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Saturday, January 24, 2015

we are so grateful....for Amelia, and for you



Dan and I are absolutely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support and prayers you have given to us and to Ella.  We have read each comment on the blog, each email, and each comment on Instagram aloud to one another and we have cried and sobbed.  We have felt so loved and held in this time of shock and grief over losing sweet Amelia so suddenly and too soon.    Your words have soothed our broken hearts, your tears have made us feel understood in our grief, and we have felt the love of your comforting hugs.
Knowing that so many of you are saying a prayer for Amelia has brought us the most special gift.  It is as if  all your many prayers are carrying her on wings of love and she is being ushered into heaven by you.  I can never thank you enough for making us feel this and making Amelia so loved in this moment.  She was our gift, and you are our gift also.  I cherish each and every one of you.  While we might not know each other personally I feel we know one another's soul- the soul that loves house and home and dogs (pets.)
To all of you who have mentioned your lost beloved pets- our sympathies to you. We are so grateful that you told us about your loves.
Tonight when I light our candles we will do it as a family and say "Thank you" for each and every one of you- you have given us the gift of love and prayer and understanding and we are so very, very grateful.
Through tears we Thank you.  
with much love,
Joan and Dan and Ella



"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."
- Irving Townsend -



Several days ago I realized that we did not have any photos or video of Amelia running through the woods,  We always assumed we would have the luxury of time.  
Then, last night I found this photo on my phone (Amelia is on the left.)  
This is how we will always remember her...



"They come to us,
from shelters or friends or in any number of ways,
these beings of fur or feather or other outer shells.
They come to us wanting only
to be fed, sheltered, and loved.
And we take them into our homes and our hearts.
They may have prized pedigrees,
or they may be abandoned or abused
and rough around the edges.
But there is something about them,
some sort of light in their eyes
that tells us they are meant for us.
And a sweet dance of love
begins with our new friends.
We watch them delightedly discover their new home,
laugh at the antics of kitten or puppy,
smile as the former lost soul
settles comfortably into our arms.
They become a beloved member of our family,
a reminder of the uninhibited joy
that we have often forgotten how to feel.
The dog that excitedly runs
to greet his human friend returning home,
or the contented cat curled up on a lap
remind us of how large
unfettered love can be.
They come to teach us to remember how to love.
They come to teach us that our hearts,
so often battered by this world that we struggle through,
are still open enough to feel wonder and mystery
and a precious connection to another being.
And we love them, and care for them,
and experience the joy
we thought was lost from our lives.
But life is fragile.
One day, perhaps unexpectedly,
or perhaps after a long struggle with illness,
our precious friends are gone.
And we mourn them deeply.
We feel lost, and alone,
and that the joy is once again gone from our lives.
We feel anger, and pain, and fear.
We question Deity, and wonder why.
Life is fragile.
Their lives are more fragile than ours.
We cannot escape death,
and for it to take our most precious friends,
who ask so little,
seems unfair and too much for us to bear.
But they leave us always with a gift.
They leave us with that love they gave, that joy they sparked.
Our hearts are larger for having loved them.
We are enriched by having these special souls in our lives,
even if it was for too brief a time.
Love never dies.
And the love that was created
by our special friends who came into our lives
is a living thing,
always a part of our being.
We may think our hearts are closing again,
but we cannot erase the fact
that they have been opened.
They teach us love for a reason:
so that we will have it in our hearts always.
Each day, each act of kindness or love,
is a tribute to our pets who have moved on.
Honor your special friend with kindness and love.
Each day, reach out to your living companions
and let them know how precious they are.
Reach out to others in your life
and let the love your friend brought you live on.
Reach out to others in need, whether human or animal.
I can think of no better gift than the love they teach us.
And I can think of no better way to honor their memories
than by extending that love.
In this way, they will truly live forever."

- Ginger-lyn Summer -


Dan has said many, many times over the last several days that I have the most wonderful readers on my blog.  I could not have said it better or agree more. 
Right after Amelia passed Dan said a quote from the movie "Shadowlands"...

"The pain now is part of the happiness then.  That's the deal."



We both thank you so much for reaching out to us.  We are blessed to have you here,  
We are so very grateful to have had sweet Amelia in our lives, and for you.




