Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Rest in peace little poodle


Yesterday was a very sad day for us. Our wee man Atlas went to poodle heaven.

Within the last month he had declined rapidly, and became blinder and more confused. Unless we were holding him, or he was asleep on a lap, he spent his day bumping into and tripping over everything. He probably felt like he was under constant attack. A bit dramatic but you get what I mean. A lot of things he used to do with ease, like go for a walk on his leash, or take himself outside to the lawn and back again, he couldn't do.

So we made the hard decision to take him to visit the most lovely and compassionate vet I've ever met, and he is now reunited with his beloved original dad John, and matching brother Hercules. Atlas is young again, and racing around up there like a mad thing.

He only needed us for seven short months, but we were so glad to make it happy, safe, warm and secure for him, and of course offering a selection of delectable treats at mealtimes, walks on tap, a cosy lap for home-time, and a snug rug on top of the bed at night. He travelled in luxury in the car, wrapped in a German wool rug on the passenger's knee.

The photo above was taken in our shop a couple of weeks ago. He was wearing his red fleece top I made to keep him cosy now that it is winter here. Atlas had a private burial at home wearing this jacket, and wrapped in a matching red fleece blanket.

Rest in peace our little darling boy. We miss you already.

Atlas
20 February 1996 - 14 June 2011

40 comments:

  1. AdjJune 15, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    I'm so sorry for your loss, Fiona. Atlas certainly new how much he was loved and cared for!

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  2. UnknownJune 15, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    I am so sad for your loss, I am sure you will miss him but what you said was true and his time had come. A lovely post honey, take care. I will give my Poppy an extra hug now. ax

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  3. Carole Poirot June 15, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    So sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a pet can be so hard and heartbreaking. It sounds like he's had the best time with you though and that's the important part. Love from London xo

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  4. topchelseagirlJune 15, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    Sorry to hear this sad news. 15 was a good age though and you made his last 7 months wonderful and happy ones.

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  5. The Vivenne FilesJune 15, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    (((Fiona)))

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  6. Adrienne ShubinJune 15, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    Fiona,

    It breaks my heart to hear this. I am trying hard not to cry right now. I know how much you and your husband loved Atlas. And he loved you two in turn, I am certain.

    I know it's not much consolation right now, but you gave Atlas a wonderful life in his golden years. And I know he brought you much joy and comfort, even if it was for only seven short months.

    So sorry, Fiona. I am thinking of you and your husband during this sad time.

    Big Hug from Bill, Coco, Daisy, Louie, Murphy and of course, the biggest hug from me. Adrienne

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  7. Mrs. ExeterJune 15, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    I am so sorry you've lost your little Atlas, but it was a wonderful thing for you to take such good care of him in his last months. Lots of love to you and your husband.

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  8. KateJune 15, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Oh Fiona, I saw the title to the post and started to cry before I'd read any of it. I am so sorry for your loss.

    I think you gave him an amazing 7 months, full of love and a last bit of zeal for life.

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  9. AnonymousJune 15, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    Oh, Fiona, I'm so sorry. You were Atlas' last caretakers on earth, and you made his golden years very happy and comfortable. Thank you for sharing the anecdotes about his progress, birthday celebration, and all the love you gave this little person in a fur coat.

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  10. JeanneJune 15, 2011 at 8:28 AM

    My condolences to you and your husband, Fiona. He was a sweet wee one, and will always be your doggie, loving you from heaven.

    Take care now,
    Jeanne

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  11. RobinJune 15, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Hugs to you! I am so sorry for your loss. He was well loved by you. I remember all of your wonderful posts about him. I could feel the love that you had from him through your writing. Take care.

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  12. TrishJune 15, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    I'm so sorry Fiona. I know you (and your husband) will miss him so much. You were such a blessing to him during his last months. I'm so glad you found each other.

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  13. StephanieJune 15, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Fiona, I am so sorry for you loss. You gave him such a good home and so much love and I know you received so much joy from him as well. It is so hard to lose a pet as you well know. My thoughts are with you.

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  14. CatherineJune 15, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    Rest in peace, dear Atlas. You really couldn't have found a better couple to live your golden years with. I do hope Metro is kind to you. Lucy said Atlas is okay, because he is at Rainbow Bridge. xx

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  15. JuliaJune 15, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    Fiona,

    I am so very sorry for your loss. I am crying, remembering one of your endearing posts about taking Atlas for a hamburger (a tradition started by Adrienne).

    I always adored the way you spoke about your pup. Atlas was so very fortunate to have you.

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  16. MeJune 15, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    I am so deeply connected to my beloved pets that I cry when any animal or its owner feels pain. I am very sorry for your loss. Even the fact that it was "time" does not make it any easier, and I have been there many times in the last several years (my husband and I adopt FIV-positive cats). Peace. xxZuzu

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  17. hostess of the humble bungalowJune 15, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    Fiona,

    My heart goes out to you.
    It is so hard to say goodbye to a beloved pet.

    Atlas will live on in your heart.

    Sending hugs your way...

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  18. lady jickyJune 15, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    I am so sorry - it is the hardest thing to do .

