Our Sweet Puppy Girl

Dear God,


How to even start a prayer when your heart is so heavy? The only way to remedy the sadness is to remember the joyful moments and be thankful we were blessed with a little golden retriever 11 years ago.


Thank you, God, for allowing our family to have the joy of raising our sweet girl. Even when she chewed up our carpet, had accidents in the house, or when she would famously run around the yard with the newspaper in her mouth.  We loved her even more.
Thank you for the sneaky puppy who would come around the corner with a pair of socks in her mouth, just waiting to be chased. Thank you for a dog who loved adventure; hiking, jogging, swimming, boating and even riding the jet ski.  
Thank you for the way she would come over and rest her head in our laps. She sure had a keen sense of our emotions. Thank you for teaching us not to take life too seriously through her. We learned to laugh when she jumped up on the counter and eat our entire plate of raviolis, or decided to roll around in the horse corral up at grandma's house.
Thank you for giving each of the four of us a best friend in our dog. And a different type of best friend to each.  Amazing how one little furry ball of golden locks can be so touching, loyal, and loving to each of us in different ways.
Thank you for the way she would run to the door when I'd come home from college, the way she'd stick by my side the whole night, and the way she'd guard the door when she knew it was time for me to leave again.
Thank you for her cute little black nose, so curious and sniffing everywhere...especially on Christmas. She knew we put something in her stocking each year.
Thank you for the time we got to spend with Shasta even after we found out her diagnosis. Thank you for letting us tell her what we love about her and that she's the best dog we could have ever asked for. She brought our family together, that little golden, and made us appreciate Your creations even more, God.  Thank you for her sweet soul, for giving my 10 year old self a secret keeper and best friend, thank you for the way she so innately cared about people, and thank you for those velvety soft ears. I will never forget them.


More than anything, though, thank you for blessing us with a dog who taught us how to love better, with no bounds. Help me always remember that.


I pray that she makes new friends in doggie heaven, because God, believing she's in dog heaven is the only thing getting me through this day. Thank you for loving her as much as we did and for loving us enough to gift us with her.


As her brown eyes looked up at me last night, we knew.  We just had a mutual understanding. She knew she would always have a special place in my heart. I knew I would have one in hers, too. She's my girl. She knows how much she was loved, and no one can ever take the bond between our family and our sweet girl away, that's for certain.


In Jesus Name, Amen.


We love you to the moon and back, precious girl.
Love,
Photobucket

74 comments

  1. I'm so sorry to hear this. She looked like a sweet baby girl. My heart and prayers are with you and your family.
    - Kim

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  2. I'm so sorry! What a beautiful tribute.

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  3. My heart goest out to you and your family during this loss. I know to people that don't have dogs, they'll never understand the love and bond that develops. But it's there; true and strong. These are such sweet words and Shasta was one lucky pup and you were one lucky girl.

    Praying for you and your family <3

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  4. Such a sweet prayer. & such beautiful pictures, Michaela. I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm joyful to hear how much love and tenderness she brought to you and your family. Here's to hoping we see our furry loved ones in heaven :)

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  5. Thinking of you Michaela!! Losing a puppy is so so hard, especially one you've grown up with. Remember the sweet memories you have with her! Xo, Katie

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  6. oh my heart is breaking for you, but i know she had the best life possible with your family. thinking of you.

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  7. OH I am just so so sorry for your loss. Your letter made me cry. She is such a sweet soul and I know she's feeling better now. Look up "Rainbow Bridge"...it's my favorite poem about to cope with the loss of a dog...I know she'll be waiting there for you. :)

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  8. Our furry members of the family hold a special place in our hearts for sure. I am so sorry for your loss, it is never easy, but you have such fond memories of your Shasta to hold in your heart always and she was very blessed to have a home with you for all of her years. xo

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  9. We all have to believe in doggy-Heaven sometimes. I'm sorry for your loss and wish you happy memories.

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  10. She will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge in heaven for sure! My thoughts and prayers are with you both, take care.