84 comments:

  1. Know that we are grateful for you there also! :) hugs and wagging tails! donna

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  2. What a wonderful picture of Amelia and Ella. You gave her such joy. I'm taking comfort from knowing that you gave her the best time of her life. Even though it wasn't long enough, it was much better than not having it at all.

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  3. Lovely words! A friend just sent us this quote after losing our beloved Stormy, boxer, last week. "It came to me that each time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and with every new dog who comes in to my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." May the many wonderful memories of Amelia keep her close to you always. ❤️Mary, ON, Canada

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  4. A very beautiful picture of your two pups! I hope you have it framed.

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  5. What a lovely, heartfelt post.....we are also enriched by you and your family sharing your lives with us....God Bless ....

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  6. Amelia's last weeks of her life were spent being loved by her precious family. She found a slice of Heaven on this side of Paradise. I am so sorry for your loss.

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  7. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I am so grateful for the love and words you have shared here. Amelia is a gorgeous spirit who found a beautiful family before she passed. I believe her path was to be intertwined with yours so that you could share your story of finding love and support as you have done so here. My prayer for Amelia and for you is that the love you have shown will come back to you tenfold. You may never know how many you have touched through sharing this story of love and loss. Blessings to you!

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  8. I have one of those needlepoint pillows..."Be the person your dog thinks you are"...I'm not even close, but when I take notice of it, I smile and think about trying a little harder. I can do no wrong in my dogs' eyes...my own personal support team every day, no matter what.
    You were a good master and gift to your precious Amelia. Lucky dog.

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  9. Beautiful words at such a sad time. Thinking of you.xox

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  10. So eloquently said.......thinking of your family.

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  11. You, Dan and Ella are in my thoughts and prayers> Lovely post, it made me cry again. Barbara P from Ma

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  12. I have just read the heart breaking news about Amelia. I am so sorry that you and Dan have had to go through this. No doubt Amelia knew how much she was loved. God bless, Vikki in VA.

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  13. Again we feel compelled to comment as your touching words strike home to many hearts who have shared such a loss… Please know that since learning your sad news, we have lit our evening candle by the fire in fond memory of sweet Amelia and hugged our little schnauzer tighter each day...

    Hugs from your Canadian neighbours in Southern Ontario

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  14. Such a beautiful, poignant photo. The dogs look joyful! Glad you remember her this way. So sorry for your loss.

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  15. I will save this post for those times in our lives when we loose someone dear to us. Pets are very much a part of our family and we're all aware that their sweet little lives are much shorter than our human lives. Thank you for such touching quotes to remember.
    It's so true, I feel like the blog friends I read and follow are friends that I have never met, but friends nonetheless.
    Best to you, Dan and Ella.
    xo,
    Karen

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  16. I started crying again when I saw the headline! Blessings on you, Dan. and Ella.

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  17. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Amelia. Know that she is watching over you now and waiting for the day you are all reunited. Sending you my thoughts and prayers.
    Hugs,
    Suzanne

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  18. What beautiful quotes, thank you for sharing them with us. The Shadowlands quote rings especially true. I am so sorry for your loss of Amelia but you have gifted her a most wonderful last few months. As Mary from ON says, the component of your heart is now just a little bit more dog. Thinking of you all.

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  19. This post made me cry again. I truly believe the way to honor the pets we lose is to adopt another one and share that love with them. We never forget the ones we lose we just share the love with another one.

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  20. All of my love and condolences go out to you both. Losing a beloved family member is one of the hardest life experiences. Some people lack the wisdom to understand that pets are our most. Precious gift. Their love is unconditional, inexhaustible, forgiving and always trustworthy. Humans that share even some of those qualities are few and far between.

    Know that she is in heaven running and playing, happy and pain free, smiling down on you.

    Eve

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  21. So sorry for the loss of your beautiful Amelia. All each of us truly needs is to know we are loved. You gave that precious gift to Amelia. She left this world knowing that she was loved. Hugs to your family.

