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rest in peace my sweet Mico

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This was a post I never wanted to write. And I almost didn’t. For many reasons I can’t really put my finger on I have been feeling increasingly private of late, hence the lack of posting, but I know that many of you have tuned in over the years as much to see pictures of our girls as you ever did to see the DIY. And I can’t say as I blame you. You are clearly very smart people. 🙂

Mico was always excellent at making it easy for me to combine the two into one shot.

mico-on-trim

Sadly, one week ago our sweet Mico passed away. We are very thankful that it was quick and as peaceful as possible. Throughout the night on Tuesday she was panting, more so than normal. This girl was always so happy and bounding with energy that panting was a pretty constant state of being for her. We always joked that she was never going to sneak up on anyone, her excitement and enthusiasm always lead her way. But something was just a little off that night so we decided I would bring her with me to a vet appointment we already had scheduled for Marley first thing Wednesday morning.

Joel helped me load the girls into the car before heading off to work and our sweet baby was gone by the time we arrived.

mico-sunroof

She truly had a smile on her face until the very end. She didn’t need a doctor to take any more blood or do any more tests and she took away the need for us to make any heartbreaking decisions about her life. She knew it was her time.

She was a wonderful dog and the best companion to us for over 13 years. We picked her out when she was just a month old, the only short-hair, all black female in the litter. She spent some time in the pound before we could bring her home and we always said that gave her a little edge.

marley-mico-day-one

She was fiercely loyal to both Joel and I, never wanted to be anywhere but right there with us and anything in the world we wanted to do with her she thought was the Best. Idea. Ever.

mico-eyes

Over the years she survived a tumor removal, splenectomy and arthritis, her medication routine had become a process in and of itself. She was born in Indianapolis, and from the very first night we brought her home, about one year after Marley, she slept in bed with us. Most nights on the pillow above my head (we had an abnormally long mattress), unless it was too cold then she was nestled under the covers. She could never be too close. And that was just fine with me.

mico-snuggling

You completed our pack when you joined our family my sweet Mico. You instantly gave us spunk and street cred. I think you loved me more than anything in the whole wide world, yet somehow I know you had a way of making Joel feel the exact same way. Your love was unconditional and your smile contageous. You gave us more than we could have ever imagined. We were lucky to be your humans. Rest peacefully my sweets.

cross-grave

joel-grave

ps. I’ve posted more than is probably normal about our sweet girls over the years. To see some of the projects and adorable dog pictures you may have missed check out these early posts. Here, here, here and here. And so many more here. And a scroll through my Instagram feed might just be cute old lady dog overload.

pps. Marley is doing just fine. She is 14 and definitely has old lady moments, and I’m pretty sure she’s sick of all of the extra attention, but she continues to nap through the day and enjoy a slow, short stroll in the evening.

Comments

  1. I’m so sorry Karah! Sounds like she lives a dogs life and I’m sure she’s panting while looking down on you right now.

  2. Oh Karah and Joel I am so sorry! I know this feeling oh too well and know nothing takes that hurt away! Just wanted you to know I’m thinking about you all and I know a few friends Mico’s hanging with right now!

  3. So sorry for your loss. On the 7th of this month, we remembered our Sam who passed last year at 12 1/2!

  4. Oh Karah – I’m so sorry about Mico! I truly know your pain! I had to put my Sissy girl down just last week and it felt like someone punched me in the gut! None of the cliches that people will say to you mean anything….oh, she lived a good life….she’s not in any more pain….be so thankful you had the time with her…..Just makes me want to scream sometime! I know it’s all meant well but really all you want is your beautiful little cat or dog back! So I won’t give you any cliches. Just know that I”m thinking about you and sharing your loss!
    Jaye

    • Oh no, I am so sorry for your loss. It is impossible to describe the grief. Thank you so much for the comment, Jaye!

    • OMG I totally understand that feeling of wanting my dog back. I seriously believe I will never choose euthanasia for my pet again, but bring them home to pass away naturally. I vaguely remember screaming that I wanted my dog back now.

  5. Karah, I was so saddened to hear about Mico’s passing. We went through it twice in span of 10 months and it is just so hard. I hope that you can find some comfort in all the people who will post, it doesn’t make it that much easier, but, to know there are people that may not know you personally, but who still have your back and are willing to be here and listen. There is something comforting about that. Hugs, thoughts and prayers for you and Joel & Marley.

