In the spirit of writing about whatever is going on in my world, it is inevitable that this week my musings are about Archie. Archie was our 12 year old Welch Corgi who on Thursday made his journey across the Rainbow Bridge. Off to new adventures with his brother Chance whose been gone for almost three years.
I know that many who read this newsletter are familiar with the sorrow of loosing a four-legged, furry family member. How much they are a part of our families. And the vacancy their departure leaves in our hearts and homes.
What I have really noticed these past few days is how much I cherish the grief. Grief of course is not a single emotion. It includes many emotions and phases. And each one can be repeated multiple times.., depending upon the circumstances. I was a support group facilitator for a ‘grief and bereavement’ group for several years during the initial rise of the AIDS epidemic. So I know this emotional ride well.
I am reminded once again what an honor it is to experience a loss through death.
In the stillness and quiet, I am reminded of the joy, love, playfulness and loyalty that Archie brought to our home. It is apparent how many daily routines are in a state of disruption and realignment. I wonder how long it will take to break the expectation that he is waiting at the door each time we return home.
I loved who he became as a senior dog. He was slower for sure. At the same time, he was less needy for attention than he was as a younger dog. Instead it felt like he simply cherished being near you. He loved all of our houseguest. If they were open to it, he would sleep in their room at night. If not, right outside their door. Snoring.
My friend use to call him a “roaster”.., as he was a big boy! And he definitely had worked out a routine for maximizing treats. He knew what time of day he would get one from me… But he also knew how to work his grandma next door for them. If one of us was cooking in the kitchen… Archie was there. Usually in the heart of the traffic pattern. So yes, we would have to step over him.
He loved kids and small children. He was the kind of gentle spirit that even the ones who had a fear of dogs, would warm up to. When the teenagers and adults played in the pool… Archie was always near by. Obnoxiously so at times. He definitely wanted to be in the middle of all the activity.
So I miss him. I find myself smiling at a fond memory. I find my eyes tearing up just as quickly. I know that soon, I will need to pickup his water and food dish and put them away. But right now, that feels too final. I am slowly adjusting. It will all be fine. But for now, I want to remain present and experience these emotional ups and downs. I love being reminded of what a blessing it was to have him in our lives for 12 years. I love that he mattered and that we mattered to him.
And it is just not the same around here.
With Light, Love, and Laughter
Charles
Charles, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dog Archie.. I understand completely as I have experienced it with our Roxanne a few years ago. It was heart wrenching and very difficult to move through. Just to let you know my thoughts are with you and your family.as you go through this process.
Thanks Sherry. I completely get that this is something we choose when we bring a pet into our families, that have a shorter life expectancy. AND, it is still sad to say goodbye. I love the tenderness they instill in our hearts! Thanks for your support. Perhaps he is playing with Roxanne right this moment! 🙂
My heart goes out to you Charles hearing of the loss of your beloved companion. So difficult to lose the physical presence. I’m wishing that you will sense the spiritual presence as he will always be with you. ((((((((((( Charles )))))))))))) Sending LOVE! Crystal light blessings, Fay Kelley
Thanks Fay… Every time a memory pops in, it feels like he his here! Thank you for your kind words of support.
Oh Chuck, such a nice tribute to sweet little Archie. Dave and I were with you the day you picked him up,…. we experienced your instant bonding and love you both had towards one another. What a fun little guy, and you and Archie shared a wonderful life with energy, and full of love. I have sorrow for the loss you and Fito are experiencing, yet I know you both have been enriched greatly with sweet Archie in your lives, so my sorrow is also happiness…I have two feelings! Stay strong, Archie and Chance may be reunited and frolicking as I write…
What a sweet reminder of your visit and our trip to collect Archie and bring him home! I really appreciate your love and support Dog… Always! And you are so right.., our lives were enriched.
I’m sorry for your loss, I have 14 year old guy who is just too tired this morning to make it out to the patio for early am meditation. He will always remain my 6 year old guy in my heart, the most perfect black dog in the whole world. I know you have not lost anything because he lives on in your heart and will always remain with you. Thank you for sharing your journey with us all, blessingso be!
There’s something so sweet about their senior years Jody… Thanks for sharing and caring! It means a lot!
What a fortunate fellow you are to have loved 2 such wonderful lover dogs, I too will miss Archie and Chance our next visit won’t be the same without Archie and his Brother to play, play, play.