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  22. Such a beautiful post-your words are so touching. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and your heartfelt words and feelings. I think all your readers know the feeling of losing a beautiful animal family member and the pain that follows. This post I believe will bring a little more peace to all of us. Thank you. My thoughts are with you, Dan and Ella. Beautiful picture of Amelia running in the woods. Tammy in Washougal, WA

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  23. My deepest and most sincere condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your sweet pups, family, and home with all of us, but also for writing experience with a raw, bittersweet emotion. I too will come back to these post when I experience loss, as the circle of life and aging process progresses within my own life, pups included. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, I hope you take comfort in the snowy walks, wagging tail, and love you all brought to Amelia.

    Much love from your New Hampshire neighbor ❤️

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  24. When I see you've posted on your blog I can't wait to read it, like your an old friend. I was so saddened to learn of your loss. I feel you and Dad were CHOSEN for Amelia to give her joy and love, which she had not had before she went to heaven. I know she'l be missed but she was certainly loved. My thoughts and prayers to you, Dan and Ella. Pam

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  25. We lost our beloved Owen, our bernese mountain dog, this summer and I woke in the middle of night to a gentle roll of thunder and knew he had made it to the rainbow bridge. Look for her sign, it will bring you comfort. xo, laura

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  26. Dear Joan,
    Love never ends. When I wrote in last comments I wrote Ella's name...I meant Amelia.
    Two angels at my head, two angels at my bed, one to watch, one to pray, two to bear ny soul away. You, Dan, Ella are Amelia's angels.

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  27. Thank you Joan, Dan and Ella for opening your home to us and sharing your lives. I love your blog. I'm very sorry Amelia didn't have the gift of time with you. But the time she had with you would have been the most joyful part of her short life that I know.

    Kind Regards
    Karen

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  28. What beautiful quotes. We bloggers are a family, as you said we may not know each other personally but we share our loves and our hearts. I LOVED the picture of the dogs running, I am so glad you have that. Please remember, you and Dan and Ella gave Amelia a WONDERFUL few mnths so she went to Heaven with a HAPPY HEART!!!!!!!!!! Love does not end. XO

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  29. Joan, It's a lovely photo memory of your dear Amelia running with Ella, a snapshot of the joy and love, if only for a short time. I've been thinking of you all week,and so very sad for your sudden loss. The quotes are beautiful, thank you for sharing. With much love to you, Dan and Ella.

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  30. Thank you for your gift - again. My loss one week ago still fills me with pain. You can't know how much your posts have helped. It's hard, as we age, for our hearts to keep healing. The losses of family, friends, and pets that come too soon...for them....for us. Though I'd been crying over my loss when I came to your blog and then cried again when I read it, I've ended up being filled with love and hope. So glad you shared your honest compassion even while you are grieving too. Thank you.

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  31. When I was 4 years old my dachshund, Lassie, was run over by a car and died. It was my first experience with death and I was heartbroken by the loss of my best friend. But I was devastated when, in response to a comment I made about Lassie getting her angel's wings, I was told that she was just a dog and dogs didn't go to heaven. I ran to my grandmama sobbing, absolutely hysterical at the thought that I would never see my friend again. When she finally managed to make sense out of my blubbered story, she took me on her lap, hugged me tight and asked me if I thought that she always told me the gospel truth. Well, of course I did. She told me that the gospel truth was that every soul that we had ever loved that left before us would be waiting to greet us at heaven's gate and it would be a joyous reunion. She assured me that God had given every living creature a soul .......every dog, cat, bird, squirrel, pig and monkey as well as people. So, I could rest assured that my Lassie would be waiting at the gate to jump up and lick my face in a frenzy of doggie happiness at being reunited with me once again. I believed my grandmama at 4 and I believe her still at 55. I'm sure that she's waiting at heaven's gate for me with all my other loved ones......those with fur as well as those without. May your hearts be at peace.

