Nutmeg lived a long and wonderful life and we will miss her so much. This photo was taken in fall 2009 in an area we often walked. In the fall, it was filled with leaves and she loved rolling in them. This past year our lives have been so centered on her care (she has not walked without our support since May 2012) and because it took two of us just to get her up and down the stairs of our house (21 of them to our first floor), my life changed dramatically from a lot of travel for business and personal reasons to being bounded to being away from home no more than 7 hours at a time so Jim and I could take her out. Because of Nutmeg and being limited to home, I joined 365 and focused on the specialness of my immediate surroundings. It's changed my world in so many ways so it's just one more thing that makes me grateful Nutmeg was in our lives. Today 365 is providing much needed distraction. As Nutmeg and I sat together last night, I imagined her reflecting on all the wonderful times she had in her life. She liked it when we talked to her -- even toward the end, she maintained eye contact and relaxed when I talked, so we created "her" final entry and I promised to post it today (in extras album: http://365project.org/taffy/the-also-ran-ph/2013-06-22 ). The silly things we do as part of the grieving process. Thank you in advance for humoring me and truly, no need to comment. I'm sad, but know that my life was enriched by her being in it for as long as she was.
Gosh, I have been there so many times. I just started my memory garden, where life renews and the memories remain. Mary, my shepherd mix, couldn't stand long without help for several years. I was nurse, stair climber, snuggler, and a wheelbarrow with my arms so she could grip outside as long as her body would allow. She was the sweetest thing ever, even on her last day at age 19. The heart hurts, but the bounty of joy remains forever.
oh taffy. so sad to hear this. it has always come across how much you loved nutmeg. bet she had a fab life with you guys. look after yourself and enjoy your memories x
:'-( I am so sad - loved Nutmeg just from the stories and photos - Laughed when I read about Bugs – catching and eating them by myself - I thought Molly was the only one who did that - when she was a puppy she ended up with a puffed up face because the bug was a bee - you have beautiful photos and wonderful memories that will always keep Nutmeg close to your heart
It's always heartbreaking,but we keep putting ourselves through it,Taffy.Just have to concentrate on the many happy times. This is a lovely capture of Nutmeg.
So sorry for your loss, anyone who has ever owned a dog knows just what you are going through. This is a lovely picture of Nutmeg and your collage shows what a wonderful life you all had together.
I saw this wonderful photo earlier, and made a mental note to come back to read the narrative (just knew it was something important--so glad I remembered)--I really loved hearing tales about Nutmeg (and FROM Nutmeg). I know the love of a dog--and the love of caring for a dog. You are such a loving dog parent. Nutmeg was so fortunate as I know your family was fortunate for having Nutmeg as a family member. My thoughts are with you. A big virtual hug--to you and your entire family. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Daryl
Nutmeg was lucky you and Jim were her parents. I remember how much she liked rolling on her walks and having fun trying to photograph her whole rolling.
This photo shows hied with such dignity th at its a fitting image as her tribute.
@welcometocarolworld Thank you Carol! What we do for our pets -- but I wouldn't have it any other way. 19 years is a wonderful time to have had with yours! But even that long can feel so short.
@fueast Thank you Alison. We did have a great life together and it was longer than most get with Bernese mountain dogs. You and your dog have many great times ahead!
@annied Ah, your story reminded me of why we have Benadryl on hand! We had the bee bit incident with a huge swollen eye about 8 years ago. Thanks for sharing and for your kind thoughts.
@judithdeacon Thank you Judith -- that was my goal -- to commemorate her life which was so rich and full, and not have our memories influenced only by this past year.
@amrita21 Thanks Amrita -- Nutmeg enjoyed posting and was always happy with responses as I'd read them to her and make a big deal of it by petting her.
@busylady Oh, Judith, I didn't mean to do that, but thank you for your kind words! It's been a tough day but I know will get easier over time. And she did lead a long and wonderful life. But just not enough time with us.
@jyokota I know she loved having you and Bill in her life! And you've always been so good to her. It feels so strange to have freedom to travel again and at the same time leaves such a big hole in our lives. We figure 80% of our life together (outside work) this past year focused on talking about or caring for Nutmeg!
@darylo Thank you so much Daryl, for your kind words and virtual hugs! It's been so nice to feel so supported by the 365 community. It's brought some joy to this day.
