Thursday, April 5, 2018

The Penny Post

I do not want to write this post. I really really do not want to write this post.

Every time I've thought about writing this post, I'm hit with the pain of the puppy-sized hole in my heart. But here I am, and this needs to be done, and I know I'll feel better once these words have left me.

At the beginning of the year, we had to say goodbye to our beloved Penny. With her diagnosis of mitral valve disease in early 2017, we knew it was coming sooner than later. Her heart was just too big--both literally and figuratively. I'm grateful to say that she had a really wonderful final year and we enjoyed every moment of our time with her--from her last holidays and Halloween dress-up to our final family snuggles. She was wagging her tail and giving us kisses until the very end.


If you've been around my blog over the years, then you know how much my fuzzy family members mean to me. Penny was my constant companion--always by my side while I typed and illustrated late into the night, and making me laugh with her talent for burping. (I don't think a dog has ever existed that burped as much as Penny!) I could easily fill a book with memories of how wonderful she was, and how many people loved her, and what she meant to us. But instead I'll go with the old 'a picture is worth a thousand words' sentiment and let some of my favorite photos do the talking for me.

The day she came to live with us.



 
 
That time she got a bone stuck in her fur.
 
That time she got stuck trying to follow us upstairs.
 
That time we stuck her in a pillow.

 

Penny's best dog friend, Bailey. He still doesn't understand that she's gone.
 
 
 

Even if we'd had fifty years with her, I'm sure it still would have seemed far too short. I'm honored we got to call Penny our best friend and couldn't be more grateful for our time together. No dog will ever be quite like her, and I hope you enjoyed reading about her over the years. I will always love and miss my sweet Penny-pup.


15 comments:

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    1. Thank you, Krysten! We loved her to pieces. :)

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  2. I'm so sorry to hear about Penny. Our sweet Carly is going through the same thing. She was diagnosed in November. My thoughts are with you.

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    1. Thank you, Alaina! I very much hope Carly stays with you for a long time yet. Sending healthy wishes your way!

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  3. Kathryn, this made me cry and smile. Penny was lucky to know you.

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    1. This is Jody, btw! I didn't realize I was on the SCBWI account when I commented.

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    2. Haha--no worries, I've done that too! Thank you for the very sweet comment. We miss her tons.

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  4. Penny was really a one-of-a-kind pup. Yes, I'm crying. They say dogs don't need to stay on earth as long because they've already mastered life. We humans need to listen. Hugs.

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    1. Thank you, Kathy! That's so very true. I hope you and Wiley have many, many more years of doggy snuggling and kisses ahead. :)

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  5. I'm so sorry, Kathryn. Your pictures of her are so sweet.

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    1. Thank you, Kristy! She always loved when you came over. :)

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  6. Tears for you Kathryn! What an amazing dog!

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    1. Thank you, Annette! I wish you could have met her in person--you would have loved her. :)

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  7. So very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your beautiful and charming pup with us. She was special indeed! Wishing you a healing heart. Hugs!

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    1. Thank you, Linda! (And thanks for the hugs, too.) I know you share a deep love for furry friends. :)

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