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  11. ugh..im crying...im so so sorry sweet girl about your baby/best friend. i know the feeling..sending so much love your way.

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  12. so sorry that your cute little friend passed away :(

    that must be rough. sending up a prayer for you!

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  13. I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing pets is so difficult. Their unconditional love is definitely something you'll never forget. My prayers are with you girl!

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  14. I believe there's a special heaven for big, happy dogs - a place they can run and roll and bark....after all the years of giving joy and unconditional love to those of us who will always have a small hole in our hearts left by their leaving. I know our sweet Spinner has already greeted Shasta and they're pain-free and young again and tongue-lollingly happy. So sorry for your sadness. Ali

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  15. Aww I'm so sorry, Michaela! I'm seriously crying over here. Losing a pet is so hard. Shasta was truly a special member of your family! This was such a sweet tribute to her! Thinking of you and your family; as well as sending Shasta love in doggie heaven! XOXO

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  16. I snuggle with my little Beaufort as I read this, my eyes full of tears. I'm so sorry for your loss and understand the depth of love a dog can bring to your own. I'm sure she had a wonderful like with your loving family!

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  17. What a beautiful post dedicated to your Shasta, brought tears to my eyes. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. xoxo

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  18. lovely prayer but oh my, i want to cry for you! so sorry to hear about your cute dog... it's amazing what strong bonds we form with our animals and how much they actually can teach us.
    thinking about you and your family today!

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  19. I am so sorry to hear about your sweet sweet dog. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.

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  20. I was thinking about you guys yesterday afternoon. I went camping this weekend with my pup from high school, and it was the first time she was noticeably old and not able to do things. Made me start thinking about how long we'll have her for and was praying for your family too (must have been canine intuition knowing the timing was right). Hang in there -

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  21. So I'm in the student union reading this right now and crying. Bless your heart. Losing a pup is like losing a family member, it just hurts.
    My family's golden passed away the summer before my senior year. I still remember crying my eyes out when my mom told me. But it certainly is easier knowing that they aren't hurting or suffering from their illnesses anymore.
    Praying that it gets easier soon!

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  22. I'm so sorry for you! I've also lost a loved puppy in my life, it's terrible, so I can only imagine how you're feeling.. time heals all things.. until then, you're in my thoughts!

    http://knotted-thread.blogspot.com/

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  23. Oh Michaela, you made my cry! I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your sweet puppy. They become a member of our family, touch our hearts, and pass all too soon. Like you said in your letter, remember the good times and be thankful for all of the wonderful memories you have of her. Thinking of you today...xo

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  24. Michaela,

    I'm a long time lurker. I just had to comment on the loss of your beautiful pup.

    Even though she was older, it's never easy! I love your blog and I can tell from your posts how much you loved her. She was so lucky!

    God Bless Shasta, of course she's in doggie heaven!

    Michele Daggar

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  25. Michaela, this post was so beautifully written. Thinking of you today. Hugs.

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  26. Oh, Michaela... I am SOBBING! And I'm supposed to be on an important call in a few minutes!!

    I am so sorry you lost your Shasta... this is so hard for me to read, because the thing I dread most in the world is losing Gracie and Cooper someday.

    I believe dogs go to the same heaven as we do. I believe they have souls. Or if they don't, God has to know how much we love them anyway... every bit as much as we love our human friends and family, so he just HAS to have them there with us in heaven. If they won't be there waiting for me when I die, I don't want to go.

    Love you, friend.

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  27. im so so sorry to hear this Michaela :( It's so hard losing a pet. We had to put our dog down last September and it was one of the hardest things. I completely agree with you about dog heaven...it DOES exist! And I like to think they're all up there running around and playing fetch.

    Sending lots of love your way xoxox

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  28. I am so sorry to hear this. I have tears for your beautiful girl. This is such a special tribute to her and I'm sure she's having a ball in doggie heaven.

