Dear friends I am writing to you today with a heavy heart and tears streaming down my face.
I said goodbye to my angel Sullie on Monday afternoon. She passed peacefully at home lying on the floor in our den. Her vet of over 10 years came to put her down. I laid in the floor with Sullie. We were face-to-face and told her over and over again what a good girl she was and how much I loved her while covering her in kisses and stroking her. Dorie was there with me and I am fortunate to have a friend who will sit in pain with me and hold space for my grief. After it was over we brought Zoey in to see her at the vet’s recommendation. Zoey has been noticeably anxious and sad since they left with Sullie.
Those of you who said that I would know when it was time, you were right. Even though I knew deep down that it was time, it was the absolute hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life. It was terrible. I won’t forget how it felt as long as I live. There was also no way that I was not going to be right next to her for it after nearly 13 years of constant companionship and unwavering love and devotion. Sullie was my first baby and I will hold her in my heart forever.
Thank you for letting me share so much of Sullie with you over the last 10 years on my blog. Many of you have commented that you watched her grow up and felt like you “knew” her. She was a special dog and there will never be another like her. I was so lucky to be her mom for almost 13 years. She was 3 weeks shy of her 13th birthday.
I want to share more about Sullie’s life, her final days and what she meant to me but I just can’t right now. I am overwhelmed by this grief and need some time to be with it. I will find the words I want to share but for now Zoey, Finn and I would appreciate your continued prayers.
Love,
Jen
The biggest thank you to Deeanna for capturing these photos of my sweet girl when she was at my house shooting for another project last week. I will cherish them always.
There are no words for me either right now. I’m so happy she was with you for so long and especially through this last year. I’m praying for you and hugging you through the computer!!!! ❤️❤️
Jen – I was one of the IG DMs saying you would know when it was time. We also lost our beloved Casey (Labradoodle) just shy of his 13th birthday a few months back. Our family gathered around him in our family room and loved on him until the end. It was a privilege to raise and love him until the very end and I’m sure you feel the same. These animals are witnesses to our lives in a way that no other living being is.
I’m sending you all of the love and support that we received back after our goodbye. I am taking comfort in the thought that very possibly Casey and Sullie have made fast friends. Casey never met a living thing he didn’t immediately love and want love from.
Best,
Desiree Campbell
Sending my deepest condolences
Jen,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know saying good-bye to Sullie was such a difficult experience. Knowing when it is time does NOT make it easier. I know through ALL of your rough times, she has been your constant. Dogs always are. I have shed my tears today for you and Sullie, and I will continue to grieve with you. Prayers and love, Ginger
Jen,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Sullie was as lucky to have you, as you were to have her. Sending you, Zoey, and Finn love.
I am so sorry for your loss. Sullie was lucky to have you as her mama. Sending lots of love.
I’m so sorry, Jen – my heart breaks for you right now. Sending you, Finn and Zoey so much love and strength. I’m grateful Sullie left this world with you by her side and likely with a full belly of your home-cooked meals. Big hugs <3
I’m sending you so much love. How difficult to say good bye to someone who has been there by your side through the ups and downs of life. I’m glad you “knew” when it was time to say goodbye to her but that doesn’t make the goodbye any easier. 🙁
I am so sorry for your loss, even when you know it’s time, it doesn’t make the goodbye any easier. But it is an act of love to release them from their pain. She had a wonderful life with you!
I always feel like it’s harder to lose a pet than a human family member. Our relationships with our pets are so uncomplicated, they just love us. Sending healing vibes to you and to Zoey (it must be hard for her to lose her big sister!) and the rest of Sullie’s family.
Sending you, Finn, and Zoey so many prayers and so much love. My heart is broken for you all. I know there are so words to ease your pain, but as one dog mom to another, I am thinking of you.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. I have absolutely loved reading about Sullie for several years now. Thank you for sharing her with us. I am sending thoughts and prayers your way.
