We lost her.
Widget’s long and hard-fought battle with lymphoma ended last Tuesday. For ten months, she had gone through every chemotherapy protocol available, including an experimental drug?for canine lymphoma administered at Tufts. Throughout it all, Widget?maintained her bossy, irrepressible personality and a quality of life that amazed us. Though she had some ups-and-downs along the way, she continued to be her usual self. It was hard to accept that lymphoma?was ravaging her body. But in the final months the swelling lymph node on the left side of her neck was a visible reminder of the fight she was putting up with the cancer.
A few weeks ago, I took her back to Tufts so they could evaluate her response to the experimental drug. We?already knew it had failed, because the lymph node had started growing again. But for the purposes of the drug trial, I wanted to let them see for themselves so they could document it. Up to that point, Widget had the same zest for life she’d always had. Her only problem was the size of that one lymph node was beginning to get in her way. The oncologist who was supervising the trial at Tufts, Dr. Kristine Burgess, saw Widget that day. She said there was one last option we could try: radiation therapy to shrink the?lymph nodes around Widget’s?neck. She couldn’t guarantee?if radiation would work, or for how long, but she thought it was worth a shot. Dr. Burgess said that if Widget’s quality of life wasn’t so high, she wouldn’t recommend it, but given how well she was doing, it might give her some more time.
I agreed, and she moved schedules around in multiple departments so Widget could get the radiation that very day. Twenty-four hours later, back at home, we noticed the big node in particular was a bit smaller. The next day, she had loose skin around it, and it was definitely shrinking. A few more days, and smaller still. Our hopes rose. But then, a week later, as I was pilling Widget one morning, I realized the node seemed bigger. It was hard to tell, but the following day, I had no doubt: it was bigger. And with that, we knew the end was coming soon.
On Thursday, July 3rd, I took Widget back to see her oncologist at Peak, Dr. Kendra Knapik, for what we realized?was her final visit. That evening I got back to the farm with Widget and let her out of the van to roam the front yard. As Alayne and I stood and watched her walk around, we cried. It was the last time she would be coming home from Burlington.
Right up through Saturday the 5th, Widget was still out cruising the front yard, sniffing around and enjoying being outside. On Sunday, though, something changed. Her energy level dropped. She seemed to have a little difficulty swallowing, though she would still eat and drink. On Monday, she wasn’t able to rally, and she spent the day sleeping in the living room, not engaged in anything. She wasn’t really interested in food. She was resting comfortably, but we recognized’the time had come. On Tuesday, our local vet, Dr. Chris Plumley, was kind enough to come out to the farm and euthanize her here. We held her and cried … and cried.
—
She was the first dog we’d ever flown in, way back in 2002, when Delta Airlines flew her from Syracuse, New York to Atlanta and on to Salt Lake City and finally Missoula. You can read her story here. But from the moment I let her out of her crate in the Missoula airport late that night, I knew our life had changed. We don’t really know when she was born, but she was very young and we always figured she was probably about a year old when we got her. She outlived every other animal we’ve had from that era except for Lena, our blind mare, who is now 22 years old and was the very first animal to arrive. (However, it?was absolutely in Widget’s nature’to think she could outlive a horse!)
As Alayne said last week, Widget “was the heart and soul of the sanctuary” all these years. Until she arrived, we had only been taking in disabled dogs from shelters and rescue groups in Montana and the nearby region. After Widget, they started coming from around the country.
She inspired us in other ways, too, including being the “mascot” for our first major fundraising project back in 2004: building a dog building at the Montana ranch we named “Widget’s House.” Except her view was, “People, it’s fine to use my name to raise the money for it, just don’t expect me to live in it.” And I don’t believe she ever did set foot in Widget’s House. Our own house was?her house.
This is one of our favorite photos of her, from 2008, and it captures her personality perfectly:
You can read the blog post about the photo here. She walked all over us for years, figuratively and literally, and we loved every minute of it.
