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Monday, June 29, 2009

A sad day for us...


It’s been a rough couple of days. We had to send our sweet old boy Harley to Heaven this morning. He was 13 years old and had been suffering from a seizure disorder for the last 5 or so. The last few months it had gotten harder and harder for him to get around without help, and just in the last few days he declined pretty fast. I told myself when I started these blogs that only happy thoughts would be put out there to the world, so this evening , as I write this I would like to share with you a few things about him that I will fondly remember.

Harley loved the water. (Most Golden Retreivers do) We used to go camping in the summer and he would spend 75% of the trip wet and muddy, and loving every minute of it.


He loved to play ball when he was younger. He would play fetch for hours if we let him. (We always gave up before he did) And if playing fetch involved swimming...even better!!!






Harley was a wonderful big brother. When we got little Jasmine, our Corgi, she would jump on him, pull his tail and ears... pretty much be a total pest. And he just took it. Never did he growl or snap at her. He just let her use him as a Jungle Jim. He even let her take his toys or steal food right out of his bowl!!!




At night when my husband and I were sitting on the sofa, Harley would come up and press the top of his head against us as if to say..”hey, rub my neck please!” He would just stand there until we decided to stop, enjoying a little love from Mom and Dad.

My dear sweet Harley Barley will be missed greatly by all of our friends and family...
Have a good time playing ball in Heaven sweetie...We love you.




61 comments:

Annabelle said...

Oh, I'm so sorry y'all lost your sweet puppy. It's just so heartbreaking to lose a furry family member. Hugs to you.

debi said...

Karen,
I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet Harley. He sounds like he was a wonderful, sweet companion....and he looks like a real cutie too.
Hugs, Debi

Summer Gypsy said...

Harley...so beautiful..It hurts so much to lose our fur babies. I like to think that those who have crossed that Rainbow Bridge are waiting for the sound of their master's voice in time to come...for a game of fetch. Take care.
Big hugs,
Marilyn

mIzZ (hONeY) bEe aka Marlene said...

Karen, I am so sorry for your lost...they definitely do become an important part of our families...their love for US is sooo unconditional & they are always there for us..at least Harley is not in pain anymore & now he is romping in the sea up above playing fetch with the angels...grace & peace 2 U, Marlene

Debby said...

Karen, I am sorry to hear about your loss of Harley! He certainly was a beautiful boy.
Hugs,
debby

Coralie Cederna Johnson said...

Oh, Karen, I so share your loss! My heart just breaks for you. Your Harley was a wonderful boy and enjoyed the precious happy home he shared with you all. He definitely in Heaven now. We lost our sheltie Ginger in May this year and I know the loss you feel right now. She was 12 1/2 yrs old and had a wonderful life but became suddenly ill. Ginger and Harley are together now at the Rainbow Bridge where they are well again and run and play all day! Blessings to you, Coralie

Olde Tyme Marketplace said...

I heard something once that I hope is true...when you get to heaven the first things you see are all your pets waiting for you...can you just imagine how wonderful? I am so sorry for your loss.
Beth

Deb said...

Karen, I am so sorry to read about sweet Harley! What a wonderful life you shared with him & beautiful tribute post! We lost our beautiful lab Ben last September ~ I hope Ben & Harley meet at Rainbow Bridge♥

Sue @ Not the Good Scissors! said...

You have some wonderful memories of your beloved Harley. It is always so hard to lose a companion. When we lose one of our pets I always say no MORE! I just can't stand the sorrow but eventually they slowly fill our home again.
Take care, Susan

The French Bear said...

So sorry to hear about Harley..... my little granddaughter lost her golden retriever Kasper last year and she was devastated. I scrap booked a memory album for her. They are such wonderful dogs, and such loving pets!!! Looks like your sweet dog was a real beautiful friend.
Big Hug,
Margaret B

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Karen,
I'm sorry to hear about your Harley, my heart truly goes out to you and your family. Your photos are beautiful and show how happy Harley was in all the love you gave to him. A beautiful home, love, pampering... what a fortunate dog that Harley!
~Tracie

Chris said...