Dear Jen, I’m so sorry for your loss. I am crying reading this. You have always talked about your Sullie girl so beautifully and she was clearly the most special dog who will always be in your heart. I have not yet had to go through this experience: my first dog (also a golden) is only 9 months and I’m already dreading the day that we have to say goodbye. But I guess the pain of losing them is the price we have to pay for the wonders they bring us in life. Sending you lots of love and strength. I’m sure you and Zoey are looking after each other x
Oh Jen, I’m so sorry for the pain you’re in. But also so glad that Sullie got a wonderful life and a loving goodbye. I’ve been there, and it’s so so hard. But after awhile, the pain will be less raw and you’ll be able to think about Sullie’s life and all the good times you had with happiness. Best wishes.
Know that lots of people are holding you in our good thoughts right now. Making decisions like this is one of our jobs as pet owners, but it’s a club you never want to join.
Sending love your way. Sullie had an amazing life with you as her mom – she was a lucky pup!
I am holding you and Zoey in my thoughts and prayers. My family and I had to put our furry son, Hank(10) down 3 weeks ago tomorrow. This is the 3rd furry child we have had to watch pass away and it is gut wrenching. No words to help but know she will be in your heart forever. It is with deepest sympathy and gratitude that I felt I “knew” sweet Sullie from your blog. Cheers to her in heaven running around and eating all the treats her heart desires.
I’m so sorry Jen. I know how you feel. ❤️
Thinking of you and your sweet girl. Prayers from Mississippi.
I am so sorry for your loss. You were a wonderful mother to her and I’m sure she appreciated every ounce of love that you gave her. She had an incredible life because of you. I will be keeping you in my thoughts. *Hugs*
Jen, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve been there and it’s heartwrenching. You gave Sullie a wonderful life and continued to do right by her up until the end. <3
Longtime reader (seriously, forever) and rare commenter, but I wanted you to know that I’m sending you so much love. I’ve loved watching Sullie grow up and be such a wonderful rock for you and big sister (to both Zoey and then Finn!). My heart aches for you. I hope you find solace in knowing how great a life Sullie had with you!
Jen, my heart aches for you. I’m so glad your Sullie girl left this world while surrounded by love. ((Hugs))
Jen, My heart is pouring our for you. I had to do this with my baby Jake of 14 years, about 5 years ago. I have been through a lot of “life” crap in my 48 years, but this experience of making the decision to let Jake go and then going through it with him, continues to be one of the hardest things I have ever done in my lifetime. I can still cry when I think about that day and I was the better part of a year before I got that day out of my mind, with the guilt/sadness/relief/heartache that came with it. I don’t have children and he was my “kid”. My heart only healed enough last year to enable me to start again and bring a new puppy home, 4 years later. Show yourself grace and take all the time to feel all the feels. Sully was your family and there is an emptiness in your heart and home that needs time to process and grieve.
So very sorry for your loss, Jen, and keeping you, Finn and Zoey in my thoughts.
I’ve been reading for a while but have never commented. I’m so sorry for your loss Jen. It’s been so obvious over the years how deeply loved Sullie was, and how lucky she was to get you as her pet parent!!!
I am so sorry for your loss! Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is the hardest part of having a pet.
May Sullie rest in peace.
Sending love ❤️
I’ve only been a dog owner for two years now, but I can’t imagine saying goodbye to my baby. I’m already dreading the day I have to. My heart breaks for you, Jen. Sullie was as lucky to have you as you were to have her. Sending you all the love!
I am so sorry Jen, there is nothing like losing a dog. I’ll be thinking of you and Finn and Zoey.
My heart is with you as well as my tears. They never live long enough. I know Sadie is showing her the ropes up there. Love to you.
I am so sorry, Dear Jen. Please take careful care of yourself.
A dog’s only fault is that their lives are so short. Sullie loved you, and needed you there with her. You are a good mom.
So sorry for your loss. There are no words. Sullie brought such joy. She’ll live in your heart forever. Sending healing vibes.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’ll be thinking about you, Finn, and Zoey.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’ll be thinking about you, Finn, and Zoey. Much love, Kerry
Reading your blog for years now, I dont know that I have met such a loyal dog mother as you. Sullie loved you with everything and it was so evident you felt the same for her. Blessings to you as you go through this grief.
