Paw Paw: I will miss him

UPDATE: Thank you for the many kind words, they are most appreciated. I have added a new picture of Paw Paw's final resting place at the end of this post.sdfgsdfgsdfgsdfgsdfg

As many of you know, my beloved dog, Kublai Khan Paw Paw Chow Chow Chow, was not feeling well in recent weeks and I am very heart-broken to announce his passing last Saturday, April 12, 2008 as he was approaching his 13th year.  Paw Paw was a spectacular chow and an even more spectacular dog.  He was always my loyal companion, displaying the most agreeable temperament.  Paw Paw loved traveling with me and was always a willing model for the camera.  In addition to taking part in television commercials and several national print ads, he has been part of numerous photo shoots and is a familiar face on my television show, in my magazine, and on this blog.  Paw Paw’s veterinarians, Dr. Thomas Marsh of Fairfield, CT and Dr. Marty Goldstein of South Salem, NY also admired his easy-going nature, and caring for him was never a chore.  Even in his final days, Paw Paw just stopped eating and drifted off to deep sleeps, where he now rests peacefully, and, I’m most confident, quite happily.  I will miss him, always. 

Paw Paw in the pachysandra one week before he died. He loved walking through soft green ground covers.

One of Paw Paw's final smiles.

Paw Paw - the “last day” of a great dog - Kublai Khan Paw Paw Chow Chow Chow.

Paw Paw's thoughts that day: “Martha got up really early to check on me, again.  She took a picture of
the beautiful morning.”

I went outside for one last pee.

Paw Paw the day before - he just wanted to sleep.

A sleepy bear.

My best friend and baby sitter, Carlos.

Francesca does not look happy.  I know she will miss me.

My two little gargoyles flanking me - I'm just so tired.

They just could not get close enough.

Francesca stood guard while Sharkey just wanted to nap with me.

I'll just stay here a little longer.

Lily has been my very good friend for my whole life.

Martha always liked to bury in my fur.  I'll miss those hugs and kisses.

She nuzzled me so gently.

I'm not even dreaming anymore.

I really don't want to eat anymore.

Beauty-Boy, Paw-Paw was elegant and kind and reserved and charming up until the very last moment.  He was the only pet I ever had, with the exception of Blue Maximilian Chow Chow Chow, who was never disobedient, and never, ever, required me to raise my voice.

Francesca and Sharkey paying last respects to Paw Paw before his burial.

April 12th, 2008 was an early spring day.  It was the day Paw Paw was laid to rest amidst the crocus and greening grass.

I will make this more beautiful in the coming days

Comments

[Lauren Ames]

Sweet Paw Pawdfgh,

May god bless your sweet soul. I know you will be missed but you are now in a better place. I never met you but you touched the world with your presence.

[Brett--Fort Wayne, IN]

Martha~
Just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of loss. PawPaw was a beautiful dog and he surely loved you!

[bernadette]

My heart breaks for you! What a wonderful friend PawPaw was! Paw Paw will be missed!

[Karen Thornburgh]

What a loving tribute to a loyal companion. The photographs are absolutely touching. For everyone who has had the unconditional love of an animal your affection resonates through all our spirits.

[Shannon (from NC)]

Hello Martha,
I am so very sorry for your loss. A pet is one of the most special companions in all the world. I know you will miss him dearly. Please take some comfort in knowing that Paw Paw will always be able to watch over you, your other companions and your home.
Sincerely,
Shannon (from NC).

[Jackir]

Martha, I am so sorry.

[erin in dallas]

Dear Martha,
What a beautiful tribute. I hope your sweet memories will soothe your heart.
Take care.

[Steve Shelton]

As I write this, my (baby) Cocker Spaniel is relaxing in a chair watching me with adoration. I wish that I had something to say to help cheer you up in your grief, but I know there is nothing to mend the broken heart of one that has lost her best friend. God bless Paw Paw.

This is a very sad day for all of his fans who loved seeing his beautiful face.

Thinking of you and wishing you a lighter heart in the coming days.

Steve Shelton

[Louis Gastelum]

Martha,

I am so sorry to hear this. Paw Paw was a beautiful dog. I love my dogs and us dog lovers know that our dogs are like our children. They can never be replaced and the unconditional love that they provide us is priceless.

Francesca and Sharkey will miss him so but you guys can comfort each other as you get use to Paw Paw's absence.

We all will miss seeing Paw Paw on television.

You are in my thoughts,
Louis J. Gastelum

[Tara]

I was sorry to hear of Paw Paw's passing. Paw Paw seemed like an amazing dog, and I will miss hearing stories of him and seeing him on your show. I wish you peace and comfort at this sad time.

[Catherine]

Martha,
That was the most heart-wrenching and wonderful tribute to a beloved pet I've ever seen.

I know he was your "bestest" friend and you will miss him more than anyone will know.

Thinking of you . . . and Paw Paw

[darrell white]

Thank you so much for sharing this Martha. I'm surprised at how sad I was after seeing these pictures. The picture of you buying your face into him really shows your heart and ability to love.

That picture meant a lot to me.

Thank you
Darrell White
Toronto, Canada

[julie james]

ah paw paw ... will be missed by all his fans who love to see him and hear about him!

[Oatmeal Cookie Guy]

Martha,

What a cute dog. I'm so sorry for your loss. I've always wanted a dog and would love to adopt one who is in need of a good home. But I'm afraid of the loss I'd feel when the dog passes away.

[Mary]

What a wonderful tribute. Pets are our children and deserve the best care possible. My thoughts are with you with the passing of PawPaw.

[Angela]

I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved friend! My prayers are with you as you grieve your loss.

[Kathy]

What a sweet dog. My deepest condolences.

[Greg Marzullo]

Oh, Martha, I'm so sorry for your loss. Chows are wonderful dogs (I grew up with them in our home), and Paw Paw was exceptionally beautiful and well-tempered.

Be well.

[Stacy]

This just made me cry. I never met this beautiful dog but he just looked so gentle and sweet. God bless Paw Paw.

[Trish]

Martha,

I am so sad. I loved Paw Paw! You have all lost a most beautiful friend! Thank you for the prescious pictures which I will enjoy later when I stop crying. I wished I could have met him; I so wanted to feel his soft fur and look into that cute face of his. Hugs to you, Francesca and Sharkey. Trish

[Jen]

April 12 2007 was the day my best friend died after 14 years of being my most loyal companion. Exactly one year prior to Paw-Paw.

I know how your heart must be broken & I cant say it gets much better any time soon. April 12 will always be a grim day for the both of us even with the beautiful blooms and green grass.

[Linda Bateman]

Dear Martha,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in loss of your beautiful dog, Paw Paw. The beautiful pictures brought tears to my eyes. It is never easy to lose a beloved pet. He was a faithful companion to you, Sharkey and Francesca. It looks like they were great pals. I enjoyed seeing him on your show.
I am so sorry for your loss.

[Jennifer]

I'm so sorry to hear of Paw Paw's passing. He was a very special dog. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.

[Lou]

It's so sad to hear of Paw Paw's departure. I also had to say goodbye to my spitz, Phenix (cq) C, on an April day. And she was also 13 years old. It's great that you took pictures of Paw Paw to the last. When Phenix C neared the end of her life I took time off from work to do all the things we enjoyed and took photos to remember the joy of those moments. That's the one thing I recommend to friends when they say their pay may be going soon. I tell them to do their favorite things and keep taking photos.

[Kristen]

This was such a beautiful tribute. Thinking of you Martha.