Widget was also a sly and crafty food thief, and what we termed a “serial beggar,” but she had a face we just couldn’t resist:
The blog post behind that photo?is here.
And of course, one of the many things we cherished the most about Widget was her distinctive “woo’s” — she had an entire language?all her own. Her wooing would vary in pitch, tone, volume, intensity and length, depending on her mood and needs. Here she is in December 2007:
Every morning here at the farm, I would climb the stairs up to her room and listen for the soft wooing coming from her crate on the other side of the door. She was saying, “Okay-you-can-let-me-out-now-thank-you…” When she thought we were late, the woo’s would be louder and more insistent.
There’s no more wooing coming from her room these days, and we get a lump in our throats every time we climb those stairs. But we are thankful that despite all of our grief and tears this past week, we’ve been surrounded by so many wonderful dogs who help take our minds off our loss. That includes our two most recent arrivals, Esther (now known as “Flopsy-Mopsy” for her endearing, raggedy-ann style of walking) and Stella (now known as “Stella Trotsky,” for her own endearing?way of walking). Both of those girls?have quickly captured our hearts. They, along with Darla and Aurora and the other special ones, will help carry on Widget’s legacy for us.
Here’s one last photo that we took a few weeks ago, on the evening of June 21st, the summer solstice:
It was her last time “camping out.” She was living her life the way she wanted to, right up until the end.
I am crying with you. It is so difficult. You and Widget had so many wonderful years together, but that makes it all the harder. Yes, please hold on to all your babies there and take comfort in them, and know how many, many of your followers and friends are weeping with you. I have to laugh at some of these pictures, and that’s the best part. Widget had the best life anyone could have. God Bless.
My heart is broken. I understand your tears & grief. God bless. RIP Widget, you were a one of a kind, very brave, sweet, loving girl. You will be missed!!! I’ll miss your hilarious escapades. Comforting thoughts to all of RDF
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about Widget. She was lucky to have you and thecwonderful life you gave her.
I’m so very sorry for your loss of Widget. She was a very special little girl and knew how much she was loved and adored. I’m sure you both take great comfort in knowing you did all you could have done for her and she continued to enjoy her life until the very end.
I think many of us had the feeling that this day would be coming. As I read the blog I broke down crying several times. This never gets any easier, especially when the dog is very special in your heart. You guys did everything possible to help Widget and you gave her more time to be with you. It was time to let her go. I know her memory will be with you forever. The last picture of her under the tree just enjoying being there sniffing the air made me finally smile. I know she’s smiling down at you, maybe even woo-wooing.
When you announced a blog break I was worried that Widget’s health was on a downturn. Words aren’t enough to provide comfort after losing your special girl so all I can say is that our thoughts and prayers are with you both. Af with all of your animals, Widget ‘s life was immeasurably better for living with you and with her RDR/RDF family. She had the best care that could be given on top of your deep love for her.
Widget, conspicuous by your absence and woo-woos. You had the very best life at RDF and, even on borrowed time, you knew how to have a good time. RIP, sweet darlin’. Kisses on your little nose.
Steve and Alayne, I send hugs and consolation. Her spirit will imbue the house forever.
Oh, Steve and Alayne, the tears are flowing here as well. The Widge was such a special girl and we are glad we got to meet her years ago in Montana. Bless you both for all you did for her, and what you do for all of the special beasts at RDF.
So sorry for the loss of Widget. I’ve been a long time follower of Rolling Dog Farm and I remember that post of her walking all over you. It made me smile then and it made me smile again, even through my tears, from this post. I’m thankful she was able to spend her years in the comfort of people who loved her. Thank you for all that you do and goodbye to Widget.
So sorry. But such a nice long life. Much love.
” The one best place to bury a good?dog is in the heart of his master.” Sincere condolences on the loss of your sweet Widget.
