I did not expect to have to write this post for several months. Our sweet beagle Cricket left us for the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday night. We are devastated, and were not expecting this now at all. I have written about Cricket’s enlarged heart on many occasions, most recently in our post “Looking on the Bright Side” in early February. The new medicine we added at that point seemed to help at first, but then her cough worsened again, and we were back at the vet just over a week ago. Our vet did not find anything alarming in the exam or blood tests. They checked her blood pressure, which was up, but Cricket is very nervous at the vet, so that may have been a factor. Over that weekend, she consulted with a cardiologist (who saw all of Cricket’s records and x-rays), and they came to the conclusion that Cricket might have bronchitis in addition to her heart condition. It all made sense to us, we made some changes in meds, and her cough seemed to get a bit better. Through all of this, Cricket was eating and drinking fine, and still playing ball on some days (for very short times). Other than some breathing that seemed a bit off at times for short spells, we were not overly concerned.
I left for a short weekend in Maine with the girls with no worries at all. Therefore, I was quite shocked when I got home and Cricket was gone. My husband had found her collapsed outside, and her breathing was labored when he brought her in. It was only a matter of minutes before she passed on. We did not see this coming. We expected Cricket’s decline to be slow, with more and more symptoms of heart failure over time. Apparently her heart gave out that night.
I’m taking this loss hard. Maybe because it was more sudden, though we can’t say completely unexpected considering her bad heart and age of 13. Cricket is the last of our 2004 puppies and the original canine Wag ‘n Woof crew…we got 3 puppies back then to keep our beagle Kobi company after the devastating and sudden loss of our Lab mix, Maggie. I will be writing more about how she entered our lives, and the years of joy she gave us, soon. We may be quiet here and elsewhere for a while…I’m not sure what I feel up to at this point. This time has been rough, but the support of friends and family is getting us through it. RIP, our sweet little girl, 9/1/2004 – 3/24/2018. We love you more than you could have ever known, and you returned that love to us a million times over.
I am so sorry. I fell in love with Cricket through your writing and photos, and I am so sad to read that she departed suddenly. I am sending you and your family lots of love. RIP, Cricket – you are missed very deeply.
Thank you. It means so much to me to know that you loved Cricket too, will miss her too, and that her joyful personality showed through on the blog. ♥
Run free sweet Cricket. So sorry for your loss. Sending you all much love and hugs xx
Thank you so much, Lorna. ♥
I’m so sorry for your loss of your sweet Cricket. Even though you knew her health was declining, it’s still shocking when they take a sudden turn for the worse, and you weren’t there with her. Luckily, she had the comfort of your husband to help ease her over the Rainbow Bridge. Purrs for you and your family.
Thank you, Raven. We lost two dogs in the past at two different times when no one was home (our neighbor was caring for them), so I am truly grateful that my husband was here for her.
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl. XO
Thank you, Ellen. ♥
We are so terribly sorry for your loss! We bet Cricket was greeted with so many hugs and licky kisses at the bridge. Saying lots of prayers for your family.
xoxo,
Bell Fur Zoo Family
Thank you all so much. Yes, I am sure Cricket had quite the welcoming committee at the Bridge. That thought gives me great comfort. ♥
I’m so terribly sorry for your loss and even more so that you weren’t there. Hugs.
Thank you so much, JoAnn. I worried every time I left Sheba that we would lose her when we were not here. This just caught me totally off guard. I swear these things happen when you are not expecting them….I guess that’s why I’m such a worrier. I’m just grateful my hubby was at least here for her.
My heart is broken for you! I have loved reading about Cricket and her enthusiasm for life and I’m so glad that she kept that joy right up until the very end. Hugs to you, your husband, and Luke!
Thank you so much. As much as I hate this sudden loss, it is a blessing that she was able to go at a time when she was still enjoying life. It would have been hard for such an energetic and happy girl as she was to slow down so much.
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. I’m sure it’s currently quite unbearable for all of you but luckily you have each other for support and comfort in these difficult times.
Thank you so much, Anne.
Please don’t take Cricket’s loss so hard. You were doing everything you could for her. If the vets thought she was suffering they wouldn’t have sent her home with you, and you would have stayed home. She passed in one of her favorite spots luckily your husband was there but I’m worried about how hard he must be taking it too. You still have one puppy who needs you very much right now. Luke will be in mourning over her playmate so I hope you two can comfort each other. Sandra and Dolly
We are definitely all comforting each other. Luke has been the best….my poor hubby, having to get through that first night and waiting for me to get home that next day. But Luke was beside him every minute, and he has been with both of us almost constantly these last few days.
I am trying not to dwell on the fact that I wasn’t here. But truly, we had no idea she was this bad, even though I suppose it was always in the backs of our minds that she could go suddenly like this. She had even played ball that day with my hubby when he got home from work, and she had eaten her breakfast heartily that morning before I left for Maine.
Thank you for caring. ♥
I am so sorry. I’m glad you have so many fond memories, as they will last forever. Hugs and kind thoughts to you and your family.
Thank you so much.
