My little dog Sophie lived a big dog’s life. She scrambled up mountains, forged rivers, swam in Lake Tahoe, and surfed Pacific Ocean waves. She also loved cruising in the car, perched on my lap or right beside me. Our lives are shaped by our relationships, which can last for an instant, a season, or a lifetime. Every dog owner knows the acute pain when a long season of their lifespan comes to an end with the passing of a dog who was a constant source of love, comfort, fun and joy for many long years, through good days and bad. Each knows the feeling of gratitude for a life that is so effortlessly given to love, no matter what. Dogs don’t sweat the past, worry about the future, or carry malice in their hearts.
I know exactly how you feel Steve. Your loss brings tears to my eyes. My life, like yours, has been shaped by the love of dogs. I remember my old dogs reception when I came back from my very tough military misadventures (months in the hospital) &, well I’d been gone for three years and as I limped into the house she started yelling and screaming and running around me. Never could a Vet get a better parade.
I will be thinking of you, and as I read your columns, I will hope you’ll be okay.
..... as I get older (79), I have to plan for my dogs.... Before, I lamented that we outlive our dogs, but now, .... I must know that I could easily go before my last dog, and must think WHO would be the best friend to her, and put in my Will. Thinking of you and Sophie.
I’m so sorry. Losing Sophie puts a hole in your hearts and lives. May her trip across the 🌈 bridge be gentle and may your hearts and lives heal gently.
I know how you feel, Steve. DOGS are almost the most important thing in my life -- my rescued dog is my best friend. They give more than humans. My favorite picture is you, walking with your 3 dogs, the 2 bigger ones keeping up with your stride, and Sophie bringing up the rear -- I'll take a picture of it, and keep it beside my computer. Thank you for trusting us to understand, and sharing this story with your readers. Thinking of you..... and Sophie.
Oh Steve, I am sobbing. I know your pain, and that of your whole household, her dog brothers, too. The day they arrive, we know they are going to break our hearts. The only thing that could be worse is if we were to break theirs. Blessings to you, to Sophie's precious soul, and to your family.
During the pandemic when you did remotes for MSNBC's political coverge, etc., there was a time I was watching and I saw a tiny dog (now I know it was likely this precious puppygirl, Sophie), walk into the room and jump up on a sofa under a window that was behind you. She curled up and went to sleep, head on the pillow or arm rest, about as perfect as it could be. I thought at the time, this is my kind of person: his dog owns the place and he is good with that! It made me smile during what was a nightmarish time, the pandemic, and there wasn't much good to smile about. After that, I used to watch for her. 🙂
I had a dog that looked amazingly like Sophie, I lost him in May 2021 at the age of 13. I still miss him every day. And the shepherd I had before him, and the terrier before her. And our Chessie, and our old shepherd mix, 35 years of dogs in our marriage. And our house has two dogs now, one a rescue who is 16, deaf and blind, and another turning 3, who will stay a forever, fun-loving puppy no matter how old he gets. And one day, I will be missing them, too.
It is one of the hardest things we ever do. I know your pain. Many times. And we will all do it again and again, because yes, they are the smartest animal. And yes, they make our lives better and ask so little in return. And yes, we can't live without them.
Your team here is with you. We are all thinking of you.
So sorry for the loss of Sophie. With all the crap going on in the world right now it is good to take a moment and reflect on the purity of a dog’s love for us. My corgi passed over 14 years ago and I still look at her picture and smile.
In Israel, I met a woman from kibbutz kfar aza, which was attacked on October 7. She was now , along with her family, a refugee in another kibbutz, her kibbutz was in a state of destruction. She can’t make decisions, she really can hardly function day to day. What gives her comfort is her little dog. I heard many stories of dogs and babies somehow understanding that they had to be totally silent during all the hours they waited in their safe rooms on October 7, waiting for help. They really are our angels.
I have sobbed and sobbed, reading your beautiful thoughts about Sophie. I do not know why God made our dogs to live shorter lives than we do. Perhaps it's because God wanted them to live their best lives and not have to worry about the effects of old age like most humans experience. Your Sophie is beautiful. Sophie will be waiting for you and the rest of your family when it's your time to travel to the Far Country. She will be waiting. Meanwhile, she'll be quietly watching you and loving you every day. Whenever you feel a rush of wind across your face or hear a little pitter-patter in the hallway, know that it is Sophie. Still with you. Loving You. Much Love and Heart, Donna
I remember and will never forget the pain of losing my beloved Brandy 10 years ago. While reading your beautiful tribute to your buddy, Sophie, I still feel pain. May your pain lessen each day, and the memories make you smile one day. Dogs are one of the best gifts God has given to us.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know the pain. Below is a poem that I love and that brings me comfort. I hope that it does the same for you. Hang in there. Best, Peter
Do Not Weep For Me
Do not weep for me for I have not gone.
I am the wind that shakes the mighty Oak.
I am the gentle rain that falls upon your face.
I am the spring flower that pushes through the dark earth.
I am the chuckling laughter of the mountain stream. Do not weep for me for I have not gone.
I am the memory that dwells in the heart of those that knew me.
I am the shadow that dances on the edge of your vision.
I am the wild goose that flies south at Autumns call and I shall return at Summer rising.
I am the stag on the wild hills way.
I am just around the corner. Therefore, the wise weep not.
Wonderful pictures Steve. I am sorry to hear about your loss. I don’t know what I would do if my dog passed away. They are family, and the best friend anyone could ever have.
I love animals with all my heart; people, not so much..:)
I am so sorry you no longer have Sophie. I am new to having a dog. I have a 14 week old terrier called Lady. I so hear you about the beauty of the innocence and love they bring. I would be devastated if I lost her. I know she is just a puppy but she is courageous..smart and so loving. I know you have great memories and the experience of a great little big dog.i loved the way you wrote this piece. Beautiful..thank you.
