While this blog is primarily about my creative work, it has always been, in a small way, my story. Many of you have watched our boys grow up, even if I don’t feature them here very often. You’ve followed us through moves, through Calvin’s diabetes diagnosis, through difficult seasons, and through some of the best of times. I shared here on the blog when we joined the ranks of dog owners almost nine years ago, and now I’m sharing the saddest day of being a dog owner. Our sweet Sebastian passed away yesterday.
We learned at the end of May that he had a mass on his liver. We were hopeful we still might have several years with him, but we also knew the end could come at any time. Yesterday morning, we went on our usual walk together and, after breakfast, he took a sudden turn for the worse. It was clear something was wrong, and we took him to the vet. We learned the mass had ruptured, and he was already dying. There was no option but to let him go.
When we first learned of the mass, I hoped that it would be clear when it was time, and it was. It was the hardest, saddest decision, but it was also the easiest decision because it was the most loving thing we could do for him.
We were thankful he had a wonderful last week filled with walks, ham treats, afternoons lying in the grass, and even a youth event at our house where he was showered with pets from teenagers and got to clean up all the crumbs they dropped. He was happy and living a good dog life until the last couple of hours, and we are so grateful for that.
We were so blessed that everyone, Jeff and the boys, and my parents, were free that afternoon to say goodbye. He got to see all of his favorite people, and we even got a few tail wags. My mom and I stayed with him until the end. I cupped his chin in one hand and held his paw with the other. My mom sat beside him and hugged him. We told him stories about his life, about being rescued as a stray off the streets in Arkansas, and being a young pup on a cat rescue farm in PA. We told him he made non-dog people his biggest fans. We told him he was such a good dog and a good boy.
We laughed about the time he ate a foot-long sub in about 15 seconds when Jeff left it unattended on the table. We reminded him how much he loved the snow in Minnesota and would plow through it with his nose. We let him know we wrote songs about him and will miss singing to him. We told him he was handsome, with the best soulful brown eyes, and that he looked so dapper in his bow tie.
I thanked him for being a good walking buddy and for being my shadow when I worked. I thanked him for sitting in the grass, keeping me company while I pulled weeds. I thanked him for being such a good, well-behaved dog in our home, and for not eating our couch or our cats. I thanked him for being the best, most gentle dog for our boys to grow up with. I thanked him for all of the presents he greeted us with over the years, from shoes and socks to his precious bones. I thanked him for being the model I didn’t know was missing from my photos.
I told him God’s eye is on the smallest sparrow, and He sees him now, in his suffering, and He loves him. I told him how much he was loved, how much I love him, how much everyone who met him loved him. And I told him how much I’ll miss him. And I do. I am already missing my constant companion, my studio dog, who just wanted to be around his people.
Please pray for our boys as they process this loss. It’s so hard to lose a pet, but I think it’s even harder when you’re young and it’s the first time you feel the depths of grief. I’ll pour my sadness out in words and paint, but I don’t know what their process will be yet. My hope is that we will all work through our sorrow with gratitude.
It only hurts so much because we loved so much. And love is always a gift.
One of my blog readers shared this farewell prayer for pets in the comments, and it was so beautiful that I wanted to share it here as well.
PS – I had to include this photo when I was looking through old pictures of Sebastian because it was so typical of him. He was behind thousands of photos I’ve shared over the years on this blog, usually sitting just outside of the frame. He and I would occasionally need to have a debate about where he could sit to be with Mom while allowing me to get my shots. I will miss that a lot.
116 Responses
Tears. So beautifully written. It’s so hard. Dogs are the best.
It’s the hardest thing to cope with ever, but you did the kindest thing. My sympathy, been there, know how you all feel. Sending love ❤️
So sorry. I have been there more times than I care to remember. Lost my Winnie 2 years ago and it seems like yesterday. Prayers for your boys, but also for you, I will miss seeing him in your photos.
Heart dog. Sweet prayers of comfort for you, your husband and your precious boys. Sprinkle a few of your beautiful photos of him around the house. Soon we you catch a glimpse of him, you will be smiling. He was a special gift.
The tears are streaming down my face, I feel your sorrow. I too, sat with my dog telling him he was the best and how much I loved him and that is a special memory for me now. They are forever in our hearts, take care ♡
It is so sad to lose a pet and a loyal, personal friend is the worst. 🙁
We lost two dogs within 6 mos of each other and I still miss them.