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  32. Joan, Dan and Ella as I sit here with my daughter and read your blog we are both overcome with sadness for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. Our four legged friends are such gifts to us no matter how much time we get with them. We lost our little guy "Ozzie" almost a year ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Give Ella a big hug for us. Love karen and Rachel

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  33. Deepest condolences to you over the loss of your beautiful, sweet, darling girl Amelia. We all have cried with you. Thank you for sharing your precious girl Amelia with us. Am so glad y'all found and had each other. The thoughts and prayers of so many are with you. Hug to lovely Ella and both of you

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  34. The words of Ginger-lyn Summer are so true !!!!
    Hugs and take care,
    Stella

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  35. Dear Joan, Dan, and Ella;
    I missed the last post about Amelia. I am stunned and heartbroken for all of you. I know your pain. I know you realize what a gift she was to all of you and you to her. Keep giving that gift. You all are what we all need more of in this world. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Take care.
    Emily

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  36. Hi Joan, Dan, and a pat on the head to Ella. It is truly amazing, the kindness of strangers. And how truly heartfelt it is, the empathy and the sympathy alike. It is oddly, I think, Amelia's gift in her passing, that each of us reading your blog and the comments of others, is renewed in the faith that people are good and caring and sincere. Our world is so harsh right now. It is so plainly good to see the humanity in people. Bless Ameilia's heart for helping us see the gentleness.

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  37. Hi Joan....I think Dan is correct, that you do have wonderful readers of your blog. Why is this? I think it's because you have opened your lives, your home, and your hearts to all of us. I truly admire that, and I've learned from you to try to be more open myself. Always being a very private person, I've learned from your blog (which is the only one I reply to by the way), that while that trait in me is fine, it also keeps you somewhat isolated from other people. Even in this cyber world, you have made so many friends by your sharing of your life and home. Your beautiful home inspires.....to be sure, but for me, there was more than that. You've have touched many lives out here in so many ways. That is the beautiful gift "you" were blessed with. Thank you.
    Bev

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  38. Joan, Dan, and Ella, I have tears in my eyes and I can't express how much I felt your grief. She left you way too soon, but the gift of love and family you all gave her in the last months of her life was amazing. I am so glad you adopted her. My your pain be eased. Big hugs!

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  39. "El dolor de ahora es parte de la felicidad de entonces..."
    Desde que conocí la pérdida de Amelia estaba insegura a la hora de expresar mis sentimientos, en nuestra casa hemos vivido dos ausencias de nuestras mascotas, es muy doloroso. Mi oración para Amelia y también para ustedes.
    Sigo su blog desde hace dos años, es más que un blog.
    Un abrazo
    Eshter-D. Abad

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  40. That sweet gentle soul that waited so patiently for someone to love and to be loved has ended up touching so many lives. Thank you for sharing her story. I'm so sorry you lost her so soon.
    Teresa

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  41. My husband and I co-facilitate a GriefShare class. The individuals that come to the group have lost a family member to death. (both my current husband and I were widowed in our 30's) It isn't always easy dealing with the pain of death, hardly ever, really. There is a quote from Zig Ziglar that is used during the group. "Grief is the price we pay, for having loved. If we didn't love, we wouldn't grieve." Sweet memories help to soften the grief of loss. Praying for you.

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  42. Amelia was meant to be with you, all the signs said so. A Xmas angel who must have felt such joy to have finally found a safe haven. Animals are blessed to live fully in the moment, running through the snowy woods with Ella, knowing she was finally loved and wanted.... that is what you gave her and how you will remember her. Happy and free. Home at last.

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  43. That quote, "The pain now is part of the happiness then," is so poignant and so true. Please know you're still in my thoughts, Joan and Dan. I'm wondering, how is Ella doing?
    Claudia

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  44. The love you gave to Amelia is the true gift here..........truly priceless.

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  45. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Amelia with us. She was a special girl and loved by so many. Thinking of you all, sweet little Amelia will be forever in your hearts. Sending love from Wendy, Jilly & Lana. xxxx

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  46. I am so happy you found the beautiful picture of Amelia running through the snow & trees.....a lovely memory! thank you for sharing your journey with all of us!! XO

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  47. We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.

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  48. My deepest condolences for your family loss. No greater tribute could be given to honor Amelia than to try again and rescue another little soul who needs your care and love. In the book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn the mother tells her daughter, "Only a small heart loves but one." You both have wonderfully LARGE hearts & when your spirits are ready, please know another little angel will be there for you to find. For now, do know that Amelia had those wonderful days where she was loved and cherished.

