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Friday, November 4, 2011

Smudge 6/1/1997–11/3/2011

Stix n Brix
Clayton, NC

Mommy, don't leave...
Smudge  1997 - 2011

Smudge has been a huge part of our lives during the past 14 years but we had to say goodbye to her yesterday.  When we picked her out of a liter of 5, little did we know that we had chosen the devil of the bunch.  At that time, Gin was in a wheelchair so we knew we wanted a small dog that could stay in the house to use a pee-pad when nature called.  She enjoyed riding in Gin’s lap as she wheeled around in the house.

When we got our MH in 2006, Smudge adjusted to our little travels very well.  She did not like being left behind.  She had a case of separation anxiety and stuck to me like Velcro.  Oh how I miss that little cling-on! 

One of our best memories of a good day together was a hike in the woods near Brevard, NC in 2008.  We made a wrong turn and never found the waterfall, but Smudge was hopping over limbs and pulling me on her leash.  She had a blast!

During the past two years she aged rapidly.  A few months ago we took her to the vet because she wasn’t acting quite right.  The doctor told us that she was in kidney failure and that it was only a matter of time.  We fed her the kidney formula of Science Diet hoping that would help.  During the past few weeks, we had to hand feed her (spoiled a little) to get her to eat.  She didn’t drink any water on Wednesday and was so weak.  She didn’t sleep much that night and was sick Thursday several times.  She trembled in pain.  We knew it was time to say our goodbyes.

This is my tribute post so I am posting a lot of pictures.  They have captions if you stop the cursor on the pic.  We have had other dogs before her but she lived with us the longest.  She was very ill-tempered but very much loved by us.  We will see her at the Rainbow Bridge.

Hold me Mommy G! Howl at the moon So peaceful...
I'm so beautiful! Smudge loves the backyard freedom
Enjoying the outdoors Smudge...or should we call her Velcro
I don't want to go swimming.  It's too cold! Smudge doesn't like to swim but it cools her off
I'm begging...please! This is MY chair!!
Mommy pick me up! I don't feel too good
I'm so sweet...and spoiled! Smudge enjoys relaxing
I look so sweet Licky
The wind is messing up my hair! Smudge enjoying the fresh air in the mountains of NC/Tenn
Sudge relaxing in the MH Smudge should have been named Velcro!
Leave me alone.  I'm resting. Relaxing at Lake Jordan
Shaggy!! Smudge...aka Velcro
Enjoying the ride in Pennsylvania I like it here

24 comments:

Luci & Loree said...

So sorry for your loss, this is a special tribute to your special friend. We love them so....

Dan and Tricia said...

Didn't see this before I sent you guys the email...So sorry for your loss and know that you both are in our thoughts....

Unknown said...

The good news, is that all dogs go to Heaven! So sorry for your lost.

Mike and Terri said...

Oh no -- we're so sorry for your loss. It's always heartbreaking to say goodbye to a cherished member of the family. It's clear from your loving tribute, as well as past pictures that you've posted of Smudge, how much you treasured her and she treasured the both of you. We're thinking of you.

Nan said...

It tears our hearts out when we have to let our fur kids go. She was greatly loved and so were you. Thank God for happy memories.

Karin said...

So sorry for your loss. I can feel your hurt as I just had to say goodbye to my 14 year old lab on Tuesday. Maybe they are both in Heaven chasing bunnies and balls together.

Sherry said...

What a wonderful tribute to Smudge. It is so clear how much you two loved her and she you. To say I'm sorry for this loss in your family just isn't adequate.

Nancy and Bill said...

We are sorry for your loss. We know what an important member of your family Smudge was. There will be a empty spot for some time, but you have some wonderful memories to hang on to. The photo of Syl and Smudge relaxing together is a real favorite of ours. It is how I remember Smudge...velcroed to Syl :o))

Take care and know we are thinking of you both.

LakeConroePenny,TX said...

What a shame that you had to come out from un-blogging to post this.
You wanted to have more emotion in your posts, and this tops it, but not in the way you wished.

It would have been better to hear that the house had sold, but little Smudge is in Good Hands.

My heart goes out to y'all as you will miss her. BTDT.

Happy Trails, Penny, TX
(www.pennys-tuppence.blogspot.com)

Paul and Marti Dahl said...

Sorry to hear that Smudge has passed away. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about how hard it is to let such a cherished friend go.

Your pictures will help you hold on to fond memories of her, it was such a nice tribute to her.

Gail Houle said...

So very sorry to hear about Smudge. Thankfully, she's in a better place and no more pain. You will have many wonderful memories of your 14 years and some great photos too!

It will be an adjustment in your lives but you'll come through it and your new life is right around the corner.

Beach Lovers Martha & Lee said...

We are so sorry to hear about Smudge. We totally understand the loss. We lost our little Sampson July 11th and I still miss him more than you could ever imagine. The two of them are together now playing and pain free.

Ron and Cynthia said...

I am also so sorry to hear about Smudge. I am glad that Ronnie and I got to meet her too when we saw you at Cedar Point. Your memories of all the special times together will help get you both through this loss. I understand, I have had to go through this kind of loss too with my beloved cats. Yes, she at the Rainbow Bridge. We are thinking of you both.

Catherine, Jo Beth and Grace said...

We are sorry for your loss. I know you will miss her but you have lots of good memories of your time together.

Travelwithwhippets said...

As you know,we lost both of our long-time furkids this year, so we know how hard it is to say good-bye. I remember seeing Smudge's little bed when we toured your MH at the rally. The pain does ease, but it takes time. Please know your friends are thinking about you!

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about Smudge. You have some great pictures and memories to reflect on.

Take care.

Bruce and Laura

Sue Malone said...

So sorry about your little Smudge. It leaves such a huge hole in your life when the sweet spirit that has been so close to you for so many years is suddenly no longer there. Take care and I know you know just how many of us are with you in spirit, either with an animal recently lost, or one that is aging.

cruzin2some said...

It breaks our hearts to hear your news. We are so very sorry to hear about your little Smudge. It is never easy to loose a loved one. Just know she is no longer in pain.

~M said...

So sorry to hear about smudge. I loved ALL of her pics... what an adorable fur baby! Maybe in her honor you can name the next one velcro, LOL!

I'm sending cyber hugs ~M

marie said...

Wee Smudge, rest in peace. She was a special little devil, and I know you'll both miss her very much.

Anonymous said...

So very very deeply sorry for your loss. Nothing touches us quite like our furry friends. Smudge was a beautiful doggie and I'm sure she's playing in the fields and watching over you now.
NIna

Bob and Jacki Gilmore said...

Sorry to hear about your loss. Don't know what we would do with out our Pralines. Your tribute was beautiful! Jacki

Karen and Al said...

I have been trying to write this since I first read about Smudge. I am still having a lot of trouble getting over the loss of our little Squeaky that everytime I start to write, I get too emotional.

I am very sorry about your loss and understand how very difficult it can be. What a nice tribute for Smudge. Some of them are just more special and really worm their way into your hearts. Unfortunately, we can't keep them forever. It will get better. (she says through tears in her eyes)

Do what we did....get a kitten :)

The Good Luck Duck said...

Sorry I didn't Smudge's tribute page earlier. Rest in peace, Smudge.

Roxanne