Monday, March 4, 2024
I don’t want this to be a sad post, but rather a celebration post of a wonderful furry boy who brought us 11 years of loyalty, fun, laughs, fresh air, and licks.
We truly don’t deserve dogs. We are not worthy.
So, I want to start by saying that everything happened in the best possible timing. I first told you about our boy’s cancer diagnosis in January 2023. We got an extra year plus with him. We feel so lucky for that. And it was a great year where you would hardly know he was sick. I was so scared he would pass while Mason was doing study abroad and I was scared that it also might happen in the 9 days while we were gone to pick Mason up.
Over the last month things really started declining. He wasn’t really eating and had gotten so skinny. When you saw the photo of us having a picnic on the lawn Monday it was because Ernie just couldn’t walk anymore and plopped down but seemed happy and content to be there.
We made the decision a week ago to say goodbye on Saturday. I wasn’t ready to talk about it on the blog.
Our kids were both home all week due to spring break and while that stinks for their break, it was also a gift to have them here.
Just Tom and I went, and our vet was so compassionate, and it was very peaceful and a privilege to be with our boy who brought us so much happiness.
The teeth in this position always made me laugh! I probably have at least 50 photos of this on my camera roll!
So serious sometimes:
When we went to pick Ernie out there were only two chocolates in the litter. The rest were yellow. Ernie was the calmer and the more blocky-headed of the two chocolates. We knew he was meant to be ours.
A pup cup:
Ernie was a great car rider. When he first came home with us, he walked with me to “pick up” the kids from elementary school every day. I got out of school at 2:20 and the kids at 3:50 so it was our routine. He rode with us to piano lessons once a week and I walked him while the kids were in the lesson. He went a lot of places! He was always welcome at family gatherings and he went to a few state parks for those and he vacationed at Lake Michigan a few times and at Dauhpin Island, Alabama once.
He loved the school playground behind our house and always found things to recycle and would bring them home to our recycle bin. Then he found balls to “play” with on the playground. No ball was safe!
Swimming was a big hobby and even better if best friend “Daddy” was in the water!
So Ernie’s spot was always by the back door to the house. we had a tiny little patio before the renovation, but he loved it.
Ernie was a very polite boy and would bark just once if he wanted back in the house.
This cracks me up seeing him after we ripped out the small porch. He was like, “What the heck? Where is my porch?” He made do. Ha! He didn’t have to wait long before a makeshift wooden porch was put up before the permanent one was in.
Then, he got a really good spot after the renovation where he could watch out over his backyard and school playground.
He wouldn’t let me put away the Halloween doormat that he liked so it just stayed and became faded.
He wouldn’t let me put the indoor Christmas rug away this year. Finally I gave up and put it back where it was!
He was a dog with the finer tastes in doormats.
Over the last week he seemed to want to “guard” his “brothers” at night:
Sometimes he was so close to their doors they couldn’t get out.
A very wet dewy puppy picture:
If Ernie could get wet, we would!
A snow lover for sure. This was this winter as Ernie made snow angels. I am so happy he got a good snow!
Christmas stocking gift from this year:
Of course he was in the family photos!
One of his two favorite furniture spots:
This fall was so fun watching him rolling in the leaves and taking leafy walks:
His spot:
Doing yoga with the fam:
Any time the cheese drawer opened or we opened a string cheese, Ernie came running. I probably shared 1000 string cheeses with him, one string at a time!
Boat boy:
Lake Michigan waves:
Our boy loved Christmas and his stocking, but I think he just loved the family all together in the living room, too.
His final playground walk. This is a really sad but beautiful photo to me. Tom had the idea to wheel him around and then he lifted him out to sniff around a bit.
What a face that I will never forget:
We love you so much, Ernie. Thank you for making us all better people.
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
What a beautiful tribute to Ernie. I have been at this place several times and it is always the hardest thing in the world. My heart hurts for all of you. I think the worst part is the hours and days leading to the final decision of when to let them go. You were the brave ones doing what was best for Ernie. Now that baby is happy and running and swimming again. Prayers for all of you during this time.
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Thank you. It really is. I agree. Tom and I were really emotionally exhausted and there was some peace in knowing he was not in pain anymore. The vet said some really perfect words and that really helped. I sure hope so.
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oh Amy, I’m so sorry. What a wonderful life Ernie had with you. This post is a beautiful celebration of a great dog. Thinking of all of you. ❤️
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Thank you. I would like to think so.
