Monday, January 19, 2009

Her Name Was Baby...


The Farklepants family lost a dear friend today. She was a member of our family for thirteen years this month.

She was Boy-Child#1's best friend.

She was my lone companion while the kids were in school and Mr. Farklepants was at work.

She loved underpants and had an ongoing not so secret love affair with the cardboard centers of toilet paper and paper towel rolls.


She frequently raided the pantry.

And the trash.

She enjoyed stashing prepackaged snacks into the corners of the sofa.

She was known to steal a roast or the Thanksgiving turkey carcass right off the counter.

She hated the vet and, in the office, would stand on her hind legs and wrap her arms around my neck whenever she had to go there.

She thought she was a lap dog. She weighed nearly one hundred pounds.

She liked to be in whichever room we were all in.

She slept in our room.

She liked to chase rabbits and birds.

She didn't like to leave the house.

She was often the thorn in my side and the straw that broke this camel's back.

She often slept on our beds when we left the house.

She always greeted us upon our return.

She enjoyed helping me do laundry, fold clothes, take a shower, cook dinner, bring in the groceries.

She did NOT enjoy helping me vacuum or blow dry my hair.

She was not a fan of bodies of water, rain, snow, or wind.

Cell phones drove her mad. So did air compressors. And vacuums. And hair dryers.

She scared the bejesus out of the pizza delivery guy. And the UPS man.

She was as gentle as a lamb even if she looked super ferocious.

Her bed lay empty. Yesterday's food still sits in her dish.

We were all with her in her final moments.

And there is a hole in my heart now that she's gone.

I miss you Baby. We miss you. May you rest in peace you sweet Baby, you.

84 comments:

Anonymous said...

Okay I am tearing up.

What a great tribute to a great friend.

Best wishes Baby. I am sure they have pre-package snacks, toilet paper rolls and rabbits in heaven. And absolutely no vaccuums.
Have fun.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about Baby. I'm glad you all got to say goodbye.

Maryissewfast said...

My condolences to you all. It's hard tolose a furbaby, especially one that has obviously been such a big part of your family. Rest in Peace Baby. Mary

Nelson's Mama said...

Our sweet Shelley is thirteen, gonna be a sad day here too...

Mr Lady said...

Oh, dude, I am SO sorry.

Karen said...

Sounds like Baby had a wonderful life with an awesome family!
My heart hurts with you when I read this, as we are still missing our old man. In fact my little one was crying for him tonight and it's been 6 months since we said goodbye.
Sending hugs to your family!

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry. My guy Biscuit told me it was time to let him go 8/11/08. There's nothing like the love of a good dog, loyal and true. Hugs to you and your famliy. It's never "just a dog."

josetteplank.com said...

I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved friend and companion.

That was an eloquent and beautiful tribute.

Sleep, sweet friend. You have been truly loved.

jean said...

I am so sorry to hear about Baby.

Lisa said...

She sounds like she was a wonderful friend who provided you all with years of memories. What a great way to pay her tribute.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss! Beautiful, beautiful tribute post.

Hey it's Amy Benson said...

I am soooo sorry for your loss!! How sad for you and your family... What a sweet post. I have a dog I love too, I am not looking forward to that day with her. {{Hugs}}

Anonymous said...

You have me all in tears now. I'm so sorry about your loss, glad you all got to be with her to say goodbye. Our pets are never just "animals". They are family. Hugs to you this week.

Burgh Baby said...

I wish I could tell you it gets better, but three months after losing Jasmine, I'm still waiting for that myself.

I'm so sorry.

Wineplz said...

I am sooo sorry. She sounded like a wonderful girl. Big hugs. :(
I still miss my codgerly old kitty that we lost over a year ago.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I know your pain, my best friend of 13 years left this earth on August 12, 2008. Time will help you heal, you will not forget your dear friend but it will get easier.

Dawn in D.C. said...

They give so much and ask nothing in return except a loving hand. I'm sorry for your loss. It's hard to say good-bye. There are no vacuums in heaven.

Anonymous said...

