Thursday 21 March 2013

Go well, Belle


Belle was the most adorable puppy I had ever laid eyes on; her ears were too large to be allowed, she had a permanently quizzical expression and the pads on her little paws matched her bright pink tongue. It was love at first sight. She was a long haired Weimaraner, a present from my Dad to my Mum for her 40th birthday, and she grew up quickly into a gangly, wiggly, overenthusiastic member of the family. To say she had a presence is an understatement - tripping hazard would be more accurate - Belle was everywhere; underfoot in the kitchen, sprawled out at the bottom of the stairs, nudging at knees for a fuss while making short work of anything on the coffee table with her very waggy tail. If you gave her half a chance she'd be on your lap, failing that she'd offer you her paw until she had your attention. I missed her so much when I left home to go to University but each time I was back for the weekend I'd wake in the middle of the night to hear her scratching at my door to be let into my bedroom, once inside she'd shoot me a look as though to say 'What took you so long?' and then lay down to snooze. Like Peter Pan she never really grew up, she kept her puppyish nature right up to being 11 or so and never grew into her ears either.

Yesterday afternoon, after almost 12 years as part of the Cope clan, Belle was put to sleep - it was her time to go - old age caught up with her and there was a rapid decline in her health since Christmas. Pets can't live forever and it is always so sad to say goodbye but it is worth the heartache now to have had the years that came before. 

34 comments :

  1. I'm sorry to hear of Belle's passing, they leave such a hole in the family when they go. I do love the idea that she never grew into her ears though!
    x

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  2. I know how hard Belle's going to doggy heaven must be for you and your family Jem - you know how fond I am of pooches x

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  3. Belle looks like she was a gorgeous dog. Thinking of you
    x

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  4. She's such a beautiful dog. That second picture of her made me giggle - I bet she knew how funny she was.xx

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  5. Belle is beautiful. I'm so sorry for your loss. Every time I hear of a pet passing away it makes me panic about Pip. Which is ridiculous, she's 10 months old. Must remember to enjoy her as much as we can. Their little lives are so short :( RIP Belle.

    Jen | sunny sweet pea xx

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  6. Aw she is beautiful, I'm so sorry to hear of her passing :( Thoughts are with you xx

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  7. I'm sorry to hear that; we had to put our dog down after a similar situation. It's so heartbreaking. Xo

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  8. Beautiful post. It's amazing how dogs become just as much part of the family as everyone else. They're the best kind of animals. Sounds like you have plenty of memories to smile about in the future. xx

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  9. So sorry to hear this. Pets make such an impact in our lives and their passing is never easy. Sounds like she has left you with a lifetime of great memories x

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  10. It sounds like Belle had the best life she could possibly have had. Rest in peace, sweet one x

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  11. Jem, I'm so, so sorry to hear about Belle having to be put to sleep. My parents have a black lab called Zaide (Yiddish for grandad!) and I love him to bits. I've had to have pets put to sleep in the past and it's heartbreakingly sad to say goodbye, although the memories are sweet and so cherished. Thinking of you today and sending love. Belle looks so sweet-natured and loving in your photos. Em xxxxx

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  12. Thinking of you - it's just the same as when a person passes away when you lose a dog x

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  13. So very sorry for your loss. Pets are family too. Belle was a beautiful dog!
    ~Donna~

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  14. So very sorry to hear about your puppy Jem, she looks and sounds an utter sweetie pie. Thinking of you xx

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  15. So sorry to hear about this Jem - there must be quite a collection going on up there - hearing of so many people (me included) loosing beloved family pets right now :(

    Big hugs xxx

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  16. So sorry to hear about losing Belle, pets are always a big part of the family. At least you will have some great memories and photos to remember her by. Take care.

    Bee happy x

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  17. just found your blog today, and am so sorry for your loss :(

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  18. What a gorgeous darling.I'm so sorry for your loss. Our dog Jake is an old boy now and I know we will be devestated when he passes.They become such a part of the family.:( x

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  19. Jem, you know how I feel about the relationship between a girl and her canine friend. I really think that many years of cuddles, shared snacks and secrets, walks and knowing looks ultimately are more significant than the loss at the end of it all... though I'm sure it doesn't feel that way at the time. To have given another creature the best life it could ever have, I reckon, is one of the great successes of a human's life, and anyone can see Belle had the very best of lives with your family. (Oh, and big ears = big heart + big mischief, as Bea will tell you ;) )xxx

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  20. I'm so sorry you've lost beautiful Belle - but you are right, all those memories, moments and years will always remain a present in your heart. Sometimes it's just that time to say goodbye. xxx

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  21. I am so sorry Jem,
    Huge hugs for you and your poor little heart.
    Keep hold of the memories and the beautiful photographs of her.

    Loads of Love
    xxx

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  22. It is so very hard to lose a cherished pet. Hold tight to the memories...

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  23. Oh Jem, what a lovely post, so sad but made me smile at the same time. What a wonderful soul our family friends have. I am sorry for your loss, but as you say, you wouldn't have it any other way!
    Much love to you.
    Di
    xxxxx

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  24. I'm so sorry to hear about your pup. Dogs really are the most amazing creatures and the bond between a girl and her animal is like no other. You have so many lovely memories with her that will always be with you, though. Lots of love.
    Emma

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  25. Oh I'm so sorry Jem, as others have said, such a bittersweet post as she is so beautiful and obviously gave so much joy. As a dog owner it doesn't bear thinking about to think of them passing as they leave a gap in your life that will never be filled. Treasure those memories and photographs. xo

    Rosie | A Rosie Outlook

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  26. I'm so sorry for your loss! It is heartbreaking to have to let our furry friends go. Hope you take comfort in the memories during this time.

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  27. aww it really always is sad to see a member of the family that pets become leave us but it sounds like you have many great memories w/ that gorgeous lady. and it's always comforting to know they're not in pain anymore, like my childhood cat was for a while before we had to put her down a few years ago.
    http://dusanabotswana.com

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  28. I feel sad for you! Your pix are so dear and your post is so loving.

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  29. So sorry to hear about this. It's one of the most heartbreaking things me and my family had to do with one of our dogs. We just remember the good times too.x

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  30. Oh how well you named her. What a beautiful dog. So sorry to hear she's no longer around but I'm sure she will always be remembered xx

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  31. awwwww so sad, but you gave her a lovely home. My dog was 9 when he was put to sleep suddenly, didn't even get a chance to say a proper goodbye :(

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  32. That is one beautiful pup! I love weimeraners and she is a beauty, Sorry to hear that she's no longer here :(

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