Toni
Thanks for sharing Sebastian with us. What a good boy. I’m sad for you all.
I’m so deeply sorry for your immense loss of your beloved Sebastian Marian. He was such a beautiful and gentle looking soul. Your words have described him so well. He knew he was loved and cherished. And he’ll always be with you. I can absolutely relate with my loss of Bruno last year after 18 wonderful years. Thinking of you all.
This brought tears to my eyes because I know this deep loss all too well. May your post about Sebastian always bring you comfort.
I prayed for you all this morning. After seeing your post yesterday my heart broke for you all. You are so right… to love so much does make the pain deeper….but how blessed was he to have you all and vice versa. 🩷🙏🏻
Such a beautiful tribute to the goodest boy. Thank you for sharing Sebastian with us all these years and for sharing these words. I’m crying for him and can only imagine how hard this is for you and your family. Hoping you all find peace in knowing you gave him a great life.
Oh my Marion, I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you all. I’m glad Sebastion found you all and the love you shared. Sending warm thoughts for you all.
Miriam, you expressed your love for Sebastian so beautifully. It brought tears to my eyes. These creatures that God has blessed us with really know how to love. So glad Sebastian had that love returned to him. Will definitely say a prayer for your boys.
I am sorry for your loss. I, too, lost my beloved sheltie in May. The house is not the same without her, as I am sure you are discovering in your own home. Thank you for sharing your experience of saying goodbye and your treasured memories of you fur baby. Blessings.
I cried when I read this. A beautifully written tribute to the best dog, because we all think we have the best dog, and we do. It is truly the only negative thing about sharing a life with a pet. I’m so sorry.
Loosing a companion animal is truly bittersweet….as our animal family members have passed on I’ve always thought of the quote from Will Rogers: “If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” I would have to include cats too as we have been so fortunate to live with several wonderful ones.
Thank you for participating in a rescue, giving Sebastian a wonderful life and a a loving home.
If anyone ever wants or needs support through the grieving process then you might want to consider Patricia Denys, a certified animal chaplain. Her motto is Honor Animal Lives, Healing Human Hearts.
I first learned about her through her work with Mutts artist Patrick McDonnell.
Sobbing as I read this beautiful tribute to your wonderful Sebastian. There is something so beautiful about the love from and for a dog. I am so sorry for your loss. May your treasured memories bring you peace.
I am sitting here reading your tribute to Sebastian and crying for your loss. He always looked happy, content and loved. He was lucky that he got you and your family to love and take care of him. He will be greatly missed by his human brothers and all other human family and friends. Sebastian, you will never be forgotten. God Bless you all.
Ain’t we lucky to have loved our pets so much that their goodbyes break our hearts? Hugs to all of you :>*
What a beautiful expression of your grief and love. I will pray for all of you as you go thru this journey! ❤️🙏
So beautifully written about a wonderful family member. Sebastian was lucky to have you in his life. My deepest sympathies.
Losing your pet is one of the most painful times. Always seems so unfair they don’t live as long as humans and we are forced over and over to say goodbye to our pets. So sorry for your loss.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. It was obvious he was not “just a dog”. You gave him a wonderful life. Prayers of comfort for you and your family.
Brought tears to me eyes. Have always loved reading your posts which included Sebastian (and Esme and Violet). So sorry for this grief journey. Sebastian was obviously well loved and had a great dog life. Take care.
I remember when you adopted Sebastian. I remember your ambivalence since you had always been a cat person. And I remember thinking how appropriate it was that you adopted such a beautiful dog – he was such a perfect prop for your photos. I could feel the softness of his fur through the images. I always enjoyed seeing him and seeing you become a dog lover 🙂
I know the absolutely gut-wrenching feeling of losing a dog. I’m sorry your family is going through that right now. I hope your boys feel better soon. They will always cherish the memories they have of him. Sebastian was lucky to have you all, and it sounds like you all were just as lucky to have him.
I am heartbroken for your family. Our furbabies are never “just a pet.” What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful companion.
So beautifully written. Animals teach us about pure unselfish love. And Sebastian truly loved his family. Thank you so much for sharing so much of him with all of us. And thank you so much for giving him the best of lives. As hard as it is to lose them, I cannot imagine a life without my beloved pets. They leave such a hole in our luves when they are gone. But a hole that is there because of love. Sending much love to you all.