Oh, hon, I'm sorry. Really sorry. I never "got" pet love until we got our Rosie. And now I get it. And she gave us quite a scare this weekend (she's ok now), so I'm mourning your Baby with you.

Ms. Maxwell said...

You usually make laughing tears, but tonight they were sad tears. There will be another journey across the Rainbow Bridge for sure.

Anonymous said...

That made me cry. I'm so sorry for your loss. Take care

smalltownme said...

Goodbye, Baby. It's so sad to lose a beloved friend.

Timi said...

I would like to write something all heartfelt but I can't see through my tears.
My thoughts are with you and your family in your time of lose.
Good bye Baby

krissy said...

Ohh. I found your blog and had to drop a line.

I'm so sorry. Baby is precious. I have two big dogs who sound just like her.

I hope you find peace soon. I bet she is in heaven chewing on toliet paper rolls right now.

Persnickety Ticker said...

So sorry to hear you had a loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Here's hoping doggie heaven is stocked up on underpants and cardboard rolls and with no vacuums to be found.

Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] said...

You made me pet my dog a little longer just now.

Perfect tribute.

My condolences.

Anonymous said...

My heart cracked a little for you.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Baby sounded like a wonderful dog. I hope you find solace in your memories with Baby.

Swirl Girl said...

Oh I am so sorry.

Anonymous said...

My dogs have been my saving grace at times and I know how important they can be in your life. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Laura said...

Sadly, I've been there, and it is so sad to lose a precious fur member of the family. Baby is an angel watching over your family until you see her again one day. Rest in peace sweet doggie ~

Gertrude said...

They are never just dogs are they. They are family.
I am very sorry.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss.

JCK said...

I'm so sorry. Sending hugs to you and your family. Here's to Baby!

just jamie said...

Oh...no.

I'm just so sorry.

She's on a farm, right? In doggie heaven? I just know it.

lesliereid said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Whenever you feel your heart breaking, try to picture Baby chewing on your underpants. I think that would bring a smile to my face every time. Best wishes for you all.

cactus petunia said...

They have such short lives, but they sure do pack a lot of living and loving into them, don't they? Sending you all hugs and condolences,
Petunia and Pups

Maura said...

I'm sorry to hear about your family's loss. That's always so tough. This was a lovely tribute to her.

VDog said...

I'm so, so sorry.

I can't imagine losing our dear girl.

(((HUGS)))

Fightin' Mad Mary said...

I'm sending out a big hug to your whole family. Goodbye dear sweet Baby, you are loved.

Michelle Fluttering Butterflies said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Baby.

calicobebop said...

So sorry to hear about your loss. I'm sure she's enjoying the toilet paper rolls in doggie heaven.

LisaDuvall said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your post made me tear up.

And everything you said about baby pretty much describes our big oaf of a dog. He's a real bafoon but so, so loved.

Manic Mommy said...

Our Maddie-Dog is barking (again) at the back door. Maybe she wants to be let out (again) or maybe she's sending her condolences.

They are a part of our families. They are our babies. And they are loved.

Maddie and I send our best wishes.

Anonymous said...

Ugh. I've been there.
I'm so sorry for you all.
:(

Anonymous said...

This makes me very sad.
I'm very sorry for your loss.
{{hugs}}

Maggie, Dammit said...

Oh, honey, I am SO sorry. I am just so sorry.

So sorry.

RuthWells said...

Oh, I'm so sorry. Snif.

Jodi said...

They crawl into our hearts, and eventually break them. So sorry for your loss.

MamaHen Em said...

I'm so, so sorry. It's hard to lose a beloved friend.

Lo said...

aw crap i'm cryin'.

baby is in a better place. such a heartache to lose such a good, good friend.

LI Laura said...

There was a toilet paper roll in the living room this morning, and I've never seen my two do that before, so maybe Baby is visiting all her blog dog pals.

My condolences on your loss. I lost my Jake in 2005. It's so hard to lose a piece of your heart.

yellaphant said...

