On Saturday my sister’s dog passed away. He was 15, so it wasn’t a complete surprise, but I don’t think anyone expected that by the end of the weekend he would no longer be here. When her other dog Jake passed away, I wrote a tribute to him, so I wanted to do the same for little Wolf.
Wolf,
I tear up each time I say your name and now, writing it, I’m crying, because writing to you makes it seem really official. You’re gone. I won’t have a chance to hold you or smell your breath as you lick my nose. I won’t see you curled up in a ball on your bed or feel your sleek body beneath a blanket when I check to see if you’re there. I won’t feel you, warm and solid for such a little guy, on my lap.
Fifteen years ago I met you for the first time. You were just a tiny puppy and I held you in the palm of my hand. You were so quiet and still that I hoped you were still breathing (you were!) and I hoped you would be the dog they would take home. I was so happy when you were! Somehow, I expected you to remember me a couple months later when they brought you home. You didn’t, but I don’t think it took long for the two of us to become buds. I loved visiting them and having a chance to play with you. I loved when they went on vacation and left you with me.
I wasn’t sure about your name when they told me. Wolf. For a tiny little doxie. But Wolf turned out to be the perfect name for you. What you lacked in size, you made up for in spunk and fearlessness. Your personality was larger than life.
I was asked what one of my favorite memories of you is. The first time I met you is definitely one, but as I tried to think of another so many went through my mind. I have 15 years worth of memories with you, little guy. How can I choose a fave? But a memorable one–one that I think of often–came to mind. It always makes me giggle. I was sitting on the couch eating a sandwich and at one point I took a bite and saw you taking a bite of the other end.
And then there was the time that I took Little One to her new vet and when I was asked how I heard about their clinic I said, “My sister brings her dog here.” They asked what your name was and I said, “He’s a miniature dachshund. His name is Wolf…” and I was about to say your last name, but the vet smiled and nodded. “Oh yeah, I know Wolf.”
You weren’t always a fan of new people, you had your people and they were all you needed. And those who were lucky enough to be on your list of humans… you loved them deeply.
So thank you, sweet Wolf, for being a wonderful companion to my sister. Thank you for following suit with my niece. Thank you for being a constant and faithful presence for their family for the last fifteen years. And thank you for being there for the rest of us too. It was a joy to watch you grow. You were a source of comfort, a fun pup to play with, and the best “canine nephew” that I could ask for.
I love you and I’ll miss you.
Crystal
ps – Wolf took over the blog one day and wrote for an edition of Little One’s Adventures.
I’m sorry for your loss! Wolf sounds like a really special dog. What a beautiful tribute.
This is so sweet and I know losing a family member is tough, but hang in there. Always remember Wolf would want your sister to give another dog the love he felt from all of you! He is now free to run, play with Jake and live without any pain. My heart goes out to you during these tough moments.
awwww. 15 is a good age. My doggie was only 9 and it was a shock. It broke my heart. Hugs to you xx
This is a beautiful tribute to Wolf. I am also a dachshund person, too, and love the sweet photo as well. Sending many comforting thoughts to your sister and family at this time! It sounds like Wolf had a wonderful, much loved life with them.
This actually made me tear up!
I’m sorry for your family’s loss, he sounds like he was a wonderful dog. There’s something about a Doxie’s spirit that always seems to live on
I am so sorry to hear about this. What a beautiful tribute.
Oh I am so sorry for your loss.:( It is so hard to lose a beloved animal that you were so close to. I wish you and your sister peace.
You wrote a beautiful tribute.
I am so sorry for your and your sisters loss. Loosing a beloved pet is never an easy thing but your letter to him was a very sweet way to send him off.
Oh man, this makes me cry. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss and I’ll be thinking of you and keeping Wolf in my thoughts too.
I am so very sorry, Crystal! What a sweetheart Wolf is! Sounds like he had a wonderful fulfilled life! Hugs xxx
What a great tribute. Dog do hold such a special place in our hearts! Sorry for the loss of such a special friend.
Animals are such a blessing and quickly become a part of our families, but the saying good-bye part is never easy. When it hurts, that means it was a really special relationship! Hugs!
I am so sorry! It’s so sad to lose a pet. Praying for yall
Awwww, this post totally breaks my heart š I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. Wolf sounds like the sweetest little pup ever and I love all these wonderful memories you share here (especially the one about the sandwich). It helps to hold on to those, though I know saying goodbye is the hardest part. Thinking about you and your family. XOXO
This is awful. I hate when pets pass on because it’s just so sad. The great thing though, is that he went knowing how much he was loved. And really, that’s all any of us want at the end. Hugs!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Our dogs really become a part of our families. My niece’s dog died a few years ago and we were all devastated.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
Crystal, this is a beautiful tribute to Wolf. I know how much you and your family loved him, and of course, he knew it too. ā„ What a sweet little puppy he was–when not being a ferocious beast, of course! I will miss the pictures of him cuddled into a round ball in his bed. But I’m happy for you and your family that he lived a good, long life.
Sorry for your loss, Cyrstal. *big bear hug*