Gosh, I am so sorry that you and your family are grieving for your beautiful friend, Sebastian. I will pray for your boys. The first loss of youth can be quite bewildering. A cherished pet’s love is so pure. “Why?” is inevitably asked. I think maybe it’s so we have our beloved pets welcome us to heaven. Maybe this might comfort your boys. I hope so. You have my sympathy and compassion.
This is a beautiful tribute to the best boy. Thanks for sharing Sebastian with us over these many years. Dogs are the best, most loving and loyal companions. It is heartbreaking when they go. Praying for your boys and your entire family as you navigate your daily routines without him by your side.
With tears streaming down my face I can feel your pain. I lost my Gracie suddenly due to congenital kidney disease at only 4, 3 months after losing my husband. At that moment I knew God had sent her to give him comfort as he faded away from ALZ. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Such a sweet, handsome boy! So very sorry for your loss. Praying for your family 🙏🏻
So sorry for your loss Marian. Your beautiful parting with Sebastian brought tears to my eyes.
Marian, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Sebastian. He was such a sweet and fun fixture to your family and to all your readers who got to know him. Praying for comfort and peace to your boys as they grieve his loss. Your family loved him unconditionally and gave him a wonderful life and home. As a former dog owner, I lost my sweet little Lhasa Tina almost the same way. It hurts so much but I am still comforted by all the great memories she gave our family. We still laugh today when the trash truck comes down our road and how much she hated it! Glad you had some great last weeks with Sebastian, and he that he didn’t have to suffer long.
Reading your story of Sebastian brought back all of the sadness and pain I have experienced losing my own sweet pups over the years. I had a hard time reading it for the tears. I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Sebastian. He had a wonderful life and I love that you told him all about it in his last minutes here. Prayers for you and your family as you grieve the loss of your best friend.
I’m so sorry to read this, wishing I had words that could help the pain of losing Sabastian for you and the family. As a “dog mom” myself, I know the pain too well. This post is the most beautiful memorial to a pet I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing with us, your readers. We care, and send our love.
Too many tears for both your family and Sebastian.
Marion your writing is perhaps a bit above every single skill you have.
I am truly deeply sad to hear this news.
I am crying reading this … I have been through this several times and never gets easier… and u will go through it again.. it is the hardest goodbye… it is a special love like no other because they are with us … constantly even more that our spouse and children …he knew live and in the end that is what matters … but the hole left behind … can really never be fillef
I am crying with you. I’ve been there, and know how much it hurts. Thank you for staying with Sebastian until the end, and thank you for giving him such a great life. I remember when you found each other, and he became a member of your pack. There is nothing like the love of a dog, nor is there any pain like that which comes with losing one. Take care, and be gentle with yourself and each other. I won’t lie, the hurt is going to be with you a long time. Peace. 💙
Such a good boy
I’m so sorry to hear this Marian. My thoughts are with you and your family. This is a lovely tribute.
The loss of a beloved pet is always hard. They love so completely and willingly and that binds us deeply to them.
I couldn’t even read it, I just started crying and went straight to comments. I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing our pets is losing a family member. It’s so difficult and there’s nothing can take this pain away except, possibly, time. Prayers to you and your family.
Feeling your loss…so,so sorry to hear…feeling the sadness each one of you must feel…and yes, sharing tears along with you. Love your last comment, “It only hurts so much because we loved so much. And love is always a gift.” It says it all…..
So sorry for the loss of your family member. He was a handsome boy. Love is love no matter where it comes from. Some say time makes things easier and I wish you all the grace to find that.
I feel your heartbreak having been through it with several of my dog companions. It’s definitely the price we pay for loving them and being loved by them. I’m so glad you had such good times together and he was so cherished right until the end. Thank you for sharing this.
This post is a beautiful tribute to a much adored friend. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve been there and it sure hurts.
Parson Family,
We are. So sorry and will be praying for you all. I will never forget visiting you in your studio in Bville right after you got him. I could not believe what a good boy he was. He adjusted to your family and your socks so quickly! I had thought if we ever adopted a dog I wanted it to be just like Sebastian! Sending you all prayers and love.
Xo
Barbara and Mark
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family provided a wonderful life for him and he greatly enriched your life in return. Your portrait of him will be a treasured reminder of his sweetness.
I loved your Sebastian, even though I only met him online. He had such a sweet face, and it was fun to spot him in a post. I know you and your family will be heartbroken. I know I am (for you).
