Forever young again: Heather, 1996-2009
By Gina Spadafori
October 1, 2009
This is what she’s doing on the other side now — except I don’t have to be worrying about riptides.
She would have been 13 next month. A good long life, never long enough.
.
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I am so sorry for your loss.
Comment by swellyn — October 1, 2009 @ 6:46 pm
Jack and I are so sorry for your loss. She was/is such a beautiful girl. Gods speed to the bridge Heather. Hugs and Flatcoat kisses from Woflie.
Comment by Glo Kelnhofer — October 1, 2009 @ 6:49 pm
Gina, I am so sorry. I’m sure she’s running pain-free through fields of pheasants. Maybe she & Pete & Seeber will flush a few…
Comment by Patti S. — October 1, 2009 @ 6:52 pm
Gina, I’m so sorry to hear about Heather. She is running free now, although that doesn’t make it easier.
Comment by Blue — October 1, 2009 @ 6:56 pm
So sorry to hear about your dear Heather. I know how hard it is when they cross the bridge…
She’s running free now and not suffering any longer…
Comment by Marina Schulze — October 1, 2009 @ 7:01 pm
We are all grieving with you Gina. So sorry for the loss of your wonderful dog Heather,
Comment by Nancy Freedman-Smith CPDT — October 1, 2009 @ 7:05 pm
Ah Gina… I know your pain and you’re in my thoughts.
Comment by Christie Keith — October 1, 2009 @ 7:18 pm
So, so sorry Gina. It never stops hurting when we lose these special souls. But, I always consider us the lucky ones as not everyone even knows the magic that defines these relationships. We’ve been allowed to share in that, and our lives are so much richer because of it.
Comment by Rochelle Lesser — October 1, 2009 @ 7:30 pm
Oh Gina, I’m so sorry for your loss. I feel like I got to know Heather through your posts here. You’re in my thoughts - you’re right, it’s never long enough.
What a beautiful photo.
Comment by Ingrid King — October 1, 2009 @ 7:36 pm
Never long enough!
The pain will ease a little over time.
A wonderful life you have had together. The spirit world has him now. There he will be free to roam without any pain.
May the rest of your brood including Faith, Clara, Ilario, and the others, help somewhat to comfort you in your huge loss of Heather.
Comment by Colorado Transplant — October 1, 2009 @ 7:39 pm
Oh Gina. I’m so sorry.
She was so lucky to have you in her life. No one could have given her better care.
Comment by The OTHER Pat — October 1, 2009 @ 7:47 pm
Just want to correct previous comment of mine. SHE (Heather) will be free to roam without any pain, I should have typed—but my cat Inca was crying all the time when I was typing—plus, I probably was thinking of my now departed cat, Batman, a he.
Maybe if Heather meets Batman, they will become friends and frolick freely in the spiritual realm they are in now.
Comment by Colorado Transplant — October 1, 2009 @ 7:53 pm
Oh, I am sorry.
I know you treated her like a queen and that she had dignity. I will assume she and my favorite girls Puff and Paige and all other departed royalty are taking charge and organizing enjoyable mayhem.
Tears and hugs from our family to yours
too many great souls over the bridge this year, but maybe they wanted to travel together
Jen
Comment by JenniferJ — October 1, 2009 @ 8:18 pm
Oh, Gina, I am so sorry. Tears and hugs. Kim and Jerry
Comment by Kim Campbell Thornton — October 1, 2009 @ 8:28 pm
condolences Gina… you gave her a great life, and the 2 of you had a great life together
Comment by EmilyS — October 1, 2009 @ 8:35 pm
Gina-
Sorry to hear about Heather.
Here is a link:
http://www.dogquotations.com/l.....ament.html
“Shiba hugs” to you.
Comment by glock — October 1, 2009 @ 8:42 pm
I am so sorry for your loss, Gina. I know — we all know — how much it hurts. Sending many virtual hugs your way.
Comment by Susan — October 1, 2009 @ 8:46 pm
Hugs, Gina! From Riker, Archer, and Bashir - Paul and I, too.