I'm so sorry for the loss. What a beautiful dog Harley was.

Linda Summerfield said...

Harley looks like a wonderful companion, and I am truly sorry for your loss.
Linda

Maija said...

I am so very sorry for your loss! My doggies are my babies, too.

I'm so glad I found you! You are right in my backyard and we haven't even met! I live in Ahwatukee!

Sending you healing wishes!

Dionne said...

I am sure this is a rough time for you. Sorry to hear about your little doglet!

Shell said...

Karen,

I'm so sorry that you lost your sweet Golden!! He looked so much like mine, I've gotta give Kodi and extra hug.

I'm saying a doggie prayer for Harley and my GF Kelly's dog Abbey, also a Golden that passed last week at 14. I'm sure they'll share the tennis balls up there!!

Hugs to you and yours. I know, it hurts!!

Shell

TesoriTrovati said...

Such joy and life and love! Blessings to you as you cope with the loss of your sweet friend. You were a good family to be in, that shows through. Peace to you.

Erin

Mo..."Mo's Cottage" said...

I am so sorry about your sad loss of Harley....they just become a special member of the our family.....dogs are always so giving and a just a joy...again I am so sorry....
Hugs :-)

The Feathered Nest said...

Dear sweet Karen, I am so very sorry for your precious loss ~ these sweet angels become such a wonderful part of our family. Thinking of you and your sweet family, hugs and love, Dawn

Anonymous said...

Hello Karen,

I am just passing by, new again to blogspot. I am sorry about Harley, & know you all are sad. My older sister had to put her Golden Retrevor (Sophie Marie) down about a month ago. She was 15 & such a joy. When I would come to visit my sister would tell her I was coming and she would be waiting at the front door. She was oringinally gotten to aid my nephew (Josh)who suffered from MD. He passed in `97 at the age of 15. & Sophie went through many sad days, but she soon overcame it & was a true member of the family. My sister took this very hard. She had her cremated & keeps her close by. I really like your blog & i'll keep you all in my prayers.

Polka Dot Moon said...

So sorry to hear about your sweet Harley. That is the hardest thing in owning a furry companion......maybe he will run into our big boy Hank over Rainbow Bridge.
Denise

EMBELLISH said...

I am so sorry! When I saw his sweet face on my blog roll, I said a quick prayer that it wasn't a sad news. I know your grief.

~MyGalSal~The "Bird Whisperer" said...

I have always loved the Goldens though I never owned a dog. Your pictures and words made me cry. God bless you both and your sweet Harley. I sometimes curse how deeply I love animals for the losses are so deeply devastating, but then I quickly remember all that they give us in this life. God bless you all and rest in peace Harley. Hugs, Sally

Cynthia Spiece said...

I feel your pain.
Oh, how I feel your pain.
I love you.
You rock.
Harley rocks.
Rainbow Bridge shines it's colors even brighter now.
( what is Rainbow Bridge? )

Unknown said...

Oh Karen! That is so so sad. I've had to do the same thing more than once and it never gets any easier, I know! But what would we do without them? Sorry you're so sad right now. I ALWAYS believe that they go to Heaven. I think that my animals are up there playing with my Dad who was a huge animal lover, just waiting until the day we see them again.

Debra said...

Dear Friend,
Harley looking so handsome in his purple hat and tie for the party is how I will remember his sweet face. I'm so sorry.
Take Care
Debra

Cindy said...

Oh! Your sweet sweet Harleypoo! I'm so sorry! Beautiful wonderful dog. Thank you for sharing him with us. Hugs, Cindy

Geralyn Gray said...

Sorry for your loss--it was a nice tribute that Harley deserved.

Embellished Bayou said...

I'm so sorry for your loss....pets own a piece of our hearts & Harley will surely be missed. What a beautiful tribute to him.