Karen B.
So shocked to hear this and so very sorry, it is such a big loss. Cannot believe it’s been 9 years already. You gave each other the best you can give and letting him go was the most unselfish gift even though we want to hold onto our fur babies forever. Hope that you and your family find comfort in the days ahead.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, my heart hurts for you and your family. Doggies are so lovable and part of the family. My furry one may be near the end, 15.5 yrs so I try to prepare, but you really can’t, so I treasure each day with her. Hold onto your memories that were so fun. Prayers for all of you
I’m so, so sorry for your family’s loss. A lovely tribute.
Nothing more difficult. Praying for y’all!
So very sorry for your loss. You were very brave during an unimaginable time. Prayers for your family.
So sorry for your loss, Marian.
It always was such a pleasure to see him in your posts,
Sending you hugs.
What a beautiful tribute! I am convinced that God gave us dogs to serve as a model for the kind of people He would like us to be. To approach each day with an open heart, to forgive readily, to always be ready to play or sleep or just be with us as companions. I only wish I were as good a person as my dog thinks I am. I will be thinking of and praying for you and your boys. To love an animal and to receive its love in return is truly a blessing.
Thinking of you….. pets leave such huge holes and take so long to recover from the loss. And you are so so right…. It hits everyone including teens so differently.
You wrote about him so beautifully and how you spent his last hours with him.
What a beautiful tribute! Someone once asked me “what is your favorite kind of dog…the rescued kind!” The Parsons family won the lottery with Sebastian! Sending hugs and prayers, may you all find comfort in cherishing his memories.
In between hello and goodbye, there was so much love…….
Holding your family in my heart and prayers…..
blessings, lynne richmond
Goodness. This hurts and I don’t even know Sebastian. The neat thing is that you have the capability of capturing on canvas the heart and soul of your family member. Maybe someday it won’t hurt too much to do that. Should you ever find yourself in central Arkansas needing a hug, I have a rescue (also from the streets) that surely is Sebastian’s relative. I am so sorry for your loss.
My heart hurts for you and your family. I firmly believe that all dogs go to heaven. xoxo
Marian, so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
It’s hard to find anything beautiful about losing a beloved pet, but your tribute to Sebastian is just that. Our precious dogs are more than a constant source of joy, they are a comfort in the hard times, and protection when we need it. It is a painful loss. Sending prayers for your family as you grieve this loss.
So sorry to hear, he was loved and he gave unconditional love as well. I have lost 6 dogs in my life and my beautiful boxer Charlie was diagnosed with bone cancer. All we can do is love them, make them comfortable and keep them in your heart. My prayers are with you and your family.
I don’t comment often, but I had to express my sorrow at this news. Losing a pet you had for that many years and through all the highs and lows of life is super hard. I’ve been blessed with the “best dogs and cats” most of my life. They left lifelong, lasting impressions on me and my life, and my heart. I loved all the photos of him that you shared, and it was obvious that he was deeply loved and cared for. I always tell people that all a dog or cat wants is to be loved and cared for. When we do that for them, we are giving them their version of heaven (on Earth). I truly believe one day we will be united again with them, and oh, what a day that will be! My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all, especially the boys.
There is an anonymous poem written for the loss of a pet… It’s my favorite. I’ll share it with you…
Dear God, if you should hear a scratch
upon Eden’s gate tonight,
A gentle whine, a muffled bark;
have Peter take a light…
and open up the pearly gates to call his spirit in,
for I think he lived in Heaven once,
please let him come back again.
He wasn’t ever a mongrel or without a pedigree,
he was noble, kind, and good…
I think that you’ll agree.
He will be very useful where the souls of children play,
He’ll romp with them and see, Dear Lord, that
they don’t go astray.
Just tell him I was grateful, as I stroked his head,
and whispered how much I loved him,
as his spirit fled.
I pray that when Death beckons, and my soul
surmounts life’s fog..
I’ll rate a place in Heaven, Dear God, right
beside my dog.
What a beautiful love story for Sebastian. I just lost my seven-year-old goldendoodle three weeks ago to a mass on her spine. I can’t lie. The pain is still raw. Offering condolences to you and your family and hoping that happy memories will sustain you through this difficult time.
😢
I am so sorry for your loss. I am thankful for the life of Sebastian and the joy he brought to your family. You all are in my prayers.
