Saturday, August 7, 2010

Goodbye to a dear friend


Today was the hardest day I've ever faced- we made the decision to help take our sweet old boy to heaven. He was with us for almost 15 years. He is forever part of our family and completely woven into our memories. He went peacefully and sweetly- at home by the waterfall to beautiful music. I buried him in the woods behind the pond and left a marker, a mosaic stepping stone made
at camp this summer.
 .
There is a rose and also a heart shaped rock I found at Humarock beach- a place we loved to go together.
I will miss him terribly- I have a large hole in my heart, but time will heal.
I went to work today and started this colored pencil portrait of him, I will finish this tomorrow. Thank you for all the kind emails and phone calls,flowers and hugs. This blog has connected me with so many wonderful people, your comments and messages have been wonderful. It started out as a way to challenge myself to paint everyday, and has transformed into so much more.




7 comments:

Paula Villanova said...

I can't imagine a better life for Oliver than the one he had at your home...he looks so happy and content in the paintings and photos I have seen of him. What a beautiful way to honor his place in your life by making his passing a pleasant and comforting experience for him. Your portrait of him is wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Oh Sal, I'm so sorry for your loss. Oliver was such a sweetie and I know he will be missed. He had a wonderful life being part of your family - that's why he was always smiling.

My thoughts are with you.
Love,
Michele

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

:(
can't add anything to this. You did the most loving thing for your 'boyfriend'.
Love and Hugs.

Paintings by Patricia said...

Always sad losing a beloved pet and you have honored him well. Love and hugs.....

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

Beautiful painting you're doing of him. Ollie was a sweet, sweet boy. No, you'll never 'really' heal - he was *that* kind of dog. But he wouldn't want you to be sad. What a wonderful marker for his grave. Do you have any puppy/younger dog photos of him?

p.s. my favorite memory of him is the first day I met him he just nonchalantly peed on the studio hall floor - didn't miss a beat. He was a great studio dog, though... the best.

Sally Dean said...

thank you all SO much!

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

We love you, Sal...