The loss of a pet can leave a big, empty spot in our hearts.

@MarieCoyle (38709)
October 10, 2023 9:30pm CST
I've had many pets in my life. Mostly dogs, as one of my sons, as well as myself, are allergic to cats. I do love kitties...but oh, the allergies are hard to put up with! I fostered dogs for rescues for many years. My ''at home pups'' were used to this, and were good foster siblings during the times we had the fosters. Ellie absolutely LOVED being a foster-sibling. She guarded puppies and made the other adult dogs we fostered right at home. Today marks 8 years since I had to make the hard decision to let her go to her reward. It was the hardest one ever, and yes, I've had to do it before. She was incredibly devoted to me, she was always with me--if I had to leave her at home, she waited, very patiently. She loved my kids, my friends, anyone who came over. She absolutely loved snow. If it rained, she would pout and not want to go outside until it stopped. But if it snowed, she got so excited! She plowed snow trails with her nose, tossed it in the air, rolled in it, but never seemed to get tired of it. I still miss her, and she has been gone for 8 years. I wrote this, then: Ellie was a Swedish Lapphund, dumped by a breeder who said she was ''too small'' 'and left her at a kill shelter. No, she wasn't the prettiest dog you've ever seen. She wasn't the smartest, or the best. She came to me at a time in my life that I really, really needed her unconditional love and support. And she gave it, freely and unstintingly. I have to say she was quiet, loving, a very neat dog, never, ever messed in the house the entire time I had her. I honestly think she would have died before she ever did that. She put up with visitors, family, foster dogs, rescue animals, adapted to a huge move, rode for miles and miles in the back of the Jeep without a peep, just happy to be along with me. All I had to do was go get the leash. She was going. If I had to leave her at home, she waited. Slept on the rug right by the door, not leaving that spot until I came back. It was always like coming back home to a party--wagging tail, some little whines, and the way she could ''talk''...hard to explain but she could. All of the fur babies I have loved and sent on to the bridge were special to me. Ellie never asked for anything. All she ever, ever wanted was for me to be with her. Fly high, little girl. You were so loved. See you at the bridge. She was just one of the best, ever. I know most of us who love our pets, truly do miss them when they leave us. I always love mine and spoil them rotten, I know. As my 6 year old grandson said one day when his Daddy's dog died, ''Grandma, it isn't fair. They should get to live as long as people!'' I have to agree.
11 people like this
10 responses
• Agra, India
11 Oct 23
I'm really sorry for your loss
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38709)
11 Oct 23
@amitkokiladitya It really is. It always brings back memories, no matter who it was.
2 people like this
• India
11 Oct 23
For me pet is like a family member.and loss of a pet is very difficult to bear
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38709)
11 Oct 23
Most definitely, they are our family. It is very hard to lose them.
2 people like this
@kareng (61749)
• United States
11 Oct 23
Ellie sounds like she was a wonderful dog! So glad you saved her and gave her a good life!
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38709)
11 Oct 23
One of many wonderful pets I have had over the years. So wonderfully devoted. Whoever it was that threw her away was a fool. I didn't take her because she was a purebred or anything, I took her because when I walked in the shelter, she came up and put her head on my foot and wouldn't move. She actually picked ME, not the other way around. I was very blessed to have her.
3 people like this
@kareng (61749)
• United States
11 Oct 23
@MarieCoyle Indeed. When they pick you, they make the best pets! My German Shepard was that way. He wasn't the prettiest in the litter, or largest or have the best markings, but he interacted with me when the others didn't. He came home with me. This litter was rescued along with their mother during the flood here in 2016. He's been a neurotic dog, but very devoted to me.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38709)
11 Oct 23
@kareng The main thing is he picked you, so he wanted to be with you. I am glad he is so devoted to you, Karen.
3 people like this
@jstory07 (139976)
• Roseburg, Oregon
11 Oct 23
Your little fur baby was such a good pet to have,. I miss all of the pets that we used to have. They were the best.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38709)
11 Oct 23
I feel like I have to talk about them sometimes, to honor them for being so special. They become our family, and it's so hard to lose them.
2 people like this
@jstory07 (139976)
• Roseburg, Oregon
11 Oct 23
@MarieCoyle Talking on here will make you feel better. Enjoy the rest of your day.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38709)
11 Oct 23
@jstory07 Trying to wind down, it's after 10. But I never go to bed early, so...I will be tired before too long. Thank you, Judy.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (472114)
• Switzerland
11 Oct 23
From what I read here Ellie was a wonderful pet and companion. Beauty and intelligence are not everything for a pet, those who are sweet and devoted are lovely members of the family. I even cry when the pets of my neighbors die. I love them.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (472114)
• Switzerland
11 Oct 23
@MarieCoyle My husband asks me why all the cats of the neighbors come to our garden... I think because I pet them and I play with them.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38709)
11 Oct 23
Sounds just like me. I can’t help myself, I get very attached to them.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38709)
12 Oct 23
@LadyDuck My oldest girl calls me the dog whisperer, but I'm not that good. Dogs and I just connect somehow. Her dog loves me so much that she always wants to come home with me when I leave her house. People say animals don't have souls. I beg to differ.
1 person likes this
@just4him (317242)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
11 Oct 23
I feel your loss. I've put dogs down too. I knew the devotion of a pet who loved me unconditionally. You were blessed to have such a wonderful dog.
2 people like this
@just4him (317242)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
11 Oct 23
@MarieCoyle Yes, they do.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38709)
11 Oct 23
I have had some very special dogs, thank you so much. They add so much to our lives.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (182193)
• United States
12 Oct 23
I have loved all of my pets to one degree or another .but some make really lasting impacts on our hearts. My last cat was a very special guy..And he is truly missed.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (182193)
• United States
12 Oct 23
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38709)
12 Oct 23
I'm sorry, it sounds like he was much loved. It's funny how they all have different personalities. Just like kids, none are the same.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (108144)
• Marion, Ohio
11 Oct 23
She was very special.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38709)
12 Oct 23
She truly was. She helped me get through some very difficult times. Thank you, Eva.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41750)
• United States
13 Oct 23
Oh, what a sad, sweet memory for you. I know you still miss Ellie.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38709)
13 Oct 23
She was truly a very sweet girl. Never caused any trouble, ever.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342105)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Oct 23
It's really hard to lose such a loving pet. She has left you with wonderful memories. And well done you for being a foster mother.