Oh Taffy I am so sad for you and your family at loosing Nutmeg. What lovely words - you moved me to tears!! You have lots of wonderful memories to treasure. Take care - Big hug - my thoughts are with you.
@pamknowler Pam, thanks so much! It's felt so warm and supportive to read supportive messages today. I really do appreciate it. It's helped throughout the day. Amazing the big hole she has left.
Oh, that is so sad but probably also a relief. I have enjoyed knowing her for the short time I did. It's so hard to watch any one or any pet suffer. But what a beautiful tribute and how wonderful that you were together until the end- dogs truly are a bff! This is a beautiful picture. Please know I'll be thinking of you and am sending a hug via 365!
Oh Taffy...I know exactly how you feel. We lost our Maddie 4 years ago...it was the hardest thing we ever had to do. Like you we sat with her and talked to her. I wrote a good-bye letter to her which was very healing to me. I have wind chimes on my deck that are dedicated to her. When I hear them I know she is close by. My heart breaks for you...I also know that Nutmeg was well loved and lived a good long life. She has crossed the "rainbow bridge"....and I truly believe that these sweet creatures are gift from God and help to make us better people. Love and hugs to you!
@eyesmile Gena, this is so sweet of you to write. I appreciate all the kind thoughts and your examples of what you did for Maddie (BTW, Nutmeg's best friend across the street was Maddy, another Bernese mountain dog about 6 months younger, but who died about 2 years ago. We buried Nutmeg with the ashes of our first Bernie and I image the three of them bounding together in doggie heaven, if there is such a place! I love your ideas of the wind chimes.
Oh Taffy and Jim...I'm so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure to get to know Nutmeg over these last couple of weeks. A beautiful photo of such a lovely girl xoxox
oh honey I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending big loves your way. This is a beautiful tribute shot. She looks like such a great companion to have had in your life.
@kazlamont Thanks Kazzy -- so nice of you to say this, when I know you have an awful headache! It's funny, ever since you said (to Nutmeg) that I should let her post things from her perspective, that's been in the back of my mind each day as I decided on what to shoot.
@jo13 It's always hard, isn't it? Jim and I have decided this is the last time we can do it. Too heartbreaking. We'll see if we stay committed to be without a dog in our lives.
@colie Thank you Colie -- I really appreciate it. She was a huge part of my life especially these last 14 months so it's a rather stark change. She was really such a sweet, sweet dog. But I"m glad to have had her in my life for the 13 years that we did!
So sorry for your loss, she looks such a lovely dog and reminded me, before I read your story, to our own dog who died 2 years ago, aged almost 16. Also your story is so recognizable in every way. The good memories stay Taffy and I understand that she had a very good life with you !
Oh no! I'm am so sorry, Taffy! Our pets truly become a family member and friend! Its very hard to see them pass! I hope you are doing ok! Sending thoughts and prayers your way!
ohhh, I'm so so sorry, I've enjoyed following nutmeg on 365, thinking of you at this time, thank you for giving her the special care she needed as she grew older, :(
I'm so sorry for your loss, Taffy. My heart goes out to you and Jim. Nutmeg was such a special dog and you very special dog owners. Your love and dedication to her was obvious in every post about her. It's so hard to lose a pet; they are family. I'm glad that you are finding comfort in her memory. Big hug to you.
@pflaume Thank you so much Lisa. It means so much to read your kind comments, and it's been such a help all day to read such nice posts about Nutmeg. It's fitting that the 365 community met her as I wouldn't have thought about starting if it weren't for her. Thank you.
So very sorry, Taffy. The worst thing about dogs is that they don't love long enough. It's a road I have had to travel and hated it. I loved the collage you did for Nutmeg - her life was full of love and joy. She was happy and cherished. Gentle hugs to you!
@jankoos@susale@dtigani@wind_of_the_sothern_sea@nicoleterheide@hjbenson@archaeofrog
Thank you for all your thoughts and hugs, Jan, Susale, David, Arefin, Nicole, Harry, and Katie. I've been so appreciate of the support 365 friends have shown me -- and understanding that even if she was a dog and had lived a full life, it's hard without her. I'm glad I was able to introduce her to such a wonderful community this year.
