Thank you for all your lovely comments on the last post. I still feel sad and I sometimes don't feel I have the right to because we only had him for a short time, and we knew he was old already. Therefore I should have been expecting it, right?
It's funny how they get under your skin very quickly. I really miss seeing his little silver face around, and feeling him rest against my legs at night. For such a diminutive physical presence (about the size of a small cat) he leaves a big gap in the atmosphere.
Above, snug as a bug in a dalmation-spotted rug
He was a darling wee thing, who never failed to make us laugh with his not-quite right way of lying on something, be it a dog-bed or a cushion. 'Centre' was never in his vocabulary, and sometimes not even 'On'.
Enjoy these photos of our precious Atlas in the spirit they are shown. We will miss his woolly presence in our lives.
Atlas' Bed Fails
Melting off his bed at home
^^^^^
Tucked up on the edge of his bed at work
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Not quite in. He would hop into the centre and then start twirling around, 'flattening the rushes' as they do. But he invariably ended up going off-centre. I would often have to reposition him.
^^^^^
Missing the bed altogether out the back of the shop. Gee those shoes and socks must be nice to cosy up to.
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There are no words for this one. His best ever I think.
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And back at home, asleep on the sofa. He loved dangling his head low. Clearly he knew that having your head below your heart was a good thing to do regularly (as told to me by my yoga teacher).
^^^^^
I'll be back in the land of chic soon.
Fiona, Fiona...of course you have the right to be sad. Rescuing Atlas was such an inspirational thing to do--leading me to rescue Rockefeller soon after. I have had Rockefeller less time than you had Atlas and I can tell you he would be deeply mourned if something were to happen to him. They are precious little creatures.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the pictures. He was adorable. I think most of my pictures of Rockefeller are of him sleeping too. He will snuggle all up in the oddest positions to which I say, "Really?".
I hope you will consider rescuing another dog in time--you have a huge caring heart that needs to share its love. xxBliss
Fiona, you have a right to grieve; what a little bundle of sweetness he was! You've done a wonderful thing and your blessings for your kindness will always be with you.
ReplyDeleteFiona, thank you for sharing the photos of Atlas. I can tell what a sweet, sweet spirit he was, and know you must miss him terribly. I'm glad you had one another for those few short months.
ReplyDeleteHe was such a cutie! It's been over 15 years since I had a pet. I won't get another until I'm certain I can give it a good life. Loss of a pet is the downside of course to loving one. But, as George Burns said in a movie where he played God, he never could figure out how to make an up without a down, a one-sided coin. Glad you and Atlas had each other for the time you did.
ReplyDeleteFiona,
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have every right to be sad. You knew that he wouldn't be around very long at his advanced age (even when you thought he was only 11) yet you opened your heart to him and let yourself be vulnerable. That is what I call bravery. I don't know that I could have adopted an elderly pet because I am not as noble and selfless as you.
That is such a funny and quirky little trait he has of hanging off of his bed (I saw "has" because I'm sure he is doing it in heaven, too).
Thank you for sharing these precious photos with us...you are a good mom. xo, A
Salut Fiona, these pictures - along with your comments - just made me laugh for all the right reasons. Pets do very quickly "get under your skin" and it is completely understandable that you should miss him and feel sad. He looks so sweet, I would miss him too... Love from London xo
ReplyDeleteOh Atlas looks so relaxed in slumber...
ReplyDeleteI hope that you will gather strength from the happy memories that you have of Atlas.
Losing a pet is such a heart wrenching experience. My son and his wife have lost their cat of 7 years to cancer and they are really struggling too.
Sending hugs your way from myself and Pepper.
Fiona,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you posted these photos of sweet Atlas. What a remarkable thing it is to love a pet. I really related when you wrote about his "diminutive physical presence" leaving such a "big gap". So true.
What a lovely,generous,kind heart you have.
I'm just catching up on things after a couple of hectic weeks, so I've just realised what has been going on for you. I'm so sorry to hear about the gorgeous little Atlas. My thoughts are with you. Thank you for sharing him, and those great photos with us. Amanda xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Fiona for sharing your lovely Atlas with us. I love his Bed Fails - Bed Successes, I'd say!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing his lovely doggie spirit. I wish you and your husband much comfort in the days to come. I can imagine Atlas resting on heavenly clouds, not quite centered...
Bless you,
Jeanne
Oh Darling, you need to get another dog :)
ReplyDeleteThere are just so many , sadly, that need a lovely home like yours.
I am so sorry for your loss, Fiona! A pet is always a beloved member of the family and it is right to feel sad. These are wonderful photos!
ReplyDeletewhat a dollbaby. i love his little face. feel better soon. and no it's not too long to feel sad. you loved him.
ReplyDeletexo
Fiona, I was searching for the chic but found great tenderness with Atlas. The photos reinforced how unique each pet is. I am sorry for your loss. May time and fond memories mend your heart.
ReplyDeleteI'm off to kiss my poodle, Bob, and ask the gods that he live forever.
Thank you so much for sharing the peeks into your and little Atlas's world with us.
ReplyDeleteHe was really cute, Fiona, and he clearly endeared himself to you very quickly. It is so hard to lose a little buddy, no matter how long he or she has been part of the family.
ReplyDeleteMy big dumb Maine Coon cat Finnian weighs about 20 pounds and lops himself over things the same way, not quite getting his body fully on top or off of wherever he is. He frequently rests his head between his paws and hangs his face over an overhang. Exact same thing. It's very goofy and funny, and the sort of thing that makes you remember your buddy forever.
I'm not surprised you feel sad now he's gone. He might have been small but he clearly had a great big personality. He was most appealing-looking and I think that in a short time he gave you years of love, as you did for him.
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