My family’s beloved 13 1/2 year-old dog passed away last week. He was amazing and awesome and truly the best dog in the whole world. I’m posting in part just to share pictures of THE BEST DOG IN THE WHOLE WORLD 😀 and also to let you know why I’ve been a bit MIA lately. Between caring for my dog before he died, helping my kids deal with it (we had the dog before they were born), Easter, spring break, and my approaching deadline for my next book, I decided to take some time off from blogging, Twitter, and Facebook. But it’s time to poke my head up again and see what everyone’s up to. I hope you are all enjoying the beginning of spring!
Later today, I’m going to do a final wrap up/thank you post to all of my terrific guest bloggers who participated in the New Adult Guest Blog Series. Then tomorrow, I’m going to introduce the next series: Spring Into Summer Romance. This was a fun, popular series last year and I think it will be again this year. Not only do I have some great guest bloggers lined up, but I’m going to be adding my own giveaways. Stay tuned for more details, but in a nutshell, my bookshelves are bursting and I love the idea of sharing books. If you live in the U.S., you’ll have a chance to win your choice of one new, print book from my giveaway list during each “Spring Into Summer” guest blog post.
Pets teach us as much as we teach them
From 101 Uses for a Lab:
#98 “Take kindly the counsel of the years gracefully surrendering the things of youth.”
#101 “You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars…”
#82 “Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence.”
Clipper, no dog will be more missed than you!!! 😦
If any of you have pets, give them a big hug and a bowl full of treats today!
JILL ARCHER 
Jill, I am so, so sorry. I feel your pain. I’ve lost 4 out of my 5 pets (2 cats, 2 dogs to old age in the last two years.) Hugs to you and your family.
Hi Casey– Losing four in two years would be very hard. I’m sure you’re a great pet owner though so (even though we can never truly replace them), I hope you have plans to grow your four-legged family at some point in the future. Thanks for the kind words.
Hi Jill, I’m so sorry for your loss. The hardest death I’ve endured was that of our dog. I think it’s because they never “grow up”–in our minds they are always our babies. My friends and I have found a way to honor our beloved pets who pass on…we name our cars after them…and race them. 🙂 If you care to, take a peek at http://www.deadpetsracing.com
All the best,
JM
Hi Mark– If only I had a race car! When Clipper was young he used to go everywhere with us. I think he’d like the idea of a race car named after him. 😀
His death wasn’t the hardest I’ve had to face, but it was tough. But we had many wonderful years with him. His life was full and happy. Thanks for the nice comment.
The lost of a beloved pet it so hard. Just remember that he’s no longer in pain or suffering. Sending hugs and prayers of peace.
Hi Mary, I agree. It’s selfish to wish that he could stay with us after the point when he was happy and comfortable. And 13 1/2 years! We were very lucky to have had such a long time with him. Thank you for the kind thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for you and your family’s loss, Jill! My first furry baby is getting up in years and I rue that final day. Sending digital hugs your way. Peace!
Thanks, Megan. I’m sure you have many more wonderful fur-filled years to look forward to. Letting them go is hard, but not having them in our lives would be worse.
Totally agree!
I’m sorry to hear that. Clipper looks like a wonderful and lovable dog. A friend gave me a Jap spitz dog last Feb and I love her immediately.
Hi Monica, Clipper was a good boy– wonderful and lovable. 🙂 I just looked up the Japanese Spitz because I couldn’t remember what they looked like. Adorable! I’ll bet you loved her immediately. Have fun with her. Thanks for the thoughtful comment.
Oh, he was so cute!
So sad! Over the years, we’ve lost a number of pets, and it never gets easier. I cry each time. *Hugs* to you and your family.
Hi Stacey– Clippy was like a big brown teddy bear, a real cutie pie. 🙂 Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures.
Clipper was a beautiful dog. I know he was lucky to be so loved. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Hi Brinda, thanks for the nice words about Clipper. He had a great life, which makes it a little bit easier to let him go.
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