Steve and Alayne,
I’m so sorry to learn of Widget’s death. It is always heartbreaking to lose one and somehow feels wrong, the way a parent outliving a child feels wrong. There are no words that can really comfort at this time but know how many of us share the pain of your loss. We loved her too. Thank you for all of your care and compassion?not just for Widget but for all of the little ones who have entered your lives.
What an incredibly joyful and crowded reunion you two are in for on the other side.
R.I.P. You lived life on your terms.
Good bye Widget. Thanks for all the laughs. I will miss you.
I am crying as I read this. We will all miss Widget, but I am glad we got to share in her story. My thoughts are with the RDF family and most especially you and Alane over the coming days and weeks. Rest in peace, dear Widget. You lived life well.
SO SORRY STEVE & ALAYNE. WIDGET HAD THE BEST LIFE WITH THE TWO OF YOU & I’M SURE SHE WAS THANKFUL BEYOND HER “DOGGYNESS” THAT SHE ENDED UP WHERE SHE DID. SHE WILL BE MISSED – RIP SWEET ONE.
Wishing I had words to comfort you and Alayne, all the while sitting here crying myself. She was the most special girl. And you gave her the most special life, one she surely deserved. I am so, so, so very sorry for this loss.
Steve, I’m so glad you whispered in her ear for me, thank you. Widget had the most beautiful soul.
Words fail. I’m so very sorry.
I am so sorry for your loss; there is nothing I can say or do to help you. I’ve been following your blog for a few years now and cannot imagine what life will be like without Widget and her huge presence.
I too, am crying profusely as I read your blog. What a blessing Widget was for all of us and what a blessing you were for her……….she knew love like never before. Our hearts are joined with yours during this time and please know you are being held up in prayer. So glad you have so many other ‘gifts’ to help ease the pain and sorrow. So thankful for the joy of knowing Widget through you as long as we did. Hugs and love to you both.
Tears were flowing as I read your loving post dedicated to the most beautiful “woo-woo”girl, sweet
Widget. My heart aches for you and Alayne. Her love of life, and her “attitude” will be greatly missed.
I’m in tears. Rest in peace, sweet Widget. You were indeed loved.
I’ve been following Widget’s blessed life since you brought her to Montana. I feel as though I’m a long distance Auntie. I watched the ranch grow, with her supervision of course, and many more animals arrive. Her crossing the Rainbow Bridge has left a hole in my heart, but my life is fuller for knowing her. You understood when I lost my old boy Bourbon, and I want to be here for you and Alayne. Bless you both.
I too have been following your dream and vision for many years. ALl I can say is thanks to Widget and her personality, strive and strong will she pushed you both to take animals that you may not have even considered….thanks to her pushing you both with her strong personality you have taken in animals so many before you have passed over but now you have given them a second chance. I feel this is a result of one strong willed Little Lady name Widget. She paved the way for so many others.She was a one of a kind that no one will ever forget 🙂
My coworkers here can’t understand why I’m sobbing so hard for a dog that I never even met. I just told them if they don’t get it, I can’t explain it to them. I’m so sad, my heart is breaking. I’m sending prayers of comfort your way. We’ll see you on the other side, Widget. God bless. 🙁
I’m in tears too as I read about Widget. She had a wonderful life with you.
Alayne and Steve –
I gasped at the beginning words of your post and cried through the rest of it. Words cannot express my sorrow at your loss of The Widge and also try to thank you for all you have done through the years to expand the quality of her life. Each of us holds our dogs close to our hearts and your sharing of the RDF dogs allows us to hold them there, too. I’m sure Widget is practicing her woo-wooing at The Bridge, wiating for you to arrive to be with her and the others again.
The wonderful accounts of Widget will be missed. Watching you both follow your dreams from Montana to New Hampshire and putting your heart and soul into all the Rolling Dog troupe is heart warming and an inspiration to humanity. Sending prayers and loving thoughts your way.
