This first post after Sam passing has been very difficult to write. Do I dive back in and try to recapture the humor our blog is known for? Do I pretend this new normal without Sam is okay with us? I've sat down at the keyboard several times, but the right words have not come.
I realized that during the course of Sam's illness, and after his passing, we had received a few gifts from friends - gifts we have not recognized. I decided this first post would include a few very belated thank you's to all of our friends. Not only for the gifts for the pups, but for all the kind words and support we have received from everyone.
Our first thank you belongs to Jack and the Tall Guy over at
Daily Dose of Jack. Way back in July they hosted a contest to win a Frosty Paws prize pack. We were one of the lucky winners!
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| Thank you Jack and the Tall Guy! |
Our dear friend
Lucca also has been checking in on us. Lucca's Mom sent our pups some yummy treats. These arrived before Sam passed away and he was able to enjoy both the duck biscuits and the turkey-oatmeal-cranberry treats. On a side note, Monty was suspicious of the Healthy Bones and Harlow loved everything! Thank you Lucca!
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| Yum Yum! |
Khyra also sent us a special care package. There were treats, a beautiful card, a note from Khyra's Mom, a neat water bottle and a bit of Khyra floof. Which, just so you know, Khyra floof is like crack to doggies.
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| I have detected a foreign substance.... |
...and last but not least...
As some of you know, our Monty is the Mr. October for
AZGRC's 2014 calendar. Recently a very special package came in the mail. Not only was it our very own copy of the calendar, but we also got a special note card with Monty's picture, as well as a beautiful canvas of the picture to hang on the wall. To order a calendar,
click here. Don't forget to read Monty's story!
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| Our boy is handsome! |
We also got a CD full of photo's from the photoshoot. These photo's are very special to us - Sam was there that day:
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| Forever brothers! |
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| Sam and me |
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| My redheads... |
We will share more of the photos in future posts. We have some very beautiful ones of Monty I can't wait for you to all see.
Once again, thank you everyone - for your kind words, thoughts, gifts and love you have sent our way.
Sam is going to leave a very big space in your life. We know... but, yep, your life goes on, but doesn't mean you ever forget them.
ReplyDeleteRight beside you... always and he will be... good to see you on blogger again.. Ah,such strange stuff happens in a year.... and then it passes... but SAM, will always be right beside you... promise x x x
What wonderful memories those photos bring...we know the big hole that is left in your heart whenever one of us has to leave for the bridge.
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Daisy, Bella & roxy
When my Gemi died after a horrible accident 2 years 2 months and 10 days ago, I never thought I would adjust to the "new life" without her. While I am not the same without her or since the accident, I have found a way to live and to get through each day, to see the joy in most days, even when I feel like there is a hole the size of Africa in my heart. It does get better (I truly never thought I would say that). I feel your heart break and hope like me, you can find ways to at least put a bandaid on the hole so you can move forward. Lee and Phod's Lady
ReplyDeleteWhat a GReat and special post!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much FUR sharing it with us !!!
The pikhtures are inkhredible -
We are sorry the box didn't arrive before Sam got his wings - but I'm sure he'll enjoy them via The Rainbow Bridge kham!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
The photos are incredible, and I'm so glad that you had that photoshoot. Brother forever, definitely!
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling that you're talking about when you sit at your keyboard. When I was in a similar place as you after my K died, I decided that I just had to be authentic. I couldn't fake joy or happiness when I didn't feel it. Very gradually, I learned to live with that hole in my heart. I thought that, by writing about it, I might help myself in the future when it happens again. Because it will - I will always have special dogs in my life - and I hope my posts will serve as a reminder to me that I will someday emerge from the darkness after a loss.
So, please don't feel like you need to fake it for us. We all understand because many of us have been in your shoes.
We are thinking of you.
Love the photos, Christine. Tomorrow we are going to Railfest - and we'll be thinking of the day you and Sam joined us. Bring Monty and Harlow this year!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful photos... What treasures they must be...
ReplyDeleteSam was such a special boy. I know... life here will never be the same without him. We SO understand the loss for words, the not knowing how to start over... Sam is with yeu. Let him guide yeu. Sit with him, and he will comfort yeu... as we wish we cood teu.
sending yeu lubbs, lots ob lubbs from Little Reufus and the Mom
It is so hard to keep going,but you will.Heck,it is even hard to put into words how bad I feel for you,even though I`ve said goodbye to a few dog loves myself.It is a special love & bond,& you will feel him beside you in days to come .sending you hugs & love,phyllis
ReplyDeletePrecious calendar photo shoot. Sending you Lots of Golden LOVE. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking a big step and writing-- so we can all hear from you,, and also thank you for being honest.
ReplyDeleteWe are your friends- and blogville people are like a special family who care about each other.,
If you are sad- its ok to say the words- we listen- we understand.
