Readers of both this blog and my books will be familiar with our dog of 13 years and beloved family member, Meli.
Sadly, Meli has now passed away.Β On Wednesday we woke up at 2.30 in the morning by what we thought was the wee one whinging. As she is at an age when she still wakes up for milk, this didn’t worry us. However, it turned out that the sounds were made by Meli, who was having a seizure. We rushed her to the vet’s, who stabilized her and put her in a drug-induced sleep. He kept her under observation during the night while running a barrage of tests. The last test, which he ran in the early morning, was a CAT scan. It showed that Meli had an inoperable brain tumor.Β Early in the morning, she passed away.
Considering how hours before she was happily going on her walkies, marking her territory from any stray dogs or foxes, we are consoled by the fact that she didn’t suffer and that we were with her in her final hours. Instead of dwelling on her death, we prefer to celebrate her life with us, so here are some photos of our happier times together.
Meli is survived by two cats who are already claiming her favorite spot on the sofa. I only wish it were as easy to fill the empty spot she has left in our hearts.
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so sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much, Jack.
So sorry for your loss. Beautiful photos of a beautiful dog!
Thank you so much, Carol π
Sorry to hear your sad news Nicholas. π
Thank you, Jack.
What sad news. My heart go out to you and your family. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is part of the bargain, and we all know it going in, but it’s still heartbreaking. I’m glad to hear Meli was doing so well right up to the end.
Thank you so much, Joy π
I’m gutted for you, Nick. She was family. I’m so sorry to hear this and I hope the memory of her never stops bringing a smile to your face.
Thank you so much, Tara π
I’m so sorry to hear about losing Meli. I know about that hole they leave in your life. My sympathy to you and your family. Meli will be missed.
Thank you so much, Barb.
Bon Voyage, Meli … may you continue to do your happy dance wherever you go. π
My thoughts exactly π
I know your sorrow, Nicholas. Meli was well loved, and you’ll always cherish her memory. Hugs to you and your family.
Thank you so much, Linda. You’re right, she’s very much alive in our memory.
What a gorgeous dog. It’s clear to me she was blessed to have you as her father! I sympathize with the void they leave when they go, and part of that void, it seems, is attendant to the fact that when we love a dog, they bring out the very best in us, a part we now have to redirect elsewhere. I’ve always thought dogs show us who we are, and that the relationship is a significant one. That you are sharing this here tells me much about your kind heart, and that she went as quickly as she did tells me she didn’t suffer. My wish for you is that your suffering over her loss will, in time, fade to warm, sustaining memories.
Thank you so much, Claire. I love the thought of dogs bringing out the best in us π
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Meli, Nicholas. I know it’s probably too soon, but one day you will keep that love in your heart and get a new dog who will bring you more joy. π
Thank you so much, Debby. We already have numerous offers, but you’re right; it’s too soon. Maybe towards autumn.
You will know within when the time is right. π
So sorry for your loss. Having lost my poodle, Cinnamon, and my cat, Shadow, in the last couple of years, I know how heartbreaking it can be lose a beloved pet, especially when they’re part of the family.
Thank you so much, Jeanne, and my condolences for your losses. We still have our cats, but they’re getting older and it’s freaking us out.
I’m sorry for your loss, Nicholas. We can only hope the sadness today will be replaced by the warm memories of Meli going forward. I did hit “like” in hopes of a brighter tomorrow.
Thank you so much, John. I’m glad you “liked” the post. There are many happy memories to like.
Which is why we love these guys so much.
Sorry to hear of Meli’s passing. Condolences to you and your family. Enjoy the wonderful memories π
Thank you so much, Julie.
Nicholas, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say. I’ve lost furry ones before and it is… I don’t know. It’s so hard.
But you are right, at least we have good mamories to treasure. I still remember the first furry one I had as a child. They makes our lives better and richer. We will always be grateful for that.
Thank you so much, Sarah. Our life is now much easier, but much poorer, too.
Sending healing thoughts and hugs to you and your family.
