Sunday, January 17, 2010

Beloved

Today with a heavy, broken heart we had to say goodbye to our Ziggy. When thinking of one word to describe how I feel about Ziggy the word beloved seems to encapsulate it all. Such a strong word meaning dearly loved, adored, cherished, favorite, darling, treasured, much-loved, dear. Ziggy was our treasure. Before Ziggy I had tried more than once to adopt a dog but didn't find the right fit. I became convinced I was solely a cat person. I always had cats - mostly strays that found me - Fighter, Hershel, Mittens, Gregory, Lucy, Eleanor, Ceasar, Libby, Tommy, Stinky, Gracie, XiuXiu, Cowboy, Boots, Molly, Elvis, Patsy, Pricilla and Natty. I firmly believed there were two categories of people - cat people and dog people and never the twain shall meet. I was a cat person. After our house was robbed in 2000 the police officer who helped us suggested we get a dog. He said a dog is better than any security system. The next week I heard of a litter of puppies looking for homes. My husband knew the owner of the dogs so we went to see the two that were left. George brought out Ziggy to me. I held him and, though he was cute, I was not sure I really wanted a dog. I asked to see the other puppy. Startled at the request, George told me they were "exactly" the same. If there is one thing I know - no two living things are exactly the same. So George brought out Smokey to me. Smokey looked at me and pushed away. He did not choose me and later that week went to live with my husband's brother and his wife where he has had a wonderful happy life. So we brought Ziggy home. He smelled like puppy urine and even though I didn't want to traumatize him on his first night with us, he got his first bath. We put him in his crate and went to bed. He cried like a baby and I ended up sleeping on the floor next to him all that night. That was it. I was in love. The next night he slept in our bed - something I said I would never do. We became his world and he ours. More surprising was the reaction of the cats - Tommy and Libby. After Ziggy calmed down from his puppyhood they accepted and loved him like I thought could never happen. Later on even the stray cats could be seen rubbing up against Ziggy. Pedro of course would have only been happier if he could literally have been joined to Ziggy's hip. Ziggy never met a person he didn't like. Black, white, brown, tall, short, young or old, he'd like you. That's not to say he wasn't protective of his family but if we were ok, he was ok. Cancer is such an insidious disease for animal and human alike. It came on so fast with Ziggy that we didn't have time to catch our breath before it was all over. The feeling of helplessness is overwhelming. There was nothing we or the doctors could do to help him so we did the last kind thing were able to and helped Ziggy to the Bridge today. Our hearts are broken and will not soon mend. There is a hole in our lives and in our house that will never be filled. We wish Ziggy snowy days and happy trails. We will carry him in our hearts always.  Ziggy, you are now and always will be our beloved...


78 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Mom had just stopped leaking after reading Ziggy's post...

And then updating my post fur Monday...

And then sharing Ziggy's khrossing on FB...

BUT now she's leaking again...

You gave him the best gift...

One that took the biggest chunk from your heart...

Please know woo have LOTS of love heading from all around the world...

Our khandle is lit to help guide him to the special place we all go when we have to leave...

Happy Trails to Ziggy...

Hugz&Khysss to ALL of YOU!

Khyra & Her Mom

Sonny said...

I love you so much Ziggy. Our house is empty and I haven't cried so much in I don't know how long. I think of the happy times and get sad, i look at where you used to sleep and that only makes it worse. I hate that I've been away at school and lost those days where i could have seen you, pet you, and played with you. You were our first dog and will always have a place in my heart. I know for a fact that there is no dog that can compare to you. You weren't just a pet to me, you were my best friend, my brother, my son, you were everything. I love you so much Ziggy <3

Leah

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We have to echo what Khyra said. Your own words are a true testament to how much you loved Ziggy. He will always be in your heart. We know that Dakota was there at the bridge to welcome him home.

Hugs, the OP Pack and Mom

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

We are so sorry for your loss. You made the hardest but kindest decision to let him go to the bridge. We are sending you healing purrs and gentle head bumps.

Josie said...

