When I lose a family member, friend, or pet, (Lilie and Pattie were all three), the thing that comforts me the most is to understand that they will live in my heart forever. The thought makes it easier to adjust to life without them, and once the pain of loss begins to subside, it is replaced by fond memories, touching, or funny stories, and gratitude. All of which warm my heart. I know what they say is true. “It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”
Many of you know that Kip and I lost our little cocker spaniel, Pattie Ruth and our short haired German pointer, Lilie Dale. We had to have both of them put to sleep on Tuesday. It was unexpected and surreal. I think we are still in shock. Pattie had a stroke and while removing what was thought to be a benign fatty tumor in Lilie, the vet found an aggressive form of cancer that couldn’t be treated.
Kip and I have made a good home for more than a few dogs in our forty years of marriage. We have always tried to let them go when it was time, and we’ve always been there with them to say goodbye. This is the first time two of our much loved friends went to doggie heaven, otherwise known as rainbow bridge, together.
Even though she won’t admit it, Dollie Lee, the cat, misses Lilie and Pattie, too. She is acting very needy. She has always used the doggie door to go in and out at her leisure. Now, she wants us to open the door for her. She meows for treats every hour and craves lap time.
We have been overwhelmed by all of the kind and loving messages so many of you have shared with us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We only had Lilie Dale for a year and a half, but she was so very special to us. She was the happiest dog we had ever met. Her tale wagged constantly and she danced for her treats. Pattie was Sammie’s sister. We had them both for thirteen years after finding them running the streets of Gun Barrel. Pattie was always a little plump and rather lazy, but she found her voice after Sammie died and she and Lilie became really close.
Now, I head for California on Monday to spend some time with one of my favorite guys in the whole world. Gus is having some surgery next week and Billy and I are going to hang out with him for a couple of weeks while he recuperates…
Those 70ish Girls 
It’s difficult for me to have read the tribute to your wonderful dogs and sad cat. Still drying my tears as I read it but agree with you. You will hold them in your heart and have wonderful memories.
Ken’s brother, Paul, loved his childhood dog Freddie, when it died, then years later got a beautiful big golden retriever for their three kids. It died about ten years ago and they have the ashes in a special box at home. One day at work everyone was allowed to bring their dog to work so he took the ashes in the box and worked at his computer when his boss walked by, he asked Paul why he didn’t bring his dog Max to work. Paul picked up the box of ashes and said, “I did. Here he is.”
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I love that story!
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Still thinking about you both ! Lillie dale had such a loving and caring home her last 1 1/2 yrs. what a blessing you and Kip were for taking her in Prayers for safe travels and healing for Gus 🙏🙏🙏
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