… I remember the day that my old flat-mate Satu told me she thought her dog Cherry was pregnant… Cherry was a crazy, gangly, scatty, scooby-doo type of a dog… sleek black hair, long legs and an odd-ball face and she got up to some proper comedy things too… Satu says she ran off from her that day in Regents Park and when they eventually tracked her down she sauntered casually from behind a bush followed by a golden labrador… both smiling sheepishly…
… a few months later our Holly and her 8 brothers and sisters were born… Holly was the runt of the litter and pushed out first, she was always smaller than her siblings and never quite got all the nutrition she needed from her mum… and I remember having to tell a little white lie to The Viking, saying that i’d promised Satu we’d look after her for the weekend whilst she went away… Holly being the last, unwanted puppy, I couldn’t resist and I have a deep-seated memory of carrying her in one hand back to our home… and then of course she stayed…
…she was a sickly puppy suffering from a dreadful skin condition and for a few years we thought we were going to lose her… our friends will tell you of winter holidays we took in rented cottages in Kent where we would follow her blood stained foot-prints through the snow… but with a huge amount of love and an even bigger vet’s bill she pulled through…
… she went everywhere with us and because of that she touched so many lives… she came to work with us… she travelled on the London Underground and in cars, lorries and trains… when we were away with work or moving house and needed a place to stay she’d stayed with mum (or grandma as we called her) …on so many occasions in fact that mum thought of her as her own… she’d come with us to stay with friends who didn’t have dogs and once they got dogs she would make sure those new dogs understood that she was here first… anywhere we were was her home… and whilst she was always a little stand-offish (a cuddle was always on her terms) she had such a cute face and if you had a bit of cake or cheese or.. well anything really, you’d have a friend for life…
… when we moved to Lincolnshire she seemed to get a new lease of life… she loved running through the fields and woods, adored messing about for stones in the river and most of all simply loved the beach… even into her old age, if we said the word ‘beach’ she’d get so excited and hop and skip around till we took her down to the sea…
… being part labrador, food (followed closely by sleep) was pretty much the most important thing in her life… she would eat anything, the older and smellier, the better… and whilst we only had the new kitchen for a little over a year she loved being in there watching us cook and hanging round for anything that might fall her way…
… she has been everything to us… life-changing… best friend… companion… silly… grumpy… sleepy… intelligent… loving… and one of the loudest snorers i’ve ever heard…we are broken without her…
I miss you my little monkey-dog…
… The Viking has written the most beautiful and eloquent tribute on his blog…
beautiful post Dom, sorry for your loss. take care
Oh Dom I just read about Holly over on The Vikings blog…so sorry…
look after each other…
Deb
Thats so very sad to read…and a lovely tribute too.
I don't think people who don't have dogs truly understand how hard and painful the loss of a dog is to its owners.
For me its not a dog its a member of your/our/my family, jut like any other relative. I'm so sorry for your loss of your lovely girl. It is truly heartbreaking.
Sending love to you both. xxx
So sorry, Dom, you must be devastated, but it sounds like you gave her quite a life.
She was beautiful and amazing.
I am so sorry for you loss, Dom.
Oh Dom, I can truly feel your pain! What a lovely life your Holly had with you and The Viking!! What a lovely story of how she came to be with you two and I loved hearing about her travels. The Baker and I have known the loss of two precious dalmatians. We are now blessed with Oliver who is attached to our heartstrings. I look forward to seeing our Cooper and Argos, along with your Holly, cavorting about in the best of health at the Rainbow Bridge when we arrive there some day.
Rest In Peace dear Holly Golightly!
Best,
Bonnie
I'm SO sorry – it sounds like you gave Holly a wonderful home and she gave you many wonderful memories.
Mary x
I am sorry, she was a wonderful dog (and so much more) my thoughts are with you.
Oh Dom, I am so sorry that you lost your doggie friend. My chocolate lab and I are sending you some big hugs. We will be thinking off you.
So sorry or your loss Dom. Big hugs for you and The Viking from miles away. Take care.
Oh Dom, I'm so sorry for the loss of your best friend. I'm sitting here with Duke by my side with tears streaming down my face. Keeping you, the Viking and all who adored Holly in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary
So sorry for your loss, Dom. It's clear your devastated. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Susie xo
So sorry to read this, Holly was obvously a wonderful companion for you both.
So sorry for you. If only pets could be “perennial”… They give us lots of pleasure and companionship, but they just don't last so long. As others have said though, you gave her a good life, so hold that thought.
I hear your misery, your pain, your sadness. They are like losing a loved one cos that's what they are. They become part of our lives, even in death they are remembered with fondness. We have lost three dogs so far and it doesn't get any easier. It hasn't stopped up getting another though, get a new puppy soon, not a replacement for Holly but someone to share your love and your life. After all they are man's best friend. R.I.P Holly.
I'm glad that I met her and got to fuss her up. Chin up, Dom.
