Friday 3 September 2010

Goodbye Sweet Taffy

 "Taffy"

My beautiful model, best friend,painting companion and gentlest of  giants fell asleep in my arms for the very last time this afternoon. My heart is breaking even though I knew each extra day with him has been a blessing for so long. And right now I can hardly see the screen for tears.

In a typical Taffy style of always putting me first he waited until all my workshops were over before he finally gave in and lost his  fight. He has been so very brave and absolutely determined not to leave us. His spirit has been so strong but today saw a change. On the way home from his short morning walk he  lay down unable to  get up. I sat with him until he regained his breath but a second spell of laying down indicated he was very weak from his aneamia. He had just been in a field sat looking around him enjoying nature in sunshine. But now he was home and  even weaker. 

I lay down beside him with his huge gentle head in my arms, stroking him and talking to him as he shared his last precious moments with me. I found myself burying my face in his soft fur and absorbing every detail knowing I was about to lose him. My heart was torn into a million pieces as I whispered favourite loving endearments which I knew for the last time. 

Saying goodbye to someone you love is so very painful

I will miss him nudging my arm when he thinks I have been painting or ignoring him for too long. I will even miss his incredibly noisy snoring and the soft noise of the thump of his tail when he dreams in his sleep.

Rest with angels sweet Taffy 

I love and miss you

****************

To me you were the sweetest friend who was always at my side
Guarding me, protecting me, watching over me with pride
You loved me without question
You gave endless love  through many years
And now its time to say goodbye I cannot  do so without tears

I thank you for the moments  so special one by one
Dearest Sweetest Taffy

**************


20 comments:

Sandra Busby said...

I am so very sad for you Jean. You spoke so fondly of Taffy, who was a very lucky dog to have had such a full and colourful life, and with you to thank for that. And not only do you have those moving memories of Taffy, but all of those Taffy inspired paintings too. Priceless xx

lisa meryl said...

Jean,

How beautiful and fitting you honored the love and friendship between you and Taffy. Your words moved me. May the memories you shared bring you smiles, hugs and eternal happiness. You had a rare jewel of a relationship. Again...I'm sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace "Happy Taffy".

Sincerely,
Lisa M. Pollack

Gretchen Bjornson ART said...

So sorry for your loss.

pampe said...

I am so sorry....We lost our sweet Abbey last year and it is still a huge hole. There are no words.

JANE MINTER said...

dearest jean ...i know how very much you will miss your dear friend taffy ... thinking of you at this time with love and best wishes jane

Billie Crain said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Taffy, Jean. It feels as if we've lost a part of ourselves when we lose someone we love so much and feel so connected to. Be prepared to see Taffy running by out of the corner of your eye for weeks/months to come. It's startling at first, then becomes a comfort and finally a bit of a chuckle. Call me crazy but I believe our pets never really leave our side, even after death.

bonne destination said...

Oh Jean, I am so very sorry to read this.
Taffy has been a huge , happy presence in your life for a long time and even though it was his time to go, he will leave a massive gap. But what beautiful paintings and memories you will have to remember him by.
It is very hard to lose a gentle, loving pet.

Unknown said...

No words I say can console you, save your memories of a special friend...
long may they inspire your life and work....Paulx

Cynthia Schelzig said...

ahhhhh sweet Taffy...I feel for you...pets are such an important part of our lives and members of our families...my thoughts are with you. Remember him with fondness and how you were so blessed to have had him in your life.
Cynthia Schelzig

Lindsey said...

oh I'm crying for you, so hard to let go, they are the most unconditional friends. Hugs

Carol Jessen said...

I know how you feel. I thought I was reading my own thoughts on losing my best pal Penny, an 18 year old chihuahua that I inherited from my mom and had for 12 years. Penny has been gone for fifteen years and I still miss her.
My sympathies.....Carol Jessen

Jan Pope said...

So very sorry to hear of Taffy's passing. I have been there with you with my heart shattered into a million pieces. I always thank God for sending me one of his special animal angels to be my companion. Time is the only thing that helps. Hugs to you and please know that at least a few of us know how you feel.

Nancy Wallace said...

What a beautiful dog. What a great loss for you.

Nusret Topuzoğlu said...

Jean,I have read your post with tears in my eyes.So sorry for your tremendous loss.He was and he is an angel now.
Nusret

Nusret Topuzoğlu said...

Jean ,I read your post with tears.So sorry for your loss.He was and he is and angel now.
Nusret

Melinda said...

I'm so very sorry that you've lost your dear Taffy. You've written an absolutely beautiful tribute. I am sending good thoughts your way and hopes that you will be sustained by all the ways that Taffy is still with you.

jamila aladdin said...

I am so sorry to hear that Jean ... Just be strong and know his spirit will not leave you

Country Mouse said...

My heart aches for you....so sorry for your loss. Taffy was a beautiful dog, I pray God gives you comfort and peace. Take care.

CharM said...

I know how much you loved Taffy, Jean and I'm so sorry for your loss...

Annaquarel.les said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Jean. Take care.