Monday, September 23, 2013

My beautiful Zoey died this morning -- we will miss her too much

Zoey and the green bin
Acrylic on canvas
8 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010

Our sweet dog Zoey died this morning, after a long weekend
of trying to die.  She was 13 1/2 which is old for a dog of her
size, sadly.  She had a good life, with lots of summers by the
ocean, and walks in a gorgeous nearby park, dog friends, people
friends -- a wonderful life.  And she was greatly beloved.  

I am so sorry she is gone, as I go through the house and see
her quilts on the floor in every room.  Her dishes in the kitchen,
the balls she like to play with.  But most of all I miss her.  She
liked being with us, lying down on the floor of whatever room
we were in.  And I loved being with her.

Have a loving-your-dog day.

22 comments:

Linda Popple said...

So very sorry, Barbara. I know how hard it is to lose a member of your family. I can tell by your painting that she was loved. Prayers and hugs sent your way.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Linda,

Thanks very much. It is so hard. Yes she was so loved. Thank you for your prayers and hugs back at you.

XOXO Barbara

johnny golphy said...

I'm sorry to have heard of this event. Just remember that the darkest of nights are followed by the lightest of days.

Sally Dean said...

My heart goes out to you. Its been a few years since my 14 year old corgi died- I still miss him. Dogs are family. I love the beautiful painting of her. I also send a virtual hug.

Liza Hirst said...

Oh dear, I am also very sorry to hear this, Barbara!
We lost our two dogs while still in France and it was very sad, so I know what you're going through. Lots of love to you all,
Liza

Mary Lou van Schaik said...

Oh, Barbara, I'm so sorry to hear that your beloved dog died. A poignant ache. Here's Mary Oliver about the death of one of her dogs:
How strong was her dark body!
How apt is her grave place.
How beautiful is her unshakable sleep.
Finally
the slick mountains of love break
over us.
Much love to you -- ML

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Sally,

Thank you. I appreciate your kind thoughts. I'm sorry for your loss too.

Will you get a new dog?

XOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

Oh that must have been so hard. You were losing your house and your dogs. So sorry. Yes it is just strange and sad. We miss everything about her.

XOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Mary Lou,

Thank you so much. Sweet poem.
Yes we are sad over here. She was a big part of our lives.

XOXO Barbara

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

Oh, Barbara. Hugs to you and your beautiful Zoey.
She'll come to you in your dreams. Thanks for sharing this with us. Our animals are family.

Unknown said...

so very sad for you Barbara. Losing a pet is really hard, it does help to remember what a happy loving life she led. big hugs for you my friend.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Mary,

Thank you Mary. She was a big part of my family. We just had dinner, and she always stood with her head on my lap waiting for me to give her a carrot from my salad.

XOXO

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Thanks so much Sally,

Oh there is no question that Zoey had a really good life. Too short for us, but normal for dogs. I am okay, I just miss her terribly.

XOXOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Thanks Johnny,


A cheering thought.

Take care,

Barbara

Jan Yates, SCA, Canada said...

I'm sorry you are going through the loss of this dearly beloved companion. It is lovely to read that she had a good full life (sadly many don't) and your rendering is beautiful.

Catherine Jeffrey said...

Is is such a difficult time when we lose a loving friend and companion. It sounds like he had a wonderful life. We become so aware of the spaces they take in our homes and hearts. My dog is getting older and I'm sure it will be difficult to paint without him lying under my feet. Heres a hug.

cohen labelle said...

Barbara, I remember your Zoey singing happy birthday to me over the phone and the astonishment and hilarity that produced - and wiggling and jumping up and down with excitement when we and others came to visit. She surely was one of the most loving and lovable of animals - I understand how difficult this loss is for you and the rest of your family!
Your painting of her is very moving and beautiful.

My deepest sympathy,

Love, Marcia

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Jan,
Thank you. It is true that many don't. Zoey was beloved, lived near a very beautiful park, and spent time for many summers at the ocean in Nova Scotia. She had dog friends, and people friends wherever she went. And that is the ideal life for a dog.

You comment has made me happy. Thank you.

XOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Catherine,

Thanks for the hug. It has been a very hard week. Yes I keep thinking I hear her, and in recent years she followed me around the house and slept wherever I was.

I love your work.

XOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Marcia,

If you'll recall she sang you another celebratory song. We have a video of that, that cheered us up no end last night. You are the sweetest. Yes we all miss her. In fact, Fiona the Siamese is in mourning. Not good.

She was one of the "girls" (both pets)in an all male house, so it feels like I've lost a very, very good friend. Glad I have some lovely human friends, like you Marcia.

Love,

Barbara

Nicki said...

Barbara, I saw your Facebook post and commented there but I had to leave a message on your blog too. Only a little time has passed and I am sure you are still missing her terribly. She sounds like a wonderful dog. They are members of the family and although we don't have a pet, my sister's dog gives us all a great deal of happiness.

Thinking of you and Stephen.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Nicki,

Thanks so much -- the week thank goodness has been absolutely beautiful in the garden and the weather, because otherwise it's been a bit of a rough ride.

XOXO Barbara

Portrait Artist

My photo
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I paint and draw on commission and for shows. To commission a portrait, or purchase one of my paintings please contact me at: barbara.muir@sympatico.ca
A major highlight in my career? Drawing Oprah Winfrey live via Skype for her show "Where in the Skype are you? Galleries: Studio Vogue Gallery, Toronto, Canada. The Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, New York City. Gallery at the Porch Door, Kingston, Canada. Your positive comments on this blog mean the world to me. I'd love to hear from you!