Jen, my heart and soul go out to you. Not to take away from your grief and sorrow, but we said goodbye to our 13-year old boxer, Ali, on March 10. Our other beloved boxer, Samson, grieved the loss of Ali more than I thought he would. The beginning of May, Samson stopped eating and some other health issues. Like you, I had to be creative in getting him to eat. He also had some other issues, one of which was the loss of strength in his back legs (possible neurological issue). He did start to bounce back though. On June 1, I took him with me to run errands. He was doing fine. In fact, we stopped at the vet to pick up his prescription and more flea treatments. He went in the vet with me and was fine. Sadly, at our next stop, he had a seizure and then had a second seizure in my van on the way to the vet. I pulled over to try and give him nose to mouth CPR but could not revive him. He always looked to me to me when he didn’t feel good and this time I couldn’t bring him around. Samson was a rescue and around 12 years old. I was and am devastated to lose him as well as Ali. Please know that we give our furry friends the best life possible. Losing them is horrible but know that you have given Sullie a gift in caring and loving him through the years. May Ali, Samson and Sullie run on the rainbow bridge as healthy dogs again. RIP fur babies.
So incredibly sorry for your loss… she was a lucky girl to have been so well loved ?
Jennifer, i am so so terribly sorry for your loss :(. I remember exactly when you got her, and I know you’ve loved her so much these past 12 years. I’m going through the exact experience with Pepper, whom we got in Law School, if you remember! She is in her final days, and I just can’t imagine what it will be like without her. I hope that you can find peace, and know our prayers and thoughts are with you.
I’m so sorry, Jen. Sullie was a loved dog for her whole life. It’s a gift you gave to each other that will last forever.
Jen, I’m so sorry for such a tremendous loss, and I am continuing to hold you, Zoey, and Finn in my thoughts and in my heart as you all navigate this loss and hole in your lives ♥️ I will certainly miss seeing and reading about Sullie on the blog, as she is such an important part of your story. Thank you for sharing her with all your readers! She is with you always.
Jen,
I’m so very sorry. My heart aches for you tonight. She was a beautiful pup.
Jackie
I’m so sorry, that is incredibly hard : ( Sullie was so lucky to have such a loving family, you made her life incredibly special.
Jen, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Sullie. You are in my thoughts…
Jen, I am so sorry! My heart aches for your loss. Sending lots of prayers and hugs!
I’m so sorry for the loss of sweet Sullie. Sending love and light to you, Finn, and Zoey.
We rescued a golden, and he passed away a few months shy of having him for 9 years. I know what it’s like to have that bond with them when it’s just you and then watch them welcome your kids into the fold and then watch your kids fall in love with them. I cherish the time we had with him. He died 4 years ago, and my daughter still blows kisses to the sky for him every night at bedtime. And both my kids still randomly ask to hear the story of how we rescued him and what he did when they came home from the hospital as babies. It eased my grief because they do these things from a place of joy from having known him.
Sullie’s light is in the joy and comfort she brought you. That light stays with you always, and it will stay with Finn, too.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my corgi, Jak, when he was 15. He was my best friend, and I miss him every day. I know your heart hurts right now, and I really hear you when you say it was the hardest thing you’ve ever done. It really, truly is, and it’s horrible. I know your fur baby loved you and you gave her the best home, full of love and happiness. I hope things get better soon.
Sullie always brought a smile to my face and always seemed like the sweetest girl. You were so lucky to have one another. Sending you lots of hugs.
I’m so sorry, Jen. Sullie was a beautiful girl and seems to be a great companion. I think we all hurt with you when reading this. Our pets really are family. Our Jack Russell we had 15 years ago passed away 3 years ago and it still hurts.
Prayers for you, Finn and Zoey. Just know when she crossed the Rainbow Bridge she was pain free and still full of love for you all.