Losing the unconditional love pets give us is painful. Knowing there are more ready to give that love makes it a little easier.
My heart breaks for you and your family. It is never easy but the pain will recede and your memories will bring you comfort. God bless.
It just won’t be the same without Sebastian!! I’m so sorry you lost your beloved dog; we, too ,know the deep and abiding pain. Prayers for your family at this very sad time, and may your sweet memories of Sebastian bring smiles to your faces.
Marian,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved dog, Sebastian. Losing one of our four-legged family members is so terribly hard. We lost our beloved Maggie last July and still miss that girl. He brought love and received love in return. That’s a pretty good deal – it just hurts when that particular love leaves us. When he crossed the Rainbow Bridge, all beloved pets are there to meet him. No more pain or illness, just romping and playing. He’ll be waiting for you to take more walks.
Marian, I feel your pain. It brought back memories of my two Chocolate Labs, Cody and Hazel. They lived a wonderful life with us, and will never be forgotten. Cody helped my husband with the pain of witnessing 9/11 in person, and Hazel was the sweetest dog of all. I keep wondering if 78 is too old to get another dog.
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved dog. I knew that was what it was about the moment I read the title. I knew you had him for a long time. You wrote a beautiful tribute and have so many beautiful pictures of him, not to mention, memories! God be with you all in your sadness and grief. I believe you will see him again.
My dear friend, a fellow Christian, told me a story that has stayed with me. She told me that many decades ago, she was grieving over the loss of her dog. She was crying to the Lord about it. She had a dream that night that she was walking down a dirt road and an elderly man was walking towards her. He pointed to an opening in the trees on the side of the road, and she walked through the path. Just then a beautiful field opened up before her eyes, with grassy, rolling hills. From the distance, her beautiful pup came running to her. She said he looked healthier and happier than he ever looked in “real life”! She was amazed that he could somehow be better than how she had known him. She felt God’s comfort that this was Him showing her that her beloved pet was okay and that she would be with him again.
God is so good.
I feel your pain. It doesn’t get easier, no matter how many beloved dogs I have said goodbye too.
He had his best life ever with your family.
much love to all,🐾
When tomorrow starts without me
don’t think we’re far apart.
For everytime you think of me
I’m right here in your heart.
I lost my buddy and constant companion on May 25th after 8 years. I understand so well what you’re family is going through. My friend sent me this poem and I’m sending it to you.
I’m going to allow my husband’s German Shorthaired Pointer sleep in the house tonight. Come on in Pepper, let’s spend quality time together while we can.
I am so very sorry for your loss. It is so hard to say goodbye to our fur babies. Praying for all of you. 🥲🙏🏻
Marian, there is nothing harder than losing our beloved four legged companions. They adore us even when we don’t deserve it, give us comfort, joy and love. But as hard as it is, not having them is a choice we would never make. Treasure everything, and know he is waiting for you at the rainbow bridge. Prayers for all of you.
Our doggies are a little bit of ‘heaven’. They provide us with nothing but unconditional love, and so many laughs. Can’t imagine not having one in our lives!
I am so very sad for your family…
Whew. You have my tears, mingled with yours, this breaks my heart for all of you. You didn’t know it would be this hard, and you don’t know how hard it will remain. Forever. He will be around, you will see. You will feel him nearby, let him know that you know he’s there. He knows he is loved. Such a Sebastian that boy was. His name fit for royalty and he was. For a lot of us, even tho we have our own loves, he was. I am sorry. I am thinking of your parents also, I know he was their special boy as well.
Dogs show us the face of Jesus. It’s that simple. It’s a heartbreak. Sending hugs
In the name of God the Father, who created you and all the animals, in the name of Jesus the Son, who spoke of you in parables and stories, in the name of the Holy Spirit, in whom every creature lives, moves, and has their being, go now in peace, dear friend. May you find rest near refreshing waters, may you lie in cool, green pastures, and may you warm yourself under the sun that never sets. You have been my constant companion, my shadow and confidante, my comfort and my playmate. You filled my days with life and brought me endless joy. For this I give thanks to God who gave you to me. Now return to your Maker who eagerly waits for you as you waited for me at the end of each day. In the Father’s arms, let there be no more pain. Let there be no more suffering. Let there be only light as it was on the day God created you. For our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Blessed be the name of the Lord, now and forever. Amen.
