Saturday, July 31, 2010

Farewell, Fair Friend

Ok, I wasn't going to post this because my intention from day one was to close out the blog the minute the title "Splorin Wolfies" no longer applied--but my inbox is overflowing, and I didn't know so many people would be so touched by Saige's life. So here is a note some of you have already recieved:

We lost Saige last night, Annemia—most likely due to an intestinal tumor. Her back end completely gave out suddenly within 24 hours She did not suffer. I knew her life was not going to be measured by time, but by quality, and her quality was exceptional. We made the most of every day with her and enjoyed ever single moment with that beautiful creature. She was a glorious, glorious girl. Her birthday would have been Aug 15, so she was 3.9 years old. She has had a hard summer with the heat, and her colitis and her arthritis. She was on daily medication for those last 2 conditions...so I never felt that she was truly the healthiest of hounds. Also she was massive, even for wolfhound standards--which didn't help...there was always health issues, stress, and concern with her.

I am absolutely relieved to let go of the burden of her suffering that I felt so heavily on my shoulders... and the last 24 hours when she was unable to stand and walk on her own I felt so unburdened just to let her go. She is at peace now, and I feel no sorrow except for my own loss of my great pal. But I am mostly happy, at the exemplary hound I was privileged to share my life with these past 4 years. I might be back on the blog in time, but for now we are tired of 'splorin for at least a little while, and Guinness will need some extra attention to cope with the loss of his best friend.

My intention of the blog was just to explore the country side and show the best qualities of wolfhounds and Nova Scotia--I thought the two went so well together. But I never wanted support or sympathy for any hardships that came our way---I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS NOT HOW OTHER BLOGGERS FEEL—and some of you support each other through lifes ups and downs, which is 100% ok. It's just not how I roll. I hope this doesn't come out wrong, because in the end I am VERY appreciative of all the concern and support!!! I just don’t want to stress others out and make them feel they have to send condolences our way, because that is really not what we want or need—and not what my blog was about. We are doing really well and just remembering the happiness Saige gave us, so please, please don’t be sad—we are really not sad at all, just happy to have had her in our lives ;-)

Saige's energy is still very much present and all around me, I will carry her around with me forever... so truly, she has not left at all, she is right there where she always was, embedded in my heart.

Love the wolf pack






































55 comments:

  1. What a wonderful love you have had! Thank you so much for sharing this love with all of us!

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  2. We had a sneaking suspicion this was the case but had selfishly hoped it wasn't true. You are very wise with your outlook and we love that you are remembering the good times with such a wonderful dog. We totally understand how you feel about knowing that Saige is at peace now, running at the Rainbow Bridge with those long, endless legs of hers!

    We still want to say that we're sorry for your loss - we feel it's our loss too, probably us being selfish again, but we loved getting to know Saige and we did get a bit teary at the beautiful photos you included here of her, even though we're supposed to be uptight English pups! We'll always remember Saige for being our first major crush on a big doggie - we'll remember those gorgeous legs of hers FOREVER!! Schnauzer snuggles, as always - JD, Max and Clare.

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  3. thank you JD and Max and Gloria, we totally understand that Saige is your loss too, that is why we had a change of heart and know that everyone wants to pass along their well wishes. We know you all loved her too--so thank you so very much. we are glad that all of you can help us celebrate her life together! xoxox

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  4. Wow, we don't know what to say. We are truly sorry both for the loss of Saige and for the end of your blog. We do understand. We grieve with and for you. May Saige forever live on in your hearts. We cried when we saw the I love you photo.

    Saige shared her birthday with our beloved Dakota and now we will always remember both of them with love and fondness.

    Hugs ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara and Mom too

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  5. The stars will shine brighter tonight.
    RIP Saige

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  6. I totally understand how you feel and that's why when Java was sick and dying, I didn't share it until the end.

    I will miss you wit and your beautiful photographs, but do understand that you need to devote time to Guiness and yourself.

    Grieving and celebrating a life is a personal thing and whether you choose to let others in your personal space is up to you.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family - you were so fortunate to have had this wonderful gal with you on part of your journey.


    XOXO
    Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Riairi and their Mom

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  7. Even though we never met in person, seeing Saige on her adventures in your beautiful country did make us grow fond of her.

    I love the puppy picture. And all the cool snuggle photos as well.

    Thanks for sharing her life with us.

    Mango Momma

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  8. We're sorry but recognize and admire the recognition that lifes road takes new turns. All the best and hope you're holding up well at this sad time.