Candy said...

Special blessings in this time of mourning. What a wonderful companion Harley was and what really great memories he has left behind.

More hugs,
Candy

Claudia said...

Blogging only happy things is actually what you have done... obviously this special animal made a fantastic impact on your family.

I have lost several of my "best friends" and I have found a poem called the Rainbows Bridge helped me a lot.

Here is the link to the Poem:
http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

Thanks for sharing-- you are in my thoughts and prayers..

TTFN~~Claudia ♥ ♥

Chrisy said...

My sympathies...so pleased you have these beautiful photos...
ps There's a giveaway for a couple of my anatomical plates that you, or somebody you know, might like...head over to http://aussie-handmade-giveaway.com

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful dog. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know it's hard. Take care, pk

The Rustic Victorian said...

Ohhh, I wish our pets would last as long as we do. I am sorry to hear this, and know the loss you feel. Time helps. I like to believe when the pearly gates open all of our pets are there to greet us. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Love
Marcie

Connie said...

I just came over from white linen and lavender fields and just love your blog, sugar! I'm in the Idaho southwest desert so I truly understand. I try to make my home as celestial and lovely/homey/inviting as possible also. I'd love to exchange links with you if you'd like. We're heading to the mountains today for a couple of days but I'd love to join in on the Places we create I read about on the blog that I came over from.......uuuuh, my old english teacher would cringe at this sentence! Nice meeting you, chickee. Drop over and visit when you get a chance.
xoxo,
Connie

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

I am so sorry about your sweet boy. I just lost my little Chloe bunny two weeks ago. I know how your heart feels.
Sending a hug.
shell

Cyndee Greene said...

My arms are wrapped around all of you thru this time...
I love the pictures. Especially the one of Harley & Jasmine running.
Maybe Harley & Ali are running & swimming in Heaven together....
No more seizures for either of them.

Summer Gypsy said...

Hi Karen,
Thanks for visiting me today!!! I am so sorry that I called you Marcela in the post. It is all fixed now!!! I think that I was thinking about what I was doing with ECS and Marcela there....and, oh, well...I'll just blame it on the summer heat here!!! LOLOL!!! Have a great 4th!
:)Marilyn

The Studio at Crow Haven Farm, LLC said...

Karen, I'm so sorry to hear about the lost of beloved pet. What a beautiful tribute to your family member...It's so hard sometimes, but look at the love he gave you and your family and the love he received in return. Your memories you will have forever! Big Hugs to you and your family.
Cheers

Claudia said...

Oh, you've brought tears to my eyes. I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet Harley! It is so painful to lose a family member. I have to believe they are waiting for us and will greet us when we ourselves cross over. My thoughts are with you.

Becky said...

May your sweet pup rest in peace in Doggie heaven. He looks like he was a true friend.

God bless,
Becky

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Karen, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. We've been through this loss before and know how your heart aches. God bless Harley, he was a good boy. Twyla

jen said...

What beautiful photos...brought tears to my eyes! I'm so sorry for your loss!

Jen

Becca said...

Awww I just found your blog, and I do know what you are going through. I hope that you find peace in all of your beautiful memories. We lost our sweet girl Bootsie (kitty) 3 years ago, she was 16 years old. My husband and I were so heartbroken that 4 months later we brought home 3 kitties. To this day I still miss my Bootsie.
hugs,
Becca

Anita Van Hal said...

Don't feel bad about sharing sad news...that's what friends are for...we take the good and the sad...I had to put down our American Eskimo six years ago...hardest thing I think I've ever had to do...hugs!

LissyLou said...

Oh how sad. You have some lovely memories of him to treasure forever x

Sheila Rumney said...

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Harley! Our beloved fur babies are angels sent down from above to bring us such joy, comfort and companionship. Harley was so blessed to be apart of your family.

Hugs,
Sheila

Coleen said...

awwwww...I feel for you...we may be making the same decision soon...sigh!

