A Tribute To Rosie
The day I met Rosie she was a tiny bundle of golden curls, full of fun and adored by her mum and dad (my daughter and son-in-law). She turned into a gentle, patient Cavapoo who loved life, and any food she could get her paws on!
Rosie’s hugs were legendary. On request, she would put her paws on your shoulders and nuzzle her little curly head into your face. This was guaranteed the best anti-depressant ever!
She was the only dog in the family for many years but when Luca the Goldendoodle was introduced, she sweetly accepted that the big, goofy, sensitive giant was her new brother. Luca learned everything from Rose and looked to her for security and reassurance.
In a family of male dogs she was the only girl, our princess. In a crowd of rowdy boys, she remained sweet, gentle and incredibly patient. When her mum and dad went on holiday she stayed with me and slotted in perfectly, accepted and loved by my own dogs. As long as there were treats on offer she was happy, and always first in the queue.
I can’t say how much I enjoyed being Rosie’s nanny. We would have secrets that her mum didn’t know about and I could spoil her with no guilt whatsoever. There are no words for how much joy I got from seeing her bounding through long grass and chasing squirrels, with a look of sheer happiness on her face.
For her mum and dad she was there through some tough times and was a constant, calm, reassuring face, always happy to cuddle up and dry the tears. Definitely a ‘mummy’s girl, she was my daughter’s rock, confidante and totally adored.
On Saturday 18th March Rosie left us in just the way she lived her life, peacefully, softly and quietly. She showed no sign of illness or old age. It was a terrible shock for everyone, but at eleven years old our angel had found her wings.
Now the family have to face a world without Rosie. She has left a huge void for the humans who loved her and her canine brother and friends. It will be hard to enjoy a tasty snack without those big, brown eyes pleading for her share or trying to dip her nose into your cup of tea.
Luca has lost his security blanket and will now have to adjust to life without his sister. We’ll be there, telling him to be a brave boy and trying very hard not to spoil him .He has a very important job to do now, he has to continue Rosie’s legacy by spreading love, comfort and happiness.
Here is a poem I wrote for Rosie. Hopefully it will help other’s who have lost precious fur babies.
A Rose From Our Rose
How do you carry on?
With gentle hugs and kisses gone
Big brown eyes no longer shine
No waggy tails at dinner time
No welcoming face at the door
Or tiny nudge from an expectant paw
An empty bed, an unused bowl
No morning cuddles or evening stroll
Through the sadness a message came
Look at the flower in my name
I don’t want to see you cry
If you need me, I’ll be nearby
Sending rainbows and sunny showers
A candle light, warm breeze and flowers
A Rose to brighten up your day
I’m still here, you’ll be okay
It’s hard to get over the grief from losing a beloved pet. Some people don’t know what to say or blurt out something totally inappropriate. Others avoid the subject altogether which is hard to accept when your heart is broken.
Over the years I have personally lost dogs and shared their stories on this blog. Here are just a few posts which may help anyone who is going through the grief of losing a pet.
What To Say When A Family Dog Has Died
Leave a comment below if you are struggling with the loss of a pet and remember you are not alone.
Wishing you peace and beautiful memories of your darling Rosie. My heart aches for your loss and for those I can no longer walk with. She is with you, let her loss guide you on and to know we love so deeply the emptiness that comes when their time comes for the last goodbye let’s us go on and fills our broken hearts with the love they leave behind. We never lose them they live on in our hearts, forever. God bless you Rosie. 🙏
Thank you for your beautiful words Zara, it really means a lot xx
Oh, I am so heartbroken for you. Your poem has brought tears to my eyes. I haven’t had to go through the trauma of losing a beloved fur baby yet, but am dreading the day.
Our Rosie sounds so much like your Rosie, just an absolute furry bundle of joy.
Sending you much love and licks from The Fab Four.
Sorry about the tears Jacqueline and thank you for the kind words. Love to The Fab Four xx
Thank you so much. xx
I tell you – this brought so many tears to my eyes and broke my heart for your losses as well as mine. But I’m not complaining! I think it is good to talk of our losses, knowing that there are others who care, understand and know how devastating losing a true best friend is. How comforting it is to know that we are not alone in our grief. A friend is a friend no matter how many legs they do or do not have. There is so much more to be said, but my tears get in the way. As is said “who rescued who?” I love that you have shared your thoughts! If I were talented enough I would like to be able to write memories/poems honoring my furry critters. My only hope is that they all knew how much they were cherished and loved and are now missed.
God bless you!
Thank you so much Reatha, It is good to talk and there are always people feeling the same way. Your words are beautiful and I must encourage you to write about your experiences. This blog was created when I lost Alfie in 2017. I found it very therapeutic to write when I was devastated by his loss and it really helped me. I hope I have helped others too x