Thank you so much, Mihran.
Sending healing thoughts and hugs to you and your family.
Thank you so much, Michelle.
So sorry to hear the sad news. They take a little piece of your heart when they go. Take care.
Thank you so much, JP.
So Εorry to hear about your loss, Nick – sending condolences xx
Thank you so much, Helen.
You’re very welcome, Nick xx
Ah Nicholas, I’m so sorry. But trust me, to go out like that from a brain tumor is amazing, to be hale and hearty right up until the end. She will leave a huge gap, and the hole in your heart will always be there but it’ll stop hurting after a while and there’ll just be a space full of happy memories and stuff that makes you smile. Loved the pictures. Thinking of you.
All the best,
MTM
Thank you so much, Mary. You’re right, it’s a great consolation that she didn’t suffer.
I” so sorry to hear this news.Pets do have a large bit of our hearts. Our 17 year old dog has seizures -she comes out of them -as long as she doesn’t get too excited, she seems to be OK. But she has the ‘dwindles.’ Not much time now.
My sincere condolences – Meli was a lovely dog!
Thank you! I hope she beats the odds and gifts you with many more years if love π
My sincerest condolences, as well, Nicholas. You are correct; ’tis better to celebrate a life than dwell on a death.
Thank you, John, and many thanks for sharing the news on FB!
Most welcome, Nicholas! Hope your family is faring well! π
Very sorry to hear of Meli’s passing. My condolences.
Thank you so much, John.
So sorry to hear the sad news. I’m glad she enjoyed her time right to the end and didn’t suffer. There will be a Meli-shaped hole in your heart for soem time to come.
Thank you so much, Mary. I’m afraid you’re right. Even if we do get another dog, the hole will still remain for quite some time.
So sorry to hear. Virtual hugs to you and your family.
Thank you so much, Cassidy.
Crying here. I had the chance to meet her. She was a happy, friendly dog instantly lovable. You did what you could. My heart goes out to you. π
Thank you so much, Maria. She’s terribly missed π
So sorry to read this Nick – it’s good she had a normal, happy last day with you and that you were able to be with her when she went to the Great Doggie Playground. My Rowley and Benji will enjoy playing with here I’m sure π
Thank you so much, Jan. I love the thought of the Great Doggie Playground π
So sorry for the loss of Meli, Nicholas. It’s not a cliche to say that dogs are mans’ best friends. They’re sweet and unconditionally loving, and truly part of the warmth of family. We’ve lost a few now and always take comfort in knowing how much they were loved throughout their lives. My best to your family as you remember her. <3
Thank you so much, Diane. Like you, I’ve lost a few now, yet it never gets easier.
Hi Nicolas,
Let me too echo my condolences. Our pets do indeed become our family members and the worse thing they ever do is leave us to quickly. Hugs.
Thank you so much, Chuck. You’re right, they leave us way too quickly.
I’m so sorry to read about Meli, Nicholas.
I haven’t ‘liked’ this post either, for the same reason Charles mentioned.
All the best.
Thank you so much. Feel free to Like the happy memories if not the sad news π
I’m sorry for your loss Nicholas. Animals grab our hearts just as humans do.What a hole to fill.
Hugs
Thank you so much, David. You’re right, they do grab our hearts. Hugs
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. It’s always a shock to lose a dog.
Thank you so much. You’re right, it really is.
I’m so sorry about the sudden loss of Meli, it must have been a shock. I will still think of her dancing happily whenever I hit Tweet.
Thank you so much, that’s so sweet of you. You’re right, it’s a huge shock.
I’m so sorry about Meli, Nicholas. As you say, she didn’t suffer which was a blessing. My sincere sympathy on you loss. —- Suzanne
Thank you so much, Suzanne. You’re right; her not suffering is a big consolation.
So sad! She looked like a lot of fun.
Thank you so much, Lucy. She really was.
You know I know exactly how you feel, Nicholas. It took me two years before I was ready for another dog. But Meli was so much part of your identity; her loss will be omnipresent for awhile. Commiserations.