I know exactly how you feel Steve. Your loss brings tears to my eyes. My life, like yours, has been shaped by the love of dogs. I remember my old dogs reception when I came back from my very tough military misadventures (months in the hospital) &, well I’d been gone for three years and as I limped into the house she started yelling and screaming and running around me. Never could a Vet get a better parade.
I will be thinking of you, and as I read your columns, I will hope you’ll be okay.
All my best,
James
..... as I get older (79), I have to plan for my dogs.... Before, I lamented that we outlive our dogs, but now, .... I must know that I could easily go before my last dog, and must think WHO would be the best friend to her, and put in my Will. Thinking of you and Sophie.
A dog’s love is unconditional, no strings attached! Mankind can learn a lots from them! A very touching post Steve!
I’m so sorry. Losing Sophie puts a hole in your hearts and lives. May her trip across the 🌈 bridge be gentle and may your hearts and lives heal gently.
I know how you feel, Steve. DOGS are almost the most important thing in my life -- my rescued dog is my best friend. They give more than humans. My favorite picture is you, walking with your 3 dogs, the 2 bigger ones keeping up with your stride, and Sophie bringing up the rear -- I'll take a picture of it, and keep it beside my computer. Thank you for trusting us to understand, and sharing this story with your readers. Thinking of you..... and Sophie.
Oh Steve, I am sobbing. I know your pain, and that of your whole household, her dog brothers, too. The day they arrive, we know they are going to break our hearts. The only thing that could be worse is if we were to break theirs. Blessings to you, to Sophie's precious soul, and to your family.
During the pandemic when you did remotes for MSNBC's political coverge, etc., there was a time I was watching and I saw a tiny dog (now I know it was likely this precious puppygirl, Sophie), walk into the room and jump up on a sofa under a window that was behind you. She curled up and went to sleep, head on the pillow or arm rest, about as perfect as it could be. I thought at the time, this is my kind of person: his dog owns the place and he is good with that! It made me smile during what was a nightmarish time, the pandemic, and there wasn't much good to smile about. After that, I used to watch for her. 🙂
I had a dog that looked amazingly like Sophie, I lost him in May 2021 at the age of 13. I still miss him every day. And the shepherd I had before him, and the terrier before her. And our Chessie, and our old shepherd mix, 35 years of dogs in our marriage. And our house has two dogs now, one a rescue who is 16, deaf and blind, and another turning 3, who will stay a forever, fun-loving puppy no matter how old he gets. And one day, I will be missing them, too.
It is one of the hardest things we ever do. I know your pain. Many times. And we will all do it again and again, because yes, they are the smartest animal. And yes, they make our lives better and ask so little in return. And yes, we can't live without them.
Your team here is with you. We are all thinking of you.
Sweet Sophie ...you will be forever missed. Leaving behind, her indelible paw print on your heart. I’m sad
So sorry for the loss of Sophie. With all the crap going on in the world right now it is good to take a moment and reflect on the purity of a dog’s love for us. My corgi passed over 14 years ago and I still look at her picture and smile.
In Israel, I met a woman from kibbutz kfar aza, which was attacked on October 7. She was now , along with her family, a refugee in another kibbutz, her kibbutz was in a state of destruction. She can’t make decisions, she really can hardly function day to day. What gives her comfort is her little dog. I heard many stories of dogs and babies somehow understanding that they had to be totally silent during all the hours they waited in their safe rooms on October 7, waiting for help. They really are our angels.
I'm not crying! You're crying!!
I have sobbed and sobbed, reading your beautiful thoughts about Sophie. I do not know why God made our dogs to live shorter lives than we do. Perhaps it's because God wanted them to live their best lives and not have to worry about the effects of old age like most humans experience. Your Sophie is beautiful. Sophie will be waiting for you and the rest of your family when it's your time to travel to the Far Country. She will be waiting. Meanwhile, she'll be quietly watching you and loving you every day. Whenever you feel a rush of wind across your face or hear a little pitter-patter in the hallway, know that it is Sophie. Still with you. Loving You. Much Love and Heart, Donna
I remember and will never forget the pain of losing my beloved Brandy 10 years ago. While reading your beautiful tribute to your buddy, Sophie, I still feel pain. May your pain lessen each day, and the memories make you smile one day. Dogs are one of the best gifts God has given to us.
Dear Steve,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know the pain. Below is a poem that I love and that brings me comfort. I hope that it does the same for you. Hang in there. Best, Peter
Do Not Weep For Me
Do not weep for me for I have not gone.
I am the wind that shakes the mighty Oak.
I am the gentle rain that falls upon your face.
I am the spring flower that pushes through the dark earth.
I am the chuckling laughter of the mountain stream. Do not weep for me for I have not gone.
I am the memory that dwells in the heart of those that knew me.
I am the shadow that dances on the edge of your vision.
I am the wild goose that flies south at Autumns call and I shall return at Summer rising.
I am the stag on the wild hills way.
I am just around the corner. Therefore, the wise weep not.
But rejoice at the transformation of my Being.
Wonderful pictures Steve. I am sorry to hear about your loss. I don’t know what I would do if my dog passed away. They are family, and the best friend anyone could ever have.
I love animals with all my heart; people, not so much..:)
Oh. So sorry. Losing a pet is tough. They bring so much joy, comfort and love to our lives.
I am so sorry you no longer have Sophie. I am new to having a dog. I have a 14 week old terrier called Lady. I so hear you about the beauty of the innocence and love they bring. I would be devastated if I lost her. I know she is just a puppy but she is courageous..smart and so loving. I know you have great memories and the experience of a great little big dog.i loved the way you wrote this piece. Beautiful..thank you.