AM

Dr. Khuly:

You have my heartfelt condolences. I will light a candle tonight for Sophie Sue..

Elizabeth - From Nova Scotia June 11th, 2009 08:38:21 AM

My smypathies for your lost.

Debi June 11th, 2009 08:40:39 AM

Deepest sympathies. You loved her well. Thank you for sharing her with us.

Judy June 11th, 2009 08:41:14 AM

My greatest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Sophie Sue. You obviously did all possible for her and cared for her to the utmost even in her final breath.

Patti

Patti June 11th, 2009 08:58:23 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. You made her come alive for us through your words. We mourn her, too, but know that you gave her a good life, and a good death.

Edie June 11th, 2009 09:00:43 AM

I am so sorry for your loss.  Sophie is free from pain and illness and is running fast and furious at the bridge. 

Donna Shenuski June 11th, 2009 09:01:42 AM

I am truly sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for sharing her with us.

Carol Anne June 11th, 2009 09:02:36 AM

  I am so sorry for your loss, I'll be thinking of you today.

Sophie Sue- May your spirit soar!

Patty P June 11th, 2009 09:03:29 AM

My thoughts are with you and your family. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Feline June 11th, 2009 09:08:08 AM

Sorry for your loss Dr. Khuly, thanks for sharing her with us

Sheyna June 11th, 2009 09:15:19 AM

I am so sorry.  Poor Dr. K and Sophie Sue.  Remember her with joy and think on all the good times she brought you.

Nita June 11th, 2009 09:17:07 AM

We came to know her through your writings; recognized her through your photos; never had the opportunity to touch her or nuzzle her fur. How, then, can it be that we still feel such a resounding loss towards a dog we knew only through the internet? Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Sophie.

The New Barker

The New Barker June 11th, 2009 09:17:46 AM

Old Dogs Do Not Die

We have a secret, you and I,

That no one else shall know,

For who, but I can see you lie,

Each night, in fireglow?

And who but I can reach my hand

Before we go to bed,

And feel the living warmth of you

And touch your silken head?

And only I walk woodland paths,

And see, ahead of me,

Your small form racing with the wind,

So young again, and free.

And only I can see you swim

In every brook I pass.

And, when I call, no one but I

Can see the bending grass.

Author Unknown

My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your beloved Sophie-Sue.

Hope June 11th, 2009 09:20:59 AM

I am so sorry for your loss, Dr. Khuly.  I'm glad I got to "know" Sophie at least a little bit through the photos and posts you shared here.  You're in my thoughts.  May memories of your time together eventually replace the sadness and grief you feel now. 

From "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery:

In one of the stars I shall be living

In one of them I shall be laughing

and so it will be

is as if all the stars were laughing

when you look at the sky at night.

Ingrid King June 11th, 2009 09:23:47 AM

I am so sorry to hear about Sophie Sue.   Thank you for sharing her life and journey to the rainbow bridge with us. 

2CatMom June 11th, 2009 09:28:43 AM

Hi Dr K...I am so sorry to hear about Sophie Sue. I'm sure my little Rocky met Sophie at the Bridge - so they can run together

Diane S. June 11th, 2009 09:30:15 AM

I am so very sorry.

Lis June 11th, 2009 09:43:40 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss, Dr. K.  She was a cute girlie!

I'm sure she knows how very much you loved her.

Jen M, Maryland

Jen M. June 11th, 2009 09:45:27 AM

Longtime reader - firsttime poster.  I too just had to add my deepest sympathies and thank you for sharing Sophie Sue with us.  I am facing this soon with my beloved husky Tundra and your words and those of others who post here are helping me greatly.  She was clearly much loved and you took the best care of her possible all the way through her journey in this world and the next.

Di June 11th, 2009 09:47:35 AM

I'm so sorry.

Shelly June 11th, 2009 09:47:53 AM

My condolences.

alh June 11th, 2009 09:49:14 AM

Our sincere condolences.

Holly Goldman-Craig June 11th, 2009 09:52:10 AM

My deepest sympathies, Dr. Khuly

DrSteggy June 11th, 2009 09:53:25 AM

I am so sorry to hear this.  

Meryl June 11th, 2009 09:55:38 AM

So sorry for the loss of your little girl.

Megan June 11th, 2009 09:56:13 AM

Dr. Khuly - I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Sophie Sue. I know she will be missed greatly. Take good care of yourself.

