Last year about this time I introduced you to DollieMae, the working Great Pyrenees farm dog who has lived here on the farm for over 14 years.
The past few weeks have been extra tough for DollieMae. Our vet removed a tumor from her hip about 6 months ago, but more recently cancer moved to the bone in her hind leg. This afternoon, Alan and I drove miss DollieMae up to the vet's office one last time. The bone cancer on her hind leg got to be too much for her and it was time to let her rest. She'll always be here on the farm, where she can forever nap in the sunshine.
I am so sorry to hear about DollieMae... SUPER {{{BIG HUGS}}} for you & Alan!!! It is NEVER easy to lose a pet. Thinking of you both! xo
Posted by: Karrie Baker | April 05, 2008 at 10:01 AM
I'm so sorry. We've made that last sad trip several times and will be facing it again very soon with our 13 year old. They are missed so much and leave tiny footprints on our hearts forever. How lucky we are that they shared their lives with us. Take care.
Jane R
Posted by: Jane Robinson | April 02, 2008 at 10:35 AM
This brings a few tears to my eyes. We had a German Shorthair for 10 years who was our "first born son". He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma--bone cancer--last June, and one month later, we decided to put him to sleep. It was the hardest day of our lives saying goodbye to him. I will never get over losing that dog. Our vet came to our house to put him down, where he died in the green grass in our front yard, in the warm sunshine.
Posted by: Elyse | March 31, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Oh Anna, I'm so sorry. I know very well how sad and heavy your heart is as we too had to say good-bye to our very wonderful and special Golden Retriever in January. They give us so much unconditional love and adoration, and add so much love and sweetness to our lives.
I know you have many special memories of Dottie Mae to help bring some sunshine and smiles to your heart now and always.
God bless and comfort you.
Love and big hugs,
MichelleD
Posted by: MichelleD. | March 31, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Sounds like you did the right thing for DollieMae. Sorry you're hurting :(
Posted by: Jennifer (jkincolorado) | March 31, 2008 at 09:47 AM
We had to put our beloved Kali (Springer Spaniel) down on Saturday. I was so heart broken. I still can't believe she's gone. Kali would have been 14 in two weeks and was the best dog! Sorry for your loss! I can feel your pain. She was a beautiful dog!
Posted by: lakind (Lisa) | March 30, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Oh Anna! I am so sorry to hear about DollieMae. Hugs to you.
Posted by: KimberlyG on SCS | March 30, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Aww, Anna, you have my complete sympathies. What a beautiful girl she was!
It's the worst part of owning animals....the "saying goodbye" part...
Big hugs!
Posted by: QC | March 30, 2008 at 06:47 AM
{{{{{Hugs Anna}}}}} So Sorry for your loss!!
Posted by: Candy aka cwilliams | March 30, 2008 at 06:00 AM
So sorry to hear about DollieMae - what a beautiful dog. She'll always be with you and now will be watching over you and the farm.
Posted by: Karen (stampin3) | March 29, 2008 at 09:11 PM
Oh Anna, I'm soooo sorry!! {{{{{hug}}}} She'll be forever in your hearts. And always remembered in your wonderful photos.
Posted by: Danita (Moberkitty) | March 29, 2008 at 06:59 PM
So sorry for your loss. She is at peace now forever napping in the lovely farm she so loved.
Posted by: Janet Sisk | March 29, 2008 at 06:29 PM
Oh, Anna! I have been in Las Vegas playing with my sister for a few days and just saw this. I am so sorry! What a gorgeous baby she was. I know you will miss her.
Posted by: Kittie Caracciolo | March 29, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Anna,
My heart goes out to you. It's so hard to part with our fuzzy babies. I had to part with my 13 year old German Shepherd in February and reading you post made me brought me to tears. I know it's very hard but I've not doubt she had a wonderful life on your farm!
Kim
Posted by: Kim H | March 29, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Anna,
So sorry to hear of DollieMae's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Pets are a wonderful thing but loving them so much makes losing them really tough. She was so beautiful and I have no doubt she's lounging on the great 'farm' up in heaven!