I am soooo so so sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my dog this summer too, and it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I'm a 20-something, with no kids yet, so this dog was my baby. I really feel for you right now. Your whole family will be in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Sucky, Sucky Mc Suckersons. Dogs are the best. I'm sure you pup felt overwhelming love from her family in her last hours.

My dog loves to eat underpants too, what's up with that?

barbra said...

I'm so sorry. My condolences.

AGSoccerMom said...

I have no words. It is just so sad when a member of the family passes on. May your memories bring you comfort.

One Reader said...

I'm at a loss. I'll just leave my condolences and say I'm truly sorry you lost such a loving member of your family.

Anonymous said...

Cyber-hugs. I'm really sorry.

Anonymous said...

This is lovely. I'm so sorry. I went through this about a year ago and it still breaks my heart.

Sending you love and hugs.

Martie said...

Sorry for your loss. Baby was beautiful.

Jennifer S said...

Ouch, the hurt. My heart goes out to all of you.

Rebecca said...

We too lost our dear dear Penny yesterday after 13 years. I am saddened by your loss. Hugs hugs hugs.

Anonymous said...

I've been there many times, and I'm so sorry to hear this. It's obvious that Baby was truly and deeply loved.

Feel better soon ...

Anonymous said...

What a lovely piece. {{{{{hugs}}}}}

scargosun said...

My heart hurts for you all.

I hope she likes the toilet paper on the other side of the rainbow. I hear it's the good stuff.

MommyTime said...

Oh, this breaks my heart. I send much sympathy. I know what it is to love a dog.

ccr in MA said...

Oh, I'm so sorry. Animals get into your heart, don't they?

Unknown said...

Yes, I have tears in my eyes. What an incredible tribute to one of your babies. It made me think about the first dog I lost as an adult....these creatures are a part of our everyday lives and their absence is glaring when they leave us.

I'm comforted to know you have so many specific memories clear in your heart.

My condolences.

ms-teacher said...

I am so sorry. Hugs to you and your family.

Baby Favorite said...

Oh, how very sad. I am so sorry!!!

OHmommy said...

Oh. No.

I am so very sorry for your lost. For your entire family.

When we lost our dog growing up, we had a picture put onto a blanket. Cheesy, I know. But we LOVE that blanket to this day.

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

I am so sorry for your loss. This is why my young son was opposed to getting a dog-- we do fall hard for them,don't we? But our lives are better for having loved them.

Anonymous said...

Oh no...I'm so very sorry! I know how incredibly hard it is to lose a furry family member =(

Mrs. G. said...

Awww...what a sweet face. I am so sorry.

Passages to the Past said...

I am so sorry to hear about your family's loss. Baby had such a wonderful, caring and loving family and what more could a dog ask for?

Take care of each other. You will be in my thoughts.

Glennis said...

Oh, I'm so so very sorry. She has such a sweet face. May she romp with our Mr. Lumpy in Doggie Heaven.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful tribute. Comfort one another.

Paula Lynn Johnson said...

We're about to go through this with our dog. I so feel for you. What a pretty girl she was.

Anonymous said...

I don't know how you were able to write Baby's wonderful tribute without tears shorting out your keyboard. Dogs never live long enough, but I think that's so we appreciate them more while we have them. Leaving to give my doggy some love now.

Leandra said...

Aw, Tootsie. I'm so sorry.

lapoflux said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss Tootsie.

I'm shedding a little tear for you - beautifully written.

Julie said...

What a sweetheart. Amazing how they can rip your heart out.

Shanna said...

I am so sorry to read this, though she sounds like she had a great part in your lives and she lived a great life herself.

Misty said...

So sorry for your loss... pets really do become part of the family and it's never the same when their gone.

Violet said...

So, so sorry for your loss. My own sweet girl, Lucy the cocker spaniel, died rather suddenly last April so I know how much you loved her and how much you miss her...and how much Baby loved you.

The Girl Next Door said...

I am way behind on my reading and am just catching up - I am crying for you remembering the pain of losing a best friend, still so hurtful after 14 years and 2 other dogs. My thoughts are with you and I hope you all are progressing through the pain.