I am sorry for your loss, and ours. As a long-time reader of your blog (and as someone who lives with a beagle), I always enjoyed your Widget posts. I hope you find some comfort knowing how full and rich a life you gave her.
As soon as I saw the headline and started reading I thought of Widget out by” her” tree taking a break from running RDR/RDF even before I saw the picture you included. You always did such a great job in capturing her personality that I felt like I knew the little dickens. Her loss will leave a real hole at RDF but as you say there are many dogs there and on the way who will also bloom at the ranch. You do great work and although the minions were probably never up to Widgets standards (more tidbits!) she found her home and loved every minute. I’ll miss her but we knew the end was near and it is heartening to know how long she was able to enjoy life even as the shadows lengthened. My next contribution to RDF will be in honor of the never ti be forgotten Widget.
Widget was the heart of RDF and I was sad to hear of her passing. I send my deepest sympathies and comforting thoughts to you.
So sorry for your loss. Widget was the epitome of beagleness and her personality was larger than life. RIP, spunky Widget!
All of us who follow your blog are terribly saddened by the loss of Widget. You did everything you could for her, and she lived a good life until the last. She was a dear and loyal friend to you, and via the Blog, to the rest of us.
So sorry for your loss. I hope she is running around and enjoying whatever comes next.
I am so sad…hugs to both of you. Widget is looking down from heaven, keeping an eye on everything…
My heart is broken with the news about Widget. Your post was a wonderful tribute to one of the best dogs ever. We are all crying with you because the RDF dogs are like our extended family. Reading about them was just like knowing them, without the hugs.. My thoughts are with you and Alayne during this sad time.
So sorry to learn that Widget’s time was up – there’s never enough time. God Bless and keep her.
Love & Prayers, MaryJane
My heart is so sad.. I am so very sorry for the loss of that little beauty. She fought such a valiant battle and passed onto the rainbow bridge knowing she was loved. It’s so hard to lose them. Nothing ever heals the hurt but time. Try to remember just the love.. Rip beautiful xxoo
Thank you for sharing the story about Widget. She was some gal! I am so glad that she had you two and all you provide for these wonderful, well-deserving, balls of animated fur at your farm. I, too, am crying as I type this. Although there will be many dogs to give your love to, there will never be another Widget. However, I know it helps to have other dogs to lose one’s heart and efforts to when any given dog is no longer with the family. It sounds like you kept Widget going with your love and the help of all your wonderful medical people.
That reminds me of our 16 plus year old dog, Gil, that one of our vets told us we kept Gil alive with our love. Of course we had help from that vet, as well as Gil’s “acupuncture vet”. They, too, like your vets work together for the dog’s sake. Gil was possibly a springer spaniel/pointing griffon model. A clown of the first order.
Thank you for your love and medical efforts and all you do to help these special animals. Thank you for sharing that you have several more residents who need your serious help now.
Much love to both of you.
Phyllis Snow
Widget had a very good life, you were kind to her. I’m very sorry you lost a friend.
I’m so sorry. Knowing the day is coming does not make it one bit easier. She was such a big personality, and I know you feel a big silent emptiness, not just in her room. I feel as if I’ve gotten to know her over the years, and this lovely In Memoriam post captures all the things I’ll always remember about Widget.
We were so saddened to hear about Widget’s passing. She may have thought she was a beagle, but she had the heart and soul of a dachshund, my favorite breed. We will all miss her and her funny antics. ((HUGS)) to you both at this sad time.
Can’t help but cry with you. She is with the angels now. God bless you for taking care of her and giving her a wonderful life until it was time for her to go.
Heartbroken with you and for you. No words will ever be adequate. Know we loved Widget and we care.
You have crossed the rainbow bridge by now and settled in so it is time for you to get things in order to your liking there. Use those ‘woos’ of your to establish order. Rest in peace feisty girl.