Comment by Liz Palika — October 1, 2009 @ 9:39 pm
Oh Gina, I’m so sorry.That is such a fabulous photo. I’m sure you are right and that is exactly what she is doing now.
Comment by Laura B — October 1, 2009 @ 9:51 pm
Oh Dear Gina, our hearts are aching for you right now and we cry with you in the loss of your special Heather.
In your last line in “A Life Lived Fully” (Ultimate Dog Lover) you wrote:
… “Since that morning when I made the hard choice to let her go, I have tried to live so that in my final days I, too, will have experiences worth dreaming about—-like Heather’s days of swimming, fast and strong, with her dolphins in the Ochlockonee Bay.”
A wonderful exchange of gifts. You gave her all your heart. She taught you to have experiences worth dreaming about. Heather’s legacy will remain within you forever. Yes, Long Live the Queen.
May your pain be eased and may you find peace and strength in knowing that those many extraordinary memories you had with Heather were truly blessings from above.
With our love and deepest sympathy,
Nadine and Russell
Comment by Nadine L — October 1, 2009 @ 10:07 pm
Im so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Godspeed dear Heather
Comment by Sandi K — October 1, 2009 @ 10:50 pm
A beautiful photo of your precious girl. I am sorry the time had finally come. Heather is running pain free, muddy and wet and happy and is saving ice cream and rotisserie chicken to share with you again someday. Hugs and tears.
Comment by kb — October 1, 2009 @ 11:04 pm
Gina
im truly sorry about your loss.. What a beautiful sweet soul who now shines in the sky brightly.
Comment by sue heron — October 2, 2009 @ 1:50 am
So sorry for your loss. It so rots. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Comment by Dorene — October 2, 2009 @ 3:10 am
Our deepest condolences. While it wasn’t unexpected, it is always a sad event.
Comment by ramin — October 2, 2009 @ 3:28 am
I am so very sorry. It’s always so hard to let go, no matter how prepared we think we are.
Comment by Maria Shanley — October 2, 2009 @ 3:48 am
I am standing on the seashore—
A ship spreads her white sails in the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean—
She is an object of beauty and I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky meet to mingle with each other—
Then someone at my side says, “There! She’s gone!”
Gone where? Gone from my sight that’s all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my sight, and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of her destination—
Her dimished size is in me—not her—
And just at that moment when someone at my side says, “There! She’s gone!” there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices take up the glad shout, “There she comes!”
And that is Living, not Dying.
—-Harry K. Keyes
Comment by Carol V — October 2, 2009 @ 5:06 am
Gina—
What heartache. What beauty. I am so sorry—and yet so glad for you that Heather had such a long, wonderful life with you and you with her.
Lisa in Cape May County, NJ
Comment by Lisa — October 2, 2009 @ 5:18 am
Gina, I’m very sorry. I don’t have words for what you must be feeling right now.
Comment by Lis — October 2, 2009 @ 5:19 am
I was expecting this news, but not today. I’m sorry that you had to say good-bye for now to this special and much loved dog. Godspeed, Angel Heather . . . run free with the angels now.
Comment by catmom5 — October 2, 2009 @ 5:32 am
So glad you had such a good long time together.
Comment by YesBiscuit! — October 2, 2009 @ 5:52 am
I’m so sorry she’s gone! I’m sure she’s with my beloved Zubie swimming, fetching balls, and bossing all the other Flatties at the Bridge.
Comment by Theresa — October 2, 2009 @ 5:56 am
Gina So sorry (crying)
Comment by VJ — October 2, 2009 @ 6:04 am
I am so saddened to read that your wonderful Heather has gone to the Bridge. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Comment by Anne T — October 2, 2009 @ 6:04 am
Gina, I am sorry to hear about Heather’s passing. I know you’ll be able to take comfort in all of the wonderful times and memories you had with your beloved friend. In all of the pictures you have posted of Heather, you can easily tell how much she loved life and most importantly you. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Comment by Jason Merrihew — October 2, 2009 @ 7:58 am
They are never with us long enough. Gina, you and your family are in my thoughts.