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Aw, I am sorry to hear that you finally had to put him down but I am so glad that you all got one final year with him and that timing in the end worked out perfectly. He sounds like he was one really special dog.
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Thank you. It was hard but a privilege to be with him. He really was. Tom is a dog whisperer and trained him so well.
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oh Amy I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m so glad the whole family was at home. Praying for comfort and sweet memories for you all. It will likely feel very lonely for a time. Our pups are angels on earth.
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Thank you. So grateful for the timing. Yes, they are.
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what a lovely tribute to your lovely boy! We lost our Oscar last year, and they really do take a piece of your heart when they go. You gave him the best life!
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Thank you. They really do. I’m so lucky and grateful and happy that we had the time with him.
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Losing a part of your family is never easy…
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No. And, that grief means that you had that love for someone.
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I will celebrate Ernie with you. He was blessed to have you all and you were blessed to have the dog that was meant just for you. I know your heart is aching, I know that feeling. I still think about Daisy Mae every single day. Maybe they’re up there running and playing together. Hugs and love to you!
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Thank you. I know your Stella helped heal you but you never forget a beloved family member.
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Such a beautiful eulogy! RIP sweet Ernie! All my thoughts to you and your family, I mean, I have tears in my eyes and I’ve never even met him. ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thank you. He loved everyone and would have loved you, too.
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Well, this post is just too beautiful but so sad as well. You got me crying this morning. You captured these memories so well. I know how hard that decision is but the peace that comes with it knowing you made the best choice for such an important member of your family. The puppy photos are too cute & I love all the ones of him by the door. Dogs are creatures of habit. I know it will be hard at first, but I know you are grateful for the time you had with him.
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Sorry about that. Yes, I am so grateful for such a great boy that enriched our lives.
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I am so, so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you.
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Thank you.
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Oh.Amy. I am crying, that last photo. I keep typing words and deleting them, so much to say. What a beautiful post, I admire you so much for capturing these sweet memories of Ernie in this post.
I am thinking of you all, the pain is so great and the grief so real. I wish we had bereavement for these times.
Much love my friend, what a gift Ernie was!
xo,
Kellyann
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Thank you. I know you get it and just went through it, too.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad you had that extra year with him. That was such a gift.
Our dogs are getting older too and we are in denial I think.
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what a beautiful tribute! The photos are all wonderful and what a sweet idea to take Ernie out for one last stroll. My heart goes out to you. You made the best decision for a treasured family member but it still hurts.
Kriss
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What a beautiful tribute to Ernie and to your family for loving him as he deserved. May your memories bring you joy for years to come.
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Rest well Ernie! I’m so so so sorry, and I know the pain of this. Our lab had the same type of situation- and I prayed so hard that God would show me when the time was the time- and not to be selfish with not wanting to let him go. God totally showed us when we had to make the decision, for the peace of our dog. It’s so painful. It took me a year to get over (in terms of missing him and crying all the time). I’m proud of you. You gave him a beautiful life. I’m sorry for the pain. Enjoy thinking of him, and the love he gave your family. I’m deeply sorry.
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I have thought about y’all all weekend long, as I said yesterday when I texted you. I have tears in my eyes reading your beautiful tribute to your handsome boy. He had such a wonderful life with you all, and all of you were fortunate to have one another. You are so right about the wonder of dogs, and how we don’t deserve them. Our lives are so enriched by our furry children! I know you’re grateful for all the wonderful moments with him. I’ll keep praying for you all, because routines are hard to break, and he was a big part of yours. I hope your boys are holding up alright. Love you, friend!
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Aw, I know this is a hard, sad time. I hope this post and encouragement brings you some joy during this time.
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What a beautiful post and I’m so very sorry for your loss. You are right, we aren’t worthy of our dogs…they give us unconditional love and such loyalty. Our 12.5 year old golden retriever has osteosarcoma and we are nearing the end with her. It’s heartbreaking and I’m praying we will know when the time has come. I’ll be praying for you and your family as well.
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Ernie was such special boy. What a lovely tribute to Ernie, Amy. It is always so heartbreaking to lose a furry family member. They provide us with shining examples of unconditional love. I will be thinking about you and your family.
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I’m so sorry for your loss, Amy. Hugs to your family.
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Oh, goodness what a heart felt tribute. It surely brings tears to my eyes. I know the feeling of this loss. Hugs to you and your family.