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  29. I am literally bawling right now! I can't imagine losing one of my babies and I've only had them for a few years!! I'm so glad that she had such a good home for all those years with y'all!! Y'all were both blessed to have each other!! Praying for some comfort for all of y'all! I truly believe that you will see her again in heaven!!

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  30. aw michaela i am so deeply sorry. you were on my heart last night and i was praying for you, this must have been why! nothing will ever replace your precious girl but i know you'll cherish the memories of her forever! <3 praying for you sweet friend

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  31. I'm so sorry for your loss. She was beautiful.

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  32. Michaela this is such a touching tribute. I'm so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers.

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  33. thinking of you and your furry friend dear. what a beautiful post for a beautiful pet.

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  34. What a lovely poem. I am so sorry for your and your family's loss. I pray that you guys find strength during this time.

    I am positive that all doggies go to heaven and Shasta will be waiting for you there!

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  35. There is just nothing else like losing a dog...they are true companions. In hard times like when my father passed away, sometimes my Riley dog was the only one I could Just curl up and cry with, and he just knew. Dogs are like that. Shasta sounded like a great dog. I'm glad you were able to be with her here in the end. Praying for you!

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  36. Aw Michaela! I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet girl. Losing a family pet is just like losing a family member. I am sure you feel a void without her, but it's great that you're remembering all of the best things about her that made you smile and love her that much more! Thinking of you xx

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  37. my dogs have been in doggie heaven for a few months now... im sure they are showing her the ropes!
    dont worry, it gets easier! :)

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  38. Aww, big hugs to you Michaela! Doggies are definitely part of the family and I know how hard it is to say goodbye. Our family dog we to doggie heaven a few years ago - Maybe they're playing together right now :) hugs.

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  39. I am so sorry, sweet friend. Praying for you and your family!! And p.s. your prayer = amazing. It's such a blessing and an encouragement to see your perspective and how you don't blame God for her taking Shasta away... but instead, thank Him for the time you had together. What a neat testimony to see how Shasta is STILL changing the world. :)

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  40. Oh, Michaela. My heart breaks for you and your family. What a beautiful prayer.I know it's such a huge loss for all of you. So happy you are looking back at all the wonderful memories. Huge huge hugs.

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  41. I'm so sorry, Michaela :( I'm in tears reading this post...all your sweet memories are so touching. Praying for you and your family in this tough time...much love!
    Lisa xo

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  42. :( sorry to hear about your doggy...can't imagine losing mine...love this tribute and so beautifully written. Praying for you at this time.

    Love,
    Lauren

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  43. Sweet Michaela, I read this post and had to walk away this morning. My heart couldn't bear to understand the hurt you must be feeling. But I do know this, God loves all of His creations. And I am sure He is taking care of Shasta as we read your words. Know that He hears your prayers, and loves you enough to love what you love. Praying for you, and trusting God for you.

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  44. Such a beautifully written post! I'm so sorry to hear about your loss :( I can only imagine how hard it must be. Shasta is definitely looking down on you from doggie heaven!

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  45. Oh girl I am so so sorry! What a beautiful eulogy for an amazing dog. She sure is in puppy heaven, I'm sure someone has mentioned the poem 'the rainbow bridge' if not, read it. She is at peace. And after the sadness fades, you will have amazing memories that will never go. Peace to you and your family.

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  46. http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm
    Its a good one. And true : )

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  47. Many prayers and many HUGS for you. <3

    Definitely check out that Rainbow Bridge poem, if you haven't read it before.

    I am so sorry <3

    <3-Cami from First Day of My Life

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  48. Michaela, my heart is hurting for you friend. Our family went through this 2 years ago so I know just how you're feeling. Definitely praying for you and your hurt.

    I bet anything your shasta is in heaven playing with my tilly.

    Love you friend.

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  49. michaela, i'm so sorry to hear about shasta. i have tears running down my face... :-/ my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family... <3 ***hugs***

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  50. Oh blogging friend,
    I'm so sorry to hear this. You're in my thoughts and prayers and know always that animals are very in-tune with human emotion. Your little pup knew all of the love in your heart. And loved you right back. Hugs girly!