So heartbroken for you. I have a 6 year old golden (also my first baby) and just imagining this time is emotional. Unless you have one, you can’t know, but our dogs truly are family, and their loss feels that heavy. Glad that you have Finn and Zoey to continue to bring you joy during this time.
I am so sorry for your loss of precious girl Sullie. My thoughts are with you Jen.
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. She was such a beautiful girl. I lost my baby a few months ago, and the pain is terrible. Sending lots of love to you and your family.
I’m so sorry Jen. You had such a beautiful relationship and loved her so much. You are in my thoughts and prayers for ease in your grief. You’re so brave to be with this. Sending lots of love. Xoxo
I knew this post was coming and tried to mentally prepare myself for it, but alas, I’m blubbering. I’m sorry for Zoey, Finn and your pain and feeling of loss. Losing a beloved member of your family, whether on 2 legs or 4 is very difficult.
Sully is now in a beautiful place, free of pain. <3. Much love to you guys during this time. XO
I am so sorry, Jen. I am crying as I read your post because I can just imagine how painful this was. You gave her such a wonderful and loved life. She was a truly special and lucky girl to have you as her mom.
sending virtual hugs to you and your crew……wonderful pictures of Sullie.
I am holding you in prayer – may your broken heart heal over time. The grief of a lost four-legged friend is deep and vast. I look forward to seeing your honor and celebrate your girl when you are ready.
I share your grief too Jen. So sorry. Take good care…
I know how hard it is to go this. Making that decision was one of the hardest one ever but know that whatever decision you made was the one in your heart and will always be the right one. You are one of the strongest woman I know and we are always there behind you and you are never alone. Hugs and prayers!
There is truly nothing like the pain of losing your “true north” dog. Though it never stops hurting, eventually the tears are replaced by joy at remembering the life you had together (ok, with maybe still some tears – even three years later, for me!). Sending you every bit of love and good wishes as you grieve a truly wonderful girl. Seeing all the love you gave her was a gift to all us readers <3
Jen, So sorry to hear about Sullie.
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
“May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”
Peace Shari
I am so sorry. It broke my heart to go through this with my Henna, who was almost 14 years old when it was time. Going on three years later I still haven’t filled that void and don’t know that I ever will. Sending love.
Jen,
I am so sorry for your loss. We are all mourning your precious girl. Thinking of you all.
Hugs,
Lisa
I have tears rolling down my face too Jen bc I’m grieving right with you! I know all too well losing a golden after almost 16 years and it is the hardest thing to let her go! You are a great Mom and Sullie knows she was well loved! So glad you have a great friend that is always there for You! I’m giving you a virtual hug and just know that you and your family is in my thoughts and prayers! Grieving for someone is so damn hard and it’s going to take along time to heal, just alittle bit! Sullie will always be with you in your heart and soul and she will be watching out for you and your family in heaven!
Jen – I am so sorry! I know words will not replace the pain.
We had to put our first dog down two years ago and oh boy do I still cry when I think of her. She, like Sullie, was my only constant. We rescued her when she was around 1 years old and she left us when she was 13 years old. She was with me when I first moved out of my parents house at 20. She was my ride or die through ALL of those though finding yourself years and moving.
We won’t ever miss them and I feel like a piece is always missing but the pain does get less eventually.
I am praying for you guys and just know she is always with you and glad that little Finn got to meet her.
I am so sorry for your loss, Sullie was a sweetheart and it was a pleasure share a little piece of her with you while following along on her adventures. It is the worst feeling in the world to make this decision, I have been there myself. But a vet told me that it is also the most special thing that you can do for your pets because they want to hold on and stay for you even though they are in pain.
Take time to cry and to celebrate the life of your beautiful sweet girl, your first baby.
Sending you prayers and a virtual hug.
I don’t have the words to express how sorry I am for your loss. I went through this with my sweet lab 6 years ago, and I know all too well how you are feeling. It is a pain like no other that I’ve ever experienced. Sullie will remain in your heart, and I truly believe that you will feel her presence surrounding you and Finn. Sending you strength and hugs.
