Beloved HarrietAugust 14, 2009
We put Harriet to sleep last night. The hospice-level pain management wasn't working (couldn't sneak meds into her -- such a valiant little spitter), and she was getting worse, fast.
She was the best dog ever. I mean that with all my heart. She was the first dog I ever really loved. The hearts at Chez Hehu are collectively broken and today it is hard to take a full breath.
YOU, my darling readers, know what this kind of loss means. There are pets that we cuddle and love, and then there are the Truly-Special Where-Did-You-Come-From You-Crazy-Wonderful-Thing-You animals (Digit falls into this category, of course).
Thank you for your love. It means so much to us.
Oh, Rachael, Lala and all furry Hehu house members...my heart goes out to you. Bless Harriet's little soul for all the love she brought into the world. Big virtual hugs!
Posted by: Lulubelle | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 15:04
Love to you and Lala and the rest of the crew . . . I'm sitting here with tears pouring down my face and I can't even look at the rest of the comments. I'm so, so sad.
Posted by: chris | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 15:07
I am so sorry for your loss. You did such a lovingly brave thing for her even though it is hard, hard, so very hard to make that decision. I have loved reading about your outings with your sweet Harriet.
Posted by: Joan M | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 15:08
My heart breaks for you and Lala. Take care.
Posted by: Teri S. | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 15:12
oh Rachael, I'm so sorry. Big hugs to all of you.
Posted by: jen c | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 15:24
I'm so, so sorry. I know just how awfully hard that is. Wishing you strength.
Posted by: ccr in MA | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 15:25
Sweet sweet Harriet. I am so sorry she is gone. But I am so happy she had you and La for as long as she did.
Posted by: meg | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 15:34
I'm so sorry for your loss but oh so glad you got such a wonderful life with Harriet.
Posted by: Melissa | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 15:55
Horrible for all of you, but you've made the only decision a loving owner could under the circumstances. So many hugs and loves to the Hehu house tonight.
Posted by: Dani B | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 16:18
A quote I recently read, "It came to me that every time I lose a dog, they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who come into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." credited to Cheryl Zuccaro
Posted by: nestra | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 16:46
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Harriet only through your photos, but it was easy to see what joy she found in life, and brought to yours.
And she had the prettiest eyes.
Posted by: Tee | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 17:41
I'm so very sorry to hear about Harriet. Losing a beloved family member is absolutely heartwrenching. My thoughts go out to you. Harriet was a lucky girl to have such loving people in her life.
Posted by: Lauren | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 18:25
So sorry. I'm crying.
Posted by: pam | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 18:48
I'm so, so sorry....
Posted by: --Deb | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 19:08
I'm sorry I never to meet Harriet. My hand and my heart go out to you and Lala - saying goodbye is hard, even when you know it's the right time.
Posted by: Joy | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 20:10
I'm so sorry...Hugs to your family...
Posted by: Mandy | Friday, August 14, 2009 at 21:10
I'm so, so sorry. I know how difficult it must have been and how sad you must feel, even as you know you did what was best for the sweet dog. xxx
Posted by: beverly | Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 04:23
I'm so sorry for you and LaLa - but Harriet was loved, and she loved you - that's something special.
Posted by: Donna | Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 04:30
I'm so sorry that you had to say good-bye to Harriet, but you did right by her letting her go when you did. *hugs*
Posted by: Anna | Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 06:24
I'm so, so sorry for your loss of Harriet.
((((hugs))))
Posted by: Steph | Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 07:04
(((((hugs))))
What a wonderful dog she obviously was.
Posted by: Nyree | Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 07:05
I am so, so sorry about Harriet!
Posted by: Lori Jacobson | Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 07:46
I'm so sorry. Harriet was so beautiful. Take care.
Posted by: redsilvia | Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 13:00
My condolences to you and Lala. I've never owned an animal like that, though I've been friends with one. You were lucky to have known her.
Posted by: LaurieM | Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 15:35
We lost our tiny 22 yr old Shi Tzu two weeks ago.
She came to our house six years ago as a family hand-me-down ditzy old senior citizen doggy, and tried to participate in whatever the other pets were doing, even though she had NO idea what was going on, ever. Sweetest little dog I'd ever met.
It's hard. But protecting them from pointless suffering at the end is a blessing for them, and a heartache for us.
Hugs to you all.
Posted by: PandaWriter | Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 03:09
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Harriet. She was a wonderful dog, and I so enjoyed the stories and pictures about her on the blog. How can someone so small leave such a big hole in our hearts? With much sympathy from Kate and the furbabies in Phoenix
Posted by: kate lathrop | Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 16:39
Oh, darlings, I am SO very sorry to hear of your loss! Go swiftly, Harriet, with tongue lolling, and meet your joyous welcome!
Posted by: Liz Cadorette | Monday, August 17, 2009 at 12:32
Oh, sweet muffins, hugs and hugs to you and Lala. I know how hard it is to lose a dearly loved pet. I hope for comfort and peace for you as you adjust!
Posted by: Christiane | Monday, August 17, 2009 at 15:11
I'm so sorry for your loss. Harriet was clearly a wonderful and much-loved dog. I'm holding her and all of you in my thoughts.
Posted by: Mark W. | Monday, August 17, 2009 at 16:24
I wish I could be eloquent but really, what can I say, it's so damn hard to lose them when they go isn't it. She was so beautiful. Hugs and love to you all from Northern Ireland
Posted by: WendyJ | Monday, August 17, 2009 at 16:38
I've been away from the internet for days, so have only just read about Harriet. Sending much love to you and Lala, and long distance hugs.
Posted by: Bronwyn Parry | Monday, August 17, 2009 at 16:58
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Harriet. Your family is in my thoughts.
Posted by: Tenise | Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 23:26
I am so, so sorry. This October will be 2 years since I put down my precious Maddy, sweetest yellow Lab ever.
I never knew Harriet but from your blog, could sense the silly, sweet thing she was. I know that hole in your heart that you're both living through now. It is so, so hard.
I wish for you good healing and good Harriet memories.
Posted by: Jennie | Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 12:37
I'm a week late but am just catching up with my blog reading.
Lotz of Love 'n Hugs to the whole family!
Posted by: Teresa | Friday, August 21, 2009 at 07:46
I'm so sorry to hear about Harriet! I will always remember her as a very sweet, friendly, adorable dog! You guys are in my prayers.
Posted by: becky | Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 12:19
Dear two of you, Rachael and Lala:
I am sad to learn that Harriet passed away... what a nice and friendly dog! She loved both of you and you were excellent and loving caregivers. I admire both of you for your honesty and truthfulness. Take care. xx Giulietta
Posted by: Giulietta | Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 15:35
Hugs!!
Posted by: Sherry | Wednesday, September 09, 2009 at 09:00