Comment by The Other Lori — October 2, 2009 @ 8:14 am
Oh, I am so sad for you and with you.
Comment by Mary Mary — October 2, 2009 @ 8:48 am
I am so sorry for your loss. Heather is happy and healthy again,but that won’t make your grief any less. Hugs from all here.
Comment by Leslie K — October 2, 2009 @ 8:58 am
Gina, I’m so sorry…What a beautiful photo you’ve posted.
Comment by Patty L. — October 2, 2009 @ 9:26 am
Oh Gina,
It’s so hard to say good-bye to a loved one. There will be a small hole in your heart that only Heather filled. I know she will be missed. Heather is so fortunate to have lived with and to have been loved by you. All dogs should be so lucky! Keeping you in thought and prayers.
Comment by Susan Tripp — October 2, 2009 @ 9:29 am
Gina, I know how hard this must have been for you. But Heather was so lucky to have you as her ‘mom.’ And now she’s in doggy heaven where she can run all day and roll in stinky stuff without having to get a bath!
Comment by 2CatMom — October 2, 2009 @ 9:59 am
“It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.”—Cheryl Zuccaro
No matter how long we have them, it’s never long enough. Best wishes to you, from me and my 12 y.o. Bouncer dog.
Comment by Janice in GA — October 2, 2009 @ 10:30 am
I’m so sorry, Gina. You’re right…no matter how many years they give us, it’s never enough.
Comment by Sharyn — October 2, 2009 @ 10:57 am
I’m so sorry.
Comment by Georg — October 2, 2009 @ 11:11 am
What beautiful and loving comments - thank you Gina and Heather, you are both very special - tears for you -
Comment by mary francis — October 2, 2009 @ 11:15 am
There just aren’t words. They are never here with us long enough.
Comment by Janeen — October 2, 2009 @ 11:17 am
Some words for Gina and for her loss of Heather from the great John Muir - I hope these words bring some comfort -
“I have known many dogs, and many a story I could tell of their wisdom and devotion; but to none do I owe so much as to Stickeen. At first the least promising and least known of my dog frineds, he suddenly became the best known of them all. Our storm - battle for life brought him to light, and through him as through a window I have ever since been looking with deeper sympathy into all my fellow mortals.”
Comment by mary francis — October 2, 2009 @ 12:21 pm
Thank you all for your kind words. I’m really trying to focus on celebrating Heather’s life, and my life with Heather. There’s a lot of good things to celebrate, let me tell you!
I’m also shaking my head at the pathetic losers who always write in response to posts like this one. I’ve had a few since last night, telling me how “stupid” I am to care about “a stupid dog” and accusing me of not caring about people. As if you can only care about one thing.
What’s so funny: These jerks who accuse ME of not caring about people are so full of hate and anger that they go out of their way to hurt another human being — me! Nice try, but I’ve long ago developed a tough skin where pet-haters are involved.
Seriously, how screwed up are they? They don’t recognize how twisted it is to attack a grieving person by accusing that person of not caring about people — when they are showing by THEIR actions that they don’t care about people at all!
A sad lot they are, to be sure. Really sorry their mommies didn’t love them or whatever their excuse is for reaching out not with sympathy but with hate.
:::Shaking head::::
Therapy, you hate-filled losers. You need it. Lots.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — October 2, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
Gina - water off a flattie’s back ;)
We know how big your heart is. Celebrating with you!
Comment by kb — October 2, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
Gina, I’m very sorry for your loss.
Comment by LauraS — October 2, 2009 @ 3:36 pm
So sorry to hear that Heather has crossed over. I know you’ll miss her terribly. At least she has no pain or sickness now, and you will be with her again someday. She was so very lucky to have you.
I’m disgusted that the haters jumped in. They don’t know who they’re tangling with, or they would have gone after someone else. You are right, they are incapable of loving anyone, canine, human or other. It’s their vague unease about this that makes them assault people with loving hearts.