Feeling fortunate on so many levels Mary! Thanks for being there!
Charles… thank you for sharing your heartfelt loss… and the wonderful memories… paints a good picture of how special and powerful the relationship was. Just an idea, might be helpful, or might be too soon for you, but wanted you to know the option… there are many dogs out there who need a foster parent to house and love them for a short time before they find a forever home with another family; that is something to consider… to give all that love to a new dog or cat or bird who has recently been left homeless or abandoned or given up for adoption because their owners could no longer keep or afford them… it could be quite healing for all, you, your family, the dog, and the family who may have had to give up the dog for whatever reasons. Just an idea, not only for you and your family, but other readers as well.
Thanks Darla for your support and sharing your idea… It is not something I had thought of before.
Charles ..Sorry to hear about Archie.. My heart goes out to you.. It really saddens me..
I know you have been through your own share of grief and loss with your dogs and cat in the last couple of years James… It is hard to say goodbye, but how fortunate we are to have know and experienced the unconditional love of our furry family members!
Dear Charles,
I am sending a hug…a long one. A very long one. You were fortunate indeed to have that little man in your life…and he was blessed to have you as well.
Cheryl Stonick
Thank you Cheryl… Long hug appreciated!
Bless you, Charles, for openly sharing your feelings about Archie. It is difficult to grieve for ‘just a dog’ or ‘she was only an ornery cat’, around those that don’t understand the joy and love we share with our furry family members. I recently saw a quote that said grief knows no species. So true. I have had two beloved dogs and two magical horses transition in the past couple of years. The Rainbow Bridge is crowded with our babies. We will hold them all again, until then, let those tears flow, and know that you are not alone in your sadness or the wonderful memories.
Thank you Cathy. It sounds like the past couple of years for you has been filled with sweet-sorrow. I am so happy to have the experience of Archie’s presence in our home.., even though it is a tug on the heart-strings to let him go. So worth it!
I’m so sorry to hear about Archie. Losing a pet really does leave an empty space, physically and emotionally. Your story hit my heart a bit hard this morning, I also have a Welsh Corgi named Rupert – he just turned 10! They are such fun, friendly, and wonderful dogs with so much personality. Much love to you and your family for your loss.
I love the name Rupert for your Corgi Kristin! Thanks for the support…, and love him up a little extra from me today! ?
Awe – thank you! 🙂
Such a beautiful tribute to a special little doggie soul! This is the toughest part about having furry babies. But, as you and Fito know, we wouldn’t trade it for the world. They enrich our lives and teach us unconditional love. So mush love and healing to both of you!
Thanks Karen! I appreciate your words of encouragement. It is true – our pet family members are a blessing.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our furry children give us so much love and comfort. Even after they have crossed the Rainbow Bridge they send us messages and love. There is always a reminder of them. I love that you are honoring Archie’s memory by leaving his dishes out for him. I know that when you are ready some amazing fur ball will grab your heart and love. .I am holding you and Fito in love and light.
Thanks Nancy… I know what you mean by them sending messages… It seems like Archie and Chance are both winking and nudging me with fond memories and images of their time here! Thanks for the love and light! So appreciated!
Lots and lots of love to you and Fito, to Archie’s “grandma” and to all the kids he knew. He still loves–that energy goes on and on and ever on and out into the universe.
Thanks mlhe – on and on.., forever and ever! Sweet thought/reminder!
Awwww…just hugging you guys…It is so difficult when a pet moves on….My heart just sends Love…Archie had a great life with you! ?
Thanks Andi! Love received!
Charles, I am so very sorry for the loss you are feeling. Archie’s sweetness just shows through in his picture! Dog lovers are very gifted with their buddies, but the pain can be pretty hard too when they move on. Love to you….and Godspeed to Archie.
Thanks Sandy… He really was (is) such a sweet spirit. And you’re right, as hard as it is to lose them…, that is nothing compared to the gift of joy and loyalty a family pet brings into our lives. I appreciate you being part of the tribe!
Animals bring such joy and unconditional love into our lives. Charles thank you for being you and allowing us to share in your happy memories and grief. You are a blessing…big hug and lots of love for your journey!
Thanks Teri for support and for the kind words of acknowledgement! It means a lot!
Very sorry for your dog`s passing. He is in dog`s heaven now having a good time. Our pets are our family and when they are gone we miss them terribly; they were our companions and teachers, too. I send you peace.
Thank you Maria!