goodbye.

Okay. So I sat here for a bit before I could even begin writing this post. 


We said goodbye to Duke last night. It was his time. And he had some really good years. Not so much the last six months or so. 

A constant companion to Zach, who was an only child for eleven years, and the pick of the litter. He was named after the original Duke, John Wayne. Zach didn't have a sister or brother to play with and Duke was his buddy. They "played" basketball together, climbed mountains, built forts, went on runs and there were hours and hours logged as Duke chased many a tennis ball and stick thrown by Zach.

As the girls got older, and I didn't need to be outside with them every single minute, Duke took over as their Mama watching over them and keeping them in line. It was a common sight for Duke, Natasha {in the lead} and Rascal to take their morning walk together about 9am. It brought him joy, we could tell that. He was such a lovable dog. Always wanting to please, always ready to go for a walk and he had puppy dog eyes like you wouldn't believe. 

On cold winter days and nights, you could find Tasha and Rascal snuggled in close with Duke as he protected them from the cold. Snuggle buddies. Poor Scout. He, too, loved Duke. He knows something is just not right. Poor guy. 

Zach knew from his last visit home that Duke was not doing well but this will still be tough to take. It is for us and we've seen him lose a bit of his old self as each day passed and knew this day would come.  Duke is, and always was, Zach's dog. He lit up when he saw Zach. 


So long Clem Cadiddlehopper, we weren't ready for you to leave us yet.

24 comments

  1. So sorry to hear. I will surely miss him in your pic's and posts.

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  2. Oh, Monika, I am soooo sorry! I know that these events are so hard. <3

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  3. Hugs! It is so hard when our four legged family members have to leave us :(
    Thinking of you all. J.xx

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  4. Awww this post brought tears to my eyes. Losing a pet is like losing a member of your family. I'm so sorry. Hang in there and take comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering.

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  5. Oh, Monika! I'm so sorry! I saw the title of your post, and knew, without even scrolling down. (Sniff! Even started to cry!) Saying goodbye to pets, who give us such unconditional love, is so hard. :'( Sending love and hugs to you, G and the girls, and special thoughts and prayers for Zach as he mourns his first "best friend."

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  6. Aren't pets the most wonderful beings?!!
    It's so hard to lose them. But we do
    love them so much.

    Carla from Utah

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  7. Pets are such an amazing part of our families and it hurts so much when they're no longer with us. My thoughts go out to your family.

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  8. oh...i am so very sad for you. and poor zach...
    bless you and your family while you mourn such a loving part of your family.
    i know how hard this can be.
    blessings.
    ~j

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  9. I am so sorry Monika. A dog is like another child. I hope your family is doing okay.

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  10. Oh Monika, I'm so, so sorry. Praying for you all and blessings to you all as you mourn the loss of your sweet dog.

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  11. Sending you hugs! I don't like goodbyes.....

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  12. Tears....so sorry you and Zach lost Duke! I remember my Charlie and what a great faithrul companion he was to me and my children. How lucky you all were to have him in your life for as long as you did, he certainly lived a lot of life with you and your family. Sending you Cyber Hugs.

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  13. I'm sorry Monika..pets are such a huge part of the family, it's so hard to say good bye. Sending hugs to you and your family. (and the kitties too!)

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  14. Am so sorry to hear that. My thoughts are going with you and your family. {hugs}

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  15. I'm so sorry to hear about Duke! It must be difficult for Zach, being away from home.

    Our pets leave paw prints on our hearts:)
    My thoughts are with your family.

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  16. Oh Monika, I am so sorry!! I'm just now reading your post (I'm running behind. I am crying as I type this. I can only imagine how hard this is for y'all. I'm so so sorry for y'alls loss. I am praying for y'all. This is the day I dread for Newman (my baby) and Ollie. I think of this day often even though I try not to.
    ((((((hugs)))))) for you, Zach & the rest of your family.

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  17. Oh no, Monika. I'm so sorry to hear about Duke. It sounds like he gave everyone in your family lots of love and fun.

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  18. I am so deeply sorry for your loss Dear Monika!
    It's a beautiful tribute you wrote.
    Sending you lots of Love and a HUGE HUg~

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  19. Oh, I'm all choked up after reading your post. I know how hard it is to lose a furry member of the family...it just never gets easier. I had to put down my 14 year old cat, Bailey, last month after a year and a half of nursing him through health problems and he will be so missed. Our pets add so much to our lives and leave a hole in our hearts once they are gone. Hugs to you.

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  20. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how difficult it is to lose pets, esp when you have to make that decision! We have lost 2 beloved dogs to cancer & it is never easy! Praying for you & your family. You all will meet Duke again. My ds who was 3 when we lost our last dog, always says he can't wait to go to Heaven to see Luke again. Hugs!

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  21. I've already told Libbi the Wonder Dog that she must live forever as I can't bear the thought of her never being around. They are such a part of us, aren't they?
    ((((Hugs)))) to you all!

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  22. I'm so sad to read this Monika. So sad to let a long-loved pet go. You're in my thoughts.

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