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  9. Janice, you are wise to take a break, nothing as we learn in life is forever, though
    we all will miss our morning treck. Perhaps down the road there could be a Splorin Wolfies photography book dedigated to your glorious girl. We all know it would be a best seller. Our thoughts and paw prayers for Guiness.
    Hank, Maude and Roslyn

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  10. I understand completely and I too like to retreat and be quiet when something like this happens.

    We felt we 'knew' the Wolfies and part of our heart goes over the Rainbow Bridge with Saige. I'll always appreciate how she and Guinness (and you) brought out our special love for the breed.

    I hope you'll know my blog doors are always open even if you don't post on this blog anymore. If you ever pick up the blogging bug again and go a different route, I'd love to be included as a reader.

    My thoughts are with you.

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  11. Thanks for sharing Saige's life with us. We will keep all the good memories in our heart.
    Please give Guinness kisses and hugs from us.
    Take care
    Lorenza and mom

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  12. I am sitting here in shock and sorrow for you. Though I know that you don't want us to be sad, I am. It is just impossible to not feel this way. Saige brought us all such joy and we so loved both Guiness' and Saige's journeys. Her gentle spirit and larger than life heart will always be remembered. Her heart was outwardly shown, as in the way God gave it to her on her chest. Just a precious being.

    Our pets will be in Heaven again with us. Infact, I just read a little story in the magazine "Guideposts" about just this. Know that Saige is no longer suffering and is waiting for you to return to her, but this time she will be in perfect form.

    God Bless you and your family.....
    ((hugs)) and love,
    Becky

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  13. Woof! Woof! I knew that missed something when I visited your blog last Friday. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you my Golden thoughts. Lots of great memories Saige you will treasure forever.
    It's been a sad day of blogging for me ... doggie blogger friends passes away and/or sick.
    Lots of Golden care. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  14. I totally understand! I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for sharing a part of Saige's life with us! Your blog is a wonderful celebration of the good and beautiful times.
    God's blessings from us all -
    KZK

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  15. We are sorry to read about Saige but completely understand your viewpoint.
    We celebrate her wonderful life with you,your family and Guinness. To have lived a life so loved is a blessing not counted in years.
    Know that we care......do what ever feels right for you.
    xx

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  16. We celibrate Saiges life with you, the good life and love you gave.

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  17. This is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful life. Thank you for sharing it all with us.

    Painter Pack

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  18. So sorry Janice. She was an amazing dog!

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  19. Farewell Saige, we can see from your blog that you had a wonderful life, and we're glad we got to know you!

    Puppy kisses
    Sasha & Rupert

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  20. Thanks for sharing Saige, Guiness, Groucho and of course, Nova Scotia with us. Give Guiness some extra cuddles from us.

    We hope to see some more of you in the future, but understand wanting a rest.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  21. I just want to let you know, I am a newer follower but have read over your entire blog. I have a large breed love of my life (great dane who will be four soon) and I feel your loss. I just love these dogs and have always wanted one myself. What a great life they have lived. I just wanted you to know that Saige's life was something new to someone out there. Your pictures have inspired me to make more memories with my own pack. Hope to hear from you and Guinness soon.

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  22. Oh my goodness!!! We are so sad. What a beautiful tribute to your forever special girl
    Benny & Lily

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  23. Your outlook is beautiful, and that is just how Saige would want. I adore your dogs and seeing your countryside. Thank you for sharing with us!

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  24. I know you said you didn't want condolences, but once again we are like sisters in space... I lost my first IW girl, Eleanor, four days before her 4th birthday. Immune mediated hemolytic anemia. You are right, Saige is not gone but forever in your heart. Time is measured in moments, and your moments with Saige as demonstrated on your blog were very special. Thank you for sharing your moments, your memories and your heart...

    As is traditional in the Irish Wolfhound community, I am raising a glass and lighting a candle in Saige's honor tonight...


    Give Guinness and Groucho a hug for me.

    Hope to see you blogging again when you are ready.

    Nanci, Isabella (IW) and Pharaoh(Afghan)

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  25. We loved seeing Saige and Guinness' adventures... and Groucho too.
    It's hard not to feel sad when a friend is lost but we love your outlook on her life. You gave her a great life.
    Love the all the pictures, especially the i heart u and the puppy picture!
    Hugs from Seattle and giant sloppy kisses from Darwin.

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  26. We enjoyed seeing your countryside and the adventures of Saige, Guinness and Groucho, and are so sorry to hear of the loss of Saige.

    We also totally understand your desire not to share every detail with readers. That is always a personal choice.

    If a time every comes you are ready, we would love to continue to see the adventures.

