Thursday, June 9, 2011

Bully's at Peace

We lost our beloved Bully yesterday. Besides his heart problems he developed diabetes and a tumor in his abdomen. When he awakened yesterday his breathing was labored. He's at peace now - behind the barn with our other pets from over the years. He's with Waylon and Bilbo and Fuggles and Sylvester and they're all probably having a good romp in the pasture.


I ran Jake into town late in the morning and when I came back, I cried and cried. For the 1st time in 11 years, Bully wasn't there to bounce up and down and be excited because I came home.
I really miss him. Wherever I was, he was.


Spike's a comfort even though he's not Bully. He senses when we're sad and comes and wants to be cuddled. Or tries to chew on us. Here is his playpen - he made it himself. He drags all of his toys behind my chair and muddles them. He doesn't really tear them up, just mouths them.


And when I get really sad, I sit and stitch. This is a santa I'm working on for a Quiltmania Christmas issue. Chistmas is homey and makes me smile and think of things for my grandkids. Bully had a good, good life and none of us can live forever. He was my friend and I will miss him.
at

37 comments:

  1. Minick and SimpsonJune 9, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    Jan
    Oh I am so sorry, I am so grateful you have your baby - and yes he is not Bully and will not be Bully - but I am happy you have him. And Bully lived a long for a Bulldog - you loved him and he loved you - not much better than that. But I know your pain.
    Hang in there
    Polly

    ReplyDelete
  2. SunnybecJune 9, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    I am so sorry to hear your news. It is always sad to lose a much loved pet. I am preparing myself for the inevitable, one of my dogs was 18 in April, so every day we still have her with us is a bonus. Bully had a happy life with you, a lot of dogs don't. Hugs Linda x

    ReplyDelete
  3. QpatchesJune 9, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    Oh I am so sorry to hear that, it is so hard to loose our precious pets. My son's dog of 17yrs left us this year. BUT it is nice to know he is not suffering and if there is a doggy heaven, is romping with the others there.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJune 9, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    Jan, I am sorry to hear Bully is gone. It's never easy losing a pet, we love them so much.Bully loved you as much as you loved him and I am sure he is sorry he is making you sad.
    I love Spikes playpen idea.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Seth, Sarah and the kidsJune 9, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    So sorry Jan. Time is the only thing that can heal the ache you feel. I'm just so glad you have so many great memories of Bully!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJune 9, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    Jan, I am so sorry to hear about Bully. We have four bulldogs and I know how much these bullies build a place in your heart and life. There's no dog like a bulldog. Bully will live forever in your memories!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Linda, NE IowaJune 9, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    How blessed both you and Bully were to have had each other. It just breaks the hearts of animal lovers when they hear of the death of a dear pet. I'm glad you have Spike to keep you company.

    ReplyDelete
  8. my happy bluebirdJune 9, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    Hugs...I understand...

    ReplyDelete
  9. Nancy in MTJune 9, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    Oh Jan, I'm so sorry to hear about Bully, know that he is waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge.
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  10. Vicki BJune 9, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    Sucks, doesn't it!? A bit of my heart is with you. Your baby is lovely and I love his 'crib'. Do take care.

    ReplyDelete
  11. EileenJune 9, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    I'm sorry you lost your loving pet. They become so much a part of us. We bond so strongly to them and they provide us so much comfort. He was a blessing to you and you were lucky to have him for as long as you did. Eileen

    ReplyDelete
  12. WoolenSailsJune 9, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    I am so sorry about Bully, they do touch our hearts.
    Stitching certainly soothes the soul and love the piece you are working on, I do get their special issues for christmas.

    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownJune 9, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet hurts. They become like children. Stitching has always helped me work through grief so I'm glad you have a bit of it to do.
    HUGS

    ReplyDelete
  14. Laurie in IowaJune 9, 2011 at 6:20 PM

    I am so sorry your lost your sweet Bully. I do understand your pain.

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnnaJune 9, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    Bully will always be lurking around in the corners of your heart....