Rest well, Sophie Sue.

Tammy Durham June 11th, 2009 10:00:55 AM

I am so sorry for your loss.

Toni R. June 11th, 2009 10:02:34 AM

Oh, what a sad thing to read this morning.  I am so sorry for your loss.  I hope her memory is a comfort and blessing to you.  Thank you for letting us know.  You'll be in my thoughts today.

Shasta June 11th, 2009 10:07:52 AM

Inevitable or not - it's still sad.  Sorry for your loss.

Charliebear22 June 11th, 2009 10:08:22 AM

I am very sorry for your loss.  Even when we know its coming, it still hurts very much. 

stefani June 11th, 2009 10:23:51 AM

Oh no!  I'm so sorry! 

Kristie June 11th, 2009 10:24:25 AM

I'm so sorry.

Heifzilla June 11th, 2009 10:33:59 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss Dr. K.

Anlina Sheng - abnormalloveofcats.com June 11th, 2009 10:37:01 AM

My Riley and I extend our deepest sympathies to you.

The beautiful quotes shared here are so touching, thank you to all for sharing.

(hug)

Leesie June 11th, 2009 10:39:46 AM

I am so sorry to hear of your loss... thank you for sharing her story with us.

Meredith June 11th, 2009 10:42:12 AM

Oh my goodness. As a loyal reader and fan of Dolittler, reading this makes my heart ache for you. It was a privilege to get to 'know' Sophie Sue. Thank you for sharing her (and all her animal siblings) with us.

We recently lost one of own; the pain is still acute. I'll share a song that helped us (and still does) free the sometimes trapped, amorphous, diffuse grief that comes with loss.

Here is 'Afterglow' by Inxs.

Here I am, Lost in the light of the moon, That comes through my window.

Bathed in blue, The walls of my memory divides, The thorns from the roses. It's you and the roses.

Touch me and I will follow, In your afterglow. Heal me from all this sorrow, As I let you go. I will find my way When I see your eyes, Now I'm living,In your afterglow.

Here I am, Lost in the ashes of time, But who wants tomorrow, In between, Longing to hold you again, I'm caught in your shadow. I'm losing control.

My mind drifts away,We only have today.

 Touch me and I will follow,In your afterglow. Heal me from all this sorrow, As I let you go.I will find my way, I will sacrifice, ‘Til the blinding day, When I see your eyes.

Now I'm living, In your afterglow [in your afterglow]. When the veils are gone, As I let you go, As I let you go.

Touch me and I will follow, In your afterglow. Heal me from all this sorrow, As I let you go. I will find my way I will sacrifice, Now I'm living,In your afterglow.

Bathed in blue,The walls of my memory divides,The thorns from the roses. It's you who is closest.

Our Deepest Sympathy.

Rest. Run. Play.

You are free, Sophie Sue.

Kris (and Gita) June 11th, 2009 10:50:28 AM

My sincere condolences to you, Dr. K.

Godspeed, Sophie Sue. 

Carole at SouthCanyonRanch.com June 11th, 2009 11:00:52 AM

It's hard to find words, but today my heart is with you and with my own lost companions over the years.

Linda H June 11th, 2009 11:04:26 AM

I'm so sorry.

Today she is running free in the high wild country.

Airedalelover June 11th, 2009 11:04:50 AM

So terribly sorry for your loss. I'm glad Sophie got to die at home, with the human she loved best.

Miz Minka June 11th, 2009 11:07:05 AM

So sorry for your loss.  Take solace in the knowledge that Sophie Sue had a FABULOUS life!  You're in our hearts and prayers...

Donna,Agadore, and Beene

agadoresmama June 11th, 2009 11:39:09 AM

My heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry.

Megan Brooks June 11th, 2009 11:39:33 AM

Bless you for taking such wonderful care of Sophie Sue. She is at peace now, running free of pain with Jerry and all their furry friends at the Rainbow Bridge. Peace.

tripawds.com June 11th, 2009 11:43:23 AM

I'm sorry for your loss.  She couldn't have had a more caring owner.

swamper June 11th, 2009 11:55:32 AM

Dr K:

Condolences to you and the rest of your family.  I am very sorry for your loss! 

Our rescue got in a Frenchie this week and she is such a sweet soul....  it makes me feel as though I know a piece of Sophie Sue....