Comment by SusanS — October 2, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
It’s a shame that the haters have to spoil and upset what is already a very traumatic time for you. Just know Gina that there are more of us who feel your pain and care about you and Heather. My prayers go out to you, Heather and the other pets at home feeling the loss of their princess.
Comment by VJ — October 2, 2009 @ 4:55 pm
Such a lovely girl, your Heather. I’m so sorry for your loss. :-(
Comment by karen — October 2, 2009 @ 6:01 pm
So sorry about your loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Kathyb
Comment by Kathy B — October 2, 2009 @ 6:53 pm
Since all creatures who live must die, it is so wonderful to be able to love them fully, and be loved in return, while they are alive. This, you and Heather did, and in the end, the memories made keep that love alive.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Comment by KateH — October 2, 2009 @ 8:40 pm
A stunning photo to wake up to each day, to remember with joy the gift you were given, and while tears may come, they come with a full and serene heart. My thoughts are with you.
Comment by Mary Haight — October 2, 2009 @ 11:57 pm
Oh, Gina. I’ve been traveling and only just saw your post while catching up on entries I missed. What sad news, but what a great life and family she had, and what joy you gave each other.
I am sure that you are right about what she’s doing on the other side.
Wishing you all comfort and peace—which you gave Heather in abundance.
Comment by Glenye Oakford — October 3, 2009 @ 7:51 am
Gina, I’m sorrier than words can say for your loss.
As for those vitriol filled haters, ignore them as best you can. They are, in all seriousness, mentally ill.
Comment by FrogDogz — October 3, 2009 @ 9:27 am
Gina, I am so sorry for your loss. Heather couldn’t have had a better life. Hugs to you!
Comment by Susan T. — October 3, 2009 @ 11:03 am
I am so sorry. We (I’m sure I talk for all your readers here) were hoping you’d have longer together.
Condolences, Alison
Comment by Alison — October 3, 2009 @ 2:13 pm
Gina- please don’t let those sick posters upset you. You have more love for all,your family 2 and 4 legged than they will ever experience. The love and caring you show for all your friends and readers shines through. 1 of Heathers clipped nails is worth more than anything they can say. You are right about the need for therapy,too bad they won’t listen.
Comment by Leslie K — October 3, 2009 @ 4:18 pm
Comment by Phyllis DeGioia — October 3, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
{{{tears}}}
Comment by Phyllis DeGioia — October 3, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
Gina, there are no words. You knew it was coming but not when - so what did you know? To be extra tender, extra attentive, to savor every moment.
We should all try to do that.
Without ever having met or spoken to you I know that Heather had the best of everything - comfort, medical care, hospice, environment, personal attention. If it could be done, and it would not increase suffering, it was done.
Banish the trolls to the 1500th level, because, wtf were they doing on a pet blog anyway?
We’re here for you dear.
Susan From DC.
Comment by Susan — October 3, 2009 @ 9:17 pm
RIP, Heather.
Gina, I am so very sorry. Most, if not all of us, have walked in your shoes and send you all our love now and in the weeks to come. I hope you feel Heather by your side, knowing she is there to comfort you always.
pj
Comment by Paula Joseph-Johnson — October 4, 2009 @ 6:39 am
You are too good a person to be mistreated in that way, Gina. You do so much for humans as well as animals.
Like Susan said, BANISH THE TROLLS!
Gina, the ones on this blog who do not need that kind of therapy are here for you, and want to comfort you in your loss to the nth degree. Go away, trolls, you are not wanted on this blog—because you are too filled with hatred for your fellow man.
Comment by Colorado Transplant — October 4, 2009 @ 10:13 am
But Gina, you do care more about dogs/pets than anything else, right? You sure give that impression. I mean, you’ve devoted your life/career to pets, not to any humanitarian causes. You’d rather have 3.2 dogs as a family, rather than 3.2 kids, right? Just an observation….
Comment by Betsy Garcia — October 4, 2009 @ 12:34 pm
We don’t always get to choose our course where children are concerned. And you have no idea how I spend the non-professional part of my personal life, do you?
