A Great Personal Loss
Yesterday, Dr. Holly Steuerwald of Mountainview Animal Hospital came to our house and freed William's indomitable spirit from a body that had grown too old and frail to contain it any longer. In memory of my beautiful and much beloved dog and in celebration of our long and joyful life together, I publish below the links to some of the many of the stories about William I've told on Gossips, beginning with the story of his arrival in Hudson fifteen years ago.
There will be more William stories--stories from his youth, stories from his amazing last months and weeks--but the rawness of my grief prevents me from telling them just now.
The photo of William used above was taken in 2002 by Valerie Shaff, the Richard Avedon of dogs. It was a print meant just for me and doesn't reflect the quality of her finished work, but I hope she won't object to my sharing it.
I'm so very sorry, Carole. My best to you.
ReplyDeleteWe are so lucky to have our dear pets and it is the saddest day when they go. Cedric and I are so sorry for your loss of beloved William.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss Carole.
ReplyDeleteAll my deepest sympathy. My heart hurts for you.
ReplyDeleteThe presence of William and his remarkable spirit will be sorely missed here in Hudson. Our thoughts are with you, Carole.
ReplyDeleteDaisy and I empathize with you and William ... heartfelt love <3
ReplyDeleteCarole, I knew this day and post was coming, but that doesn't make it any easier, does it? My heart weeps for you and the loss of your wonderful William.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Nyland
Obviously after the recent loss of my dear Harley Carole, I can feel your grief. So sorry for the passing of William. Maybe they will meet at The Rainbow Bridge!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss Carole. Your prose about your life with William reveals just how deep was your bond with him. It is kind of sad that our pets have lives so much shorter than ours, such that we have to endure so many of these heart wrenching goodbyes to creatures whose main mission in life is simply to enjoy our company - and give us unconditional love.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss, Carole. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteSorry about William. He was a good dog.
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteFirst, my condolences to you for the loss of your dog “William”. While you and I are often at odds and on opposite sides of the aisle on many issues involving the city , there is sometimes no greater loss a person can have then the loss of a pet.
I also experienced this loss recently a few months ago with the passing of my 11 year old Labrador “Coal” who was the best dog I had ever come to know. I miss him dearly, but with each passing day it becomes a little easier. I have recently chosen to adopt another rescue dog (Lab) from Tennessee. His name is "Onyx". So in closing regardless of our disagreeing often on other matters, I offer my sincere condolences to you. Thank you.
Mayor W.H.Hallenbeck Jr.
Carole, my little dachshund Lucie and I send our thoughts your way. Lucie had always hoped to meet the dashing William one of these days, and although it didn't happen, we feel like we know William just a little bit from your stories. I think for many of us, the universe as we know it revolves around our beloved dogs. Thinking of you, Paula and Lucie from Aitken Ave.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy.
ReplyDeleteDeepest sympathy from my wife Sara, our dog Buddy, and myself. Buddy and Sara got their picture in the paper for walking past the no dogs sign the same afternoon as it was put up. We think fondly of William and Gossips efforts on behave of all dogs and their humans every time we are out for a walk. I read all the stories 'bout William and sincerely hope there are more dog stories in the future.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your great loss, Carole.
ReplyDeleteBut, what memories!!!
Sleep well, sweet William.
never had the chance to meet william, but felt as though i knew him from your posts about him...really so sorry for your loss...he sounds as though he was a special and beautiful creature...
ReplyDeleteCarole, I've so enjoyed reading about you and William and always thought how lucky you were to have each other. Saying goodbye is such a heartbreak; you have my deepest sympathies.
ReplyDeleteVictoria DiNardo
So sad to hear this. I've enjoyed reading you William stories. I did meet him once. You were walking him near the courthouse and William, seeing me walking toward you, stopped and waited for me to catch up. Dogs know 'dog people', I guess. It was many years ago, but for some reason, I've remembered it. My 12-13 year old black Lab mix, shelter dog, is turning grey, but still acts like a puppy, I dread the day when she no longer does. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteMy dear Carole, I have to you written privately, but here let me send courage and love.
ReplyDeleteMy heart hurts for your heart Carole. William was so gentle, and a truly Good Dog. Peaceful blessings to you now, as your heart remembers the happiness he brought, and heals from his loss.
ReplyDeletea woof...woof to you Carol
ReplyDeleteAm so sorry for the loss of your dear and constant companion, Carole.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. <3
ReplyDeleteI am an avid reader of your many posts. I have read of William's adventures and your love for such a wonderful companion. We had to say goodbye to our dear 14-year old Ozzy six months ago so I understand your loss. May Williams' memory be a blessing to you and all who mourn.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to learn of your loss, Carole. You must dearly miss William. Fortunately you have wonderful memories of him, many of which are recorded on your blog.
ReplyDelete