Hugs over the miles!!
Posted by: Lenita | March 29, 2008 at 09:21 AM
{{hugs Anna}}
Posted by: Donna | March 29, 2008 at 07:39 AM
just another animal loving friend sending hugs from afar! know that you and Alan are in my thoughts and prayers. our pets are so much more than just that - they are precious members of our family. your loss is being felt in the hearts of all of us.
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Scull | March 29, 2008 at 07:09 AM
Oh this is so sad. However for a large breed she lived a good long life..and obviously a happy one and was well loved to the end. My hugs go out to you both..I cannot imagin life without our dog Cara...Queen of the Sofa.
Sue
Posted by: Sue Farrant | March 29, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Oh Anna I'm so sorry for your loss. It's wonderful that you have such beautiful photos to always remember her.
Posted by: Jami | March 28, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Anna! I am so sorry about the passing of your beautiful friend. Blessing to you, Alan, and the rest of the critters who will miss her. Take care.
Tammy
Posted by: Tamela | March 28, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Anna,
I'm sorry to hear you are having a hard time this week. Pets are many times like little family members.They become a part of our lives and have a special place in our hearts. Take care. Sending warm hugs from Naperville.
Posted by: Trena in Naperville | March 28, 2008 at 07:55 PM
I'm so sorry to hear your news. I can't imagine how hard that is. My Tanner is 4 and I hope to have many more years with him
Posted by: Michelle | March 28, 2008 at 07:49 PM
*Hugs*!
~Kendra
Posted by: Kendra - SCS: apigonfire | March 28, 2008 at 07:40 PM
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Hugs
Posted by: Jessie/Knightrone | March 28, 2008 at 07:22 PM
My sympathies to you Anna! I went through that last year with my dog of 14 years so I know what you are feeling. So sad!!
Posted by: Julie Masse | March 28, 2008 at 07:17 PM
I am so sorry for your loss, it's so hard to lose a a beloved pet. She had such a sweet face.
Posted by: Melodie | March 28, 2008 at 06:39 PM
Oh Anna, I'm so sorry about your fur-baby. It's so hard to lose a pet no matter what. Big hugs to you & Alan & all the other fur-babies who will miss her :(
RIP DollieMae!!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle (MilwaukeeMommy) | March 28, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Anna- So sorry for your loss!!! Hugs and prayers for you all!!
Posted by: Nicole Ireland | March 28, 2008 at 05:31 PM
My heart is breaking for you, I too have had to make that last trip with a beloved fur child, but know that you did the best thing for her and that she had a wonderful life!
Posted by: Sherry | March 28, 2008 at 03:53 PM
As I write this with tears in my eyes, my heart goes out to you and Allen. It's so hard to lose a friend
Posted by: Bonnie | March 28, 2008 at 03:49 PM
She looks so sweet. Sending *Hugz* your way.
Posted by: Michelle | March 28, 2008 at 03:32 PM
Oh, Anna, I am so sorry...I know how hard this is for you and your DH. We went through this a couple of years ago and it's not easy...I hope you can find comfort in the days to come! Joan Ervin
Posted by: Joan E. | March 28, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Anna & Alan: I'm so sorry for your loss. Dollie Mae will always be with you & it sounds like she had a wonderful life. We recently lost a dear furry friend too. They are so much a part of us & in our hearts forever. A big hug to you both.
Troy Louise
Posted by: Troy Louise | March 28, 2008 at 01:57 PM
I'm so sad for your loss of such a dear dear family member and friend!! May your memories of the fun and loving times you all spent together help you to heal.
Posted by: Karyl | March 28, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Oh Anna, I'm so sorry...it's never easy saying goodbye to a true friend. My heart is sad for you.
Hugs,
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn Mercurio | March 28, 2008 at 12:56 PM
I'm so glad I got to *meet* her! She just looked so sweet and gentle! Our hearts go out to you and Alan for taking such great care of your babies!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | March 28, 2008 at 12:53 PM
So sorry to hear about the loss of DollieMae. Looking at my second child (my dog) I can't imagine the scope of your loss. Thank you for sharing her and the rest of your brood with us!
