Alice died early Sunday. We think she was 11 years old, but we don’t know for certain. That was one thing we never learned about her: where she came from, and how. She’d come to us on September 30, 2011, through a vet friend who’d seen her in the clinic and said she was special and needed a new home. I was wary. We already had one rescue dog, and he was anxious and troubled, plenty to manage. But we thought it might help him to have a companion, so we made arrangements to pick her up. It was Brandon who brought her home.
What a beautiful and moving tribute to your lovely Alice! She sounds so incredibly special! I am weeping for your loss as I write this! My deepest condolences! Thank you for sharing your love of Alice with us! <3 <3 <3
So sorry for your loss. What a wonderfully written tribute to Alice, not only describing perfectly her personality, little ways and how much she meant to you, but also the overwhelming sense of loss that affects all those who lose a dog that has filled their heart with love for so many years. My own Taivas died last July aged 16 and a bit. I was incredibly lucky to have had her in my life for such a long time but it didn't make it any easier to let her go. I've had several dogs in the last forty years and each has a piece of heart, I have found that the sadness of loss diminishes with time and the happy memories remain always. You obviously gave her an amazing home and life, she was blessed and so were you.
I just copied this and sent it to 15 people who LOVE THEIR DOGS SO MUCH. This was my comment: Oh my. This gal’s words on the death of a special dog . . .are beyond extraordinary. I’ve followed her for years . . . . recipes, essays, life, etc. This is the best ones yet cuz I identify so thoroughly . . . .I still have Pippa. … .but she’s nine . . . .and I find sentences here that will comfort me in the future. I’m saving this and having it handy.
Also . . . . my advice to people who have lost a dog, is ALWAYS to write about it. Conger up memories and love. It relieves so much tension/stress, and records for posterity. Molly did a wonderful job of communicating AND saving herself.
Alice the dog and Sophie the cat. Sophie was a rescue cat, 13 years old, a Norwegian Forest cat.She was a BIG, loud and in your face cat. when I would rest on the couch, with 6 " s to spare, she would jump up and claim that space as hers. she slept at my head every night, purring, breathing loud, with an occasional lick to my head. she loved to eat, and after she finished her share, she would go and finish off what her 2 buddies left behind. Sophie's breed of cat is prone to heart murmurs, and she did have one. 2/26, as she lay beside me, her breathing was labored, and I kept an ear and eye on her. Sat, she was quiet and slow, staying close to me. Sun 2/28, in the late afternoon, I heard her make her labored way down the stairs, I picked her up and tried to keep her in my arms, I could see her death was near... she was not having that... she jumped down and slowly made her way back up the stairs, and I followed. Sophie lay down, with her raspy breathing, I covered her with a blanket and lay down beside her... stroking her and loving her, telling her how wonderful a cat she is, how much I love her. Sophie came to me at 4 pm, by 4:15 she was gone. My son came over, I wrapped her in the blanket, carried her to the car. we drove 25 min. to the MA Vet Clinic, as we got close to the clinic, "Spirit in the Sky" came on his playlist, I told Sophie, what a good song for you.i carried her in, they were so kind. we sat in a room with her, patting and stroking her.. we love you Sophie. Dear dear Alice, the video of you waiting for a bite of Molly's lunch.. so patient, so intent. As my son and I drove home, Alice came into my mind, " I wonder how Alice is". and then on 2/28, I see Molly's post. Maybe the 2 of them have crossed paths somewhere, and talked story about the great humans that cared for them, loved them unconditionally... Our dear, dear pets... our homes are so quiet now. So grateful that Sophie was at home to pass. and now we start a different journey without them physically in our daily lives, but oh so present. went to feed the cats today, I took out 3 dishes, but only needed 2. Did Alice get a bite of that lunch?
What a beautiful tribute to a beloved dog. I so agree with your feeling that we're privileged to have special dogs as our life companions. If only they could be immortal!
I’m so sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful tribute. Reading about the ways this creature showed up in your days and the extraordinary in the ordinary, repeating patterns is inspiring me to take just a little more notice of the small moments in my day. Thank you for sharing so openly, and hugs from Portland.
What a beautiful and moving tribute to your lovely Alice! She sounds so incredibly special! I am weeping for your loss as I write this! My deepest condolences! Thank you for sharing your love of Alice with us! <3 <3 <3
Sorry for your loss. There are no words for comfort, but the memory of Alice and the smile that forms on your lips!
