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A good weekend to be back on the trail.
Yes, we are sad and missing Rusty.
But it is time to wipe away the tears and go forward celebrating life.
All of you who have gone through a loss of a canine know what we mean – the little things are what catch you. That extra bowl at dinner. The extra leash on the hooks. The extra crate on the deck. The empty space in the Jeep. That one extra howl missing in during song time.
Several of you have asked how The Herd has been with the loss. Frankly, they have handled it well. Having lost 5 canines in the last decade, we know the pack can react differently to each loss. We really believe they took their time saying good-bye last weekend.
We are back to our regular posts going forward.
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I love to read your posts, the stories and pictures always put a smile on my face. We have one Siberian Husky, 13, and a 6 month flat coat retriever we just rescued. 2 weeks ago we had to make the very difficult decision to let go of Koda,our Bernese Mountain dog and I happened to read this story about Rusty. Haven, the puppy, does the same things Koda used to do, holding the leash in his mouth, picking our clothes up for us and bringing them outside and loves to “borrow” purses to carry around. As much as we hurt and miss Koda, we have so many more memories to ease the heartache. Thanks for sharing your story and reminding me to wipe the tears and celebrate life.
Thanks so much for taking the time to post. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Koda. We have a friend who taught us about how cool Bernese Mountain Dogs are and we can only imagine how much you miss your gentle giant.
I just had a chance to read this blog and it brought many tears. I feel like I know your dogs & also cna’t imagine the saddness you muct feel. Looking @ the pics of 5 curly tails, not 6, and the leash hanging on the rack really got to me. I hope by now you are all doing better but it will be hard for a long time because that Rusty was such a character! We will all miss him. Hugs from Sitka & his mom, Lisa
We totally understand where you’re coming from. It’s hard. And then it’s OK. And then it’s hard again.
You’re all in our prayers.
KZK
The hole will never be filled but you are right, Rusty sure would not want everyone sitting around and avoiding life. In the Rooster’s name, seize the adventure of today, Herd.
I think Rusty leaves a hole in many lives with his passing, but I am glad that The Herd is moving forward. And something tells me that one of these days, that leash will find another Sibe to keep in line. Perhaps not right away, but I think that one of these days, Rusty will find another character to keep your hands full.
It is always different when you lose one. I think when we lost Lilac that our dogs knew it was time before we did, and said their good byes, too.
Frankie’s getting squished by 2 of his sisters!
It’s always made the next days hard, realizing what you are missing. I even remember losing my first mare, her bridle is still hanging out there ready to go. Sending hugs and looking forward to your next adventures.
Sam
Months after we lost Gizmo I inadvertantly bought 3 bully sticks at the store rather than just 2. Makes me sad just typing this. Glad the herd is moving on!
Upwards and onwards, you go get’em!
Hope you guys had a great walk!
I’m glad to hear that the other pups are coping so well. We continue to keep all of you in our hearts. ~ Rox & Lilly
Still so sorry on the loss of Rusty. I had a similar situation after we lost Tucker. One day I was making Daisy dinner and suddenly scooped both his portion and hers into her bowl, since I was used to scooping twice for meals. She would have been happy to eat it, but I caught myself. This was about 2 weeks after he died.
I agree with Jo. So strange how we can love animals (and people) we’ve never met. It’s a tribute to your wonderful pictures and stories, I suppose, that make Rusty and all the other members of the Herd so dear and familiar to us, your readers. Bless you and your puppies as you continue your journey. My thoughts and prayers continue with all of you. Please give extra hugs and kisses to the Herd from the Parker household!
I agree with Stella…we read about others fur babies and we get drawn in and fall in love with them also. I too was sadden to hear about your loss. I am glad the rest of the pack is adjusting well and moving forward.
Yeah, all those little “missings” can bring the tears, thats for certain. But isn’t it amazing how a person can fall in love with a dog they have never met, just descriptions and pictures, and know they won’t be seeing them again, and feel heartbroken. I love funny, quirky dogs like Rusty, and have lost three of this type this year.
Jo