Thank you so much, Philippa. As you say, she was part of our identity.
So sorry to learn of this. We went through it about 18 months ago. We waited six months and had to re-dog. They make the house a home.
Well said, Craig. I’m so sorry for your own loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. She is now dancing with the Angels. The memories of her and the love and joy she brought are gifts that will live forever in you heart.
Thank you so much, Luna. You’re right, the memories are real gifts.
You know how I feel about dogs, so you can well-imagine how sad I was to read this.
Great memories, and lovely photos. I will give Ollie an extra cuddle for you tonight.
Best wishes, Pete.
Both Ollie and I will much appreciate the extra cuddles. Thank you, Pete.
I still feel sad. You have my sincere condolences at the loss of your family friend.
I feel loss of Meli – a dog I never knew other than the lovely image of her dancing happily. My thoughts are with you.
Thank you so much, Veronica.
It’s always so sad to lose a beloved pet. I’m glad you have so many happy memories of her. All your friends are grieving with you.
Thank you so much, that’s very sweet of you.
I am so sorry for your loss, Nicholas. The last sentence really tugged at the heartstrings. Been there, as you know, and I lost my previous dog, Nerina, very suddenly too, as you may recall. It’s never easy to lose a pet, be it suddenly, as in Meli’s case or after a disease. Pets are members of the family, as dear as the human ones, and only pet owners know how true this statement is. My thoughts are with you. I loved Meli’s pictures. I am sure you will take strength in the thought you gave her a happy doggie life and all the love you could possibly give <3 xxx
Thank you so much, hon. You’re right, it does console us somewhat that we did enjoy her crazy antics for so long.
So sorry for your loss of the lovely girl..She had an amazing life of love and leaves behind many wonderful memories. Even now I still think I hear Sam at the door.. and who knows perhaps they are just a heartbeat away. love and hugs β₯
It certainly feels like they’re just a heartbeat away. Thank you π
Meli had a fufilled and happy life with your family and your internet friends grew to love her too. My heart is heavy and sad for you..
Thank you so much, Janice, that’s a very sweet thing to say.
I am sorry for your loss. My beloved Jasmine died about six months ago. I was inconsolable. Animals bring such love and a blessing in our lives. I am glad you had Meli so long.
Thank you so much, Kelly, and my condolences for Jasmine. I know what you must have gone through. I hope with time the happy memories weigh heavier in your heart than the pain of losing her.
Our pets are definitely part of our family and their passing is not easy. Prayers for you and your family.
Many thanks for the prayers, Karen.
So sorry for your family’s loss, Nicholas.
Thank you so much, Felicia.
Oh, no…I’m so sorry for your loss, Nicholas. I feel with you. Meli had a very good home at you, i know, it was a very happy and heartfelt time for her in your family.
What a gift that she hasn’t suffered befor she passed away.
I am afraid of this time because I have an almost 40 year old parrot, who has been quite sick since last November. His flight over the rainbow bridge is still before me …..
All the best for you!
Thank you so much, Vera. I hope your feathery family member gets better!
So sad. Thank heaven it was painless. Hugs to the whole family.
Sarah
Thank you so much, Sarah π
Oh Nick, I’m so sorry for your loss. Meli’s smiling face on your website/blog was a bright spot for me. She’ll be with you always in your heart.
Thank you so much, NN π
Condolences. Doesn’t feel right to hit ‘like’ on this only because of how sad it is to lose a family member. She looks like she was always happy and good to hear that she didn’t suffer. Love the babushka picture.
She was a great friend and a darling family member. Feel free to hit the Like, if only for the happy photos and memories π
Will do. Happy memories and photos are a good reason. Think Facebook has trained me to feel awkward. Hope you can spend the weekend thinking of only the good stuff.
We just received her ashes this morning, so I’m now headed outside to bury them. We’ll plant something there in the next few days.
What are you thinking of planting?
Passion fruit, most likely. It’s perfect for the spot.
Very cool. ?