I am so sorry to hear this news..there are no words to describe that empty feeling when they leave your life and move to rainbow ridge. We lost 2 this year one 15yr old to lymphoma and one
17 yr old to just old age. My vet said you kept them alive much longer with your love and care. I
think that applies to Widget – she responded to your loving care and stayed as long as she could.
She will be missed but her memories will remain. Hugs and love to both of you. Time does
remove some of the rough edges 🙂 take care.
My heart is breaking for you and Alayne and tears are flowing. You gave Widget such a wonderful life and did everything you could to make her comfortable. You have so many very wonderful memories that you will smile about. One thing is for sure…Widget knew how loved she was. She’s running at the Rainbow Bridge with all her friends from RDF who have gone before her. Rest In Peace sweet Widget and hugs to you and Alayne.
As you hold each other in comfort, remember that we all are hugging you to help you through this hard time. We all have so enjoyed Widget and her escapades. You did so much for her and she gave you her all. Having lost some of my furbabies in the past i know the pain and suffering you are going through. Just remember you gave her your all……she loved you for it…..and we are all here for you.
I post this quote when we lost our Lab in 2012. They seem to have been written with Widget in mind too. “God sat down for a moment when the dog was finished in order to watch it…and to know that it was good, that nothing was lacking, that it could not have been made better.” So very sorry for your loss. She was indeed, quite a character!
Widget- So beloved from afar… we all knew you so well that our hearts ache for you all.
There are truly no words… just know we’ve all been SO touched by Miss Widge. I’m sure she has been a lightning rod for many good things for both RDR & RDF that ultimately helped so many others. Wishing you all the transition from aches in your heart to only happy memories, so many with such a truly special girl. So terribly sorry to lose Widget.
Sad and happy tears. Sad for your loss and happy that Widget had the love and lifestyle she never would have had without you. Lucky Widget for your love and lucky you for having her in your life!
Sending prayers and peace to you guys. Widget was an extra special girl who changed the course of your life in her own ways. Remember all the wonderful moments and celebrate all of the wonderful days you gave her because without you she wouldn’t have had all of them. I lost two of my seniors 7 weeks apart this year so I know the pain but I am also learning to be thankful for the life I was able to share with them, knowing that they wouldn’t have had it without me. I was blessed even though I only had 17 months and just over 3 years with my two seniors, just like you guys were blessed with your time with her.
Oh, this is heartbreaking news. I’s so very sorry – you can never be prepared for such a great loss 🙁 Godspeed, dear Widget.
Woo-woo little girl woo-woo.
I’m so so sorry!!! Widget truly was the heart and soul of RDF!!! I’m so glad I was able to meet her in MT and visit in NH!! When you lose a dog with that much personality, it’s definitely much more noticeably and harder when they are gone!! Big hugs to you both!! You both are truly amazing! Widget did good training you 🙂
My heartfelt sympathies to you for your loss. My heart is broken for you. Widget was one in a million. Please know I am keeping you in my thoughts.
Dang! Thanks for sharing, Steve. I’m crying too.
Mike
I am so very sorry. My heart is breaking for you. Rest easy, Widget.
Widget gave me the strength to authorize my dachshund, Heidi’s enucleation due to glaucoma back in March. Heidi’s quality of life has multiplied several times over and I will always be indebted to Widget (and the RDF) for it.
Thank you Widget, we love you very much,
Love Hillary, Mike, Heidi and Brownie.
Such a sad moment for the two of you, but what a true blessing you had a chance to love and spoil her all this time. WooWoo to you Widget may the stars carry you to the field where you can run and play and be free of any pain. WooWoo old girl you were so loved by so many
I echo everyone’s words and feelings. Sending you love, hugs, and a check in Widget’s memory.
bye sweet widget – you will never be forgotten
Thank you for sharing Widget’s heartwarming story. My thoughts and prayers to you and I hope that you find comfort in all the happy memories with her. I love her “camping out” photo – she evidently thrived in all the care and love you provided for her. She will always be remembered.