You gave Ziggy all of your love and a fantastic life...both you and he were very blessed to have one another. I know the pain of losing a dog all too well. Words seem so inadequate, but please know I am thinking of you. Hugs, Josie the Cattle Dog and her Mum

Lacy said...

sad woofs, I am soo sorry to hear about Ziggy...Mama has been so slow reading bloggies to me now..since her health is not so good..Ziggy will b always in ur heart...u have my prayers to help u get through this..

a sad,
rocky
bear
angel lacylulu
and mama..

Sam said...

Oh, no. I was hoping it wouldn't come to this.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Reading your words, it's so easy to see that Ziggy was such a special part of your lives - a once in a lifetime dog, maybe. Though my heart is heavy now reading that this beautiful boy has gone on ahead of us, I am so thankful that he got to spend his years in a loving home like yours and that you had the courage and strength to ease his pain when it was time.

Hug to you and your family.

Princess Patches said...

We are sooooo, sooooo sorry! We love you, Ziggy! Run free and play with all our buddies that went to the bridge before you. We will keep our paws crossed for Pedro and your peeps. We know how sad they are!

Aire-hugs,
Poppy, Penny & Patches

Sketching with Dogs said...

We are all so sorry to hear that Ziggy has gone to Rainbow Bridge. We send our love to all of you, his family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rest in Peace, beautiful boy, run free.
Dinah Bridget Elliot and Lynne xx

Molly the Airedale said...

We are so sorry that we never got to meet Ziggy. He sounds like one special boy! Our hearts are breaking for you.

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Lisa said...

I'm really sorry to hear about Ziggy. I can't imagine how difficult it is...rather I can. I lost a dog once too. I so hope you see the sun again soon. He was precious.

Shmoo said...

Good night sweet Ziggy, until you meet your loved ones again, across the Rainbow Bridge.

Meeshka and the gimpy gang

Anonymous said...

It's so hard to lose a much loved pet. I'm very sorry you're going through this. God bless.

Raising Addie said...

many tears...

We understand how painful it is.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lots of Luv & Kisses
Addie, Lucie and Hailey

Pippa said...

No words. Just tears at your loss. Ziggy's beautiful spirit came across in all his photos, he was a gorgeous dog. Sorry we have been behind in catching up and our condolences to you all.

Katherine and Pippa

Suzuki said...

RIP beautiful Ziggy xxx
Big licks to you all
Suzuki
xxx

River said...

He was beautiful, looked so big and soft that I'm sure the cats felt like it was rubbing against a cloud. I hope Pedro will be okay without his big brother. We will keep you all in our thoughts.

River's mom & River

Cocorue said...

we are so sorry and are thinking of you in your sorrow. Ziggy was and is so lucky to have found a loving home with you and yr family

we hug you tight as Ziggy is hugging you too
chikisses
coco

ThePainterPack said...

We are so sorry for this loss. There is a pain like no other of helplessness, but also a joy of memories to savor. Let yourselves grieve but also celebrate the beautiful fur child that was your Beloved.

Niamh said...

What a beautiful tribute to your dear, wonderful Ziggy. He had the kindest face. We are so sorry for you and all your family. We are thinking of you all.

Your friends,
Niamh & Ambrose

Sally Ann and Andy said...

Oh Pedro,
I am so sorry about Ziggy. I know it is so hard, and I know how it feels. When my sister died, it was awful. I stopped eating on my own, and Mommy had to hand feed me for a month.
Mack

Lorenza said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful tribute for Ziggy.
I know how much you love him and he will be always in your heart.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! visiting my friend Suzuki and found out about Ziggy. We are so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing a great tribute. Lots of Golden Thoughts, Woofs Sugar

Thor and Jack said...

So sad to hear about Ziggy.
We´re thinking of you all.
Rest in Peace Ziggy.
Thor

bbes tribe said...

We were visiting Suzuki and read about poor Ziggy. He was so lucky to have had you and for you to have had him for the years you did. You enriched each other's lives. It is so hard to lose a member of the family but at least he isn't no longer in pain and is running free & playing with others that have gone on before him. Remember all the good times. He'll always be with you.
Tailwags & love

Ernie, Sasha, & Chica

Moco said...

We are so sad and the crazy old bats eyes are leaking. We will miss Ziggy. He only started blogging recently, but was one of our faves. May he run free and happy. He is beloved by all.

