That was how full our lives were of pets in late 2004, when our golden retrievers Sheba and Moses joined the family that Christmas. The first loss of that group came in spring of 2005, when our cat Don Juan went to the Bridge. He was 14, so we had already known that he would most likely be the first to go, even though it was too soon. The recent loss on April 25th of our cat Samantha was the last of that group.
The oddest thing to me is that it now seems we have almost come full circle. While I’ve had cats my whole life, we started our adventures with dogs with just a single dog, a mutt, followed by another single dog, a Labrador retriever mix. Here we are again, 15 years later, with a single Lab mix, yet no cats; so maybe not quite full circle.
Samantha’s biological sister Katie died of cancer in 2012, so to have Samantha live to be sweet 16 was definitely a blessing (especially when we had a cancer scare with her 4 years ago). It was in the fall of that year – 2012 – that I started this blog, and the Wag ‘n Woof pets “crew” was formed. Every year but one since then we have lost one of the crew.
As Samantha started to fade some over this past winter, I had a strong feeling that we would lose her in April. Here’s why:
- 2013 – Moses – June
- 2014 – Kobi – February
- 2015 – Conrad – May
- 2016 – Sheba “breaks the curse”
- 2017 – Sheba – January
- 2018 – Cricket – March
- 2019 – Samantha – April
Do you see the pattern? Coincidence? Who knows? But you might understand why Samantha’s passing had me questioning keeping this blog going. From 6 pets in the beginning, to one dog now, had me wondering if I could find enough to write about. I had already considered that when we lost Cricket last year. While I enjoy sharing about the farm and our birds, and I believe readers enjoy it as well, I still want to keep this a pet blog as it’s main theme. There are other things going on in our lives that have had me questioning if I could keep this going, but deep down I knew I could never give it up. Sharing our lives with pets and a small farm is truly a passion for me.
After all, Luke has done a good job of taking over and giving us material, and writing has always been my dream. Literally the day we helped Samantha to the Rainbow Bridge, she sent me a sign to be sure I knew what my right decision would be: I received a comment on a blog post from a reader that reminded me what a lot of this is about. This reader and I had been talking back and forth a bit. She was told her dog might have luxating patellas like Luke does; I have written on the subject a few times. For her, it turned out that her dog probably did not, and when telling me this, she said: “Thank you so much for this blog, it honestly helped me relax and stay calm during this injury.” Reading that cemented my decision.
Speaking of signs, this one came just three days before Samantha left us. An evening rainstorm left behind this beautiful rainbow. It’s one of the few complete rainbows I’ve ever seen, though I couldn’t quite capture the whole thing in the photo we could see it from end to end. I honestly thought Sam might pass away that very night, but she wasn’t quite ready to go then yet. However, I felt a bit more peaceful sensing that her siblings sent that sign showing they would be waiting for her when she got there.
Life is all about change, and we always know chances are we will outlive our pets. But the love and joy they bring us while they are here makes it all worthwhile. Luke is doing a good job of taking care of us and giving us that love now. We’re accepting this new normal for now….Luke needs a lot of attention and we are content to make him our focus, along with the farm.
It’s a new era now.
We are always thankful for love and hope. We are joining our friends at Brian’s Home for the Thankful Thursday blog hop. Please visit them and other blogs through the links below.
I’ll have you know, the title of this post filled my heart with dread. I’m glad you decided not to quit, but I do understand why you’d consider it. It is similar to why I don’t post anymore. My guys are aging and it’s kind of depressing for me to talk about this one’s heart issue and this one’s mobility issue.
I think blogs are a lot like life, they change. If you can find things to write about with your changes and as long as you are enjoying what you’re doing, that’s what’s important.
I didn’t mean to scare you, honest! And I totally get how you feel. I like to try to stay positive on here as much as possible, but darn, life makes that so difficult sometimes!
Honestly, as much as I’m so sad Sam is gone, I’m relieved to have a break from the constant vet visits and mostly the worry that having senior pets bring. I know just how tough it is and how you feel. 🙁
Thank you for your support. ♥♥♥
It is so hard to look back and see how many paw prints we have on our hearts. I have loved reading about all of your dogs and cats. It is incredibly fascinating to me to read about your farm life. You make us wag and woof!
That is so sweet! Thank you so much, Melissa. xxoo
So grateful you decided to keep blogging. I love your stories and the photography and information are ‘pawfect.’ Sending tender thoughts your way from me, the Knucklehead and the Ninja. 💖
Thank you so much, Monika! Making friends like all of you along the way is one of the other reasons we wouldn’t want to quit! ♥
I am really glad you did not quit your blog. I read and enjoy your adventures with Luke and your feathered kids every day. Thank you for brightening up my mornings while I have my coffee!
You are so welcome, and thank you for telling us that! It is truly readers like you that keep us going!! xxoo
We totally understand new eras 🙂 and are glad you have decided to keep blogging!!
