The worst part of moving is that you can’t find anything: I have a favorite photo of our boy Punch taken at a friend’s cottage where he is regal and calm and you really get a sense of his proud bearing. But the photo is eluding me this morning, this morning when I can’t sleep because the loss of him is still so fresh and raw. Mike and I said goodbye to our happy chappy last night, the cancer had taken too firm a hold of him. So I’m publishing the best shot I can find, taken in one of Punch’s favorite places with one of his favorite people, Mike.
Twelve years ago, when I decided I was ready to have dogs in my life I had hopes and expectations for what those dogs might be like; Punch exceeded them all. He was happy and affectionate, dopey and lovable, obedient and playful. Thank you, Punch, for everything; we did our best for you and you rewarded us handsomely.
July 21st, 2010 at 5:51 am
Oh Chris such sad news, you make me cry first thing in the morning. Our furry friends are the best and when we lose one of them it is devastating. Please know you are not alone and I am glad there is no more suffering involved. On a macabre note, I wish we would do the same with our human loved ones when they are suffering. I’m sending warm thoughts your way this sad day
July 21st, 2010 at 9:02 am
Anyone who has ever lost a beloved loved a pet shares your pain…sending positive thoughts your way!
July 21st, 2010 at 9:23 am
I’m so sorry to hear your sad news. I know how hard it is to lose a pet. They are truly like family members. It sounds like Punch had a wonderful life and was much loved.
July 21st, 2010 at 9:53 am
Chris I’m so, so sorry. I was hoping you’d have more of the summer together. Be good to you and give Judy a little scratch from me.
July 21st, 2010 at 10:19 am
Chris,
Punch was truly a beauty and I know he will be greatly missed by all of you. Give Judy an extra cuddle from me tonight.
Lin
July 21st, 2010 at 11:07 am
Good morning Chris, Mike and Judy.
My thoughts more than ever are with you today at the passing of your joyful and delightful Punch. Please know I mourn with you as I too enjoyed my many visits and time with him. He certainly gave more to me than I for him. I often find that about people too…
I trust that fond memories will replace the loss you feel now. It has been that way for me – in time – with separation from those I have loved and are no longer with me.
Pal Paul
July 21st, 2010 at 1:07 pm
My Dearest Chris,
My heart is heavy. I feel your loss. I hope fond memories give you shelter through this storm and your heart mends quickly.
Goodbye Punch.
July 21st, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Dear Punch,
Wishing you a wonderful dog heaven filled with sunny breezie days, steak bones, and tennis balls.
Cathy
July 21st, 2010 at 3:03 pm
It doesn’t get much better then the unconditional love of a dog.
Thinking of you, Mike and Judy…
xox
July 21st, 2010 at 4:15 pm
I feel so sad for you, Judy is probably searching for her friend and wonders where he is. I have adopted 6 pets from the SPCA some quite senior, including one cat I figure I gave them a good retirement they are never far from my thoughts, we talk about them often as they all had their quirks and made us laugh, which they still do as we remember.
You will as well as you work through the grieving process.
Margo.
July 21st, 2010 at 4:34 pm
How terribly sad, Chris. All of us have you in our thoughts.
W
July 21st, 2010 at 5:10 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss, Chris. Take care of yourself, and Judy.
July 21st, 2010 at 5:37 pm
I am so so sorry for your loss.
July 21st, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Very sorry for you loss Chris,
July 21st, 2010 at 9:23 pm
“Dog’s lives are too short. Their only fault really.” – Agnes Sligh Turnbull
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:56 am
Thank you, one and all. In addition to the comments here I’ve had a small flood of email condolences — it’s so good of you to take the time, I truly appreciate it. Punch’s favorite place on earth was my parent’s farm where he’d spend hours upon hours attempting to root pesky chipmunks from their holes; I laid him to rest there yesterday, a sad task performed with much love.
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:04 am
Good morning Chris, we take the time b/c you are a good friend, all of feel that. When a friend loses a pet, we all talk in order to help you along this sad, sad road. Be well friend…
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:35 pm
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved Punch. My childhood dog was a Scottie and words cannot explain their personality. After his passing, we felt Angus’s presence for a very long time.
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:17 pm
I’m a little late, but just wanted to say I’m sorry for the loss of your beloved Punch.
July 24th, 2010 at 3:17 am
Tears for Punch, and for your loss. Our dear friends, their furry, unpretentious, devout and loyal presences in our lives cannot be estimated too highly. Condolences to you all, and may the memories sustain you.
July 24th, 2010 at 11:03 am
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
-Roger Caras
My condolences to you and yours. Loosing a beloved family member is tough, just keep in mind now that he is no longer suffering.
July 25th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
What a beautifully written memorial. We think of Punch often. Sorry for your loss.
Jacquelyn, Peter and felix
July 31st, 2010 at 4:39 pm
I am so sorry for your loss Chris. We lost our Reg (bedlington terrier) to cancer earlier this year….I hope you and Judy will be ok.