Unknown said...

It is with a heavy heart that I start following your blog today, the day you lost your beloved Ziggy, but Suzuki who is a great friend, asked us all to come for support. You have my support Pedro and the rest of the family.
Twinkie the tiny Chi

Chef said...

So very sorry about your precious Ziggy. It is a heartbreak we know all too well. He was a very lucky boy to have been so dearly loved by your family. He was blessed and so were you to have had him in your life. Rest in peace, dear Ziggy. xo

Mango the Maltese kiddo said...

No no Ziggy, suddently you left us.
Before I go to bed tonight, I glanced at the DWB news and saw the word angel that followed by your name, no no Ziggy, I just learned that you had been sick yesterday and I still praying for your recovery!
The picture of you smiling at the beach next to Pedro made me weep more!
My heart goes out for you and your family, Ziggy my friend, you'll be missed by all of us.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Our hearts are very sad for you.
The love you displayed in your words was so beautiful and we know how much you loved ziggy.
He sounded like such a special friend.
We know your heart is broken-
I would like to send you some love
love
tweedles

i said...

We're so sad to hear this. Wishing you snowy days and happy trails, Ziggy.

Suka said...

My human is crying and my tail is down. Our hearts are just breaking for your loss of beautiful Ziggy. What a wonderful, heartfelt tribute you wrote. You gave Ziggy love, and that is the best gift of all. His Spirit will always be with you. I hope Pedro is ok. It seems like Pedro was very close to Ziggy. Take care.

Peace,

Suka and K

Chester said...

Mom's and my hearts are heavy knowin' that Ziggy went to the Bridge. It was a great story how he opened up your heart to bein' a dog lover too. I'm sure it was not an easy thing to do but he's no longer in pain and you can take comfort in that.

The pain you feel is Ziggy squeezin' his wiggly butt into that special place in your heart where he will live forever.

(((HUGS))) to your pack!
Chester and Mom ;0=(

Huskee and Hershey said...

Our mom cannot stop crying after reading about Ziggy's wonderful life with your family. Clearly, all of you loved him a great deal, and he loved you right back.
As you farewell your most loyal friend, our hearts and thoughts are with you... losing someone as special as Ziggy must be so so hard. (((HUGS)))

Bobby said...

So sorry for poor Ziggy, such a nice dog , and we are thinking of you and how sad you will be. lots of licks.

Randi said...

We are so sorry to hear of Ziggy's passing to Rainbow Bridge...he was so very loved...very very loved...BELOVED. What a wonderful word to describe a wonderful boy...

You are all in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time...

All our love,
Randi's mom/secretaru

Sheila and Bob said...

We are so sorry for your loss.

Jamish & Sophie and their Mom & Dad

the many Bs said...

we are so sorry to hear about Ziggy. that was a beautiful tribute that you wrote for him. we know he is with the angels now, and watching over all of his friends. words are never enough at a time like this. we hope you can find some comfort in all of your wonderful memories. please accept our deepest sympathies.

sad sad woofs

from the 4Bs and our mom, peg

Rambo said...

Cousin Pedro,
We are very sad today. Our hearts are heavy and our eyes are watering because Ziggy is gone. Ziggy was very special to us and he will always hold a very special place in our little hearts.
we love you,
Rambo & Midget Molly

Anonymous said...

wooooooo. woooo.... :(
Our hearts are aching. We're so very sorry to hear of your loss. He was so handsome. and reading through some older posts, so patient, generous (shared his meals with kittehs!), kind, cuddley (with kittehs!). so hard to find that kind of character in a dog. very special indeed.

Lots of kisses to Pedro and your family for his loss.

wags-n-wiggles,
wild dingo

Mochi and Bali said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute to Ziggy.

Luv,
Mochi & Mommy

Jans Funny Farm said...

It is so hard to let go and say good-bye. We want them to stay with us, but sometimes they have to leave early. You gave Ziggy a great life and a gentle passing.

as always starzie said...

I feel your pain! Being an animal lover myself, I know firsthand how hard it is to say good-bye to a beloved pet. Ziggy was an exceptional dog, with a kind, sweet heart. When I read the post about how he tolerated all of the kittys and dogs, my heart melted! What a beautiful animal!
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs from,

Darlene ( A faithful reader of Ziggy's blog)

Olive said...