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  49. I am so sad for your loss. The love you gave Amelia during her short stay with you certainly brought her great joy. You were her angels. I hope that your memories of Amelia will bring you great joy as well, during this time of deep sadness.

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  50. Oh...gosh I am just now finding out about Amelia. I am so sorry for your loss. We lost one of ours last week. She was 14. That hurts but believe me I know the pain of losing one at a young age. I lost one at 8 years old suddenly. Like you...I never would have ever dreamed he'd be gone. And though you only had Amelia a short time...I know how quickly and fully you can love one you have not had long. My family once had a little puppy that died at 10 weeks after having her for only three weeks. She died of a tick born disease gotten at the breeders. It just about killed us to see the life drain out of her. So I know very well....it can hurt a very lot even when you've had them a short time. In my case...I took the bad and turned it to good by providing a home to another rescue. In my case my friends through the blog...got me through as I see they are you too. I cry for you as I know exactly how bad this feels.

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  51. much older sister susanJanuary 26, 2015 at 6:27 AM

    Joanie and Dan, these stunningly eloquent condolences are breathtaking. I would like to be friends with all of your blog friends. They have reaffirmed my faith in people. Doug and I send our love to you both and sweet Ella.

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  52. My heart breaks for you. God created such an amazing creature when he created dogs.
    Grateful that Amelia had such a special family in her last days to love her. Prayers for you and Dan.

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  53. Sometimes life - and I guess blogs as a result - take a turn we never thought they would take and we have to (one more time) go with the flow. I have lurked around your blog for a long time but felt moved to comment on your original post about losing Amelia because I felt a spiritual connection with you way before you lost Amelia. I think that is what has kept me coming back time after time - your blog is a refuge in a sometimes overwhelming world and I need good energy in my life on a daily basis. (Bev's comment above was so spot on.) Your descriptions of signs, of how things serendipitously come into your life, the cemetery where Dan's dad is buried and the reader who visits and then finally your sharing about Amelia have touched me in ways that I can't pay you back for. So I just say a simple thank you and send you light and love. Also so glad you found a picture of her running! When my vet was on his way to my house to euthanize my sweet schnauzer, I cut hair from his legs and put it in baggies so I would have something to touch after he was gone. I left his beard intact so he wouldn't look lopsided at the pearly doggie gates. However, I have no pics or video of him running - which I regret. I do have running pics of my 11 year old Siberian Husky (who is a rescue from the storm drain and is still kicking) so I am very grateful for that.

    Thank You Joan,

    Cathy Wyatt
    Houston, TX

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  54. Oh, God, I can't even respond! The only thing I can force myself to write is how grateful I am that you and Dan gave Amelia the most extraordinary love in her last weeks upon the earth. I know your pain. I hope you receive a sign from her.

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  55. I too have known your pain. Amelia had a good life with you. May fond memoires comfort you.

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  56. Joan, Dan & Ella, Thank you for giving Amelia such a wonderful, loving home for her to find peace in for what time she had left. She may have gone too soon, but she will never be forgotten. Surrounding her with love was the greatest gift you could have given her, however brief. I hope you are comforted by peace, love and warm memories of her place in your family. So very sorry.

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  57. I am a little late to the news, but wanted to express how sad I am for poor little Amelia, and for you, Dan and Ella in the loss of her. But like others have said, I'm so happy that she had found the life of her dreams with the three of you...even if only for too short a time. Your adoption story has encouraged my husband and I to rescue another dog into our family as well so little Amelia continues to inspire. And on a lighter note, as I'm guessing you could use it, I leave you with my favorite dog quote. I just love this - makes me chuckle every time for the truth we dog lovers all know. :) May the hurt lessen with each day. Hang in there!

    "Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job." ~Franklin P. Jones

    Debbie

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  58. Praying you are surviving the storm, both inside and outside. You are in my heart and prayers.
    Cindy

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  59. I am so very sorry for your loss. Rest assured that Amelia had a wonderful life with you--albeit too short. And I know she felt your love. Hold little Ella close to you right now, and keep only your warm memories of Amelia.