Oh, I am so sorry, Dom. Thinking of you and The Viking. I know you are so broken-hearted. She looks a smashing dog. How could you not have taken her home as a puppy? I am so glad she had a lovely life with you both. Really feel for you today. Xxx
Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss, she looks just beautiful, what a character! Labs (and part lab part monkey dogs) are my favourites. I know you'll miss her but what a life you gave her. x
RIP Holly. I too have a lab-cross. She drives me insane sometimes with her boundless energy and enthusiasm (particularly for ball)but she is undoubtedly my best friend. I would be devastated to lose her so really feel for you today x
Very sorry to hear of your loss. We have a Lab' (yellow), and the thought of losing him fills me with dread. You have my sympathy! Cro.
RIP Holly – so very sorry for your loss. Such an eloquent tribute to Holly. We're still at the debating stage of whether to get a dog or not (we're divided) but reading this has swayed me into the “yes lets get a dog” camp.
I am so sorry for your very great loss. R.I.P. at the Rainbow Bridge Holly. Xx
I am so sorry for your very great loss. R.I.P. at the Rainbow Bridge Holly. Xx
I am so sorry to hear this, Dom.
Our dogs bring us so much joy and such sadness when they are gone. She was beautiful and you will miss her terribly.
I am VERY sorry to hear the news….I KNOW what it is like to lose a much loved pet and my heart goes out to you both…..Holly will live on in your lives via happy memories once the initial grief has passed…..love Karen
I still cry at the thought of my gorgeous dog loki passing away, he was my best friend and so I really do know how it feels. so terribly sad a thing it is to loose your dog, I really do feel so sad for you both. much love.x
Such sad news but a lovely tribute! x
Oh Dom, this is so sad. Love to you both x
crying & smiling as I read this – she was so much part of our lives too – she arrived here as a puppy when Dom & the Viking were between homes & just needed to stay here for 2-3 weeks which turned into 6 months! I could never take her for a walk as she took me whichever way she decided to go. We are going to miss her so much. Her football which she always picked up when chasing the foxes is here in the garden. Much love Mummy (Grandma) & Eric (Grandpa) x
So sorry – losing a pet is so hard. x
Oh, goodness! I didn't expect to be reading this! Poor you, Dom. Really, my heart lurched at reading your post; my thoughts are with you. She sounded adorable. Bless you, sweetheart and take care of yourself. x
So sorry to hear that Holly has gone. I'm sure she is running through some fields somewhere or spashing in the waves. It's always a relief to see the suffering end, then you realise your friend has gone. I love that you are remembering all the good times. Off to read the Viking's blog now XXX
Sorry to hear about your loss!She was adorable!It must be so hard for you and your family.
Oh Dom so sorry to hear about Holly. Such a lovely post and a lovely tribute on the Viking's blog too. Sending you both good wishes xx
Dear Dom, how sadden I am to hear of Holly's passing. You must be so sad without your faithful and trusted friend. It appears Holly has touch so many. There will always be a place deep in your heart for your girl. Thinking of you in your grief.
Susan
She was lovely.
Love and hugs from me Dom. It really does break your heart. Xxx
You never get over losing your best friend but the next one though will never replace will take your heart to new places, I know what you are feeling and my heart hurts for you
So sorry to hear this news, RIP Holly dog x
Oh Dom, I know we have chatted about Holly and her mid sleep rabbit chasing over twitter – and having year old pup myself I know that I can't even begin to understand how you must feel. I couldn't post a comment at all when I first read this post, I just wanted to go and get a hug from my own Viking. Take care of yourself and The Viking. RIP Holly Golightly. x
I am so sorry for your loss, Dom! Nothing I can say will help take away that pain, but just remember that you gave Holly the best life imaginable. Big Hugs!!!
My mother always said that one of the finest friends I would ever have would be my dog … for loyalty, joy, loving concern, and true unconditional love, our dogs can't be beat. And when they are gone from us, oh, what grief … I'm so sorry, Dom. Virtual hug …
Awww Dom, I am so sorry to hear this. But it does sound as if you and the Viking gave Holly a beautiful life and I know it's corny but she has gone to doggyy beach heaven.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Dom – our pets are family and every time we lose them, we lose a piece of ourselves… She looks like she was such a happy dog and I'm sure her happy life was all thanks to you and the Viking…. So sorry…
So sorry to hear this news. Such a lovely dog and she does look so happy.
Oh Dom, so very sorry to hear this – heart breaking indeed. Having heard so much about her over the years, it's hard to imagine you and the Viking without her. But oh, it's so lovely that she had a happy, companionable and well cared for life. I still haven't quite got over our dog dying from nearly 20 years ago now, so I do so understand – a very well loved member of the family. Love and hugs to you both.
I am so sorry Dom, much love and ((())) to you and the Viking xxxx
Dom, I've just seen this as we've just had the internet reconnected after moving house. I'm so so sorry for your loss, I completely understand how difficult it is and you will grieve for a long time for your much-missed family member. Much love to both of you xxx