I found you on my friend Lorenza's blog and my heart goes out to you....

I am so very sorry...

Olive

Bijou said...

We are so very sorry to hear this sad news. Ziggy will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We will keep you in our thoughts.

Bijou, Banjo and Mom

Cloud the Wonder Dog said...

Mom and I are so sorry for your loss. Ziggy knows how much you loved him. He will be in your heart forever. We are thinking of you...

Much love,
Cloud and his mom

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

Words can never convey how sorry we feel when we read about a loss in a family.

Thank you for sharing Ziggy with us.

Dory and the Mama

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Saw you on some of my friends blogs and wanted to come and say I am sorry for you hurt and loss.. I am sending you some healing purrs.. Hugs GJ xx

Nadine, Chewy and Lilibell said...

I read about Ziggy's passing on one of my friend's blogs and just wanted to stop by and give you my prayers and condolences. I went through the exact same thing with my cat Phoebe, whose cancer came on all of a sudden and I too had to make the extremely tough decision to help her over the rainbow bridge. I could not stop crying while reading this post, because I can well understand your pain and heartbreak.

R.I.P Ziggy, may you have eternal peace over the Rainbow Bridge.

Nadine

Yas said...

Hello there, we just came from Khyra's. We wanted to paw a hi and send our condolences and prayers for him and his furfriends.
Mommy's tearin' up again...

Run Ziggy! You're free!!

cheers,
Maxx

JB's Big and Small Worlds said...

We are so shocked and so sad to hear this news. Your hearts must be breaking and for it to happen so suddenly. Our thoughts are with you and we are sending lots of purrs and hugs to you all.
We are so sad.
--JB, Chester, CB, Armani, Gaia and Charli too, and Deb

Inky and Molly said...

Dog bless Ziggy.

Sending you lots of Airelove,

Inky and Molly

TwoSpecialWires said...

We didn't know Ziggy until just now. And that makes us sad, 'cause after reading your beautiful tribute, you introduced us to an incredible dog, an amazing friend, an irreplaceable family member. Our hearts are sad for you. We know you must feel a huge emptiness and we hope that with time that hole will be filled with wonderful memories and great thankfulness for the relationship you shared.

With love and tender condolences,
Jake and Fergi xxoo

Snowie Baby said...

we are so sorry for the loss. our hearts go out to you.

ziggy and family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

take care.

love. snowie

Jen said...

You are quiet welcome! I know how it feels to lose a dearly beloved pet. My thoughts are with you in your time of loss~

Canine Crusader said...

The OP pack told us about you. We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Hopefully Pedro will help you through this sad time, although I'm sure he senses somethings wrong/missing. Ziggy was a beautiful dog. I'm certain that while he is not there in his body, he will be with you in spirit. You loved and cared for him, it's obvious in his pictures that he led a happy life. We'll be thinking of you and praying you find comfort in his memory. Many blessings, The Gang @ Dog Blog for Five Dogs

Fred said...

We are so, so sorry, and we'll be thinking of you through this difficult time.

Doctor Dre said...

Pedro & family,

we are so so sad to hear about ziggy.
your beautiful story of ziggy's life made mom leak water from her eyes.
we say good bye to so many great friends in our lives, it just don't seem fair that they have to leave us and go ride unicorns.
our hearts are with you and your pack now and always.

Dre

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

We did not get to know Ziggy, but he sounds like a friend we could all have fallen in love with and dogs make nice snuggle partners when they are sweet and floofy like Ziggy was.

We all send our sympathy and healing purrs your way.

Hector and Lola said...

Pedro and Ziggy's family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Mom can't even fathom what it must feel like. We hope you are all alright, and we know that Ziggy now is. Rest knowing he lived a joy-filled and content life. We are sure he knew that he was loved every moment. Mom will pray for you. -Hector and Lola

Bandit's Pack said...

I'm so sorry to learn you lost your beloved Ziggy. In looking at his picture, he was a beautiful boy. I share your sadness as I know the pain of losing a dog to cancer. Take care.