God bless,

Beth P

Beth Patterson June 11th, 2009 12:14:42 PM

My deepest sympathies to you, Dr. K. Sophie Sue was a special girl. :(

Jennifer Lawson June 11th, 2009 12:21:21 PM

I am sorry to hear about Sophie Sue's passing. Through your writings, we can all tell that she was very special. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this rough time.

Jason Merrihew June 11th, 2009 12:25:43 PM

Goodbye, Sophie sweetie, goodbye.

Galadriel June 11th, 2009 12:30:36 PM

So very sorry for the loss of your precious Sophie Sue, may you find peace knowing that she will be looking down on you and thanking you for the wonderful life she had. Thank you for sharing her story with us and allowing your readers to love her as well, she was such a courageous little Frenchie frog.

Saddened June 11th, 2009 12:37:12 PM

You and your family have my condolences.

regina June 11th, 2009 12:37:53 PM

I am so sorry.

Joy June 11th, 2009 12:54:08 PM

I'm so sorry - you gave her a wonderful life and a truly "good death".  But that knowledge doesn't make it hurt any less.  You will be in our thoughts and prayers.  May your wonderful memories of her bring you comfort.

I just re-read what I wrote, and I sound like a Hallmark card!!  But that doesn't make the sentiment any less sincere. 

Take care,

Barb Bristol

Barb June 11th, 2009 12:54:42 PM

***hugs***

Cindy June 11th, 2009 01:04:24 PM

Words can not express, and the joy of the love and companionship can not outshadow the pain and anquish of losing one so loved.

In time, the anquish will fade; like a sun faded well used blanket.  It will always be with you, but the joy will once again shine through.

My deepest condolences for your loss.

Connie June 11th, 2009 01:13:38 PM

RIP Sophie Sue, you were very, very loved.

Faith June 11th, 2009 01:13:46 PM

So sorry to hear about Sophie Sue, They are all so special aren't they. You are in my thoughts.

Barbara June 11th, 2009 01:20:35 PM

So sorry for your loss Dr. K. I'm betting that your Sophie Sue and my Jackson will be great playmates as they wait for us on the other side.

Peace to you and yours in coming days.

DavesAnngel June 11th, 2009 01:40:29 PM

So sorry to hear of your loss of Sophie Sue. Thankful it was a peaceful goodbye. Still sad, I know. :-/

Janet Tobiassen DVM June 11th, 2009 01:49:25 PM

I'm sorry that Sophie Sue had to leave you too soon.

Godspeed, sweet angel

dottie June 11th, 2009 01:55:05 PM

Sorry for your loss Dr. K.  Rest and romp at your leisure Sophie Sue.  Blessed Be.

PJBoosinger June 11th, 2009 02:03:20 PM

My heartfelt sympathy for your loss of Sophie Sue. However inevitable, it is still terribly painful. I'm sure many of your friends & readers have experienced such a loss, as I have, and we understand the pain. You did your best for her and I'm sure she knew that and was aware of your love until the end. When you love a pet as a member of your family there's never enough time, no matter how long they live...

May the good memories come back to comfort you as you deal with your loss.

Diane June 11th, 2009 02:03:47 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss, my condolences.

JessP June 11th, 2009 02:22:15 PM

There is just never enough time. I am very sorry for your loss.

LorriM June 11th, 2009 02:38:48 PM

I am on many dog lists, and every day I read of another loss, another loss soon to come, and weep a little. They give us so much, and it hurts so much when they have to leave. Rest gently, Sophie Sue. Dr. Patty, you have my heartfelt sympathy.

SusanR June 11th, 2009 02:57:37 PM

Godspeed, Sophie Sue... the Woo Crew sends it's heartfelt sympathies...

Jo June 11th, 2009 03:33:39 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Erin June 11th, 2009 03:38:00 PM

Our most profound sympathy.  You & your family are in our prayers. xoxoxo joann

JoAnn Livanos June 11th, 2009 03:44:31 PM

I am truly sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts. 

deb bresnahan, meridian, ms June 11th, 2009 03:45:25 PM

Rest in peace, Sophie Sue, and run free now that your journey here on earth is through.

Sincere condolences to you and your family, Dr K.  I am honored to have gotten to "know" Sophie Sue through your posts, and I know that no owner could have been more caring. Thinking of you in your sadness.