This is so beautiful. Thank you. I added it to the post since it’s such a perfect prayer. 💙
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss of Sebastian. I know how hard it is. I know he had such a happy life with you and your family. Like the other’s, I also have tears in my eyes. Makes me think about the beautiful souls of the pets I have lost. Praying for you and your family.
So, so very sorry for your loss of Sebastian. Prayers that all of your memories of him will bring comfort to your sadness.
I am so sorry for your loss. Sebastian was loved and your family gave him a wonderful life. I cried the entire time I read your post. I am an animal lover and understand what you are going through. God be with you and give each of you strength and comfort.
Tears are streaming as I write my sympathies for your family loss. There’s something so incredibly heartbreaking when losing a four legged family member. The love they give far outweighs anything we’re ever capable of reciprocating. They love us during good and bad times, never judging or turning their backs. Always there when we need comfort. Every time we’ve had to say good bye to our furry family members I swear my heart can never survive another loss but somehow our hearts open to another. I pray that for your family when the time is right. Until then be kind to your grieving hearts. So so sorry for this painful passing.
Oh Marian, I am so terribly sorry for this pain. Only those who truly love or have loved their furry family understand the loss is so cavernous. Your poor boys, too. A very dear friend of my two daughters (this friend is like a 3rd daughter to us) lost her kitty over the weekend. So Sebastian will have a friend waiting on The Rainbow Bridge with him while waiting for you all. I am so sorry. Sending up prayers and sending some hugs, if only just virtually. God bless you.
The last incredible and profound gift our pets give us, and especially our children, is the opportunity to learn how to grieve. Thank you for sharing some of the funny, quirky, and sweet things about your sweet Sebastian. Sending you all my condolences.
I am so sorry to hear of Sebastian’s passing. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss
So sad. I’m so sorry.
Bless you all. It is a hard thing to do – saying goodbye to a good companion like Sebastian. Your family will revel in your memories of shared times with him from now onward. That bond between you will truly be a source of cherished memories.
Oh my, logged on to read about possible basement progress and… God knew where to send him for a life full of love, love, and more love. Aren’t you glad YOU were blessed to have him as a beloved family member. He had the best life e-v-e-r! Prayers are going forth!
So sorry. I have been reading your blog for over that past decade and remember when Sebastian entered your lives. He was a special dog, it was pretty obvious. I always thought he was so beautiful with such gentle eyes and sweet expression. I think God allows us to have the pets He wants us to have in life, and Sebastian was definitely a gift to your family that you allowed us to be a part of, in a small way, so you had me in tears reading this post. I have lost my childhood dog right before I married, our first dog together as a married couple when he was fifteen, our second dog that had to be put down under very difficult circumstances, a Boston Terrier that we all loved that left us too early due to a heat stroke, and I see the gray coming into our three pugs faces… and I hate seeing it bc I want them to live forever because the pain and loss of each one has been just as painful as the one preceding it. And I know God gives us our fur friends just to experience that special friendship and love that only the silent love of an animal can give. I have no doubt that one day, I will get to see all our dog friends again in heaven, bc there is no way such amazing friends could only be with us in this life.
I hope you will have comfort in the coming days as a family. <3
Beautifully written, I couldn’t stop crying. Our pets definitely touch our lives forever. I pray for your family; you’ll have this beautiful letter and pictures to help your hearts heal.
So very sorry; we know this loss. Thank You, Father, for bestowing Your peace and comfort on Your children.
Reading through tears this beautiful tribute. I’m so, so sorry for your loss and understand completely after losing our 13-year-old best girl in a similar situation. No other words…
You are a wonderful pet mom for sending him off to heaven with such kind words, full of love and compassion. You and your mom were with him until the end and made him feel so loved and secure. If he could have thanked you with words he would have, but I imagine his eyes told you. May Sebastien experience LOVE-PEACE & JOY for an eternity.