Love her always, and so many words have been said here by your wonderful blog friends, that just say it all-I can’t think right now what else to say-except my heart breaks with you and for you, but there will be comfort in knowing how much you gave to each other, love both ways that surpassed any of your dreams-that will always be with you. Time will heal the pain, until only the wonderful memories remain-but never a day will go by that you don’t miss her-so thankful for the time we all had with her! Love you Cricket, RIP, I will Miss you
Thank you, Auntie Lynn. She knew how much you loved her too. ♥♥♥
So very sorry for you. We know first hand how you expect things to go slowly and then they are suddenly happening in a moment. Be happy Cricket was able to leave on her own terms, but it won’t make you feel better now. Take time to grieve, be with Luke, remember all the good times. We still miss Katie so much, but although it makes Mom cry, looking through old pics for throwback Thursday posts helps us a lot. If you need anything, let us know.
Thank you so much for being there for us. I do think it was better for Cricket to go the way she did, than to have a slow decline, even though it’s been very hard on us. She wanted to be at home with her family just like her brother Kobi was, and in the long run that will give us comfort, even if it is hard to bear right now.
My heart goes out to you guys. I am so very sorry for your furry loss.
Thank you, Barbara.
My heart is broken for you. It is the worst part of being a pet blogger because even though I had never met Cricket in the fur, I knew and loved her. I know she is chasing tennis balls at the Rainbow Bridge tonight. We are all sending our love and prayers for y’all.
I agree….we’ve all shed so many tears over pets we never met in person. Thank you so much for your love and prayers, and most of all for loving Cricket. ♥
Sorry never seems to say it all. Please know we are sending our love, tears and comforting snuggles your way.
Thank you so much. ♥
Again, I’m so sorry. It must have been quite a shock to have this happen while you were away. I know you loved her dearly and she’ll leave an empty space in the house, but she’ll always be with you in your heart. Thinking of you guys!
Thank you so much for caring, Jackie, and for the beautiful card. It’s tough without her! But you know how that is too. ♥
We were shocked and sadden to hear this news. We are so sorry. Sending you lots of comforting purrs and hugs.
Thank you – all purrs and hugs are greatly appreciated. ♥
So sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much!
I’m at a loss for words … I’m just shocked beyond belief. We loved Cricket so much – her enthusiasm for playing ball was as touching as it was inspirational. I am so sorry! I can’t even imagine your sense of loss.
Knowing how much you enjoyed and loved Cricket means so much to me. Thank you so much. ♥
So very sad to read your news, so heartbreaking losing a dog, especially if you aren’t there too. Sending hugs and love to you x
Thank you, Michelle xo
I’m so sorry to hear about Cricket. Sending all our love and hugs to you.
Thank you so much, Jen. ♥
I’m sorry for your loss. Sending comforting thoughts.
Thank you so much, Edie.
I am so sorry to hear about Cricket. I am praying for you all. I know it is a really tough time for you.
I greatly appreciate your prayers and your caring and understanding. ♥
I’m so sorry it’s so hard and I know that there are no words that can be said to help heal. Only time will heal and her memories will keep her alive in your heart. Hugs my friend
Thank you so much, Mary and Daisy. Your caring is such a comfort to us. ♥
Oh no! I’m so very sorry to hear this news. Sending you and your family oodles of poodles comfort. I hope sweet Cricket was met at the Bridge with a fresh orange ball and loads of fur-iends to welcome her in endless games of fetch. Run free precious girl. 💔
That is such a sweet thought, and I love the happy picture you painted. Thank you. xo
What shocking and heartbreaking news. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Cricket was such a special, spunky girl. Sending you lots of prayers.
Thank you so much for your kind words and caring. ♥
I too am deeply saddened by Cricket’s loss. She was such an integral part of the blog, more so after Kobi and Sheba went to the bridge. Take whatever time you need, I know her sudden passing is a lot to process. I’m here if you need a ‘shoulder’. Hugs to you, Tom and Luke.
Thank you! It is a lot to process…and I feel like it’s not just our family, but that the blog has suffered such a great loss as well. It’s tough to know where to go from here, but we will figure it out. Thank you for being there for us. xo
I’m still at a loss for words. I wanted to say something comforting; but there are none. Except to say I’m only a text away. Our hearts are broken, too. You, Tom, and the crew are part of our extended family. We are here for you. Love and hugs and puppy kisses.
The fact that you have been here for us is the most important thing. Thank you. xo
Oh dear, we are so very sorry to hear about dear Cricket. We know the pain of loss, especially a sudden loss and we send many hugs and all our love your way. Run free dear Cricket and thanks for entertaining us with your joyful smile.
Thank you for being such caring friends. I know your own losses are still too fresh. It is such a help to share in our pain. ♥
I’m so very sorry to hear of Cricket’s passing. My heart is broken right along with yours, I had also thought your sweet girl was doing as well as possible with the new meds. I know what a shock it must have been for you and how difficult it is. There are no words that can comfort you now, but please know that we’re thinking of you and praying for you every day. Much love and many hugs to you. <3
Words can’t make it better, but knowing how much you care is such a big help. Thank you. ♥
I saw the sad news at FB and I had to read twice …. I’m so sorry…and I have no clue what to say or what to write….. too many tears … hugs to you….
I know that you know only too well what this pain is like. Just knowing you are there for us and care, that is all we need. Thank you. ♥