Shellie June 11th, 2009 03:46:04 PM

When our blk. standard poodle passed...Maggie      Our Vet gave us this scripture... Ecclesiastes 3:18-20.    As she took her last breath... I knew someday I would be with her as the scripture said...what peace I had.. but the hole in my heart when she left will never be filled... but there is 4 more spaces in my heart that are filled with furkids... the pain pain passed and replaced by the joy of having Maggie.  Pictures bring smiles now... Time is a kind cushion....the pain gets less and less... Aren't you grateful that God picked you to have Sophie... That was a special gift just for you.. what a tremendous blessing you got...

Be blessed, Jan,    Always Expect a Miracle..and..always be an Angel...on call for a friend!

Jan Bolles June 11th, 2009 03:46:13 PM

I am so sorry for your loss. 

Lynn June 11th, 2009 03:50:12 PM

With Sophie Sue, that makes five (FIVE!) great dogs I know who have gone in the last week. My heart cannot take much more. All of us here (canine and human alike) will keep you in our hearts.

Roxanne June 11th, 2009 03:57:15 PM

My sympathies to you.

Faith June 11th, 2009 04:14:31 PM

I am so very sorry. Thanks for sharing Sophie with us all this time.

Sarah June 11th, 2009 04:20:58 PM

Patty,

          Sorry for your loss.  We will outlive most of our pets (hopefully for us humans).  I sometimes think about loosing Yagi and it doesn't make it any easier to try to prepare myself.  But going at home in a comfortable place is the best way to go as you did for Garibaldi many years ago.

Your Cousin,

Lee

Lee June 11th, 2009 04:24:41 PM

I cry with you . You and Sophie blessed each other. There are no goodbyes.

heather June 11th, 2009 04:39:05 PM

Dear Dr. Khuly,

I shed some tears today when I saw your post.  Thank you so much for sharing Sophie Sue with those of us who follow your blog.  A little bit of her belonged to all of us and we will miss her, too.  Good-bye, sweet Sophie Sue...

Laurel Lagoni June 11th, 2009 04:41:02 PM

You are such a great pet person and veterinarian, and it was wonderful that Sophie Sue was your dog.  She got the best of love and care, and she will be a bright spot in your life forever, as you were in hers.  My deepest sympathies.

KateH June 11th, 2009 04:56:36 PM

Regal and beautiful, Sophie Sue was a fortunate gal to have everything= love

A good dog never dies, he always stays

He walks beside you on crisp autumn days

his head within reach in his old way.

Mary Carolyn Davies

Sincere sympathy to Dr. Khuly & family

Barbara Albright June 11th, 2009 05:13:41 PM

Sophie Sue will be missed by all of us who knew and loved her.  Too bad Max was not there to say goodbye.

Ana June 11th, 2009 05:30:50 PM

So sorry to hear this. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Alison June 11th, 2009 06:12:21 PM

Sophie ... We never met but  that face makes me sure I woulda loved ya.Have a great trip over the Rainbow we will all see you soon enough.

Dr. Khuly ... My ear feels better ... Thanks Gordi

Rick (Haute or Not) June 11th, 2009 06:36:02 PM

So sorry for your loss, Dr. K.

Cait June 11th, 2009 06:37:40 PM

I shed tears with you.  Goodbye Sophie Sue.  Rest in peace.

sassy June 11th, 2009 06:43:52 PM

You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing a being, perfectly. (an adjustment on something someone said) ... so sorry to hear of this, but your compassion and strength inspires me. big hug! and love, wanita

Wanita June 11th, 2009 06:57:43 PM

Everybody said everything...but it help to share communal tears. Bummer. But joy and blessings too. Take care of you and the rest of your brood. Mostly, thanks for sharing Sophie Sue with all of us. The tears suck, but it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

LynnO June 11th, 2009 07:08:44 PM

What a beautiful face <3

Fly on, Sophie Sue.... she was lucky to have you, Dr. K

Jen June 11th, 2009 07:15:34 PM

RIP Sophie Sue - I am sorry for your loss

Warm Regards

Nicolas (PetMD) June 11th, 2009 07:42:49 PM

So sorry about Sophie Sue. My thoughts are with you and with her.

silkenpaw June 11th, 2009 07:49:54 PM

Dr. K

We're so sorry to hear of your loss.. and the horrible decision you had to make to give her peace..

Thanks for sharing Sophie Sue with us..

Barri & Socrates June 11th, 2009 07:54:05 PM

I am so sorry to hear this.  Miss Sophie was a very lucky gal to have you.

