Thursday, April 12, 2012

My Big Boy

We want to thank all of you for your lovely comments. Rob and I read and reread every one of them and it's comforting to know that so many people cared about our Tsar. It's much too quiet here and the whole pack feels the loss. Sky has spent the last two evenings standing beside my chair with his head in my lap. I know he's telling me that he's my big boy now and he's ready for the job.
Morgan made the trip with us on Tuesday morning to say goodbye to her old friend. We felt it would be easier for her to accept his disappearance and though she seems a little sad, we think it was a good idea.
I don't plan to dwell on the last few weeks when Tsar was trying so hard to cope with the tumor growing in his head. Instead I want to share some of the things I'm going to miss the most.

The smile

The snow face


The  playfulness

The sweetness

 The self confidence

 The gentleness

Singing together



The soft cat feet

The melted chocolate eyes

I borrowed something from the Rottrover blog that means a lot to me:

"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into 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."  author unknown


I think my heart must be about 95% canine by now and I wouldn't have it any other way. It never gets easier to say goodbye.

Goodbye Tsar, you were much loved and you are much missed.

22 comments:

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Hi Sue and Rob, your family has been in our thoughts. Thanks for sharing Tsar with us. We love the poem too and Tsar's photos are a wonderful tribute. Take care all. No worries, and love, Carol (and Stella and Rory)

Molly the Airedale said...

What a beautiful tribute to such a handsome boy! He's going to be missed for a long time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love ya lots,
Mitch and Sue

Mad about Craft said...

The wonderful thing about having digital cameras and computers when we have dogs, is we take loads more photos so we have a wonderful legacy of our dogs' loves.

When I had my previous dog, Jess, I used a 35mm camera and haven't ended up with that many photos, with Meg I have already got loads of photos.

You have a fantastic legacy of photos of Tsar - not the same as having the dog but the photos are a way of reminding yourselves what a wonderful dog he was.

Hugs((()))

bichonpawz said...

Every single time I read about another owner going through such a difficult time, it brings me to tears. I still miss my boy so very, very much. You gave Tsar such a good life and I pray that my Zip was there to show Tsar the way. RIP Tsar. Hugs to you all.
Jeanne...mama to Chloe and LadyBug and angel Zip.

Nicki said...

What a lovely tribute.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

You have been in our thoughts all week. We hope you are doing OK. The past few weeks have to have been so hard on you, but you are right to try not to dwell on that time. Mom always says that it takes time to heal your heart. One of the best ways is through the many happy memories you have of your time with your big boy Tsar. Mom has tears here tonight as she looks in his beautiful brown eyes. Hugs to you from all of us.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning and Mom

SissySees said...

My girls have been singing/barking/trying to howl for Tsar for two days now.

That snow face and his singing photos made me all misty. Gg is looking very concerned...

I love that quote, but I'm still pondering a paw print tattoo "on my heart".

booahboo said...

A most wonderful tribute to a special friend and family fellow. You have been in our thoughts a lot lately. Hope the rest of the porties will keep you in high spirits. Many hugs to you and Rob.

Dommy+Anny

Two French Bulldogs said...

What a great memory tribute post to Tsar
Benny & Lily

Jo's World said...

Its good to see you sending this tribute to Tsar. He reminded me so much of my Scottie Otis, and I have recollections of that last trip to the vet too. He fought endlessly with the vet techs whenever we would go, but the last time he was just too sick. But the techs all said goodbye and cried at his loss. As I still do now and then, years later. As will you & Rob. Jo, Stella and Zkhat.

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

What beautiful words. We've been thinking of you. Sometimes we think we see Kendra just out of the corner of our eyes. Then she's gone.

The worst was making comments and automatically signing her name. We had to delete her for weeks.

Hugs to you and the pack.

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

The Daily Pip said...

A lovely tribute to Tsar! We loved his melted chocolate eyes, too!

Pip & Kristin

Lapdog Creations said...

What a beautiful tribute... those are some wonderful memories of Tsar and beautiful photos.

Hugs to all......

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Dear Sue, Rob and the pack, We are so sorry to hear about Tsar, but know that you would not want him to suffer. Tonight is the first time we had been on the blogs for a few days and we did not know of his passing. What a lovely tribute to him. Our thoughts, prayers and hugs are coming your way.

XOXO
The Rocky Creek Clan

Jans Funny Farm said...

We didn't know Tsar but we know the pain of loss, so we came by to leave lots of pawhugs for all of you.

Golden Samantha said...

Such a really lovely tribute to Tsar - we were so sorry to hear about his crossing. Beautiful poem and wonderful photos - we are sending love and prayers to you and your family
xoxoxoxo
Sammie and Avalon

FiveSibesMom said...

We just learned of Tsar's crossing the Rainbow Bridge from over at Mango & Dexter's blog...so, so very sorry to hear this news. We are thinking of you and know how much you must miss your beautiful boy. Run free, Tsar...your legacy will continue in the hearts of your hu-family and friends forever.

Anonymous said...

Oh my herat is broken! We loved Tzar and his beautiful face. Much love from all of us at Wild Dingo to your entire pack, who will undoubtedly feel the loss of teir loved one....

The Island Cats said...

We didn't know Tsar, but we are sorry to hear he has gone to the bridge. We can see what a wonderful woofie he was. So handsome! We send you comforting purrs to help ease your sadness.

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

We are sorry we've not made it here until now -

We'll never forget meeting Tsar during Mango Minster!

Khyra is still quite taken with his khat like qualities!

We've lit a candle here this evening -

And will close with the words we often share...

It's not furever...it's just...fur now...

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Phyll

Soggibottom said...

Sue, I am so so sorry, I have only just realised... I always go missing from the blog world at the wrong time. So sorry babes.
He was a real huggy bear bless him.
No one ever has words to say just how sorry they are. I always think, they pick us. I will miss seeing his fluffy face on your blog. You've given him a beautiful tribute, before I sit and bawl ... just want to send you all my love x x x x x x x Midge x

Dianne said...

Oh, Sue, I just now came to your blog after being away from blogland for well over a month. I am so very sorry. I feel your pain. Wish I was there to give you a hug. Wish you were here to give me one! I am thinking of you and your whole furry family.