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  19. AnonymousJune 15, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    Aww I am so sorry for your loss. My little poodle girl is going through a lot of the same stuff such as blindness and confusion and its been very hard for me. I am in denial because I love her so much she is my baby and I can't imagine life without her so I know exactly how you feel, it was so wonderful that you were able to make the last 7 months so wonderful for him.

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  20. AnonymousJune 15, 2011 at 2:45 PM

    So, so sorry, Fiona--but I am so happy that he had you and your hubby for these last few months. My heart is breakin for you all. xxBliss

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  21. NanneJune 15, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    I'm so sorry for your loss! Pets are like family members and it's always difficult when one have to let go. But as many of the others say, you made his last months really good ones, keep that in mind! xxx

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  22. JuhliJune 15, 2011 at 11:25 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about Atlas. You gave him a wonderful home and joyous times. I know he lives on in your hearts.

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  23. Phyllis BourneJune 15, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    I'm sorry for your loss, hon.

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  24. the gardener's cottageJune 16, 2011 at 1:19 AM

    oh fiona i'm so sad for you. i have been away from the blog for a while and this morning find this. atlas so reminded me of my dear old poodle. i'm so happy he spent his last days with you two.

    and i just read your post on weight loss. good for you. i know someone else who is having wonderful results with ww right now. that point thing seems to do the trick for her too. good luck, you are beautiful inside and out no matter what the scale says. take care my friend.

    xo
    janet

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  25. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 4:19 AM

    That's so sad! My condolences, Fiona. You gave Atlas some wonderful months, and I'm sure he loved his home with you.

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  26. CamomileJune 16, 2011 at 4:22 AM

    My heart breaks every time I hear someone loses a special four legged friend. Atlas was just so very lucky to have had you as his carer for his twilight months.
    Be gentle with yourself and give yourself time to grieve and always remember how fortunate you both were to have found each other!

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  27. Russian ChicJune 16, 2011 at 6:38 AM

    I am very sorry for your loss, Fiona.
    Rest in peace Dear Atlas.

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  28. CokieJune 16, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    I have tears in my eyes and am heart broken for your loss. These little ones wrap around your heart in the blink of an eye. He was so lucky to have your love and care in his final days. My George Poodle sends Atlas his best.

    Cokie & George Poodle

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  29. Vannessa@LuxuriaJune 16, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    Sending you our sympathy and warm hugs from Spain sweetheart. I felt so sad reading about Atlas. Ever since I've been following your blog (about 7 months) he was very much part of it. I will miss him too :-( Thankfully you have so much of him recorded on this blog. What wonderful memories you have created for the future.

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  30. DannyJune 16, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    I'm sorry for your loss. I know it must be really hard, my dear dog died the same way four years ago and I miss her very much until today. When she died, I did a small notebook where I noted all memories I could remember of her, so I could never forget. I've been following your blog for a while, sometimes I recognize in you some of the things I'm living here in Paris (I'm brazilian, by the way). Keep the good job with your blog. I'm sure little Atlas is in a peaceful place right now. Take care!

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  31. CherieJune 16, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    Fiona, I am so sorry to hear about Atlas. He seemed like such a sweet boy. I'm glad he had those months with you as I know you made him feel cherished. RIP little Atlas.

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  32. AnonymousJune 16, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    It is always sad to lose a dear friend like your lovely dog. You have given him a good life...
    Inky

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  33. JacquiGJune 17, 2011 at 6:04 AM

    Oh Fiona, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how difficult it can be to take your beloved pet on that final visit to the vet. Sending big {{hugs}} your way.

    Jackie

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  34. CharleneJune 17, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    Oh, I'm so sorry. Your time with him was too short. I know he must have loved the time he spent with you though. You took such wonderful care of him and loved him so much.

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  35. Bess @ Fixing My ThoughtsJune 18, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    Fiona, I'm so sorry to hear about little Atlas. For myself, there's nothing as sad as losing a beloved pet (thankfully, I've never lost a child). He was so blessed to have found you and your hubby, and your thoughts of him in poodle heaven are very moving. Hugs, Bess

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  36. Sue/the view from great islandJune 19, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    I just found your blog, but so sorry it had to be on such a sad day. I have two little white dogs who are getting on in age, so I know how you must have felt about this little guy. From your post it sounds like you were an amazing mommy to him!

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  37. Melissa TosettiJune 21, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss Fiona. I am a dog person myself and when I lost my dogs Murphy and Mushu, I was devestated. You are in my thoughts. - Melissa

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  38. AnnetteAugust 19, 2011 at 11:10 PM

    How sad. Mes condolations.
    I used to have a west highland white terrier: he has reached the age of 17 years.
    I still mourn him.
    Annette

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  39. Fiona FerrisAugust 20, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    Thank you Annette, and all other commenters for signing Atlas' condolences book with your kind thoughts. I still miss him so much and became teary in the cafe we used to take him to when we were there last week, as one of the staff members asked where he was. It's a shame they don't live forever.

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  40. MareMarch 13, 2014 at 4:57 AM

    We run www.theolddoghouse.org in Jacksonville FL and I want to thank you, even though it has been almost three years since Atlas passed, for doing right by this little angel.

    While we are a large breed senior rescue, I have always had poodles, large (now) and small (then) and my silver named Renoir was the love of my life.

    Again, thank you.

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Merci for your comment. Wishing you a chic day!