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Amy – Thank you for sharing your sweet Ernie with us. What beautiful memories you had with him. Sending you and your family love and virtual hugs ❤️❤️🐾🐾
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I am so sorry for your loss. It’s easy to see how loved sweet Ernie was, and how much he loved you all. Thinking of you and your family and praying for comfort and peace!
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I’m so so sorry! Your GREAT MOM AND DOG MOM!!!!!!!!!
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What a beautiful tribute to Ernie!! I am so sorry.
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My condolences for the loss of your Ernie. So glad you got to enjoy many years of love and devotion with him. He was loved – each one of your photos showed that.
(I lost my Charlie a year ago and still can’t talk about it).
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Thank you for sharing the wonderful photos and stories about Ernie. I’m sure he absorbed all the extra love and attention this last year and he wanted all the time with his family. You are right that it is a privilege to be with our sweet dogs when we make the difficult decision to let them go. Thoughts and prayers for your family.
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Love leaves a memory no one can steal. an Irish Blessing
Farewell, Ernie.
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So sorry for your loss. Our pets bring such joy to our lives and even though it hurts when it’s time to say goodbye, a life without having their unconditional love, is a sad life indeed. ❤️❤️
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Amy, what a beautiful tribute to Ernie. Animals are a wonderful addition to families. I hope with time things get easier for your family. Holly
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I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful, beautiful post and one I know you will cherish forever. That first picture that you had, with the “teeth“ is the same picture we have of our doggy as our family group chat image 🙂
Hugs to you and your family.
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I have been reading for a while but never commented. But this post got to me. I am so sorry. I know how much your hearts have to be hurting right now. Praying for comfort and for you to have all the good memories.
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what a beautiful tribute to Ernie! I’m so so sorry for your loss. He had a wonderful life, and he truly was a part of the family. He was loved, and he loved you all back. I hope his memories bring you comfort.
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I have tears reading this, and I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. What a special dog Ernie was and a big part of your family. I love the picture of him laying outside the boys’ rooms. I have said goodbye to two dogs in my adult life, and I still think of them all the time. I hope the good memories you have with him will stay with your family forever.
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Oh Amy I am so heartbroken to hear this.i feel like I know your sweet guy from all of your posts about him. I got teary reading your post today. We love our furbabies and they truly are our family. My heart breaks for you and your family. He lived a wonderful life! Take care
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Amy, my heart breaks for you and your family. One of the things I see in these photos is how well Ernie was loved. I wish I had the right words to comfort you during this time. Thank you for sharing these photos and Ernie with us.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
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I read your blog every day, but have never left a comment. I feel like I know Ernie. When I read about him passing, I had to tell you I was sorry that you lost your furry family member. I was crying as I read this.
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What a lovely tribute to Ernie. My heart breaks for your family. I was in tears reading and looking at the pictures. My family went thru this last year so I felt all the love and all the sadness in your post.
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I’m really sorry for your loss…..Ernie was such a special member of your family. Your post was beautiful. You really have a gift with words. I hope the years of wonderful memories bring you all comfort. You and your family gave him the best life a dog could have and were rewarded with his love and loyalty. 💙
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I’m so very sorry for your loss. Ernie was a very special boy and we all enjoyed your adventures with him. He was much loved and will be missed.
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What a good boy he was, I’m so sorry for your loss. And y’all gave him the best life. He was blessed to have you while he was here.
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Yes he was. Thank you so much. We did try!
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I have been reading your blog for several years and hardly ever miss a day but had the flu last week so I’m just catching up now. Oh my goodness, I couldn’t get through this without crying. What a beautiful tribute to Ernie. I’m so sorry for your loss and praying the God sends you peace and comfort during this time.
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Oh I’m sorry you were under the weather but I hope you are 100% or more now. I’m sorry – trigger warning! Thank you. You are so kind to leave this comment.
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Oh, Amy, I am so sorry for your loss. I loved reading all about Ernie he sounds like he was a kind and gentle family member. Sending big hugs
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Thank you, Ruth. He deserved my post and more. He really was.
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Amy, I’m a faithful reader, never commenter, lol. I’ve been dreading this post, I’m so sorry and so sad you for you all, but what a beautiful tribute to your sweet boy!!
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Thank you, Cara. It’s been really hard. Tom is already talking puppies, but it seems too soon. We miss him terribly.
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