@photodude Thanks Scott. It's been hard in the past few days, but nothing like the gut punch on Saturday. The decision was so horribly difficult and still haunts me, though I know it was the right one. It's meant a lot that so many 365ers that I've come to know through photos have been so kind in remembering her.
i am so sorry about nutmeg - i believe our departed pets stay close to us in a spirit form - so she is still a life companion and probably still at your side.
@mwbc Thanks so much Megan. I appreciate the sentiment -- I know she'll always be with me in memory, and I like idea of being with me in spirit. I'm also glad I'd 'introduced' her so early and in different ways on 365 as she will always be such a central part of my 365 project.
@thirtysevenways Thanks so much -- it's meant a lot to me that my 365 friends have been so supportive. It's never too late! Every time someone notices the shots, I get to spend extra time thinking about her. So really, thank you so much.
you can see here that she really was an olympic class sitter as you claim :o) is extremely moving to read how much time you dedicated to her well-being and stayed with her till the very end - beauty
@gozoinklings Thank you so much Catherine. Nutmeg was a beauty -- both in looks and in spirit. It was lovely to see your postings last night as it's been one week since the fateful day.
So sorry. Looks like a fabulous friend.we had a st Bernard years ago named nutmeg. I adored her. Sadly she got sick while we were away and he had a dog sitter and when she recovered she had become mean nd unpredictable...we had 5 small kids and couldn't have a mean dog that big so we had to put her down. It still makes me sad to remember
@jgpittenger Oh Jane...your story of YOUR Nutmeg brought tears to my eyes. What a hard decision to have to make. Thank you for stopping by and commenting on this one -- as you can guess, this photo has a very special place in my heart.
What a gorgeous dog, Taffy. She was so beautiful. You write so well. It is so hard to have a loss like this. Not many people could do what you did to care for her. She is one lucky dog. We had to hydrate our cat and give meds to two of them and two had radical surgeries that I was home to care for them. It is so hard as they truly become part of you but that also says a lot about you and your husband.
@darsphotos Thank you so much Darlene. When you have a bond with an animal, there's really nothing else quite like it and it is hard for those who haven't experienced to understand. I appreciate your words and thoughts - thank you so much for commenting and sharing your experience! All the best to you for a wonderful 2014!
@taffy You are welcome, Taffy. It is incredible the bonding of an animal to a human. You are right those who have not had this in their life do not understand. I wanted to let you know what happened as it does happen to others and it is one of the hardest things to go through. It takes time and sometimes a lifetime to get over, we never forget. Wishing you a wonderful 2014 as well. So glad you popped onto my page today and we connected again. I am so far behind and lose my way when pulled with my medical issues and other things I have had to deal with. So sorry but please pop in as you can and I will do my best as well.
What a nice tribute to your wonderful dog. I do not think I was following you then and I did not know about Nutmeg. I am sorry for your loss but thankful that she lead you to 365. We also lost our dog this year in Jan. and I put a tribute up for her that day
I don’t know how I missed this, but I have tears in my eyes after reading your narrative. Losing a companion like Nutmeg is akin to losing a good friend. I’m so sorry for your loss, and that I didn’t know sooner. My own ancient four-legged buddy will be getting a few extra hugs tonight.
@jgpittenger How old is Cayenne? Also a St Bernard? It's so hard -- as one of our friends noted, the minute you buy your dog and bring them home, you are on your road to heartbreak. But of course, you wouldn't want to be without them!
July 8th, 2015
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Hugs to you Taffy..... take care.....
This photo shows hied with such dignity th at its a fitting image as her tribute.
I miss her from far away already.
@amrita21 Thanks Amrita -- Nutmeg enjoyed posting and was always happy with responses as I'd read them to her and make a big deal of it by petting her.
Thank you so much! I appreciate the sentiments. John, she did have a great life and made ours the better for her time with us.
How special that it was Nutmeg who made you enter this 365project!
Good luck living with her memories... X
Thank you for all your thoughts and hugs, Jan, Susale, David, Arefin, Nicole, Harry, and Katie. I've been so appreciate of the support 365 friends have shown me -- and understanding that even if she was a dog and had lived a full life, it's hard without her. I'm glad I was able to introduce her to such a wonderful community this year.