But aside from your rude and intrusive personal questioning about MY life and your assumptions about why I didn’t have children, let me point out that I know a great many people who have children and pets, quite happily, and work for all kinds of charitable/political/religious causes in addition to animal-related ones.
Oh, and thank you so much for your kindness and compassion in offering condolences on the loss of my 12-year canine companion. Oh wait … you didn’t offer any. Hmmm … interesting. Hope the view’s nice in your glass house, Betsy.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — October 4, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
Just an observation, but I have never seen either 3.2 dogs or 3.2 kids. Might be interesting. Just a thought. :^} Hmmmmmm.
Comment by Colorado Transplant — October 4, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
I tell you, if it ever came down to a human such as Betsy Garcia v.s. a dog, I’d take the dog any day.
Comment by The OTHER Pat — October 4, 2009 @ 1:55 pm
“I tell you, if it ever came down to a human such as Betsy Garcia v.s. a dog, I’d take the dog any day.”
Comment by The OTHER Pat — October 4, 2009 @ 1:55 pm
Pat…….I second that!
You know the old saying: The more I know people, the more I love my dog!
End of story…….
Comment by Hannie — October 4, 2009 @ 2:15 pm
I’m very sorry. Heather had a great life with you and I’ll miss hearing your posts about her.
Comment by Carolyn — October 4, 2009 @ 6:27 pm
Betsy Garcia, I’m going to take it that you have never met Gina. I consider her a friend not only because we share a love of the same breed, she is a wonderful person who cares not only for her animals, she cares about her friends and family.
Selfish and uncaring is a person who blasts someone that have never met and only know from reading posts on a blog. Until you have walk along side a four-legged companion for almost 13 years, make the decisions that need to be made, no matter how much it breaks your heart, you have made a promise to that friend to give back to them the unconditional love that they gave you for all those years. You have no idea what you are missing but not having the love of a dog in your life.
I made a choice many years ago not to have children, but I wouldn’t change be a dog Mom for anything in world.
It has always been my impression that being a humanitarian means that you care about lives whether they walk upright or not.
Comment by Judy — October 5, 2009 @ 8:37 am
So sorry. Safe travels and happy reunions to you.
Comment by Mary Eisenhart — October 5, 2009 @ 9:27 am
A-mazing. Truly. Gina, I know your skin is thick and I commend you for being tough. But by god, one wonders what in the world motivates people to say such things, and be this way, at a time like this? We’ll never know, I guess, because it’s impossible for most of us to fathom such rude behavior and twisted thoughts. I’m sorry you’ve had such bullshit mar an otherwise supportive and comforting virtual response to your loss.
Comment by keenwell — October 5, 2009 @ 11:00 am
So sorry for your loss of sweet Heather. We’re never ready to say good-bye but she’s having a great time now. Maybe she’s having a wild run by the ocean with our Zia, a two year old wonderful black cat who died during a routine dental procedure in July. Love the photo you posted.
Comment by Cathy — October 6, 2009 @ 5:25 am
Gina, I’m so sorry you’ve lost such a dear friend.
Comment by C.L.H. — October 6, 2009 @ 8:38 pm
Oh, Gina. You and Heather and the rest of the menagerie are in my thoughts and heart.
Comment by (Another) Liz — October 7, 2009 @ 11:09 am
One thing that always makes me doubt a divine intelligence to the universe is that dogs live only about a dozen years, yet we fall so madly in love with them. They become almost human to us, and then their lives course quickly away, like a shooting star traveling across the night sky. If there were an intelligence to the universe, dogs and man would make their journey down this path at the same pace, maturing, aging, and declining together. Man and dog together for life.
Comment by retrieverman — October 8, 2009 @ 6:24 pm
Gina,
I’m so very sorry to read about Heather’s passing. I’m well aware of why you haven’t told me about it at work—because we’d both be in tears (like I am right now).
Heather lived a wonderful life with you. It just sucks when they go.
Hugs and more tears.
Sally and Muffin
Comment by Sally Wichert — October 8, 2009 @ 10:58 pm