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

[Shannon]

Martha,
I am so sorry to hear that Paw Paw passed away. Paw Paw was very loved by you and had a great life. My dog, Spicy, of 14 years passed away when I was 23.(Last year) I grew up with him and it felt like I lost a little brother. Pets are a part of the family and can bring true joy to our lives. I'm sure you brought great joy to Paw Paw life as well. A sweet way to give tribute to your pet is to fill out this book called "All about My Dog" by Philipp Keel. Its a good way to keep memories and there are fun questions about its personality such as your dog would have which of the following occupations? It makes me smile and remember the good times.

Take care,

Shannon

[Desiree']

Martha,
I got really choked up reading about the loss of Paw Paw. I really enjoyed seeing him on your shows over the years. Our dogs are our faithful friends and the pain of loosing them can be tremendous. I am truly sorry for your loss.

[Janet]

My goodness, Martha - What a beautiful tribute and such an honor for you to share this with us.

Thank you, and Sweet dreams, sweet Paw Paw.

[Dale]

I think many of us felt Paw Paw was a part of our lives, I will miss seeing him, he always made me feel happy when he was on your show.

[Ashley]

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I understand how pets are family and the passing of them is an incredible burden to bare. We lost our little Yorkshire last year and we continue to mourn her loss but look back on the memories she gave us with great appreciation and joy.
Thanks for sharing Paw Paw with the rest of the world.

[Jenn]

Martha - My heart aches for the loss of your beloved Paw Paw. Big Martha must have been in need of another companion.

[Phyllis]

Your tribute made me cry.

[Renee]

Thank you for sharing with us. Our pets are sometimes more "family" too us than our humans.

Our Black Lab, Governor Dudley of Cow Island, died one evening about 15 years ago, he was "not feeling well", looked up at my husband and died. He was 12. We never got another dog-there was only one Dudley, our third child, and we felt he could not be replaced in our hearts.

Dudley was interred on our property, resting under a now 10' pine tree. "Dudley's Tree"-a tree that I grew from a pine cone in a plastic container on our deck. As Dudley aged and his hips sometimes refused to take him off our deck to pee, he would personally 'water' the little tree-so it was fitting that the tree now marks his final nap spot.

[Nancy]

Oh Martha...I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to him. You will miss him.
We had a beautiful golden retriever, Sara Jane. She passed away 7 years ago...it was very hard for about a year. We have very fond memories of her.

Wishing you the best
Hugs, Nancy

[Christine]

Martha,
My deepest sympathies on your loss of the beautiful Paw Paw. I have found a love of Chows by watching Paw Paw over the years with his beauty and grace. Your pictures and his thoughts of his last days have me sitting here in tears. My thought and prayers are with you.
Christine

[Jennifer]

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My pets, cotton the cat and Brittney the chocolate lab are definitely part of the family. The tribute on the blog is just beautiful and I feel for your other dogs that surely will be looking for Paw Paw for some time to come.

[Anne]

OH, I am so sad to learn of Paw Paw's passing. But what a beautiful photo tribute you put together for him and for all of us who admired him closeby or from afar. There are tears in my eyes as I write this. Rest well, dear Paw Paw!

[Jennifer]

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My pets, cotton the cat and Brittney the chocolate lab are definitely part of the family. The tribute on the blog is just beautiful and I feel for your other dogs that surely will be looking for Paw Paw for some time to come.

[Kerry]

Dear Martha:

I logged onto your blog this morning and was so sad to hear of Paw Paw's passing. I viewed the beautiful pictures and words you wrote for him and tears just streamed down my face. I am so sad. He has been such a part of your shows that I feel like I knew him. He was a handsome, sweet boy and he will be missed. My deepest sympathy to you Martha.

Sincerely,
Kerry in Maine

[Sandra]

I am sorry for your loss. I too love my pets like family and know the pain of letting one go. 3 years ago my cat Snoopy left us at the age of 18. She was one year younger then my sister and always part of our family so it was very hard for all of us. One day she just went to sleep and we couldn't wake her.
Thank you for sharing his life with us, he blessed many.

[Jeff]

Dearest Martha and four-legged friends:

I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved friend and companion, Paw Paw. God speed him to that lovely place, where green fields, tall trees and lovely flowers await. Remember that he will always be with you in spirit. Your photos brought tears to my eyes. You and yours are in my prayers.

[soNOTcool :: Jodi Anderson]

Awwww, I'm sorry for your loss, Martha. I cried reading this.

There just aren't any words; I'm so glad that you have these very special photos.

[Dan]

Martha:

My condolances.

Dan

[David Jones]

What a very handsome dog He is and always will be. It is sad but I wish him and you the best. Thank You for letting him be our dog as well. I wish I could share Fred, my dog, with you.

David and Fred

[Susie]

Dear Martha,

Paw Paw is at peace. You will love him forever and as time goes by, you will love him even more.

I lost my Sugar, a yellow lab eight years ago. It was difficult in the beginning, she was such a part of our lives but when it was time,it was time and she went peacefully. I will love her forever and that just suits me fine. Time will heal all of your hearts. God bless you all.

[Marta Kuzmiak]

Dear Martha,

My heart goes out to you. You loved Paw Paw dearly and he had a life fit for a king. I am sure he is thinking of You as he is running around in his new resting place at "Sunny Acres".
Sincerely,
Marta

[Gary Parker]

Dearest Martha:

My heart truly goes out to you. Next to the losss of a beloved relative, the loss of a beloved pet is just as devistating. I have two dogs ages 15 and 14. I know that when their time comes I will be just as proud to have had them in my life as you were with Paw Paw. This is a beautiful tribute to a loyal and trusted family member. He will be with you always.

[Christy Donahue]

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved Paw Paw. My dog and cats are a dear part of my family and my heart goes out to you on the loss of your beloved family member. Your tribute and pictures of Paw Paw's final days were very moving.

[Jessica]

Martha, I am so sorry for your loss. I loved seeing pictures of Paw Paw in your magazines over the years. You and Paw Paw are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Paula M.]

Dear Martha,
How very, very sorry I am that you lost one of your beloved and dear, beautiful, fur friend, Paw Paw. I read this Blog and cried. Such a beautiful tribute and photos. Losing a pet is never easy and one cannot replace the unconditional love and gratitude Paw Paw gave you. I will miss him dearly in your books, magazines and on your show. He was a blessed dog to have your love and care and a good life. I am truly sorry.
I am in the same place right now. I am losing my 17 1/2 yr old Yorkshire Terrier, Higgins tomorrow. Like Paw Paw he is failing fast and I have the appointment set up for tomorrow morning. I grieve also.

There is a prayer called the "Rainbow Bridge" that I thought you'd like to see. Maybe you are familar with it.
May Paw Paw and Max, and all your "Angel" pets watch over you Martha, and wait to someday meet you again in Heaven.

"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... "

Author unknown...

God Speed Paw Paw. May your star shine brightly in heaven to show you had a happy life here on Earth.
I will look for his star in the sky tonight, along with Higgins' tomorrow.
God bless you Martha,
Paula