Posted by: Michele | March 28, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Thanks so much sharing tales of Dollie Mae with us. My sincere sympathy goes out to you and Alan.
I'm sending a hope-you-feel-better-soon hug from California.
Posted by: Tiya-B | March 28, 2008 at 12:05 PM
hugs, Anna. :)
Posted by: Shannan Teubner | March 28, 2008 at 12:02 PM
I'm sorry. They just become a big part of the family & of the heart. Hugs to you & Alan.
Posted by: Linda C. | March 28, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Anna, As I sit here at the computer staring into the face of your beautiful dog, my eyes are full of tears. I know that Dottie Mae is in a better place, but it is so hard to send them there knowing you won't see them again. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Posted by: Kim | March 28, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Anna, I am so sorry for your loss . . . DollieMae had a good, long life. Thank you for sharing her story and pictures with us. It seems you did all you could to make her as comfortable as possible during her illness. She is home now and no longer feeling pain - able to stretch her legs and run!
Posted by: Melissa Tempest | March 28, 2008 at 11:13 AM
I'm sorry, too. I hope your memories of her are as beautiful as she was!
Posted by: Cindy J. | March 28, 2008 at 10:56 AM
So sorry to hear this...
How Sad!!
We lost a dog to cancer
a few years ago.
Posted by: Dee | March 28, 2008 at 10:39 AM
I'm so very sorry to hear your sad news. Nothing is harder than the goodbye we say as death separates us from our loved ones...
Vanessa
Posted by: Vanessa Farkas | March 28, 2008 at 10:11 AM
I'm so sorry for your loss. Our pets are so much a part of our family, it is gut-wrenching to lose them.
Posted by: Karen Pounds | March 28, 2008 at 10:08 AM
I am sorry for you loss. We have an almost 14 yr old border collie who is still hanging in there but we are on a day by day basis with her too. I hope you can take comfort knowing that Dottie Mae is not suffering and will always be with you in spirit.
Posted by: Terri Moore | March 28, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Iam so sorry.
Posted by: Angela K | March 28, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Anna, I am very sorry for your loss. You have my sympathy. What a wonderful way to live in our memories, but taking a nap in the nice warm sun!!!
Posted by: Kathy | March 28, 2008 at 09:51 AM
I am so sorry for the pain I know you are going through. May your cherished memories of DollieMae last a lifetime. She was so beautiful and serene looking. I know she enjoyed her life there with you. Crystal N
Posted by: Crystal | March 28, 2008 at 09:47 AM
I know how hard it is to loose a beloved family pet, they are part of the family. Hugs to you.
Posted by: cathy tidwell | March 28, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about your beautiful dog. My thoughts are with you and Alan.
Posted by: Regina Davis | March 28, 2008 at 09:34 AM
I'm so sorry to about the loss of your beloved dog. My thoughts are with you and Alan today. God bless!
Posted by: Jan | March 28, 2008 at 09:31 AM
OMG, this makes me cry. Sleep well, Dollie Mae! You've earned your rest.
Posted by: Novell | March 28, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Awwww..... Anna, such a hard thing to do. But your right she will always be right there where she loved to be! So sorry............
Posted by: jazz4 aka Julie | March 28, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Reading your post caused me to cry - I'm sorry she is gone. Sending you HUGS!
Posted by: JaneAnn | March 28, 2008 at 08:52 AM
my heart goes out to you. Been there- hard to loose a loved one.
Posted by: Judy | March 28, 2008 at 08:47 AM
I am sorry for your loss :(
Posted by: Jennifer Bradley | March 28, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Anna,
I'm so sorry to hear about Dollie Mae. It was her time though and you did the right thing. Thinking of you...
Posted by: Joanne Johnson | March 28, 2008 at 08:30 AM
She is so beautiful. My sincere sympathy to you, Alan, and her friends that will miss her. I don't know how you do this with so many animals around...to me it is heart wrenching. TFS.