I will always remember Widget under the tree looking up at the heavens. And it always made me think that she was thanking God for giving her another chance and perhaps he in return was telling her it wasn’t her time yet as she had a job to do here on earth.
God bless you little Widget. And God bless both of you for trying everything to save her life.
Sad and happy tears as I read about Miss Widget. What a wonderful life she had with you and how she blessed your lives and our lives as readers. RIP Miss Widget and run free and long and lots of Wooing.
may she r.i.p. she sure gave it a good fight.
you both have the biggest hearts hugs
Oh, Steve and Alayne, I’m SO very sorry. We met Widget when we came to visit the ranch in Missoula several years ago. We know how very special she was to you. She was so very lucky to have you in her life. And you were so very lucky to have her in yours. My sincere condolences.
I am so sorry for your loss. Widget was a special girl.
Oh Widgie-woo, how we will all miss you! Wonderful tribute Steve. Do you know, I completely forgot she was blind? I mean I knew, but her large personality so overshadowed her disability that I simply forgot. A great tribute to the wonderful work you and Alayne do. XO
This really hurts.
Dear Alayne & Steve, I’m so, so very sorry for your loss! We all know how special Widget was to you both.
“She was living her life the way she wanted to, right up until the end”: how many people or animals are so lucky?
Light be the earth upon you, Widget…
Widget, was a very lucky, beautiful little girl to have known your love and care for her. This special silly little soul has touched so very many hearts. Fans of Widget and of Rolling Dog’s Farm’s occupants. I am so sorry “the little BOSS” is gone….perhaps Widget’s talents were needed more to help at the Rainbow Bridge. Thank you, for loving & caring for this wonderful little girl.
What sad news, but what great memories. So sorry for your loss.
Widget fought the good fight and, as a final contribution, helped researchers on a radiation trial to try and find a cure for lymphoma. It doesn’t get any more noble then that. RIP sweet girl.
Had to read this, then come back to it. Heaven is a richer place with a little Beagle with a big Wooo-wooooo. My heart goes out to you and Alayne, it is so hard to lose any of our furkids, especially the very special ones. And Widget was special. So very sorry for your loss…….and ours. Will miss the Widget, queen of the castle, stories.
I feel so sad about Widget’s passing. But I remember the two times we visited the Farm and what a special, happy dog she was. And how she and other dogs like her are very lucky to have you two with a place like Rolling Dog Farm to live and enjoy life. Best Wishes>
I have watched with much enthusiasm, the antics of Widget and her amazing tales. She was a beagle that personified “beagleness” to the extreme. With baited breath I would open your blog posts recently, wondering if today would be the day that I knew was near…..today was that day and my heart breaks for you both and also rejoices in knowing that dogs have a place like yours where they can get to be dogs and the care that they need when needed……Another Angel watching over us is not a bad thing and I am sure Widget has managed to find a cloud that suits her needs just fine…My heartfelt condolences to you both.
Godspeed, Miss Widget. You are loved.
Steve & Alayne, words cannot express how sorry I am for the tremendous loss of Widget. She was an amazing gal with a larger than life personality and truly the star of Rolling Dog Ranch/Farm. I will never forget my first visit to the ranch, I was filling up a water bucket and Widget came marching over to investigate, she stood up, paws on the bucket, head inside… I seriously questioned that she was blind. But later observed evidence that she was indeed blind… I know first hand how much you both truly love these animals and I its a blessing to future animals in need that you keep doing what you do, despite experiencing such loss. I am so happy to hear that even in her final months, weeks and days she was her happy self. Thank you for sharing your memories of Widget over the years on the blog and for giving her such a loving home where she could be Queen. You both are amazing. I am typing this through tears, at my desk at work, BIG hugs to the both of you.
