Today, one of our two dogs, Skybaby, had an early morning vet appointment. Geroge went out to the 'dog deck' to get him ready. Sky's life-pal, the energetic, muscular and bouncy mutt Wishbone, was lying on her pillow. This was odd as she is known to jump straight up upon detecting a whisper. George walked over to Wishy and found her gone. It appears she died in her sleep. She was 10 years old.
Shocking and sad beyond belief. Oh my God, we are so very, very sad.
I have not written about my dogs. I really don't know why as I love them dearly. But maybe it would be like writing about our wonderful sea air in Santa Cruz, or the redwood trees, or that I'm surrounded by love and laughter. It's all part of the extraordinary ordinary and I just simply keep it close and breathe it in.
We had a very difficult morning, as you can well imagine. I took Molly out for a drive along the coast, she was absolutely heartbroken and devastated and I needed to get her away from our house. Wishbone was her first dog and her 'little sister'. George, who just took Wishy's body to the vet for cremation, is busy hacking away at the bushes with big garden tools and teary eyed. Our other dog Sky is flat-out bewildered, raising his head and scanning the property for his companion. And I still can't believe it.
Dear Readers, I can't look at Wishbone's pictures, I can't even look at her leash and collar on the table, so I won't be posting her image. But I can tell you this: Wishy was a wily and sweet little lady, medium height, slim and strong, hound snout, black with white markings. She was the fastest runner on the beach, skittish, wired, and willing. She lived for affection. Wishbone was my 40th birthday present, and now she has passed on, two months before my 50th.
Thank you, my little Wishy. Thank you for allowing us to love you and for giving that love back one thousand fold.
Our dog Wishbone, 1995-2005.

Oh, I'm sooo sorry. My puppy, Snoopy is 15 and I know it won't be long. There is nothing I can say, but always remember the fun times with Wishy. She died in peace. Dogs are wonderful companions.
Posted by: Ellen | April 16, 2005 at 12:18 PM
Oh Grace...I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. I'm glad she went easy, and without suffering, and surrounded by those she loved...hell, all of us should do so well. You and yours will be in my thoughts...
Posted by: Leo | April 16, 2005 at 12:44 PM
Oh, Grace & family, I'm so sorry. Picture her racing down a beach somewhere, happy and free.
Posted by: Chuck | April 16, 2005 at 01:40 PM
Dearest Grace, George, and Molly, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Posted by: beth | April 16, 2005 at 01:46 PM
Grace, I'm so sorry to hear about Wishbone. I know that it's SO sad when someone, human or animal, passes suddenly, but know that altho you can't see her anymore, she's still with you in mind and spirit.
Hugs,
Janet
Posted by: Janet | April 16, 2005 at 02:24 PM
My condolences, Grace and family. She must've been a special and beautiful lady. How tragic to lose her so suddenly like that, without a chance to say goodbye. Think what a great life she had. Running on the beach with her pack! Awesome!
Posted by: pam | April 16, 2005 at 02:34 PM
My most sincere condolences, Grace and Family.
Posted by: Elisabeth | April 16, 2005 at 04:10 PM
Oh, Grace, hugs to you and yours.
Posted by: lu | April 16, 2005 at 05:04 PM
Grace, I too, am so sorry. Smokey is 10 also, and because Molly and Payton are also the same age, I can just imagine what it would be like for her. And you. I have never lost a pet as Smokey is the first pet I have ever had. I just wish I could give you all a big hug. **she gulps** My thoughts are with you all.
Posted by: Kris | April 16, 2005 at 07:59 PM
Grace, I'm so sorry. They are special, wonderful animals. What a nice life she must have had with you and her "big sister". Like someone else said, I'm glad she went softly and at home rather than at a scary vet. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Posted by: Liora | April 17, 2005 at 06:11 AM
Grace, I'm so incredibly sorry. That is such a hard thing. Blessings to you and Molly.
Posted by: Michelle | April 17, 2005 at 07:55 AM
*Huge hug*
Posted by: impossiblejane | April 17, 2005 at 08:41 AM
That is rough. My favorite cat, Hank, died two years ago, and I still miss him. Hope you are holding up okay.
Posted by: landismom | April 17, 2005 at 11:04 AM
I lit a candle for her at church. I sent you and your family vibes. Did you get them?
Posted by: Jo | April 17, 2005 at 11:56 AM
Can you feel this big hug aimed in your direction? Can you? Because, it's a really big hug.
I'm so sorry about your precious dog.
And yes, I can access your blog without any problems.
Posted by: Mamacita | April 17, 2005 at 12:01 PM
I'm so sorry. What a stressful week and then the BLOG misbehaves also. I'm sending you lots of hugs.
Posted by: Margaret | April 17, 2005 at 12:07 PM
Oh, I ache for you! We love our pets so very much, and it is such a painful loss. One thing I can say from personal experience, is that it won't always feel this way. In a while, you'll be able to peer at her pictures and smile without the searing pain.
But for now, I so ache for all of you.
Posted by: Tonya | April 17, 2005 at 01:40 PM
Oh, GraceD, a thousand wishes your way. Our own pup just had his 11th bday, and maybe it's due to the fact that we weren't blessed with kids, but the love for the guy is real and deep. As I know your feelings were for your pup. My dance of excitement in my comment of the previous post is now the dance of joy for who is/was your Wishbone.
Posted by: byakko | April 17, 2005 at 02:08 PM
I am so sorry.
I'm new to your site. I dig you.
Posted by: Torrie | April 17, 2005 at 02:58 PM
Grace and George and Molly. I am so sorry about Wishbone. I know only too well exactly how you're feeling and I wish that I could somehow take that sadness and hurt from you.
I won't tell you it gets easier. I won't tell you anything other than that I understand. And that Wishbone obviously was well loved and knew that. She felt safe and comfortable enough to die right there on her bed.
Grace, I do know how very much you love your dogs. You told me once that you're always in service to all dogs.
Wishbone knew that, too.
And my love and hugs to Skybaby. He needs special love now. More than ever.
Love and hugs.
Posted by: nakedjen | April 17, 2005 at 04:55 PM
Much love and blessings to you and your family!
Posted by: Simone | April 17, 2005 at 05:15 PM
Oh Go, I am all teary just thinking about it. I am so sorry. Doggies are part of the family, like a child (non-dog people don't get that, but its true). I am SO sorry. I hope you are the rest of your family are coping ok. *tear*
Posted by: True Jersey Girl | April 17, 2005 at 05:30 PM
Ohhhhhhh, *BIG Hugs* I'm so sorry...
Posted by: Daxohol | April 17, 2005 at 08:29 PM
I never had a dog, my parents didnt want to take care of one. My mom said it was too dirty. BTW you look younger than 50!
Posted by: mrsmogul | April 18, 2005 at 12:30 AM
Grace,
I am so sorry for you and your family. Please laugh, but dogs really are other members of the family. My oldest dog died in October and I still and upset about it-He was 15. Our neighbors brought us a Great Dane puppy later the same week and at times I feel guilty as if I were betraying Hank when I shower Zeus(the puppy) with affection. It's hard no matter what anyone says. I honestly can say that the other two dogs grieved when Hank died. I couldn't get one of them to eat for 5 days. Anyway this has turned into a dissertation; my thoughts are with all of you.
Posted by: Melonie | April 18, 2005 at 03:53 AM