Ms. ~K said...

My heart aches for you during this very sad time...Ziggy was a beautiful boy!
~K

Emma Rose said...

We are so very sorry for your loss. There are not words to express our heartfelt sorrow.

Khady Lynn said...

My very good friends Khyra and the OP Pack told us of Ziggy's crossing. We are so sorry to hear this. He will definitely be met at the bridge by many friends. Our heartfelt condolences go out to your family.

Holly and Khady Lynn

Cheryl, Indiana, Shingo and Molly said...

So very, very sorry to hear about Ziggy. We'll be praying for you!

Woofs and Kisses!
The Fiesty Three
http://fiestythree.blogspot.com

Moose said...

I read posts over on Ziggy's blog too and he sounds like a wonderful boy and my heart aches when I hear of this kind of loss.
Moose + Dana

Dino and Family said...

I found out about your sudden loss for Lorenza. I am terribly sorry to hear this sad news. Ziggy will always be in our hearts. Please take comfort that he is healthy again and the wonderful memories you shared will live with you forever! Hugs to your whole family! Love, Dino

Anna the GSD said...

I'm so sorry for your loss of your brother! Hugs and kisses. :(

Trailboss said...

We lost our Annie to cancer September 5th of last year. I know exactly how you feel. The hole in your heart, the house seems that it will never be the same. A piece of your heart is lost forever. I remember the pain, the tears, the "why now? why take her from us?", but then I realize that we had her much longer than we thought we would.

Her cancer was diagnosed a year prior to losing her. We were so blessed to have her for that last year. And she was happy during that time. That in itself is a blessing. I really do know what you are feeling and I can only say that it will get better with time. But it's not easy during that time.

He was a gorgeous dog and I am sure he jumped right over the Rainbow Bridge and didn't stop running for a long time.

God bless you for loving your pups like you do.

Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie said...

Oh such sadness. We are so sorry to hear of Ziggy's passing.He was a good boy & companion to you all. This was a lovely tribute to him.
XX-
BabyRocketDog and Hootie

Southbaygirl said...

I am so sorry for your loss! It is so hard to lose our furry family members! They become a part of us!Ziggy will never be forgotten and will always be loved! Rest in Peace Ziggy!!

Woofs, purrs and hugs,

Velcro, Kodak, 3 Perf, Blossom and mom Penny

Jack & Moo said...

Our hearts are breaking for you, and we want to say how sad we are to learn of Ziggy's passing. This is such a touching post, and we know that Ziggy will never be more than a thought away till you meet again.

sad woos,
jack a-roo, pat, & moo

(we posted on sunday but I guess it got lost in cyberspace, but you have been in our thoughts all week.)

Deetz said...

RIP Ziggy! I am so sorry I am just now getting over to see you. Run Free and we will see you again someday. With the biggest of furriest hugs I send to your family, because I know how hard it is to help a friend cross the bridge, and all my blogging friends hugs, helped me through that difficult time. God Bless you all
Deetzy

Zeus said...

I am so sorry to learn of Ziggy's passing, and my heart goes out to your family. Ziggy will always remain in our hearts and memories thanks to you and your blog. You have my deepest sympathies.

Hailey said...

Lot's of hugs to you all. We just came across your blog and going thru much nosie wipes...... We feel your pain and hope that all Ziggy's love will help you heal in time.

Hugs & smoochies xoxo
Hailey

Sharon said...

So sorry that I am just finding out about Ziggy. I'm sure this is a hard time for you all- I can't even imagine... I'll be sending warm thoughts your way.

<3 Sharon and Dob.

Oscar the Beagle! said...

We're so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Ziggy. Before becoming a dog owner I used to show sympathy to other pet owners whose treasured animals had passed away- and I'm sure I said all the right and proper things, but until you lose a pet yourself you don't realise the enormous void they leave you with. Our thoughts are with you - be kind to each other Pedro and Natty x

Coco Bean - The Princess said...

Oh cousin Pedro, we are so sorry to hear of Ziggy's passing. I know hard it is to loose a furkid to cancer...it just happens so fast you dont have time to think or even absorb what is happening. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.


Tail Wiggles & Puppy Kisses,

Coco The Princess

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