    With love,
    Jo Ann Bastanjoo

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  60. I am sitting here at work in tears....I hadn't stopped by your blog and when I did I was in utter shock. I am so so very sorry for your loss of dear sweet Amelia. Although she has already made her way to the Rainbow Bridge I will light a candle when I get home. (it is said it helps light their way to the bridge where they will wait for you) Although your time together was cut so painfully short I hope you garner some comfort in the fact that she had the absolute BEST life while she was with you. She knew true love and happiness and that is what matters. You did the bravest thing in the world by helping her take that next step in her journey, surrounding her with love. She passed from this life knowing she was deeply loved and no one can ask for more than that. Thank you for loving her.

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  61. So very sorry that sweet Amelia did not get to enjoy more time on this earth with you. Yet somehow, it feels like it worked out as it was meant to be. After all, you waited to find the perfect dog...and it seems like you did. Lucky Amelia. Lucky you.

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  62. So sorry to hear of you loss. She was blessed to have been loved so much even for such a short time. Michelle

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  63. We've been away and I was devastated to hear this news about Amelia. I can only say she was sent to you by a higher being just so she could know such beautiful love before she was called away to heaven. Nancy

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  64. So sorry to read about your dog. The reality of getting a dog is knowing that more than likely we will outlive him/her. I have lost many dogs and as I've gotten older I realize the loss that others have experienced with losing a parent, child or someone special. I lost my mother when she was 54, one month shy of turning 55. She had always been well, was diagnosed with bowel cancer and died a month later. It was devastating. We now have a cat that is getting up in age and we will have to make the decision soon to put her down. It will be hard, but the pain of losing our beloved cat doesn't compare at all to losing my dear mother. It's the part of life that stinks and it hurts so bad because we loved so hard.

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  65. Dear Joan and Dan,
    We can be grateful for all the love that suddenly manifests, because of your love for Amelia.
    We had a kitten we loved dearly who nearly died on the day he was born, with two other kittens who did. The mother was feral; she gave birth outside, and the litter was probably attacked by a wild animal. This kitten lost a leg. (Two others where healthy.). The vet's reaction was to put the kitten down. But we had faith that he could have a healthy life with three legs. After two operations he became the life and soul of the party, and the king of the local cats. He would climb up trees, and follow us on walks. The bond between him and us became very strong.
    Vey sadly, one day when we were away, he ingested something poisonous and died. He was only a very young cat. We were heartbroken.
    But it became clear that he was a messenger, a messenger of love enduring, and life enduring beyond death. it was deeply striking.
    I think it is the same with Amelia.
    Lots of love,
    Mary (France)

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  66. P.S.: Also, the love we gave him was not 'wasted'. We know deeply he is grateful to have received this love, it made his soul even greater, and in ways we do not know, it will be sending more ripples of love forward.
    And again, it is the same with Amelia.
    And I know you do have lots more love to give also.
    Mary

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  67. Dear Joan and Dan, I too am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was just over visiting Artie (at Colour Outside The Lines) and he too is grieving over the loss of his beautiful Abby. Extending warm hugs to you both knowing Amelia was blessed in having you both in her life for such a short time.
    -Brenda-

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  68. I was saddened to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you from one pet owner/blogger to another. We too, spend our days and home with pets that enrich our days.
    ~ Sharon from zoesfrontporch.com

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  69. I was out of the country and just reading your posts now. My thoughts are with you and your family as you heal.

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  70. So sorry to hear you lost your beloved Amelia. Dan's quote is sadly on point and with great love comes great loss. We love our dogs. xo

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  71. I just read about Amelia and I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you feel comfort in the fact that she found you and you gave her a wonderful and warm and loving home. We lost one of our pair of rescue dogs to cancer very suddenly and the pain was intense. Combined with the fact that there is no way to explain to your surviving dog why they aren't coming back is so sad. I'm sure you are dealing with that too. Isn't there a saying like "if dogs don't go to Heaven then I don't want to go" or something like that? I will say a prayer for you and Dan and Ella and I hope each day is a little easier. Your blog is beautiful.

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  72. How sad it would have been if Amelia had never know you and your love. The time she spent with you gave her healing so that she knew that earth was not all evil. I am glad she was well fed, warm, taken care of and LOVED dearly!

    Tanya

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  73. Just wanted you to know that Im thinking of you and your family and hoping that you are finding peace.