The photos are absolutely beautiful.
Thank you for coming out to say hello to all of us.
Just take time,,, and feel the love from all of us..
love
tweedles
Thank you for posting your thoughts and pictures today. We have been a little quiet as far as comments lately and when Sam passed we still couldn;t find words to let you know how we hurt for you. just know that we are thinking of all of you and send our love to you and MOnty.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing that photo shoot has turned out to be. I'm glad you have some wonderful treasures to hold on to. We had the same trouble figuring out how to continue the blog after our Emma passed away. We understand it's just not the same. It's hard to find that groove and tone that feels right again.
ReplyDeleteTake Care our thoughts are with you.
Beautiful photo shoot. You just be you and know you don't have to fake anything. We understand, and you and your whole family are still in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Goose
You're so lucky to have had the photo shoot. I certainly felt at a loss for words after Gizmo died. It took some time to find the words again. Bart and Ruby seemed to grieve as well, and they provided me an opportunity to talk about all of our feelings.
ReplyDeleteHowdy Mates, I certainly know how you feel too. Thanks for your post and thanks for sharing photos and memories with us. Sam will always be with you. Take care. No worries, and love, Carol (and Stella and Rory)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful photo shoot! The memories will never die and Sam will be right beside you forever ♥
ReplyDeleteLove ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly
Sam will forever be in your heart! It does take a long while to adjust to his new location. Those beautiful photos are a wonderful keepsake.
ReplyDeleteWe have seen many blogs " lose their voice" when their fur baby crosses the rainbow bridge....but you don't need to recapture Sam....his voice is always in your heart...and know you just let in the other voices.....they have them too. It will just take a little longer to hear them and their personalities
ReplyDeleteThey never leave us, they are always in our heart.
ReplyDeleteDog Dad, Essex & Sherman
I'm so sorry to hear about Sam. I've been on- and off-line for a while and I missed this sad news.
ReplyDeleteSam was a very special boy. I recently lost my boy Trouper and I think about him every day. Your sad memories will turn to happy ones, and Sam will will live on in your heart forever.
We are so terribly for your loss. Your tributes to Sam are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHugs & love,
Pam & Oskar
It's good to hear from you again. I was worried about you. What a fun photoshoot. I can see that the GR coats make for some interesting lighting experiments for photographers. They shimmer and shine.
ReplyDeleteWe love, love, LOVE the photos! Especially the one of you and Sam! We understand what you're going through and send you love!
ReplyDeleteCammie!
hello monty and harlow its dennis the vizsla dog hay those ar wunderful pikchers!!! kongratchoolayshuns to monty yoo pinup yoo!!! ok bye
ReplyDeleteWow, those photos from the photo shoot are amazing! So gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI'm still sad that Sam is gone, but I am glad you're posting again. :)
What wonderful photos! We understand you, Christine and we are thinking of you all.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Thor and Jack
What a wonderful gift to have those photos. I've mentioned before that I lost my Golden a few years ago. I treasure the last photos I have of him and my boys and Lightning. I have enjoyed the humor of this blog, but I completely agree with the earlier comment to be authentic. The humor will return (with Monty and Harlow how can it not?), but be true to yourself. Sometimes I find it's just not there....I've had some events happen lately (nothing near as big a loss as Sam) and I can't find the humor either. I've struggled with how to write anyway. On a happier note, Mr. October is a handsome fellow. I'll be buying some of those calendars. One for my home, one for my office, and one for a friend who is a Golden lover. It will be an honor to support the organization that helped you out with Sam and the harness, and brought you Monty and Harlow.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you have those lovely photos of your beautiful boys. Can't wait to see the rest!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you all.
Michelle & Sunny
Things will never be the same without our beloved Angels but life must go on. I am sure if they can send us messages from the Rainbow Bridge, they would say the same.
ReplyDeleteI really love the forver brothers picture!
Hugs to all.
YD & June
So sorry to hear about Sam. Sending hugs your way. Thanks for sharing him with all of us. What wonderful pictures.
ReplyDelete♥♥♥ Wyatt and family
Thanks for posting and sharing the photos.
ReplyDeleteAroo to you,
Sully
Murphy and I are sending you our love and light.
ReplyDeleteLoving him is worth the pain of losing him.
Those of us who have lived that know it is true.
Thank you for sharing your posts.
I Know how hard that first post is to do after lossing your best friend in the world!!!!!!!!!! I know!!!! Most of us out here KNOW!!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful photos!!! We out here in Blogland love you and we loved Sam right a long with you so we miss him too!!!
So glad you can go back to work now!!!!
It's difficult to get back in any kind of groove. I know what you're going through. It's almost like starting over.
ReplyDeleteThe portraits with Sam are so precious and beautiful...a forever treasure.
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