Why is it that even though we understand the meaning of terminal illness, we are still so shocked when it finally comes true? Tears shed, sadness felt. Cyber hugs to you both. Best wishes to you Widget for a beautiful and healthy new journey. Woo-woo old girl. Blessings.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of sweet Widget. You guys will be in my thoughts and prayers!
As much as we love, we are enriched, yet, as much as we love, we lose. So very sorry for the loss of your precious one. My thoughts are with you both.
You gave Widget everything a dog could want, and then some. I’m so sorry she’s gone, but I’m glad she left the world with dignity and grace. The farm & all residents are in our thoughts.
The post I was so afraid of reading, but knew I would have to someday. It’s always too soon, isn’t it. She had an absolute BALL with you guys, you gave her a fanTAStic life filled with love and care, and she repaid you in kind as they always do. Know you’ll always miss her, as we will – she was THE Rolling Dog! But there are always new little personalities to take our minds off things – take time to mourn if and when needed, and as always – be kind to yourselves. You deserve it. Love and hugs to you all from the freezing South!!
Rest in Peace Widget. Your best years were at the Ranch and then the Farm.
My heartfelt condolences. It’s the end of an era. I always looked forward to Widget stories!
Condolences to you and Alayne. Tears streaming down my face as well. RIP Widget – you were such a wonderful, well loved character.
I am so so sorry. It’s terribly hard losing someone that you love so much. The one thing that I think about is though, she knew such love with you two and had the best life ever!
I choked up as soon as I saw the title of this blog in my mail… so sorry for your loss, so happy for all your years with Widget <3
Sorry it’s taken me this long to be able to express the grief I felt at your loss of Widget. I feel close to all of the animals you feature in your blogs and feel the loss when you lose one of them. But I have an especially soft spot for beagles and I loved the Widget. Friends I tell about you and your work there don’t understand how you two can do it. The love you got from Widget and were able to give to her in return I know makes it all worth it.
I have been bracing myself for this news, as perhaps you and Alayne have too.
A huge loss for you guys but so many lessons in love, what a beautiful gift of life Widget was to you?.to us?.
My deepest condolences?.we will miss Widget
immensely. Thank you for taking incredible care of
her, right up to the end.
“Memories”
Is it you I hear whistling or the wind
rustling through the wildflowers of my heart
wishing yesterday was never gone and…
the song I cling to never had to end.
Are the blackbirds following migration
routes home for the night or expectations
that believe what they know to be true in flight–
the safest escape from broken daylight.
That’s how I feel anyway. That’s why
I return to your favorite tree in the yard, not to cry,
that wouldn’t do any good anymore.
While the twilight becomes immutable,
I scan the landscape of my past for you,
imagine it is your shadow not my
lost, lonely heart begging for more Widget
“woo-woo’s” on high.
I am sooo sorry to hear about the loss of Widget. So happy she had a wonderful life with you both at the ranch and farm. Always enjoyed reading about her antics.
Along with all of the others, I just wanted to say my prayers are with you guys…I remember when Widget came to you, and fell in love just like everyone else did with that so cute little doggie…I am sure you will see Widget again…sure she is waiting at the bridge…as always, thank you guys for all you do and have done for these babies…it has to be the toughest job you’ll ever love…xoxo Jo
Words always fail at times like these. Please know your readers would gladly take the heaviness from your hearts, were it possible. So grateful her seriously ill time was short and her suffering was so minimal. This is the good-bye we all wish for with our animals, when the sad reality of their short time with us becomes all too real.
Oh, No! Oh, No! Oh, No!
I hadn’t checked the site in a bit. I was so sadden to read the story of Widget. Thank you for doing all you could to keep her happy and pain free. RIP Widget.
I haven’t read your blog for awhile because I didn’t want to see that Widget had passed. I am so glad that she had you all these years. Her life is an inspiration to all of us. I am pleased that I had the pleasure of meeting her when you were in MT. God bless you for all you have done. May God give you peace. Please know that I care very much.