Monday, August 25, 2008

Bittersweet Day



The first day of school. Being the complete geek that I was, I loved the first day of school. All the new school supplies, a new desk full of books filled with information and stories, lockers and friends. School was the one place I've always felt comfortable.

Today was the first day of school for the kiddies, and they took it in stride. I don't think any of them had quite the enthusiasm I used to, but it's all good. Chad is now a 7th grader, Bella is in 3rd, and Ana is in 1st. Everything went exceedingly well.

However, last night, my husband came home from work and found our beloved Ninja had died. Very peacefully. Right next to the back door. It's not like we didn't expect it really. This month he turned 14. But it was still horrible to stomach. We picked him out of a litter of puppies when he was 6 weeks old. Mike and I had been married for about a week. He's been the best dog a person could ask for, and he will be truly missed.

We didn't tell the kids until they came home from school. Just didn't think it was right to tarnish the first day of school for them. They didn't really take it all that well, and I know that's to be expected. I'm sure they will be fine. It's going to take some time to adjust. Man. Ninja has been a part of my every day life for 14 years. It's hard to let go. He was and is one of the family. I just hope he is at peace right now.
RIP Ninja
(1994 - 2008)

28 comments:

S. Krishna said...

My condolences - the loss of a pet must be devastating.

Stephanie said...

S. Krishna - Thank you. It has been very hard. I never thought having a dog would mean so much, but he was such a part of the family. He will be truly missed.

Literary Feline said...

I am so sorry, Stephanie! My heart goes out to you and your family, especially your children. It's so difficult losing a beloved pet.

Thoughts of Joy said...

I am very sorry for your loss, Stephanie. I know how much it hurts to lose a pet. At the very least, you all have your special memories to hold on to.

On a happier note - cute kids! :)

Ana S. said...

I'm so so sorry, Stephanie *hugs* My thoughts are with you and your family. I know this doesn't make the loss any easier, but 14 years is a long life for a dog, and I'm sure he was very happy.

Amy said...

I'm very sorry for your loss Stephanie. I know those furbabies are a part of the family.

Suey said...

What a bunch of cute kids!

And so sad about your dog. After having a major reaction myself this past week when our bird was missing for a day, a bird that we've only had for three months, I can't even imagine losing a dog after 14 years. Think of the good memories! :)

Melody said...

I am so sorry, Stephanie! My thoughts are with you & your family. {Hugs}

Kailana said...

I am so sorry to hear about your dog! I had a hard time getting over mine last year, so I can totally relate. Even now that it has been almost a year I find it hard to believe I don't have a dog...

Chrisbookarama said...

So sorry about Ninja. That must have been tough on the kids. And you too.

Wendy said...

I'm so sorry about the loss of Ninja - I'm sure you must be sad...I've lost pets in the past and it is always difficult even when you know it is their time.

Kim L said...

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Even when it's expected, it is always sad to lose a pet.

Carl V. Anderson said...

Bittersweet indeed. I am so sorry for your loss. It is such a blessing that your husband found the dog and that he died a natural death. I've had to put a dog to sleep and it is an awful thing for an adult to have to go through, let alone children. All my love and prayers are with you and yours, losing a pet is so very hard.

chrisa511 said...

Oh Steph...I'm so sorry. Big hugs to you and the family. I know that feeling of losing a pet and it's a truly awful one. Your kids are lucky to have parents like y'all to help them through it. Y'all take care too.

Ladytink_534 said...

Oh that's so sad! I'm sorry for your loss. It hurts to lose family.

Anonymous said...

Stephanie, very sorry to hear about Ninja. Our dog passed away a few months ago, and we're still feeling it. On my book blog (baltimoresun.com/readstreet) I posted a tribute to Poppy by asking our pet blogger for his favorite book about dogs. He recommended Dog Years by Mark Doty, which is about coping with loss. I still haven't been able to face it yet. But when you're ready, it might be one to consider.

Iliana said...

Oh Stephanie, I'm so sorry. Hugs go out to you guys.

tanabata said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Ninja. I know it doesn't make it any easier but it does sound like he had a long, happy life with you! He'll remain in your hearts! :)

Debi said...

Oh my goodness, Stephanie, I am so very, very sorry! My heart is breaking for all of you. (((hugs)))

Kimmie said...

I'm sorry to hear about Ninja. I lost my 13 year old Siamese Dec 1. I still miss him. And it sounds like he was older than your kids. If they've never lived a day without him, there will be a big hole. I feel for all of you.

DesLily said...

so sorry to hear you lost your dog. our animals love us sometimes, more than others!

Dewey said...

I'm sorry to hear about Ninja. Your family must miss him so much. It sounds like you gave him such a happy life.

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

I'm sorry to hear about Ninja--such a beautiful dog. I know how pets can absolutely become part of the family.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm so sorry. It's so hard to lose a furry family member. *hugs*

The Bookworm said...

I am sorry to hear about Ninja. That must be very hard on you guys. ((hugs))

on another note, your kids are very cute :)

http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

Josette said...

Hi...I came to your blog through another's. I'm sorry to hear about your dog. It sure is hard to part with a beloved pet of 14 years! It's so sad...

Ninja is at a better place now. :)

John Mutford said...

Since 94. Wow, he must have been a real part of the family after all those years. I'm truly sorry.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Stephanie. They never stay with us as long as we'd like, but they bring so much joy while they're here.