I’m so sorry. I know what you mean about some dogs being “yours” in a special way, and it’s different when they die.
Alice was yours, but you made her endlessly fascinating to the rest of us. Now she is ours too in some small way. Thank you.
So sorry for your loss. What a wonderfully written tribute to Alice, not only describing perfectly her personality, little ways and how much she meant to you, but also the overwhelming sense of loss that affects all those who lose a dog that has filled their heart with love for so many years. My own Taivas died last July aged 16 and a bit. I was incredibly lucky to have had her in my life for such a long time but it didn't make it any easier to let her go. I've had several dogs in the last forty years and each has a piece of heart, I have found that the sadness of loss diminishes with time and the happy memories remain always. You obviously gave her an amazing home and life, she was blessed and so were you.
I am really sorry for your loss, and I love the stories you tell about her. She sounds like an amazing creature. You were all blessed with each other.
Melissa, Portland
I just copied this and sent it to 15 people who LOVE THEIR DOGS SO MUCH. This was my comment: Oh my. This gal’s words on the death of a special dog . . .are beyond extraordinary. I’ve followed her for years . . . . recipes, essays, life, etc. This is the best ones yet cuz I identify so thoroughly . . . .I still have Pippa. … .but she’s nine . . . .and I find sentences here that will comfort me in the future. I’m saving this and having it handy.
Also . . . . my advice to people who have lost a dog, is ALWAYS to write about it. Conger up memories and love. It relieves so much tension/stress, and records for posterity. Molly did a wonderful job of communicating AND saving herself.
This is extremely moving and reminds me of what I love about your writing. So good, so precise.
Alice the dog and Sophie the cat. Sophie was a rescue cat, 13 years old, a Norwegian Forest cat.She was a BIG, loud and in your face cat. when I would rest on the couch, with 6 " s to spare, she would jump up and claim that space as hers. she slept at my head every night, purring, breathing loud, with an occasional lick to my head. she loved to eat, and after she finished her share, she would go and finish off what her 2 buddies left behind. Sophie's breed of cat is prone to heart murmurs, and she did have one. 2/26, as she lay beside me, her breathing was labored, and I kept an ear and eye on her. Sat, she was quiet and slow, staying close to me. Sun 2/28, in the late afternoon, I heard her make her labored way down the stairs, I picked her up and tried to keep her in my arms, I could see her death was near... she was not having that... she jumped down and slowly made her way back up the stairs, and I followed. Sophie lay down, with her raspy breathing, I covered her with a blanket and lay down beside her... stroking her and loving her, telling her how wonderful a cat she is, how much I love her. Sophie came to me at 4 pm, by 4:15 she was gone. My son came over, I wrapped her in the blanket, carried her to the car. we drove 25 min. to the MA Vet Clinic, as we got close to the clinic, "Spirit in the Sky" came on his playlist, I told Sophie, what a good song for you.i carried her in, they were so kind. we sat in a room with her, patting and stroking her.. we love you Sophie. Dear dear Alice, the video of you waiting for a bite of Molly's lunch.. so patient, so intent. As my son and I drove home, Alice came into my mind, " I wonder how Alice is". and then on 2/28, I see Molly's post. Maybe the 2 of them have crossed paths somewhere, and talked story about the great humans that cared for them, loved them unconditionally... Our dear, dear pets... our homes are so quiet now. So grateful that Sophie was at home to pass. and now we start a different journey without them physically in our daily lives, but oh so present. went to feed the cats today, I took out 3 dishes, but only needed 2. Did Alice get a bite of that lunch?
I've loved Alice from afar through your Insta and (I think?) your books. Thank you for sharing your beloved friend with us. xxxooo
What a beautiful tribute to a beloved dog. I so agree with your feeling that we're privileged to have special dogs as our life companions. If only they could be immortal!
I’m so sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful tribute. Reading about the ways this creature showed up in your days and the extraordinary in the ordinary, repeating patterns is inspiring me to take just a little more notice of the small moments in my day. Thank you for sharing so openly, and hugs from Portland.
She was such a special gal. Holding space for you in my heart.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace dear Alice.
Sweet dreams Alice xo
this touched my heart. though i never knew alice, you made me feel like i lost a friend. let me share your grief. ❤️🐾🐾