Julie in OH June 11th, 2009 07:54:11 PM

Dr. Khuly, I am truly so sorry for your loss, it is obvious Sophie Sue was your heart dog, and will remain so in your heart and memories. 

lexipup June 11th, 2009 08:18:14 PM

I'm sorry to hear that. Farewell sweet Sophie Sue. Good dog.

hornblower June 11th, 2009 08:22:10 PM

So sorry to hear about Sophie Sue.  I know what it's like to lose a furbaby and you have my heartfelt condolences. 

cl June 11th, 2009 09:02:06 PM

I send you my heart felt sympathy. It is the most difficult for us left behind, isn't it...

I found these words on another blog, and it said Author Unknown.

It touches my heart and hope it in some little way, can help heal your...

And God asked the dog spirit

Are you ready to come home?

Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul

And, as a dog, you know I am most able

To decide anything for myself.

Are you coming then? asked God.

Soon, replied the whiskered angel

But I must come slowly

For my human friends are troubled

For you see, they need me, quite certainly.

But don't they understand? asked God

That you'll never leave them?

That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity?

That nothing is created or destroyed?

It just is....forever and ever and ever

Eventually they will understand,

Replied the glorious dog

For I will whisper into their hearts

That I am always with them

I just am....forever and ever and ever.

Teri and the cats of Furrydance June 11th, 2009 09:15:19 PM

Aww, Dr. Khuly, I'm sorry to hear about Sophie-Sue.  She was lucky to have you as a mommy.

Karen

Karen June 11th, 2009 09:43:07 PM

I know and understand your loss, and my heart weeps with you there. She was a real cutie girl. How comforting to know that a very special person cared and loved her so much. you no doubt were a good steward of God's beloved creature.[ psalm 50:10-11]. I am sure God smiles upon you  for your care & love for her., for He too loves His creaures.and I know her soul lives on{ Psalm 74:19}.  May her memories console you and the knowledge that she lives on- in a heavenly place.

Cakie June 11th, 2009 09:59:29 PM

I am so sorry!  I know what a blessing you were to each other.

Jenny June 11th, 2009 10:43:23 PM

So sorry for your loss.  She was lucky to have you.

Posey June 11th, 2009 10:46:53 PM

I'm very sorry, Dr. Khuly.  I know you've cried more than a tear or two, and you have a hole in your heart.  But Sophie's love and wonderful life will fill that heart with warmth, beautiful memories and smiles.  She knew your love and that means a lot to you both. 

Rich June 11th, 2009 11:15:34 PM

Dr. Khuly,

Catching up on your posts after being gone a couple weeks; I am sorry to learn about Sophie Sue. I found no words of comfort at such a time but as with all life experiences that are painful, I needed time and plenty of it.    I recently had to have my dog put down and had so many unanswered medical questions.  You may be better at putting those questions behind you since you are a vet, or possibly that makes it even harder?

Just read "headache" post.  My dog had similar symptoms, always loved having you pet top of head but then it became obvious it bothered her immensely, as well as just getting near her head, the motion of your hand nearby her eyes, etc., you could see her flinch, just as you described.  This never went away.  My vet dismissed it.  Towards the end, she had what seemed like focal seizures, much eye squinting and head shivers.  A pic taken a week before euthansia spoke volumes, she was flinching, squinting, and to me had a "pained" expression, like I have seen with true migraine sufferers during an acute exacerbation in the ER.  Wish I knew the answer to this headache question.

Tramadol and prednisone is what I was giving; it did not help the "top-of-the-head" issue, head shivers, etc., made my dog too groggy and doped up, even at a low dose.

I continue to look for answers, reading everything I can find available but haven't found anything specific that addresses this.  If I do, I will send it your way.

Take good care of yourself right now. 

Hugs,

Deb

Deb June 11th, 2009 11:29:08 PM

So very sorry to hear Sophie Sue's passing.  RIP sweet Sophie Sue.

Fotini June 11th, 2009 11:37:00 PM

I am so sorry that you lost your dear little Sophie. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

dolores

dolores June 12th, 2009 12:30:30 AM

Ah, so sorry, so very sorry to hear this. What a wonderful life for this little girl in your home with your family.

Our condolences

Jen, Jay and our family

JenniferJ June 12th, 2009 01:41:36 AM

Our deepest condolences Dr.Khuly. You were a wonderful parent, guardian and friend to Sophie Sue. With you she felt loved and could want for nothing more.

