Well, this is a post I never wanted to write, even though deep down I knew it was inevitable someday. Just not yet. On Thursday, barely 24 hours after celebrating the birth of Emma Marie, Alan and I came home to find that our 14-year-old Dalmatian, Penny, had died.
I guess we shouldn’t have been shocked. After all, she was 14, had been slowing down a lot, had a little dementia, which led to a little incontinence (she seemed to forget where she was). But physically, she seemed so healthy. And she looked like the puppy she once was, right up to the day she died.
She was the mama Alpha to our pack, and took care of all the “youngsters” like they were her own. We called her Perfect Penny, because she was such a great dog, even after she developed some not-so-perfect habits like getting into the trash.
Penny was my running partner up until about a year and a half ago, when age and arthritis slowed her down. She was still good for about half a mile once a week, and she still would stand by the door looking expectant whenever I would head out for a run.
We first rescued Penny at a race which benefited Animal Samaritans. She was one of those dogs that wore a vest that said “adopt me.” She was skinny, only about 9 months old, and a little wild. During the race, she basically walked on her back two legs (probably because, as a future runner, walking was just too slow for her). Alan and I had just lost a Dalmatian several months before. All we had to do was catch each other’s eyes and we knew she was meant to be ours.
Penny’s joy of running once inspired me to write a post about Running Like a Dog. Dogs never complain about the weather, the temperature, the time, they just love to run. Because of Penny, I tried to run like a dog as often as I could.
Her complete acceptance of the aging process also prompted me to write What I’ve Learned about Aging Gracefully from my Older Dog. Things like It’s still running, even if you’re slow. And Eat Healthfully, not too much, and savor every bite. And, my favorite, cat dog naps are good for you.
We came home yesterday afternoon, after being out of the house for about three hours, and found Penny had died. She looked like she’d died peacefully, if there is such a thing. I hope there is. We are, of course, devastated. We have lost a member of our family and it hurts like hell.
Rest in Peace, dear Perfect Penny. I hope you’re running on Rainbow Bridge with Sydney, Sassy, Morena, and maybe even Natasha.
Penny Woodruff: Born April 28, 2001 (I picked this date, it was my mom’s birthday too) – Died August 27, 2015. RIP
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve lost a Great Dane, a Welsh Corgi, a dozen pet rats, 2 chinchillas, 2 Schipperkes, my parents, my grandparents, my great-grandparents, a cousin and recently my FIL and a SIL. I miss the humans but losing my pets is much harder to handle. Just typing this I’m tearing up. Is it the bond we form with them? That they’re in our lives 24/7 and we run, walk, play, sleep with them (and we don’t with our family, save our husbands and very young children)? That they never judge or criticize and are ALWAYS happy to see us, even if we’ve been gone a day?
I’m happy for the love you and Penny shared, and the life she had because of you. And congratulations on your new granddaughter. I hop that helps easy the pain of Penny’s passing.
So sorry for your loss. Your Penny sounds a lot like our Booney. Thank you for sharing the lovely photos of her.
AWww, Debbie, I’m so sorry. It’s so hard to lose a beloved pet, a family member. Sounds like she was just an amazing companion. What a beautiful tribute!
I am so sorry Debbie. It hurts so much to loose a fur child.
What a beautiful tribute to Penny. She does sound perfect!
My heart is broken in two for you. I can’t imagine your pain. There really are no words. I have a dog that’s spirit runs deep in my soul, so of course I am sobbing. Please know that I am wrapping my arms around you and praying that someday it doesn’t hurt so bad. Rest in peace sweet Penny.
🙁
That’s really all I can say/do right now!
I am so sorry ….
Oh Debbie, I am so very sorry. Perfect Penny sounds like the most wonderful dog. And they are a part of the family. The loss of s beloved dog is the hardest. I hope she is running now with our angel dog Homer.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Penny had such a sweet face!
Chester will turn 10 in just a few days, and it will most likely be his last birthday. He’s in heart failure, and gave us a scare yesterday, but we’ve tweaked his meds again & he seems better today.
Bottom line: no matter how long they live it’s not enough, but we are better for having had them in our lives. May you find peace that Penny had such a wonderful life with you and left this world peacefully.
I am so so sorry Debbie!!!!!! HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Penny’s beautiful and she seems to have been a very friendly dog. Dogs are the best. I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Oh Debbie – I’ve been meaning to sit down and read this and send love and comfort to you. I’m so so sorry that it took me so long. I have enjoyed Penny’s life lessons. She was a lucky girl to be the leader of your pack. I’m so sorry for your loss, but so happy for the love she brought to you. {{{hugs}}} Loving them is easy, losing them is hard.
I’m sorry for the loss of Penny. I went through this experience for the first time just two weeks ago with my 12 year old lab. Many tears were shed. I’m glad you have wonderful memories to keep her spirit alive.