Why dogs have such short lives...

5/28/2012

I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives
and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race;
for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years,
what would it be if they were to live double that time?

The misery of keeping a dog is his dying so soon.
But, to be sure, if he lived for fifty years and then died, what would become of me?

― Sir Walter Scott

Missing my Daphne, and so grateful for our time together.
Mary^

Linking up with Kat for this months' Photo Heart Connection.

23 Comments

Liz Thoresen link

5/28/2012 04:06:10 am

There aren't words enough to describe the pain we feel when we lose a dear friend. in time, you will be able to look forward and welcome another sweet animal into your heart. Thinking of you. Xo

Erica link

5/30/2012 06:51:19 am

I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my beloved kitty earlier in the month. It's very strange to not have them around; they are family. I recently found this article and it helped me smile through the hard time. I hope it helps you too.

http://bayintegratedmarketing.wordpress.com/2012/03/18/a-dogs-purpose-from-a-6-year-old/

xo,
E

Lindsay link

5/30/2012 07:38:32 am

Aw, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dog and friend. Take time to miss her and then your heart will heal enough to think of loving another soon. Take care & thanks for visiting my blog! x

Jennifer Carroll link

5/31/2012 11:23:37 am

I've never seen that quote from Sir Walter Scott but I love it!! What a lovely & true sentiment. I lost my 'best doggie friend' of 16 years last fall and I can tell you it was heartbreaking!!! And while the pain was intense I was (and am) so grateful for our time together! I'm happy she's now chasing bunnies in the field's of heaven and I can't wait to see her again :-)

Patricia

5/31/2012 12:18:09 pm

We never forget our pets. They will always be a part of our lives! I have had too many who have passed! It is very sad & hard to recover from- a lot of grieving takes place. The joy they give us though is worth this aspect of pet loss. I really feel we will meet them again one day. <3

Doreen link

6/2/2012 12:30:31 am

i didn't know when I visited your blog (coming from BYW) I would end up crying (in a good way). I miss my sweet grand dog, who thankfully is alive and well and living with his mommy in Singapore. He was my best friend and the hardest thing I ever did was to bring him over there to be with my daughter. I miss him everyday, but he belongs with his mommy who loves him more than anything too! We had a Bichon who we had to put to sleep due to cancer several years ago. What a horrible day that was...the day after Christmas. Love the Scott quote, and how true!

Susan link

6/2/2012 02:44:41 am

So sorry you've lost a dear friend. Sending sympathy. You have selected an adorable photo. I have lost several dogs over the years and my heart breaks each time. They ARE family and they are something to grieve about. SWS's words tho' are full of thought. I feel when a beloved pet passes that trading an intense heart ache that lasts a few weeks (and the more subtle one that hangs on for months) is totally worth the 12-13 years of love and happiness they provide; a worthy "trade-off"....and therefore I do it all over again.
Wishing you a mending heart and as many tears as it takes.

Marji link

6/2/2012 07:41:54 am

Beautiful Daphne. They don't last long enough, its so true. Peace in your sorrow, my friend.

Sarah link

6/2/2012 10:00:08 am

Oh goodness, I am so sorry for your loss. -_- That is a beautiful quote, and makes a good, yet heart breaking point. I lost my best friend just under 8 years ago, and while we get used to the new way things are, the hole in your heart that only they can fill remains. I am so very sorry. Hugs.

nancyjean

6/2/2012 12:14:25 pm

oh i am so sorry for your loss of your beloved dog. Five years ago, we lost our two wonderful doggies. They were both 15 years old...i know how difficult it is. It is amazing how they warm our hearts!

irene link

6/2/2012 02:12:08 pm

our four-legged family are so dear and close to our hearts. there is not replacement. my little reggie is 14 and i do not look forward to walking into my home without him here to greet me. i am sorry for your loss of daphne.

Kat Sloma link

6/3/2012 03:27:13 am

Oh, my heart goes out to you! My heart still aches for the loss of my beloved dog two years ago. Many hugs for you! Thanks for sharing this tribute in the Photo-Heart Connection. That quote is perfect.

Deborah link

6/3/2012 06:34:28 am

What a great image of your dog, and the words you chose here are so touching. My sympathies to you in your time of loss.

Joy Hall link

6/3/2012 09:10:20 am

It is so hard to lose a long-time doggie friend. I lost two this past year... both 16+ years old. I still think I hear them from time to time. We have to be grateful for the time we had together.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Sharon link

6/3/2012 05:57:59 pm

Mary,
I'm very sorry about your dog. I know how painful that is to lose our animal companions. They truly are our family members. I hate that they have shorter lives as well, we miss them so.

Sharon (from BYW2)
thank you for visiting my blog, too...

StarletStarlet link

6/3/2012 06:41:08 pm

I am truly sorry about Daphne. I know how hard it must be for you losing a companion. I am sure she was one very happy puppy to have spent her live with you.

Elsie link

6/4/2012 05:31:19 am

I feel so sorry you lost your dear friend. its a lovely photo from this faithful friend.

Beth @ Remarkably Domestic link

6/4/2012 02:22:31 pm

What a beautiful post. Daphne was lucky to have a companion like you.

Beth :-) (BYW 2.0)

Michelle link

6/4/2012 04:08:37 pm

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss Mary. Dogs are huge part of my life and I've felt that pain of losing one before. My love goes out to you. Remember all those good times you had together and cry, cry and smile.... let it all out! :)

-Michelle

Samantha link

6/5/2012 03:29:29 am

Mary, I'm so sorry for your loss. Daphne was a lucky girl!

I haven't seen this quote before, and oh, how true it is! My life is richer for all the animals that have been in my life.

Sam (BYW2)