One year ago, August

I'm coming up rapidly on the one year anniversary of my boy Spencer's untimely loss. :cry:

Ive never really shared any stories about Spence here, because the grief is still strong. We got Spencer as a rescue, at the age of 7 years old. I REALLY didn't think I would feel as close to him as I did, because I was still grieving the loss of my beloved Great Dane mix Otis, and we were basically getting Spence as a companion for our girl Abby. One look, though, into Spencer's mismatched, slightly crossed eyes and my heart was lost. He was an incredibly special boy, with the gentlest, kindest soul of any dog Ive ever known.

We lost Spencer at age 9, to an intestinal infection, caused by some foreign object that he had eaten. (My boy was, unfortunately an incurable counter surfer ) It was also discovered during his emergency surgery, that he had cancer, which may have accounted for his weakened immune system. My only comfort was, that at least he went fast, and didn't have to suffer the lingering pain of the cancer.

Spencer became sick, and ultimately died WHILE we were doing my largest art fair of the year, The Tanana Valley State Fair. We simply had no choice but to continue on with the fair, grief and all, as this is our livelihood. Thank goodness for all our wonderful supportive friends (other artists, customers, fair officials, and even security guards) who took turns watching the booth for us, sitting with us and talking when we needed to, and offering their love and sympathy . I'm looking forward to seeing them all again, and introducing them to Eggbert (our new pup), but I'm a little frightened of the bad memories and associations that I KNOW are going to come up for me. :oops: .

Sorry this is so long and rambling...Ive just been thinking about this a lot these last few days, and needed to talk about it a little.

By the way...the doggy on the right in my avatar is Spencer :hearts:
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Laurel, this may be a healing year for you at the fair with all of your friends there and introducing Bert. Spencer wouldn't want you to have bad memories associated with him especially since you opened up both your home and your heart to him. He would only want you to have all the happiness you gave him. He was very cute. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Take care.

:ghug:
Laurel,

Im soo sorry about Spence....he sounds like a wonderful boy. May you get thru this fair with some peace and tranquility. Hopefully, Eggbert will steal the show (so to speak) and brighter, happier memories can be made.
Laurel, I'm so sorry for your loss of Spencer. Some dogs just have a way of getting to our hearts stronger than others. Judy's right - he wouldn't want you to be unhappy.
Hi, sorry for all the pain you feel. He was beautiful
Laurel, I'm sorry you're so sad :( . Your boy is watching over you and because you gave him so much he wouldn't want you to be so unhappy.
I am sorry for your loss a year ago, but glad you are able to share more with us know. Truly, sharing the burden does lighten the load --and the heart and help with healing.

I understand your reluctance to go back to a place with such sad associations. I have those issues, too, although in a different context. What helps for me is to keep the happy memories the focus of your attention. Sure, there will be sad moments, but your memories of happy ones will help you through the tougher times.

Best wishes
Laurel I'm so sorry for your loss of your beloved pet
Laurel, I hope it goes well at this fair. It sounds like everyone is so supportive. Seeing your boy Bert there , making new memories should help.

BTW, LeAnne's family nickname is Annie, I have a wonderful nephew named Spencer. However, I don't have one named Eggbert. 8O :D
Thanks so much for sharing your story about Spencer. He was a very handsome boy. Congratulations on your new boy too. May you have years and years of love and happiness with Eggbert!! (Cute Name). :)

Hope all goes well at the fair!!
oh laurel,

:ghug:


Thinking of you.



wendy and gismo
I've found that facing the things I feared (dreaded) the most because of grief, are the things that actually brought me the most comfort.
So, as you wonder aimlessly, trying to cope with the memories, I hope you find, and recognize the comfort that awaits you.
mouthypf
Laurel, we wish you comfort and peace on the anniversary of Spencer's passing. Don't be afraid to shed a few tears in his memory with the folks at the Fair, and rejoice with them in Eggbert's "Eggbertness".

We lost our sheepie, Quincy Bear, unexpectedly 3 years ago while on vacation. It was difficult to return to Florida the following year, and pass the vet's office where he passed away, but we did it. I still can't post in this section about him - hurts too much.

The Fair will be bittersweet this year, but time, and Eggbert, will help ease your pain.

Laurie and Oscar (our little heart healer)
wendy1976 wrote:
oh laurel,

:ghug:


Thinking of you.



wendy and gismo

Ditto :ghug:
I'm sorry you are missing your beautiful boy. I hope it feels good to talk about him. He was clearly much loved. :hearts:
It is wonderful to remember the lovely time you had with Spencer! :wink: He will be always there for you but dont be upset, he wants you to be happy!! :wink:
Thank you so much , everyone. :) Rather than trying not to think about him, I've hung up a bunch on pics of Spencer in our trailer, so hes there with us this year too. :hearts:
ravenmoonart wrote:
Thank you so much , everyone. :) Rather than trying not to think about him, I've hung up a bunch on pics of Spencer in our trailer, so hes there with us this year too. :hearts:



Aww, I'm sure he'll be there in spirit too.
Laurel,

I hope you are continually able to remember the special times with him. And I'm sure he will be your guardian angel at that fair and always. Sounds like you gave him a wonderful life in the time you spent together.
Laurel - I hope you find comfort in talking about him again. He sounds like a wonderful boy who was well loved.
How are you doing? Hopefully, good memories will help bring smiles as you think of your sweet boy.
Abuckie wrote:
How are you doing? Hopefully, good memories will help bring smiles as you think of your sweet boy.


I'm doing ok....Yesterday was the actual anniversary of his passing, and I definitely had a few rocky moments. :cry:

Its been fun introducing Bert around, and everyone here has memories of Spencer to share. He was very loved among the other fair people. I was astonished at how many people immediately said, "Oh look, Bert's eyes are a mirror version of Spencer's (blue and brown, but on opposite sides) !" People who only saw him once a year remembered that??! :o Wow!
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