We know you have experienced sad losses that led to change along the way as well, so we are not surprised that you “get it”. Thank you. ♥
Purrs of sympathy and paws of comfort on Sam’s leaving for the rainbow bridge. We know you miss Sam very much.
Thank you. ♥
So many beautiful animals filling up that rainbow bridge, just from yours alone-making the rainbows shine brighter.
But such a tough time for you all for sure. Glad you will continue to do the blog, it sounds like you have wonderful readers that will appreciate that. And it will help you keep alive your dream of writing. I myself know I look forward to it all the time to see what is up at the farm! Love to all of you
Thank you, Lynn. ♥
You are such a resilient person. Losing Sam must have been like a dagger to the heart. But I am glad that you have Luke and all the fine feathered fowl of your farm.
Some days I don’t feel resilient…..it’s been a tough few years. But I guess the fact that I keep going says that I am stronger than I sometimes think.
What a special post, had me crying when I got to the rainbow. You make a difference even if you don’t think you have much to write about. Thanks for keeping it going. Enjoy your time with Luke and the farm.
Thank you so much, JoAnn. ♥♥♥
You’ve had some hard hits, purrs and prayers for your loss – purrs and prayers for a long healthy future.
Thank you!!
It is tough to lose a beloved pet and so many year after year. XO
I know that you understand how that is. ♥
We’re still adjusting to our new normal. Change may not be easy…but it is inevitable.
It takes a while to figure it all out, doesn’t it? All we can do is roll with the punches. ♥
I truly enjoy your blog – it has made me laugh and cry. I am sure your readers think of you as your friend!
Keep on writing and we’ll keep reading !
I definitely think of my readers as my friends, and know that I couldn’t do it without you!! Thank you! ♥
this was beautiful Jan. You have to believe in signs, that’s for sure. Actually, my “signs” are the opposite………….I am probably wrapping it all up right after Cody’s blog turns 10 this year……….there are many other things going on in our lives right now and I am already barely blogging………..all of the “signs” I have received say……..end…..end…..end………….you keep going, Luke is doing great! Oh in case I forget to email you, I still need your address!
Sorry I didn’t read that right the first time! I’m also sorry your signs are telling you to end, but I think we know in our hearts what the right thing is to do, no matter which way it goes. ♥
So hard to lose them. They embed themselves in your heart and remain there forever.
Have a wonderful Thankful Thursday. ♥
They make our hearts so full, don’t they? ♥
I hear ya, my sweet friend. When Shadow left us, it was the end of an era for me as well…My Golden Life is no longer full of Goldens…and I’ve been contemplating saving all the blog posts to a separate external storage device and updating In My Heart 4Ever as a result. Thank goodness we both have our youngest – and most challenging – pups to give us that unconditional love we’ve come to depend on over the years. Sending ❤️ to you and Luke from Ducky and me.
We miss having goldens, and beagles, so much!! But we are lucky to have our needy, and so sweet, ones to take care of. ♥
It’s never easy to lose our beloved furkids. Yes, life is all about change and we love reading what you and Luke and your feathered friends are up to.
Thank you!!
xxoo, Luke
Oh yes! We’d all love you to keep blogging. I love hearing about not just your mammals, but also your birds. My birds are different (parrots), but I enjoy seeing that others see value in them when so many do not. And well, I’m a sucker for dogs, cats, and just about any animal. Seeing your love for your critters makes it so easy to see the true person that you are. It makes it possible to connect, in some way. I’d love for you to keep up the good work with your blog! My dogs appreciate it in a whole different way. The duck toy you recommended is their favorite of all of them. I bought enough so that each dog has their own, although they all share. So my 3 give you a big salute for sharing your favorite toys and their favorite treats from your store.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support! It means so much to me, and since the duck toy was one of Cricket’s favorites, it really makes me happy to hear your 3 enjoy it so much as well!
Life is all about change, and change can be so very hard. We are still stumbling around with the loss of Emma. Our fans are what keep us going, and the fact that Mom loves to take photos and write. Only posting on social media would not work for us and our needs. As long as we enjoy our blog and others do to we will keep going. We hope you keep going for a long time too.
I know how tough Emma’s loss is for you, and that it also had you thinking about what direction to go next. You are right about the fans, and I agree about social media too. It’s just not the same as a blog, I believe.
xxoo
It’s never easy but that’s what love, caring and sharing is all about. Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
You are so right about that. ♥
I see it your way… as signs… and I agree with you, Luke and the guineas give you sure lots of blogging material… and if you really have no idea what to post, you can record one of the songs of the hens… that’s always ear candy ..at least for me ;O) Hugs to you …BIG ones…
Thank you. ♥
I’ll work on some videos of the birds – good idea!
I’m sorry to hear about Sam. I started reading your blog since Conrad.
I think nomatter what direction your blog takes, the friends and readers you have will stay.
Thank you so much. ♥