So sorry for your loss. You gave Sullie an amazing life ans she knew she was loved.
Condolences, lots of love, and big hugs to you as you grieve.
I have the biggest lump in my throat and tears in my eyes as I read this and wanted to comment to say how incredibly sorry I am for the loss of your sweet girl. Even when you know it is the right decision, the weight of being the one to have to make that call is overwhelming and the void in your home, your life, and your heart that these amazing souls leave behind is heart wrenching. I’ve been down this road twice with two of my own dogs and at times, I wonder how I can go through this gutting grief again, but ultimately I know that the loyal companionship and never ending love of having a dog in your life is more than worth it. Sending you a lot of love as you, Zoey, and even Finn grieve for Sullie.
So sorry. ❤️
I am so very sorry about your sweet Sullie. I’ve commented a few times on Instagram (intagliahomecollection) as my heart was breaking for you. We went through this in January and it is definitely the hardest thing you will ever do. It’s so hard to let them go and so hard to make the decision of when. But I agree that you know when it’s time. And really, with all the unconditional love they give us, we owe it to them to let them go at the right time, no matter how hard, and be with them as they cross the bridge. Thinking of you, Finn and Zoey and sending healing thoughts your way.
sending you so much love as tears stream down my face. xxx
Sending thoughts prayers and hugs!! ❤️❤️
Jen, I’m so sorry for your loss of your sweet Sullie. I have been following you for many years and thus following Sullies story as well. She reminded me so much of my Shepherd mix Roo who we had to euthanize for the same reason. I know your heart is broken but just remember how great a life you gave her and how she impacted yours. Sending positive thoughts to your family as you navigate this new life without her.
Thinking of you xo
Jen, you and your family are in my thoughts. I know how hard this is because I just went through the same thing with my beloved cat of 18 years. I hope your heart finds peace knowing that you gave Sullie an amazing life full of love.
My prayers go out to you and your family. So sorry to hear about your sweet sully girl.
-Kate
https://daysofkate.com/
*Sullie
I’m so sorry, Jen. We put our sweet girl down in December and it really is the most unimaginable pain. Sending you all the love.
im so sorry. praying for you. its so so hard.
Tears streaming down my face, I know this heartbreak and still feel it 2.5 years after putting down one of our dogs. So true that it is a feeling you will never forget. Let the tears flow and also find joy in the wonderful memories you have of your sweet girl. Thinking of you, sending love and strength!
I’m so sorry for your loss, my heart hurts for you. ❤️
I am so, so sorry for your loss. My 7.5-year-old pup G-Dog is going through the last stages of cancer, so I feel your loss so keenly. You and Sullie were so very lucky to have had each other. My deepest condolences to you and your family. ❤️
I started browsing golden retriever puppy tips and your blog came up starting in 2014 and 2016… I learned of Sullie and Zoey as we have a brand new 9th week, Hudson Finn. What struck me the most was the last post I read, saying goodbye to Sullie. I can’t imagine that pain. We lost our first fur baby (chihuahua minpin mix) almost two weeks ago. Loki was only 4 1/2. He got attacked by my mothers German Shepherd who we normally kept separated but somehow Loki busted out of the door to go outside and of course, ran for him. He was only 11 pounds but he acted as if he weighed 100. It wouldn’t have been my Lokes if he didn’t charge after something… unfortunately, he got bit and the bite punctured his lung. He was gone in minutes. Anyway, we are still grieving and it’s hard. Everything I see reminds me of him. And working with Hudson, everything reminds me of what Loki would have done or how he was. I just wanted to say, I share your pain, of losing your best friend. My heart goes out to you.
Jen, I am so sorry for your loss. I am behind on blogs but came to this post specifically because we had to say goodbye to our Simon yesterday. And I can’t believe how much it hurts. I know it will get better – like you with Sullie, I know it was the right decision. But that doesn’t mean your heart doesn’t break. And that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.