    • Thank you so much, Erin. And I am so sorry for your losses, we are keeping a close eye on Marley, it is definitely an adjustment for all of us.

  6. Oh, sweet Karah, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Our furbabies will always hold a special place in our hearts. It is so great the Mico was able to enjoy such a long and loving life with y’all. God bless y’all in your time of grief.

  7. Ugh! I’m so sorry about Mico. There are never any words that can ease the pain of that loss. I know she will be missed beyond measure. Much love from across the miles. ~Ally

  8. I’m so, SO sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you. I lost my sweet Lucy in 2014, and just yesterday, one of our rescue pups in foster passed away. It never gets easier, but know that she KNEW she was loved, and is waiting for you in an amazing place now, where she never has to hurt again.

    Many teary hugs for you and Joel.

    • I am so sorry for your recent losses. I do have peace in knowing that she had a great life, and she knew it. 🙂 And her pain is gone. Thank you Julie!

  9. I understand this all too well. We lost our elderly black dog in February. Our elder dachshund lady continues on, though she sleeps more than anything else these days. We still have a pack of 3 but every one is precious.

    And yes, it’s a dog’s gift to make all members of their pack, even the humans, feel supremely loved. We are so lucky to have them in our lives.

    Much love.

    • I can relate to the extra napping, Marley sleeps so soundly, it is adorable. Thank you for the comment!!

      • We always have a “herd” with 3, staggered ages. Cache (our late boy) was 15 this year, Carrie (elder dachshund) is 13, and Catie (doxie mix) is 6. After we lost Cache in February, Catie started to get as somnolent as Carrie – not good for a 6 year old! We thought about it for several months, and kept our eyes on local rescue groups. Catie’s a VERY submissive dog, so we didn’t want a larger dog that would overlord on her.

        In June, we found a new pup – a 6 month old tiny chiweenie. She’s very feisty, but small enough (7 lounds! and hasn’t grown!) that she can’t bully Catie too much. Now, Catie & Peggy play non-stop, and Catie’s more fit than she’s been in years!

        I never want to be dogless, truly. They make me laugh, they love unreservedly. And being mostly housebound, they keep me going.

  10. She was so lucky to have you! I’m sure she is playing with some of our friends from the past. Love you!

  11. Kara, I’m so sorry to hear of your dear Mico, and although I don’t know you or the girls, I have tears hearing about her passing. It’s so hard to lose our dear fur babies and I still cry over ones that I lost many years ago. Again, my deepest sympathies to you.

  12. I am so sorry to hear about your dear Mico. Animals are such big parts of our lives, they always give us unconditional love. Hugs to all of you xoxo

  13. Oh Karah, I am so very sorry for your loss. I think you have to be a pet parent to feel that horrible hole that their passing leaves. It’s so hard to lose a member of your family but stop and think of the wonderful memories you have in these coming days. It will help sooth your heart. xo Julie

  15. I’m so so sorry for your loss….I say nothing more because words can’t express my sadness

  17. Hi! Karah! I am so very sorry for your loss. I am crying as I type this! Thank you for sharing. I have been searching Instragram for news from you lately. I have been thinking about you a lot, as we are moving with our two fur babies, but only across the country, not around the world. I will give our Trey and Bella and extra hug this morning, and think of you. Know that there are many families with pet children who feel your loss!

  18. Oh Karah, my heart is breaking. I don’t know you and I’m sobbing. Your tribute to Mico is beautiful and so heartfelt. When I first discovered your blog it was so obvious that if you weren’t using it to showcase your home(s) and creativity, you would happily have been a dog blogger! Your devotion to making them as happy as they’ve made you has been so moving. Be well.

  19. Sorry for your loss. These animals make it so easy for us to love them and mega hard to let them go. What a lucky puppy to have you. Xx

  20. Dear Karah….I am so very sorry for the great loss of Mico….I feel as though I have lost someone close as I adored her through your blog…My heart is broken and I cannot imagine what you have gone through. Precious pets are just not here on earth long enough…Rest in peace sweet Mico. Again, I am so, so very sorry for the passing of Mico…

  21. So sorry for your loss. Animals really do round out a family and Mico seems to have been a very loved member of your family. The best compliment on a life well lived is heartbreak in those left to mourn. She obviously was a GOOD DOG!