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  27. From our hounds to yours, we want to thank you from the bottom of our paws for sharing your lives with us.
    Dogspeed, Saige.

    (((Hugs)) your friends
    Oskar, Schatzi & Xena

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  28. as a fellow giant breed owner, lover & 'slave' :), I truly thank you for sharing your beautiful Saige & Guiness with me. Your blog was one I most looked forward to reading. The landscape and scenery is beautiful, and the added bonus was Saige & Guiness (and of course alien Groucho) along as our guides. Its such a different terrain than here in San Diego, and I have really enjoyed it.

    I completely understand why you are choosing this as a finishing point to your blog, but want you to know I will definitely miss it.

    Give Guiness a super big hug for me, and spoil that beautiful boy so he misses his bff just a little less. While 4 years was way to short a life for such a beautiful spirit, it was a beautiful life none-the-less and Saige will never be forgotten.

    Debbie (Murphydog's Mom)

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  29. Thank you for sharing her life with us, we may not have always commented but we did follow as faithfully as possible.

    A beautiful tribute for a wonderful girl, she will always be alive in your memories and in your heart.

    My concern is for Guiness, Nellie didn't take the passing of her litter mate/brother very well. It took her a while to get use to being alone until we got her Calvert. Now she's constantly tortured by him and seems to love it, we think!?!


    Don't cry because it's over.
    Smile because it happened.
    ~Dr. Seuss

    My thoughts are with you
    Claudia
    (mom to Nellie & Calvert)

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  30. Oh my goodness!!! My computer's been giving me trouble all weekend and so I've only managed to catch up with blog friends this morning - and then I saw this!!!!! Am so shocked and upset!! As others have said, losing Saige is our loss too - we all loved her. I think in my case, because I have a giant breed myself - I feel the loss keenly. It really reminds me how precious every minute with my big girl is and how lucky we are to have her still. I think that's something only giant breed owners can really understand - it is almost like you're given your puppy with a death sentence and you start from Day 1 knowing that your time with them will not be long...but as you said (and I believe too) - it is more about quality then quantity.

    I know you're much more relaxed about the whole blogging thing - which I think is very refreshing (I spend a lot of my time feelign guilty about not visitng people or commenting, whcih I know is silly!) but I hope you don't mind if I do mention Saige on Honey's blog. And I understand your need to take a break from blogging for a while - we will really miss you. I always love visiting the Splorin Wolfies - it was like a breath of fresh air everytime, seeing the beautiful dogs and scenery in perfect harmony with each other.

    Thinking of you -
    Hsin-Yi & Honey the Great Dane

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  31. Thank you for your beautiful blog...for getting to know all the wolfies, their spirits and yours.
    Having suffered many losses, I have an idea of what you are going through. Saige is a glorious spirit who will always be with you. Guinness, and Groucho , are lucky to have you.
    Thank you again for your posts.
    I can only hope that some day you will feel like you can give us a glimpse of the wolfies world again.
    Peace.

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  32. Kirby and I are new to blogging and have really enjoyed your pictures of your BIG beautiful dogs and your countryside. I hope, in time, you will return to blogging and share this part of your life again.
    Thank you for sharing,
    Cheryl and Kirby

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  33. oh my gosh. thank you for sharing all those photos! it's clear she had a wonderful canine life experience. she looks so happy in all her photos. and honestly, while i've seen a bunch of them already, some really didn't convey her size as much as the 8th photo down of her on the black sofa, sitting next to a "teeny weeny" human (not). she was big. she was glorious. and you can tell, she was unique, special and exemplary. i admire people like you who can give a dog who's heart is bigger than life, the life they deserve.
    thanks for sharing. and our condolances for your loss.
    wags-n-wiggles,
    wild dingo

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  34. I linked to you from Honey the Great Dane's blog. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful dog! I know you are hurting in your heart but I just know, even without reading the rest of your blog, that you loved Saige and gave her a wonderful life.

    My thoughts are with you and your family.

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  35. farewell beautiful Saige - free from physical burdens now.
    we will miss you so :(

    your pals,
    Digby and Delta

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  36. From all of us here in the Doglove home, our thoughts are with you. Someday we will all be together again over the Bridge. :)

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  37. so sorry for your loss ... I just had to let my Ursa a Rotti go to the Bridge on July 15th. I have read your blog for sometime and appreciate your heart felt musings. Dogkisser aka Joan turned me on to your blog. Know that many feel your pain and send you and your family sincere condolances.
    Janet and the Canine Casbah Crew

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  38. We just got here from Honey's blog. We hope it would be alright for us to read through your posts to know Saige a through your stories.
    The photos clearly shows how she was such a gentle and beautiful pup.