    ReplyDelete
  16. LaurieJune 9, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    there's nothing like the love of a good dog. God's peace be with you friend :(

    laurie

    ReplyDelete
  17. The Civil War QuilterJune 9, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    Sorry for your loss. Bully looked like a good ol' boy and I know you'll miss him. Funny how a dog can fill a house and your heart, but they definitely do. Give it time and little by little Spike will fill that big old hole in your life that Bully left. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  18. TinaJune 9, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Oh no! I am so sorry for your loss - Bully was a beautiful dog and I just loved the pictures you shared. There are no words to really express my sadness for his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  19. MelodyJune 9, 2011 at 11:34 PM

    Vale, sweet Bully. Many hugs to you.

    ReplyDelete
  20. LoriJune 10, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    I'm so sorry. It is so hard to lose a pet.

    ReplyDelete
  21. annJune 10, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    So sorry for your loss. Reading your post this morning put tears in my eyes. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  22. farmgalJune 10, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    I understand your pain. So very sorry for your loss. God Bless You.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Patty ♣June 10, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    Mom and daddy had two English Bulldogs, Chester and Winifred... I have tears for you! In your previous pictures Bully looked like he loved being in your family! So glad he had a really nice life! Blessings of joyful memories and comfort to you.

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnonymousJune 10, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    I am so sorry to read about your beloved Bully. Our pets ARE our family and its so hard to lose them. Bully will always be in your heart and in your memories. Treasure that.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Jan PATEKJune 10, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Thanks to all of you for your comments. They do help. And tonight when Spike and I went on our walk Bully came with us in spirit. He will always be part of our family. Hugs. Jan

    ReplyDelete
  26. LorisJune 10, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    OH sweet Bully. Thank you for taking such good care of him. I hope you are comforted by all the wonderful memories with him. Love to dear Spike..he is stepping up to his new 'responsibilities' very well.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Zulú and CoJune 11, 2011 at 1:57 AM

    I'm so sorry
    Hughs
    M.

    ReplyDelete
  28. antique quilterJune 11, 2011 at 3:53 AM

    jan I am so sorry to hear about Bully. OUr pets become such a part of our family. treasure those memories and know that you gave him such a wonderful home
    kathie

    ReplyDelete
  29. Kathy HJune 11, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    I am sorry to hear about Bully. We love our pets so much and they love us back even more. We lost our dog a few months ago and it was so sad but now we are warmed by fun memories. I know you will be too.

    ReplyDelete
  30. LunedJune 11, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    So sorry. Losing a pet is so very sad. Hope the stitching comforts you.

    ReplyDelete
  31. BelénJune 11, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    Lo siento, se les echa de menos.
    Un beso

    ReplyDelete
  32. MargeJune 11, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    I'm sending positive thoughts your way. As a fellow dog owner and lover, I know how the loss of a faithful companion touches one's heart.

    ReplyDelete
  33. CarolJune 11, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    Hugs to you, Jan.
    My first dog was Smoothie, a bulldog that could have been Bully's twin. I've had many dogs through the years, but Smoothie was really something special.
    I hope that Spike will remind you of the good times with Bully, and touch your heart with his own unique ways.
    I'm taking it a day at a time now with my own sweet Wiley dog, a yellow lab/corgie mix, who just turned 18.
    Sending hugs across the miles in hopes of easing your pain.
    Carol

    ReplyDelete
  34. AnonymousJune 11, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    I am so, so sorry. Bully was adorable. I just lost my Chloe a few weeks ago and I totally understand. It is so hard missing them, and while I love my other two dogs, they aren't Chloe. Take care, Colleen

    ReplyDelete
  35. SherryJune 11, 2011 at 10:17 PM

    Jan, so sorry to read this news!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Catty WampusJune 13, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    Dear Jan; I am so sorry. I lost my sweet bully Niles two years ago; I still miss him. I have three others, but it isn't the same. I know how hard it is for you. It is too bad that they don't live longer. I would give my all if we never had to lose them, they give us so much. My Murphy will be 10 next month; his brother died at 9 and a half; so I pray for longer; but its never long enough. Your Bully had the best life though; he had loving parents and friends; he was adored and spoiled. He will be awaiting you one day this I know. All my love to you and your family for the loss of such a sweet beloved boy. I can't stop crying now for him myself.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Michele BilyeuJune 14, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    Many, many prayers and blessings for the wonderful days you spent with this precious little best friend. The heartbreak of losing a beloved pet is beyond description but I know those feelings and that special place for those dear little final resting spots, so very well. Big hug to you and may the remembrances replace the loss ...bit by bit and day by day.

    ReplyDelete