In Honor Of Winnifred Louise
Thirteen years ago this past Thanksgiving a yellow lab puppy entered our lives. Jeff and I weren't planning on getting a dog, but Winnie had no home to go to. She was such a good dog. When she'd bark at arriving guests, I'd assure them that the worst she was going to do was either lick them or beat them with her tail. She wasn't a jumper. She loved playing catch in the yard. When we lived in town, all the neighborhood kids knew her name. Over the years we'd ask ourselves, "doesn't it hurt her to hit the cupboards that hard with her tail?" We went to puppy school, only to finish last in the class, but that had more to do with the master, than the dog! She liked catching ice cubes dropping out of the freezer door. She would wait patiently while we ate, knowing she would get to lick the plate. She was my daily companion for years as I did chores and made the rounds at the Van Cleave farm. Once she found a skunk in the pasture. The skunk gave her a chance to stop chasing her, but when Winnie kept pursuing it, the skunk turned around and gave her a nice dose of perfume! She stunk for weeks. She did not like being in a kennel, so when we left on vacation she either went to someone's house or someone came to our house to stay with her.
The stories and the memories are endless. In the past few weeks Winnie had been failing, going blind from cataracts. Although we knew the end was close, we weren't prepared for her leaving us on Saturday, March 28. We put her to rest yesterday on the island in our pond. She loved swimming. She loved us unconditionaly and we loved her. She will be missed. She was a good dog.
Below is a portion of a quilt I made 10 years ago. I transferred this vintage Harold Haskell artwork to fabric. It symbolizes so many things for me. But, the dog in the artwork didn't look like Winnie, so I added an appliqué of her to the quilt.
The stories and the memories are endless. In the past few weeks Winnie had been failing, going blind from cataracts. Although we knew the end was close, we weren't prepared for her leaving us on Saturday, March 28. We put her to rest yesterday on the island in our pond. She loved swimming. She loved us unconditionaly and we loved her. She will be missed. She was a good dog.
Below is a portion of a quilt I made 10 years ago. I transferred this vintage Harold Haskell artwork to fabric. It symbolizes so many things for me. But, the dog in the artwork didn't look like Winnie, so I added an appliqué of her to the quilt.
My condolences to you and your family on the passing of Winnie. Dogs are wonderful companions and it is sad that they don't live as long as we'd like them to. Thankfully, they pack a ton of love and steadfastness into their short lifetime with us. They teach us a lot and we're always the better for us. I'll give my girl an extra special hug today in honor of your Winnie.
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I'm so sorry for your family...but how lucky Winnie was to have such good people to love her. Not every animal is so fortunate. Moose and Rowdy will get extra love and "bones" today in Winnie's honour. XOXOXO
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What a nice tribute to Winnie. I will give Oliver an extra treat today in honor of her.
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So very sorry to read about the passing of Winnie. It sounds like she had a wonderful life with your family. I remember your past post about her condition and feeling so sad then. I understand about the passing of beloved pets. They are family! I will give our beagle and standard poodle an extra hug today!
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Sorry to hear about poor Winnie.
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Heidi - so sorry to hear of your loss. Pets fill our hearts with laughter and love, they become part of the family. It is always hard to say good-bye to them.
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I'm so sorry for your loss. Winnie had a loving home with you and you had a loyal friend. I know the good memories you have will bring smiles to your face when the grief is not so new. Sending hugs.
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I'm so sorry you lost your Winnie. It's so hard to lose a pet. She was a very blessed pup, to have a family that loved her so well.
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Oh, I'm so sorry Heidi. If only our beloved pets could live as long as we do.
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It is really hard to lose a pet. Even when you know they are failing, you just don't want to lose their companionship. Glad that WInnie is at rest near all of you.
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Oh Heidi, I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your loyal friend. We had two labs, a yellow and a chocolate, and they were with us since pups. They were like a married couple. We lost Sally, the chocolate first, at age 13, and then the next summer, Tucker passed. They were part of our family, as I know Winnie was a part of yours. I am so sorry for your loss.
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