My heart hurts for you. For the boys. For Jeff. Your Mom. All of you. This is a sadness that is almost unbearable, and yet we do bear it. Because we loved them. I am crying, for Sebastian, also for my sweet Lily, and Oscar, and especially Butch, all rescues, all left their marks on my heart, and in my soul. And all the dogs I’ve had the privilege to share my life with in all my 77 years. I thought Lily would be the last, I thought I couldn’t bear another loss, I thought the last breath Lily took would seal my decision to not go down that road again, knowing it would end in yet another loss. I couldn’t, wouldn’t. But then I did. It didn’t stop the grief over Lily, but it did ease my heart a bit…. distracted me a bit maybe, kept me from wallowing in my sorrow. The road of grief is one filled with holes, switchbacks and dead ends. It does not form a straight line, there’s no real end. Because you loved so hard, that road will be harder, just know that you will not see an end, but will one day look back and see that you are now on a smoother section, the one paved with sweet memories. You were lucky to share life with him, and he was lucky to have been loved by you. You gave him love until his very last breath, and that is all any of us can hope for. To be surrounded by love as we leave this earth. I am so very, very sorry for your loss.
Tremendously sorry, my friend! Been there more times than I can bear to remember… I do remember when you brought him home. He was just what you were looking for and was the best boy. You gave him the best home. You were all so blessed to have each other. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so Sorry. Trust me I know the pain. I lost my husband just a year ago now and my Lab was my girl that got me through the days. I just lost her a couple of months ago and I am so lonely and lost. I cry to my Lord daily. I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying.
I’m so sorry! My prayers are with you and your family!
I am so sorry to hear of this news. Somehow I didn’t see this post yesterday (07/16th).
Dogs (all pets….I am a dog person) are a special gift from our creator. When my precious dog, Nellie, passed a friend told me, remember…..dog is god spelled backwards.
Sebastian was a cutie for sure. We, your followers, will all miss his sneaks into the photos. It is okay to be sad…you all loved him.
My prayers are with you and your family. I wanted you to know that your portrait of our dear Harlow has brought my family much joy in the midst of our saddness over her passing.
The saddest days in my life were when each of my cats passed over the rainbow bridge. The hardest grief to work through. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Marianne, I’m so sorry you lost your sweet Sebastian. He’s been a good dog indeed and you gave him a loving home.
So very sorry for your loss. These are the toughest days, your loss is deeply felt. However, try to remember the good days and your time spent with him. He will always be with you forever in your heart.
Marian,
I so sorry for Sebastian’s passing! They are never with us long enough. I was crying reading this post because the loss of our beloved pet is one of the hardest things. They bring us so much joy!
Prayers for you and your family as you navigate life without him. Hugs
Lori
Having been through it more than once I know how hard it is to lose a pet. As a born again Christian I also know my pets will be with me in Heaven. The reason I believe this is, every day when leaving for work I would say to my dog, “I will see you when I get home”, when she died I asked God for comfort and immediately those words came into my head “I will see you when I get home”. You will see your Sebastian again, never to be separated again. Take care.
I was going through mail I hadn’t looked at and there was your post. At first my thoughts went to the boys then I quickly saw it was about the loss of Sebastian. I’m crying because I’ve been there a few times- but you handled his transition with such grace and wisdom that I’m just humbled by it. God bless all of you, and all our companions who love us and depend on us.
In tears reading this post. I am so very sorry for your heartbreaking loss. Our hearts break with you and for you. You and your family are in my prayers. I lost my almost 16 year old yellow Lab nearly three months ago, my soul dog. The hurt is deep. You all have Sebastian a great life and I hope your memories give you comfort. 💔💝🐾
I just now saw this post. It’s so, so hard to lose a pet. You’ll be looking for him for a long time. Thank you for sharing the beautiful prayer.
Such a loving tribute to your sweet Sebastian. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I know he will be so greatly missed.
My tears are streaming for the loss of your beloved friend but also because today is the anniversary of my beautiful dog, Tink’s passing. The irony is that I was no longer receiving your posts due to a comprised email address but today I searched for you and this is the post that came up. I needed to read this today. Thank you for such a beautiful post.
We are in the throes of pet-loss grieving ourselves, so I know how you are feeling and praying God’s peace and comfort over your family over the next weeks and months.
Thank you for posting the beautifully written poem – I cried while reading it and will keep it to reread when I’m missing our Sadie (Bug).
When I read the title of this post, I felt certain it would be about your sweet dog. Dogs give us so many happy days…and one of the worst. I am so sorry to hear that you lost your Sebastian! I lost my sweet Sadie three years ago, and I still miss her every day. I’m not sure how old your boys are now, but a great picture book to share with them is Where are you, Brontë? by Tomie de Paola (I’m a librarian). You can be sure that Sebastian will be waiting for you when you cross the Rainbow Bridge, and he’ll wiggle his butt with joy! Praying for you all!