Posted by: Juanita | March 28, 2008 at 08:25 AM
My dog is my baby so I completely understand how losing a pet is such a sad time. I am so glad you loved her enough to not let her suffer any longer. She looks so sweet in that picture!
Posted by: Mindy | March 28, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Bless DollieMae, I can vouch for the fact that cancer is SO ugly. Give Mr. Farley extra love, I'm sure he'll miss her.
Hugs
Julie
Posted by: Julie Phillips | March 28, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Awwwww, I'm so sorry for your loss, Anna and Alan. Hugs to you both as you grieve.
That's a wonderful picture of Dollie Mae and a lovely tribute: "She'll always be here on the farm, where she can forever nap in the sunshine."
Posted by: Cindy H. | March 28, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Anna,
How sad, I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. We had a husky dog for over 17 years and had to put her down two years ago and it was the hardest thing to do, but she was just in too much pain. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and Alan.
Posted by: Lynn | March 28, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Anna,
Im so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. I love your work.
jenn
Posted by: Jennifer Nelson | March 28, 2008 at 07:58 AM
The neighbors will miss having to drive around her in the middle of the road while she would nap. We will miss her too. And Rover, what will he do without her?! She was a great dog and protector. She is at peace.
Posted by: Lora | March 28, 2008 at 07:52 AM
Anna,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I'm glad that you see her as such a blessing and that she will always be with you.
~Kathy
Posted by: Kathy Tabbers | March 28, 2008 at 07:44 AM
Anna, Sharing in your loss of Dollie Mae,
What a wonderful dog she must have been. It is so hard to let them go and having recently gone through this I understand how hard your decision was. You made the right choice though and now Dollie is no longer suffering and has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Hugs to you and Alan.
Posted by: Ida | March 28, 2008 at 07:37 AM
I am so sorry for your loss!!! I just recently had to put my beloved cat of 15 years down too and it still hurts!! DollyMae is up in heaven romping and playing with her friends!!!
Posted by: Chris | March 28, 2008 at 07:27 AM
Oh Anna, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you love your animals and I truely feel you and Alan's pain. As you know, she will be with you always and one day, you will meet again, free of illness and discomfort. I will say a prayer and kiss my pups...take care in this tough time.
Posted by: Colleen | March 28, 2008 at 07:11 AM
My heart is with you... I lost a border collie to throat cancer 5 years ago, he was like a child and that last drive to the vet nearly killed me. Hugs to you both-
Posted by: Michelle Oatman | March 28, 2008 at 07:06 AM
As an avid pet lover...my thoughts and prayers go out to you and Alan for the loss you are feeling. What a beautiful friend DollieMae must have been to you both. I hope you will find comfort in the many happy memories and pictures you have of her. Seeing her picture brought a great smile to my face and I hope it will to yours also.
Posted by: Lynda Thompson | March 28, 2008 at 07:03 AM
I am so sorry for your loss. I know all too well how our pets are members of our family. She was a beautiful dog. I know she will be soaking up the sunshine in heaven.
Posted by: Robin Mickel | March 28, 2008 at 06:55 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your dog. My best friend had GPs on her farm as well and they were just the sweetest dogs. My heart goes out to you.
Posted by: Debra | March 28, 2008 at 06:48 AM
Oh, how sad. I am so sorry.
Posted by: Mary Jo Price-Williams | March 28, 2008 at 06:45 AM
Oh, I'm so sorry, Anna. Big hugs to you and Alan.
Posted by: Holly | March 28, 2008 at 06:37 AM
I am SO sorry for your loss. Our pets are family and a loss is simply heartbreaking. Poor Dollie Mae. <3
Posted by: Lora Lee | March 28, 2008 at 06:26 AM
Anna, I am so sorry about your sweet dog.I am in tears as I write this because our own dog has just been diagnosed with bone cancer and will have much time left with us.You are in my thoughts.
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara | March 28, 2008 at 06:20 AM
So sorry to hear of your loss. My sweet four legger will get an extra hug tonight in honor of Miss DollieMae.
Posted by: Jodi | March 28, 2008 at 06:17 AM
Hugs!!