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  74. Oh, Joan, I am so very sorry for the loss of Amelia. I have tears running down my cheeks for you, Dan, and Ella. You are so right to celebrate her beautiful soul and think about all the joy she experienced with your family in her last two months of life, hopping through the snow and riding in the car, even as you experience the sorrow that comes with her passing. You gave her a wonderful gift and she gave the BEST gift, her love, back to you. I will light a candle for Amelia tonight, and another for you. --Shannon

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  75. Hello Joan, I just wanted to let you know that I'm still thinking about you and Dan and Ella. I hope your hearts have lightened and you're feeling more joy and satisfaction from giving Amelia a happy, loving life than the pain of the end. I think that we are rescue dogs' guardian angels while they are here and they are ours when they are gone.
    Other than that, I hope you're all enjoying the snow with candles and blankets and good food!

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  76. Joan, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and Dan and Ella. With love and hugs, N.

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  77. Joan, Dan & Ella, Sending Valentine's Day wishes to you. Hope your hearts are healing a little bit. We think of you every day & hope you can remember sweet Amelia now with happy memories instead of sadness. Please celebrate all the love you gave her on this Valentine's Day! You are such special people -

    With love,

    Kathy

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  78. I am so very sorry for your loss. I know that words are little comfort, but I know that sweet Amelia lived a lifetime in her short months with you. You brought her all the love and warmth she needed and more. Thank you for sharing your lives with shelter dogs and for opening your heart to us so we could enjoy them right along with you. My best to you, Dan and Ella.

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  79. Dear Joan, Dan and Ella, Just wanted you to know that I think of you and your loss of Amelia everyday and hope you are all doing well- As I mentioned before, those of us who have also lost a beloved furry child know the pain you are feeling and our hearts go out to you all. Imagine you are also experiencing all of this snow, ice and cold that we are having here in Massachusetts. It's all very beautiful but SO MUCH WORK!!!! Stay warm and know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Barbara P from Ma

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  80. My heart is aching and my eyes full of tears with both sadness that your sweet Amelia has passed, but joy that you all were able to experience the love of each other. My prayers to you and yours.

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  81. Hi Joan, [and family] I have heard of your blog, but haven't followed it. [yet] I'm better at writing than reading. However, it was open on my browser tab because I was doing a post on Bunny Williams who I just met and was researching it. I LOVE your post about Bunny and am insanely jealous. But maybe one day? Now, that she and I are fast friends. LOL

    I was checking out when you started your blog because I see you've had some 8 million page views [WHOA! that's awesome!] and then I saw that you hadn't written at all in February so I went to see what happened.

    I am so, so sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet Amelia. I too, lost my beloved kitten, 16 yr old Peaches early last December and I have never experienced such intense grief. On the heals of that, I just lost my dearest closest friend to effing lung cancer. [no, she never smoked]. I realize that this doesn't help to ease your pain. Only know that you're not alone.

    I talk to Peaches and Elaine all the time and even more frightening... They talk back! How nuts is that? But it helps me because I knew them so well... I knew what they were thinking and going to say even before they did. And knowing that... I know that they'll always be with me.

    much love through bitter-sweet tears ~ Laurel

    ps: blogging has saved me and I'm grateful to have that

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  82. Dear Joan, Dan & Ella: Just wanted you to know that your blogging family is still thinking of you and wishing you peace. I have also experienced the intense pain of losing much too early a rescued furry family member. You never stop missing them, but time does wash away the intensity of the pain and allow the happy memories to shine through a bit more each day. What comforted my broken heart the most early on was remembering how strongly my Gonzaga had responded to the love, tenderness, snuggles and companionship my family and I had given him. He blossomed with us and knowing that he sensed and accepted our devotion to him helped me slog through the initial pain of his loss. I hope that your realization that Amelia felt blessed from all that you selflessly gave to her helps you and Dan move on and tuck her permanently into your hearts as I know you are permanently in hers.

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Welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment; you have no idea how much your comments inspire me to keep writing- I appreciate each and every one. Comments are moderated by me prior to publishing on the blog, so if you don't see your comment post immediately it will be posted as soon as I receive and read it. joan