I’m having such a difficult time making sense of the past few days. Our beloved Buster who we rescued with another couple almost six years ago passed over the rainbow bridge yesterday morning in the comfort of our living room, nestled on the softest blankets we could find, with all the cheese a dog could want. It all happened so quickly. One minute he appeared fine, the next he suffered from a series of seizures that began this weekend. One ER vet visit later it was determined that a transfusion may benefit him, but maybe not. We read between the lines. His age (which we were never really sure of since we had adopted him as a senior) was a factor as well as the idea that we were prolonging the inevitable.
Yesterday morning, Bryan took Buster out to pee. From upstairs I heard him say that Buster had another seizure. I found the two of them curled in a ball on the living room rug. My heart broke in a million pieces when I heard Bryan sob. In all the years we’ve dated, I’ve never heard him cry and it still tears me apart to think about. While we all shared our own unmistakable bond with this wonderful pup, Bryan and Buster had something extra special, and I know he needs time to grieve properly.
I keep worrying that he doesn’t know how much I loved him. Thank God for his other momma because together we grieve and share texts and photos and videos. Bryan is processing in his own way and I know to give him space until he’s ready. Molly’s bf went to a Judaica for a Yahrzeit candle and it melts my heart to know how much we all loved and cared for the little stinker.
Buster, as much as it pains us to live in a world without you, we couldn’t bear to see you suffer. And so, while we process your loss here on earth, I hope you are dancing in the clouds, eating all the meat your vegetarian parents didn’t give you, and living your best life, pain free.
We love you forever, Buster.
Oh Charlotte, my dear friend, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know all too well how much it hurts, but I also know that the fact our loved furry kids aren’t in pain any longer makes it a bit better to process. They leave behind such big holes in our lives but leave us with so many wonderful memories and so much love which will never end.
Grief is something that will never go away but we learn to live with it and we have to embrace it and let our emotions happen!
Sending so much love to you all and please know, Buster loved you guys more than you will ever know, he will be forever thankful for the loving home you gave him and for letting him go when it was the time to.
Hugs and love, Chrissy xxx
I’m so sorry for your loss! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Breaks my heart reading this but even more so is just how much you guys are hurting…. The void is palpable when they leave us and it is never quite the same….. They simply don’t live long enough. 🙁 Don’t you dare say you worry about him not knowing how much you loved him. Trust me, he knew his people loved him. <3
I have no comforting words to ease this profound pain but if there's one positive in this: you guys gave him the greatest gift in crossing over with dignity, peace and love. He's no longer in pain, having seizures, he's legit running free like he should be and waiting for you and Bryan many many years from now. At least that's what I hope happens.
Sending love, hugs and light. XOXOXO Love you sweetie.
Maybe I shouldn’t have read this at work, because I’m crying now. But I am so sorry, Charlotte. My dog is getting older and I seriously dread the day she either passes or we have to let her go. I think you were amazing in allowing Buster to move on instead of living with pain or uncertainty. And like Lindsay said, you DEFINITELY knew he was loved. And we all know how much you loved him, so my heart is breaking for you. I’m so happy that he was home though, with his cheese, surrounded by his family. Isn’t that how we’d all like to go?! I’m sorry that Bryan is having such a rough time too; I hope that he finds some way to release his grief just a little bit. You too, of course, though I’m glad you have Buster’s other mom to swap memories with. That’s beautiful. Love you, Charlotte!!
-Lauren
I am so sorry for your loss. Such a beautiful post in loving memory of your Buster. <3
My sweet Charlotte, such a beautiful tribute to your sweet pup. My heart breaks for all of you. Take all the time you need to grieve and know I’m hear sending you love and strength xoxo
Oh, Charlotte. I was so sad to see the news yesterday and I am in tears reading this post. He was so loved and he knew that. I love that this happened in his home where he was comfortable, with his people by his side. So much love to you, Bryan, and all who loved him.
Oh my friend, I am so sorry!! This absolutely hurts my heart. Sending you all so much love!
Oh god this just broke my heart and I’m so sorry for you :(. I know how badly it hurts and I can feel your pain. When I had to make the decision to put my cat to sleep 3 years ago it was one of the worst times of my life. It was 3 years ago and I still feel his absence painfully at times. I think that just shows how much you loved him. I’m so so sorry you’re going through this and I wish I could take your pain away. But know that he absolutely and definitively knows how much you loved him. Of that I’m sure! Our animals know.
Charlotte. I have no words. I am so, so sorry for your heartache today. I know how much you loved Buster. It’s so hard to say goodbye. Many hugs and lots of love!
Oh, I’m so sorry about Buster. I’m broken apart every time I lose a pet and am so sorry for the pain you are going through. I’m sure Buster knew you loved him so much.
I’m so sorry. This broke my heart. I know this pain, and I fear feeling it again with my little furry old man. I’m giving you the warmest hug from freezing cold Chicagoland, I hope you feel it.
All my love,
Dean
And yes, Buster knows.
XO
Having lost many of my own fuzzy children, my heart just breaks for you and Bryan. We never get enough time with them, do we? One thing I know for sure is that in every photo I ever saw of your sweet Buster, he always had a smile on his face. Even as he aged and his health started to fail him, he always looked happy. That speaks volumes to the life he had with you guys. I’m so sorry for your loss and I pray that you are comforted with lots of warm memories and signs that his little spirit is out there running free. <3
So much love to all of you grieving for Buster. Losing a pet is so hard and the little reminders linger. Buster definitely knew how much you loved and cared for him. He is with you always watching over you. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that. ♡♡♡
There aren’t enough words, Charlotte. And I’m on a crappy laptop and I hate typing on these things.
I loved Buster through your love for him and your amazing words and photos. I feel like I knew him. And my childhood dog ate low sodium green beans too!!
We share so many similarities that they sometimes scare me. We have the same name and the Rockaway connection and the deep love for dogs.
I’m crying with you.
Oh Charlotte, I was so sorry to hear about Buster passing away.
This is such a beautiful post and I know that Buster knew how much you all loved him. In the photos he always looked content and happy and I loved how you shared him with us on your blog. The photos of him in his little wagon were always so adorable.
Your time with him over the years sound so special and filled with moments that you will treasure as memories forever.
I do wish I had read this at home, rather than at work as I’m sitting at my desk now with a wet face.
Sending love and hugs your way.
Oh, no… I’m so sorry, Charlotte. My deepest sympathies.
My heart is breaking for you. I am so sorry for your loss.
I know I’m late in telling you how sorry I am to hear about Buster. It was so similar in circumstances to my Indy (who I lost in November – sudden seizures – having the vet come to our house) so I couldn’t type without crying but know that I understand your loss and that you have my heartfelt sympathies and I’m sending you all the hugs.
There’s no way you can doubt that Buster knew how much you loved him (though I get it because I’m asking myself the same) but I can see the love shining through all your photos.
Karen @ For What It’s Worth