Heart Hugs!
Coleen

Rebecca said...

So sorry to read you lost your puppy...it is so hard to do that - I know. Blessings to you.
Rebecca

Brenda Pruitt said...

I am so, so sad for your loss. My Pepper left me three years ago. I planted a small garden in his memory, and ordered a custom steel sign in the shape of a dog with his name cut out. (http://gardendeva.com) Makes me feel good to go outside and see that dog shape bigger than he was sticking up to greet me. Hugs, blogging friend.
Brenda

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Hi Karen,

I'm so sorry to hear about your Harley. What a sweet dog....they so become part of our families, don't they? I'll bet even your little Corgie's going to miss him.

I'm sending a virtual hug....(((())))

Blessings,
Spencer

chicroses said...

Im new to your blog but had to comment on your Harley. Seeing the pictures of him Im so saddened just to look at him. We lost our Hank in march.He was also golden retreiver/springer spanial. My dh and I greive over him everyday. He was our child.I know exactly what you are going through. Our vet wouldn't let us go in with him to be with him when he took his last breath. So that still hurts us deeply. We had him cremated and have him in his cookie/treat jar. Its not much comfort. If you go to my blog you will see a pic of him. The golden retrievers and springers are the best dogs. I hope time will take the pain away for you. Hugs Sally

icandy... said...

Karen,
Thinking of you...
We lost our German Shephard, Hans, to epilepsy not too long ago. I know how you must be feeling about the disorder and losing your precious Harley. We had Hans on medication for years and it was truly heartbreaking to watch him going through his spells. The disorder finally got the best of him and we ended up losing such a special member of our family. It hurts so bad, I know. He was 9 years old.

Sending prayers and Blessings to you during this time.

Hugs,
Christina

cobismom said...

I, too, am sorry to hear about the loss of your boy. We have been there and done that, and even though it is the best for them, there is a hole in your heart. May you find something in the memories of him to fill that hole. I'll be thinking of you.

Many hugs,
Cathy J

Unknown said...

I'm sorry you lost your dear Harley but thank you for posting pictures of him.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Harley. We had a Golden that we had to put down because of cancer. She was 12. She had the sweetest soul. She's been gone for over 5 years now, but I still miss her and think of her often. I hope you find peace.

The Passionate Home said...

I have just discovered your blog today and there is a tear in my eye reading about Harley. Your photos of him and his friends are wonderful. Our animals are truly family! I am so sorry for your loss but great memories will never die! Take care, Carrie

Lynn said...

Dear sweet Harley, God bless him. I know how you feel we had to put Andy our 11 year old Golden to sleep last September and it still hurts to look at his photos, but we have good memories of him and he was having such a hard time at the end. Now we have little Cooper and he is soooooo much like Andy, such a gentle soul and has helped me get through it :)

Jan Thomason said...

Oh. I never should have read that post.
I'm so, so sorry y'all had to go through that. We get closer every day with one of our precious rescue dogs, my baby, my studio buddy, Ben, and reading your post about Harley was not only bittersweet but it tugged on my heart so strongly that I'm now a puddle.
Thanks.

(i'm just kidding - the "thanks" part. just trying to make you/me laugh!)

warmly,
jan

beautifullybrokenme said...

Karen,

I am so sorry you lost such a wonderful pet. Harley was a wonderful addition to your family, and I am sure he will be missed greatly. The pictures you posted of him show such great memories - keep holding on to them and remember him as the friend he was.

Please know I am thinking of you and your family.

:-) Molly

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I've been visiting your blog for the past week as I find it fascinating, creative, inspiring and oh so beautiful! This post brought me to tears though. What a wonderful and positive tribute to your beloved Harley. I had a dog (part Corgi) from the time I was 2 until I was 17 -- and when we had to let her go, it was very hard. I still think about her to this day! Thanks for sharing all that you do. I always enjoy visiting! Best wishes,

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