One baby, then a puppy, then our second child. My house was full. 
Later on a kitten? Yep, chaos was my normal. Chaos was my love. For more than 14 years this house has been full of noise, of barking, of squealing and laughter.
Now..it is too quiet. Painfully, achingly quiet.
My Husband at work, my girls are at school, that cat sleeps all day long and my dog. My dog is gone.
Today, this week, I do not feel witty, clever or smart. Today all I feel is an ache deep down and I can’t stop the tears. Mine or theirs. Today I must acknowledge a loss in our family. The loss of our sweet Maddy girl, our almost 13 year old black lab. 
Maybe only a pet lover would get this; dogs bring so much to our lives, and then leave a huge gapping hole when they are taken from us so suddenly. Our sweet dog was a best friend, a playmate, a confident, a protector. A quiet companion late into many lonely nights, often sitting with me while I nursed and cared for sick babies, then toddlers now teens. The quietist of souls and the best listener in the house. A lover of popcorn, bananas, and the occasional unguarded piece of cheese. The last to say goodbye to us when we left our home, the first to celebrate our arrival back to the house.
My dearest Madison, I am so sorry I wasn’t here for you when you left this earth. Thank you for helping me take care of my babies, for being a friend to me in this sometimes big and empty house, for protecting us from unseen bad guys and for always offering a friendly nudge when I was down. You were loved, you will be missed. Always.
When I became “Mom” to a dog, that’s when I understood the love that is possible.
You are blessed to have had her.
Oh Stephanie, I am so sorry – pets are so much a part of our lives and they are such an important member of the family. {Hugs] to you and your family. xoxo
Aw, I’m so sorry for your loss! Losing an animal is just … horrific.
And she knows you were with her and that you loved her – she knew every moment. Even her last one.
So sorry for your loss. Your puppy was beautiful.
Stephanie I am so sorry. Pets are not just animals, they are members of our families. Losing them is like losing any friend. Hang in there!
I’m so very sorry, Stephanie. I hope through the sorrow you will all find the comfort of many happy memories.
My heart aches with you. I know your loss and it hurt deeply. They are family and love us like nothing else. ((HUGS))
Oh Steph!!! I’m so sorry
Sending you big squishy ((hugs))
Huge hugs to you! Maddy was very special and will be missed by all. xo
My heart breaks for you, and I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Our pets are more than just an animal, they truly are part of our families and our best friends. We lost our 14 year old dog a few months ago, and I still feel it. I’m thinking of you all, and wishing you peace and moments soon of happy memories of your sweet little girl.
I am so sorry! When Sam, our big yellow lab, died it was so awful and we all mourned. Yes, I know just how this feels. There is no love like a lab’s love!
Honestly, if it wasn’t for the incredible love and energy they bring to our lives, it wouldn’t be worth the pain and heartache we suffer when they leave.
So sorry for the loss of your cherished family member; thinking of you. xo
Oh gosh, just read your post, I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. Keeping you in my prayers.
I’m crying for you all. The love of a pet is something special…they are so giving and forgiving. Just remember she had the time of her life for 13 years.
XO
Oh darling you poor thing, I’m so sorry to hear that you have lost your faithful friend.