I have long been convinced that of all the animals God created, dogs were especially created to be invaluable friends for mankind…I call them “hairy angels.”
Our sweet Princess was indeed an angel. In fact, our vet remarked that usually dogs named “Princess, Angel, Precious, Sweetie….” were anything but, and that our Princess was a nice exception to that rule!
Indeed, she was! I have owned and loved many dogs over my lifetime, but never have I owned or met a dog with a sweeter disposition than our dear Princess.
When we first got Princess, I told myself I would somehow not get attached to her. She would be the kids’ dog and I would take care of her and love on her, but remain unattached to avoid future heartache…yeah, right.
For thirteen plus years she was our sweet little companion, and up until the last 7 years of her life she shared us with our two other dogs, and, unfortunately, she was at the bottom of the “pecking order.”
After our oldest dog, Noah, and then her father, Smokey, died, she was our sole dog and the recipient of all of our human love, which she gladly returned a thousand times over.
As for me, not getting attached just didn’t happen.
We had to say goodby to our sweet girl, my empty-nest dog, in April, much earlier that I had hoped, and I still miss her more than I can say. I wrote about Princess’ back-story in a previous post, but if any pet deserved a special goodbye post, it is her.
Two days before she went on, we had our first and only kayak ride together. She normally rode with one of the boys on their paddle board, but this day it was just she and I, and she left me with sweet memories of a morning together on the creek, searching out an eagle’s nest.
And so, this dog that I somehow would remain “unattached” to has left me with many precious memories, and a longing for many more morning walks together with my sweet little buddy.
Thank you, Sweet Princess…you wiggled into our hearts and left your mark on us that will never be erased. We miss you, the creek will never be the same without you, and we will always love you and remember you with smiles…
♥ Jen
“When the Man waked up he said, ‘What is Wild Dog doing here?’ And the Woman said, ‘His name is not Wild Dog any more, but the First Friend, because he will be our friend for always and always and always.’”
—Rudyard Kipling (author, The Jungle Book)
Birds, Blooms and all things Beautiful 
Princess looks lovely. Hugs to you Jen. x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Darren, she was. Hugs back. 🙂
LikeLike
A sweet post, Jen. Princess sounds like a wonderful friend. Once in our hearts, our beloveds never leave. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Eliza, yes, so true. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh, Jen —- What a sweet, sweet tribute. They do become so much a part of your family…..big hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Donna, yes they are definitely like family in your heart! Hope you are enjoying your summer and staying cool down south!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful tribute post Jen. We lost our Bella from old age earlier in the year, so we know what it is like to lose a close friend, and my wife still hears me talking as if she us there at times. What a beautiful furry angel, and a lovely memory.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is very hard to get used to them not being around isn’t it? Whenever we eat pizza, we look at the crust which used to go to her and so many little things like that…I remember your post mentioning Bella, such sweet friends they are, and I know you have wonderful memories of your sweet angel as well. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your sweet Princess was a priceless gift. Such a beautiful tribute and I am so happy you had that special ride with her. Much love and hugs to you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, yes, really sweet memories of our ride, glad it happened!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My condolences on your loss. This is such a sweet tribute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a sweet post about a truly special dog! I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope all your happy memories of your time with Princess are a comfort to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Yes, the many happy memories of our girl certainly make us smile. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the saying, “Some angels choose wings. Others choose fur.” We have had several wonderful four-legged companions in our family. My mother (who was initially terrified of dogs) grew to love both the labs and the beagle we had during her lifetime. She doted on them, fussed over them, and argued w/ them as if they could understand every word. Isaiah 65: 25 gives me hope that we will see our beloved dogs again, just as I know we will see my mother. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I too believe we will see our cherished pets again. I love that saying! I have never heard it before and it certainly holds true for dogs! Thank you for that verse, and I’m so glad your mom came to know the joy of loving a dog. 🙂 I’m sure she is enjoying them in heaven now!
LikeLiked by 1 person