Stuff of real life ahead…just a little warning.
I have a loyal reader named Brian who has a blog called BeanQuest. I found BeanQuest by chance one day and became attached to Brian’s writings. His wife, Jennifer has a blog called Jennifer’s Nest as well. They both share stories about family and struggles…stuff we all deal with.
Well, Brian and Jennifer’s dog, Carla, passed away not too long ago. Trust me if you don’t own a dog, that’s a struggle of high significance.
Being a dog lover, I really…well, I know it sounds odd for a guy…I really hurt when I hear about somebody’s dog passing away. We have a dog that is very dear to us and I know how it is when one passes. It’s hard. Quite surprisingly hard.
My father-in-law makes the comment frequently that “if ya’ll ever tell Rosie she’s a dog, she’s gonna be real disappointed.” And so it goes for those of us who love our canine friends like family.
When I read about Carla’s passing, I decided I wanted to do something for Carla and for Brian and Jennifer.
Carla’s in a good place now. But we on this side sometimes take it hard…and wonder. So I sketched up a postcard of Carla from a photo at BeanQuest and wrote a little message on the back to “Mom and Dad”. It’s in the mail.
That’s what I like most about art…it can communicate in unique ways.
Hopefully, it’ll make things a little better for them. I think Carla would like them to know she’s OK.
Brian and Jennifer are getting a new pup soon and Jennifer’s hoping Carla will send them the “right one“. I think she will. Nobody in heaven would know better than Carla which pup would be best for them. I think she’ll put in her two barks worth to get her point across.
And yes, I do believe good dogs go to heaven. Not much reason in us goin’ if they don’t.
15 Comments
Oh, I cried at this one… You have such a BIG heart. I hope Carla does send 2 barks to encourage her parents to find a new puppy to love! I am awed by your simple gesture of sending a caring thought to your friends. It’s a little thing to do, but it could mean so much.
I was dog owner several times in my life. And I still love all dogs (and cats!) So this touched me, too.
A special cyber hug for you coming your way.
Thanks for the hug Bonny…
Don,
I just got back from being away for a few days and found your post card in the stack of mail.
OMG, I am so touched by your kindness and beautiful painting of my girl. And your note…oh, I cried,
very very good tears. Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from my heart. Bonny’s right-you
have a very big heart.
Jus sun. Tinis Bals. I love that part!
Thank you so much for the card, Don. As Jenn said, we’d been away - I saw the card in the stack of mail long before I fired up the computer.
One of the things about losing her is that she’s not there to say hellow when we come home. But this time, in a way, she was.
Thank you so much.
Jennifer, Brian,
You’re very welcome…I know it’s hard. As time passes, she will settle into a place in your hearts and minds where it doesn’t hurt to think about her, but instead brings good, good feelings.
And to be sure, she is certainly still around you. We have no idea why, but for some reason, this is the way things are intended to be.
I was very touched by your blog posts regarding her illness and passing. I just felt compelled to do something…
Best regards to you both.
You rock, Don. That card is tremendous. “Tinis balls” just killed me.
And “no pain” was when the tears started.
Thanks Jim,
I didn’t mean to make anybody cry but I guess that’s just part of it…cryin’ is how we “get it out” as my mom used to say.
It’s all good. I needed a good eye washing.
U dun reel gud, Don!
Thank you for sharing this story with the rest of us. I know it touched Brian and Jennifer immensely, if what we felt was only a fraction of the love they must have felt upon receiving this card.
Thanks Gwynne and thanks for reading!
Came here from Gwynne’s site, and was touched like all the others. It’s a beautiful and moving tribute.
Hi Eric,
Thanks for reading
I found this post in my referer log just now.
It was nine years ago yesterday (new year’s eve) when Carla arrived at our door, a tiny ball of nearly white fuzz. Starting our first year without her, we still miss her quite a lot.
We still love that postcard, Don. Thanks again.
Hi Brian,
I don’t think we ever stop missing them. I still have vivid memories of Ginger the “weenie dog” I received when I was five years old. She was a dachshund. We here in the South call them “weenie dogs” 
Thanks for the comment buddy
And all the other dogs that have blessed me with their presence over the years. Even some of my brother’s dogs I got to know when he lived fairly close to us.
I’m glad you like the card
I’m glad I could do something for you.
I hope you and yours have a grand 2008!
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