  22. Such a sad day for you both, and so sorry for your loss. Our dogs can truly be our best friends, loyal family, and lovable playmates every day ~ and there is such a void when they are gone. The memories remain, so think of Mico on her happiest day. Hugs to all ~ both the two-legged and four-legged folks in the space between. Bwg ~~~

  23. Oh Karah, I’m so sorry. Losing a beloved pet is so heartbreaking. What a dignified and graceful way that Mico passed. Although it might not lessen the ache, know that we all share your pain. Wishing you better days and happy memories.

  24. Sorry for your lost….

    RainbowBridge.com
    Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
    When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

    All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

    They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

    You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

    Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

    Author unknown…

  25. Oh, Karah, I was so heartbroken to read about your sweet Mico.We went through the pain of losing our sweet Miniature Schnauzer, Lily, and it hurt so badly I think I still haven’t fully recovered from it. I did blog about her which helped a little. We spread her ashes in all of our back yard in a small ceremony because she was always “on patrol” in that yard.

    May peace be with you.

  26. My heart breaks for you I know the pain of losing such a good friend I had the pleasure of a constant companion for 16 years it was very sad when she passed. My other dog hated to be alone after. Hope Marley does well
    go Patriots ?

  27. even though we know when they come into our families that we will likely outlive them, it is something you just can’t really prepare for. Thanks for sharing so much of your life including the painful moments that we all have in common.

  28. Karah and Joel, my heart aches for you both. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing this very personal time with us. I am one of your faithful readers who loved the pictures of your girls. Always present in all stages of your lives. Always caring and loving, the girls. Take care and share when you can.

  29. I remember you posting about a lady saying your dogs looked happy or loved. There someone posted a comment with the above poem Rainbow Bridge and another that you should go back and read. May you find comfort in knowing we are all so sorry for the loss of her companionship and utter devotion to you and Joel. You will see her again. Hugs.

  30. My best wishes – I know you were a good family for a loving dog, you made her life a good one. Keep on loving.
    😉

  31. Dear Karah and Joel,
    I’m so very sorry for your tough loss, so painful. I remember your wonderful pictures of her and how she was always with you.
    You wish they could be there always.
    Anne

  32. Dear Karah,
    I know that kind of loss so well and I am so sorry to read this post. I have always loved the way your girls are a part of your blog and diy journey. I know your days and nights seem a little emptier now. So glad you had her and loved her well. She loved you well, too.
    Sending love and hugs,
    Heidi

  33. Karah,

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how important your pets are to you – they’re family, after all. And I know how difficult it is to lose a furry family member. I’ve loved all your dog and dog-related posts over the years, and cried through this beautiful tribute to Mico. Sending a big hug and pet to Marley!

  34. Condolensces, to you and Joel, Karah. We lost our sweet Beans the next day and the hurt is still fresh for us too. Beans was much like Mico to us. She was born in our house. She was the only survivor of her 7 pup litter when Parvo decided to visit our home when the pups were about 6 months old. We called our Beans our miracle puppy. She was always protective of us, smiled at us constantly, and loved to chase the “red dot” (lazer pointer) on the floor. We miss her as much as I’m sure you miss your Mico. They may both be physically gone, but they live in our hearts and memories and their unconditional love continues to surround us.

    • I am so sorry for your loss, Peg. But you are so right, even though they are physically gone, I feel Mico many times a day as I recall memories and good times!!

  35. Karah, sent you an email the other day after reading your post. So sorry to hear. Still thinking of you… Hope are well. Love, Daisi

  36. I am so sorry about the passing of your beloved Mico. What a beautiful girl. Thanks for posting those gorgeous pictures of her. I too, am mourning the loss of my beloved dog. Like you, I like to make my home as beautiful as possible, but the most beautiful part of my home, was my dog. You seem like a WONDERFUL person, and I’m so glad for Mico that you where “her people”. I believe that is why she was such a happy part of the family. Thank you for the touching words and pictures. With appreciation, Stacy

    • Thank you so much for the kind words, Stacy, and I am so sorry for your loss!! Your comment came at just the perfect time for me. You never know when the emotions of grief are going to hit you. Thank you!

  37. Mico seemed like a wonderful loving dog. She was fortunate to have you as you were blessed to have her. May she R.I.P

  38. I am just reading your post for the first time. And my heart just breaks. I cannot help but have tears in my eyes, as you see we just lost our beloved krinkle last year and still struggling with it.
    What a lovely post you did on her.