Request From Rainbow Bridge

Weep not for me though I am gone into that gentle night. Grieve if you will, but not for long upon my soul's sweet flight. I am at peace, my soul's at rest there is no need for tears. For with your love I was so blessed for all those many years. There is no pain, I suffer not, the fear now all is gone. Put now these things out of your thoughts, in your memory I live on. Remember not my fight for breath remember not the strife. Please do not dwell upon my death, but celebrate my life.

Constance Jenkins 

Mei June 12th, 2009 02:04:36 AM

How lucky you were to have had such a wonderful dog.  All the best.

Christopher June 12th, 2009 03:17:34 AM

I am sorry to hear this, and echo Christopher's comments above.

Alex June 12th, 2009 06:26:09 AM

My condolences.  Take solace in knowing you gave Sophie Sue a great life with an abundance of love and affection.  Many are not that lucky. 

Maria June 12th, 2009 07:42:31 AM

My condolences on your loss of a fine friend.

Michelle June 12th, 2009 10:24:51 AM

Dr. Khuly,

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Sophie Sue.  She was very fortunate to have someone who loved and cared for her as much as you did.

"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." Rev. 21.5

James June 12th, 2009 10:57:26 AM

I'm so sorry to read this. Thank you for sharing your decisions about Sophie Sue and your life with her with us. Their lives are never long enough.

Deanna June 12th, 2009 12:20:20 PM

I'm so sorry Dr. K. You're in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Sharon June 12th, 2009 01:10:07 PM

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.......

J.C June 12th, 2009 02:41:41 PM

I am so sorry for your loss.  Sophie was a beautiful girl. 

Hugs from Vic, Jayne, Wiley, Boo Boo and Niki

Jayne Bersok June 12th, 2009 04:48:56 PM

I'm sorry for your loss, Dr Khuly. I enjoyed reading about Sophie Sue. You are in my thoughts.

Smaki June 12th, 2009 04:53:48 PM

I'm so sorry!

Alice June 12th, 2009 05:34:58 PM

I am sorry for your loss.  RIP, Sophie Sue.  Take care.

Miss Kitty's Mom June 12th, 2009 06:04:25 PM

I am very sorry for you and your family's loss.  

fbdog mom June 12th, 2009 07:19:05 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss.

JV at pawcurious June 13th, 2009 12:20:45 AM

Dr. Khuly,

I am so saddened by the passing of Sophie Sue. Our beloved pets are with us for too short of a time.

Susan G.

The Journey by Crystal Ward Kent

When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey - a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage. If you allow, the journey will teach you many things about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its' mark.

Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life's simple pleasures - jumping in leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joy of puddles, and even the satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears. If you spend much time outside, you will be taught to truly experience every element for no rock, leaf, or log will go unexamined, no rustling bush will be overlooked, and even the very air will be inhaled, pondered, and noted as being full of valuable information. Your pace may be slower - except when heading home to the food dish - but you will become a better naturalist, having been taught by an expert in the field. Too many times we hike on automatic pilot, our goal being to complete the trail rather than enjoy the journey. We miss the details - the colorful mushrooms on the rotting log, the honeycomb in the old maple snag, the hawk feather caught on a twig.

Once we walk as a dog does, we discover a whole new world. We stop; we browse the landscape, we kick over leaves, peek in tree holes, look up, down, all around. And we learn what any dog knows: that nature has created a marvelously complex world that is full of surprises, that each cycle of the seasons brings ever changing wonders, each say an essence all its own. Even from indoors you will find yourself more attuned to the world around you. You will find yourself watch summer insects collecting on a screen (How bizarre they are! How many kinds there are!), or noting the flick and flash of fireflies through the dark. You will stop to observe the swirling dance of windblown leaves, or sniff the air after a rain. It does not matter that there is no objective in this; the point is in the doing, in not letting life's most important details slip by.

You will find yourself doing silly things that your pet-less friends might not understand: spending thirty minutes in the grocery aisle looking for the cat food brand your feline must have, buying dog birthday treats, or driving around the block an extra time because your pet enjoys the ride. You will roll in the snow, wrestle with chewy toys, bounce little rubber balls 'til your eyes cross and even run around the house trailing your bathrobe tie - with a cat in hot pursuit - all in the name of love. Your house will become muddier and hairier. You will wear dark clothing and buy more lint rollers. You may find dog biscuits in your pocket or purse, and feel the need to explain that an old plastic shopping bag adorns your living room rug because your cat loves the crinkly sound.