Posted by: Pam | March 28, 2008 at 06:14 AM
They are such parts of the family. I am so sorry for your loss. Your lovely words about her bring tears to my eyes. -Molly B
Posted by: Molly B | March 28, 2008 at 05:45 AM
She is so very precious and I know she thanks you for letting her rest out of pain. I am so sorry, Anna and Alan. I know it is painful none the less and you both will be in my prayers and thoughts. Very big hugs to you. Janet in NC
Posted by: janetwmarks | March 28, 2008 at 05:42 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful girl. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Beth | March 28, 2008 at 05:35 AM
So, so sad. I'm so sorry, Anna.
Posted by: bronih | March 28, 2008 at 05:29 AM
Awwww, rest in peace Miss Dollie Mae......
Posted by: Kathyc on SCS | March 28, 2008 at 05:22 AM
Anna and Alan - I'm sorry for your loss. She obviously was a beautiful dog and part of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Debbie from Buffalo, NY
Posted by: Debbie from Buffalo, NY | March 28, 2008 at 05:22 AM
Great picture; it will provide a great memory for y'all. {{{big hug}}}
Posted by: margaret | March 28, 2008 at 05:20 AM
Anna - big hugs to you. i lost my Gretchen to bone cancer several years ago, and it's still difficult to think about letting her go. take comfort knowing that Dollie Mae is without pain now. regards.
Posted by: Cat | March 28, 2008 at 05:07 AM
Anna,
So sorry to hear about your beloved Dollie. It's hard losing a dog, hugs to you and Alan.
Posted by: Sally (CKMom) | March 28, 2008 at 04:50 AM
AW! She was so sweet - sorry for your loss. Todd always wanted a Great Pyreneese dog. We had two dalmatians (long since gone)...
Big Hugs Anna!
Posted by: Bethann Silaika | March 28, 2008 at 04:48 AM
Oh, Anna. I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to let a member of our family go, but
You did the right thing to end Dollie Mae's pain, and I know she will be in your heart forever.
Sending you lots of love, prayers, and hugs.
Posted by: Pat | March 28, 2008 at 04:31 AM
So sorry about DollieMae. We lost our beloved dog about 8 years ago and I still miss him. A lot of people don't understand how difficult losing a pet can be.
Good wishes to you and your family.
Posted by: Joan | March 28, 2008 at 04:14 AM
So sad for you. ):
Posted by: Leticia Fournier | March 28, 2008 at 04:09 AM
Anna,
I am so sorry, she looks like such a sweet girl. There is peace & rest in a soft place for her on the other side. I am sorry for your loss but so glad for the paw prints she has left on your heart. Please take care (((((Big Hugs))))))
Posted by: Cheryl Horton | March 28, 2008 at 04:02 AM
Anna,
I'm sorry to hear about Dollie Mae. Yes, 14 years is considered a long life for a dog, especially a big one but for the family, 14 years is just not long enough. She was a beautiful dog and my heart goes out to you. Take care...
~Lynda
Posted by: Lynda Benden | March 28, 2008 at 04:00 AM
Anna,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Posted by: lisa | March 28, 2008 at 03:38 AM
so very sorry. she is beautiful. my heart goes out to you and the family.
Posted by: janice | March 28, 2008 at 03:32 AM
My deepest sympathies for you and Allan. I will be thinking of you both. She will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.
Diane
Posted by: Diane Cooper | March 28, 2008 at 03:29 AM
my heart is breaking right now for you and your husband. This is one of my worst fears, losing my beloved dog. They capture you by the heart and when they are gone, there is a spot in your heart that is forever empty! I am so sorry for your loss!
Posted by: cheryl | March 28, 2008 at 03:05 AM
Oh Anna... I'm so sorry. I just had to put my kitty to sleep so that pain is very fresh. I still look for her every day. My sister has two Great Pyrenees and I know what special creatures they are. Dollie had a gorgeous mane and that wise look!!! I am sending you a big hug. You will see her in heaven!
Posted by: Lydia Fiedler | March 28, 2008 at 02:44 AM