    Sharing a friendship with our furry friends lives on and we are happy that she is indeed running free over the rainbow bridge.

    We hope that we get to know Guiness if and when you decide to post once again.

    Thankies!

    Love,
    Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai & Wai-Max

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  40. I can't help but sobbing and sobbing - it's me, Silver's mom Sandra with Silver, Saige's litter mate and sister...I'm out of my mind about this -
    Janice and Clayton, please be invited for their Birthday celebration on August 15th for a great supper and camp fire out in the back yard. (Please bring Guinness and - if you like, Groucho, too!) It would be our honor.
    There's no need to remind you that there are always very needy (and mostly young) Wolfies who suddenly need new homes!!!! See Guinness and Fynn! Ha!
    Lots of love, kisses and hugs! Sandra, Silver & Giselle and the rest of the gang.

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  41. We have come to enjoy your blog for it's wit and simplicity. We will surely miss your posts and humor, as you most certainly will miss your belvoed Saige. Thanks for brightening our days, and hope that brighter times will soon arrive for Guinness!

    Michelle, Brutus, Carmen & Mason

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  42. We will miss you....splore on with Guinness and thanks for a peek into Nova Scotia's beautiful country side.

    sniffies to you all,
    Bonnie

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  43. Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful Wolfies with all of us! Ever since I read about these gentle giants as a child I have been fascinated by them. I'm sure my wife (Parsley) has told you that you have made me really want a Wolfie (who says having 6 dogs is enough?). By following your blog I felt like I really got to know them and was so sad when I read about Saige. As is evidenced by the many comments here, Saige will live on in the memories of many of us. If you get to the point in the future that you feel like sharing adventures of Guinness, Groucho, and their friends with us again I will be back. For now give Guinness a huge hug for me.

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  44. I am shocked and so sorry to hear about the loss of Saige. No more suffering is a good thing, but yet we all grieve along with you.

    Take care,
    Pat
    www.critteralley.blogspot.com

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  45. Sage, you will be missed, you will be dearly missed.

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  46. Very well put, I think it's amazing how you can reflect on Saige's sweet life in such a positive way and really appreciate the time you had with her. She was a lucky girl to have you, and all of us who followed this blog were lucky to have shared in her many wonderful adventures. Everytime I see an Irish Wolfhound now (which is not too often:) I think of Saige and Guinness and always will. :) Please give Guinness a big kiss from nala and I...you are all in our thoughts.

    Amber & Nala

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  47. Every single blog I have read of the Wolfies has lifted me. The funny things, the hard things, even Nova Scotia (which as you know reminded me of my Dad.) I am going to miss our big girl so much, tell Guinness lots of us will be joining him in his grief! I know how you feel about the sympathy part, I am that way too, but Saige was partly our girl as well, you know. A death in the family!

    With love,

    Jo, Stella and Ali Zophia

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  48. Lovely dogs. My breeder has Irish Wolfhounds. You are HUGE!!!

    I would love it if you would come and visit my blog at http://curiouscavortingcavoodle-miley.blogspot.com/

    Love Miley xxx

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  49. We have not been around for a while since my Mum left us and at around the same time we were busy with puppies by Christmas (our white miniature schnauzer).

    I would say I do not know the 'splorin' Wolfies as much as I should have but I have always been amazed by their size and character. Thanks for sharing them. I cannot help but get teary eyed looking at all those pictures of Saige, especially the puppy Saige. I will not say "sorry" but I'll say "thank you". Thank you for sharing Saige, thank you for showing us your countryside and thank you for sharing with us the best qualities of the wolfhounds which I have never known.

    Love and kisses,
    Diana

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  50. I am sorry for your loss.

    Your blog has always been such a pleasure to read, and I think you achieved your goal perfectly. I've so enjoyed all your beautiful pictures and funny stories. Thank you for them!

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  51. I've always enjoyed your stories, photos and of course, the dogs. Sorry for your loss. Glad she is in your heart.

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  52. Thank you for sharing the joy of Saige with the world. I think all of us who have or have had the gentle giants know that the time will be short but the love will be boundless. Extra hugs and pats for Guiness.

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  53. We are celebrating Saige's and Silver's Birthdays today! It will be a joyous day - 3 more Wolfhounds visiting, which will be: Guinness, Liam and Finn - the guests honor are Cinnamon & Oreo (the Labradorks) and hopefully -our extra special guest: Groucho!

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  54. Just dropping by to say Hi.
    xxx

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