You will learn the true measure of love - the steadfast undying kind that says, "It doesn't matter where we are or what we do or how life treats us as long as we are together." Respect this always. It is the most precious gift any living soul can give another. You will not find it often and among the human race. And you will learn humility. The look in my dog's eyes often made me feel ashamed. Such joy and love at my presence. She saw not some flawed human who could be cross and stubborn, moody or rude, but only her wonderful companion. Or maybe she saw those things and dismissed them as mere human foibles, not worth considering, and so chose to love me anyway. If you pay attention and learn well, when the journey is done you will not just be a better person, but the person your pet always knew you to be – the one they were proud to call beloved friend.

I must caution you that this journey is not without pain. Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving. For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear animal companion will follow a trail you cannot yet go down. And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go. A pet's time on earth is far too short - especially for those that love them. We borrow them, really, just for a while and during those brief years they are generous enough to give us all their love, every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is no other left. The cat that only yesterday was a kitten is all too soon old and frail and sleeping in the sun. The young pup of boundless energy wakes up stiff and lame, the muzzle now gray. Deep down we somehow always knew this journey would end. We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken. But give them we must for it is all they ask in return. When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run ahead - young and whole once more. "Godspeed, good friend," we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again.

Susan G. June 13th, 2009 09:10:46 AM

Rest easy, Sophie Sue.

Katie June 13th, 2009 01:45:45 PM

Dear Dr. Khuly,

I am so sorry for your loss of Sophie Sue.  When this has happened to me on losing a pet, I was upset that I had phantom sightings.  Somehow I thought I was  going crazy.  I was comforted by Jimmy Stewart's reading of "A Dog Named Beau" on Johnny Carson's show.  Should you begin seeing Sophie Sue, just remember it is the power and wonder of memory and all of the happy and ordinary times you shared with her.  It is testimony of her contribution to your life

Pat Herrmann

http://www.squidoo.com/dog-named-beau

Pat Herrmann June 13th, 2009 04:08:29 PM

To Susan G

I guessed you summed it all up.

Thank you.

It has helped with my loss as well.

gp June 13th, 2009 07:25:18 PM

I am so sorry.  No matter how "prepared," the loss of a beloved pet hits hard.

Pax,

MLO

MLOKnitting June 14th, 2009 02:03:08 AM

<p>Oh no... Dr. K I'm so so sorry to learn of Sophie Sue's passing. Godspeed to your sweet little girl and deepest sympathies from all of us here on your loss. I am glad that the treatment was able to buy her some quality time with you.,/p>

<p>Natalie,<p>

Natalie June 14th, 2009 01:38:41 PM

Sorry for the untidy version previously... it is hard to type through tears. I was so hoping that Sophie Sue could stay longer.

Natalie June 14th, 2009 01:42:34 PM

i'm sorry :(

sarahMT June 14th, 2009 08:37:57 PM

Life is a winding road, each turn different than before, each turn building on the prior path.

Hugs winging their way to you Patty.

Laura June 14th, 2009 09:36:55 PM

I'm so terribly sorry for your loss of Sophie Sue.  You will both be in my heart and prayers.

Pam June 15th, 2009 01:48:52 PM

My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

There is never time enough, when we love them so well.

Sarah June 16th, 2009 12:20:44 PM

Do not cry for me because I am gone...

Smile because I was here.

Kim June 17th, 2009 10:22:55 AM

Chris and I are saddened by the news of Sophie Sue's death.  So many of us felt close to her throughout her life and followed her path as she battled cancer.  We envisioned your treks to Broward for SS's radiation treatments and struggles financially.  Some of us were lucky to have personally seen and touched your baby.  I loved and love her name and hope that Cody and Sophie Sue have found eachother.  I hope that they are joyfully playing and possibily sharing memories of their lives with their "special" owners who loved them unconditonally.

Gracie's Mommy June 20th, 2009 10:12:10 AM

I've had no internet for weeks, and am just now reading this.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Brooke June 24th, 2009 08:01:30 PM

I am so sorry, my condolences, she was so cute.

Kayla Ferguson July 17th, 2009 02:16:13 PM

So sorry for your loss.

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