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  51. Michaela, I'm so sorry for your loss! :( Prayers for you, sweet girl!

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  52. I don't like that:
    - you lost your precious girl
    - this is the first time I'm reading your blog
    - this paticular blog..a sad one.. is the first one I'm commenting on
    -I'm just now "meeting" this great girl Meg, Shan, and Lis have been talking about!
    P.S. I'm Candace aka Candy -- Megan's other bff :-)

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  53. Crying for you right now. I can't imagine the pain. But, you had such a special friend for so many years. So many memories will never be forgotten. Cling to those, sweet girl!

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  54. Oh, Michaela. I am so sorry for your loss. Your prayer was just beautiful (and I can hardly see the screen to type through my tears). I am going to give Riley and Zoey some extra snuggling tonight in honor of sweet Shasta. Thinking of you and your family!

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  55. Bless you! I can only imagine! I've been there! :) Hope the pain ends soon!

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  56. I am so sorry, Michaela. You know we have to deal with this sort of thing much more often than we'd like to, so I know just how you feel. Sending prayers, love and bug hugs your way. I am sure she is having a blast in Heaven. We always tell our clients that we believe that animals do go to Heaven, and we usually share some scripture to back it up. The book called "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn has a fabulous section on that topic. Hope you get to feeling better soon. Again, I am so sorry. :( xoxo

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  57. I am so sorry and sad for you. I've been there. I truly believe God gives us animals to love to make the world a happier place. You are so blessed to have had her all these years. She was a gift!

    Praying for your heavy heart to be filled only with happy memories. You wrote that tribute so beautifully. I noticed the comment above mine refers to the book "Heaven". A must-read! Amazing and exciting!

    Sophisticated Steps

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  58. This breaks my heart.... This is SO hard girl, our pets become a part of our family. Hang in there.... God will send you peace! HUGS

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  59. This is so touching yet heartbreaking. I'm so sorry you've lost such a valuable part of your life, but you have so many lovely memories that will fill the place of sadness once time passes. Wishing you a bright week and many things to bring a smile to your face !

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  60. What a beautiful way to put this.. We lost our own goldie a couple years ago now, hold on tight to the good memories!

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  61. So sorry to hear about Shasta! My heart goes out to you and your family. They do become a member just like anyone else the day you bring them home. We are getting closer to that day as well, as Tyler (our Golden) just turned 11 as well. What a beautiful prayer!

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  62. I'm so sorry Michaela :( I'm not even sure what to say to make you feel better because I've been there before and I know how hard it is. She lived a great life with great owners and she was very lucky to have you, just as you were lucky to have her :)

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  63. Oh Michaela I have tears in my eyes reading this. I am so sorry for your loss. I just went through this and it is so hard. Shasta was such a sweet girl and you and your family were able to love her like no one else could. Your love for Shasta reminds me of this quote from Winnie the Pooh: "If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever." Thinking of you this week and praying for you and your family. xoxo

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  64. I'm so sorry to hear about Shasta! You're right though... it's super important to remember the wonderful times you had together... and all that she taught you. She sounded like an amazing pup!

    I've been reading a book about Dean Koontz's golden retriever. They really do have the ability to teach us so many amazing things about life. Shasta will be missed.

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  65. michaela i'm so sorry for your loss, i hope he makes a lot of friends in doggy heaven!

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  66. My heart is breaking for you Michaela! I am so sorry for your loss but so happy that you were able to have so many years with her! I am thinking about you and your family.

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  67. i'm so sorry, sweet friend!! praying you can find joy this week.

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  68. I love that last photo of you two, and so glad your Dad made some videos of her. What a sweet girl. I'm sorry you're hurting, hang on to all those wonderful memories and the moments with her.

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  69. omgosh im so sorry dear for your lost:( i cant imagine what you have to go through. I have 3 dogs so they are like our kids. Rest in peace sweet girl!

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  70. I'm so sorry. This has me bawling...losing a pet has to be one of the most difficult things in life. They truly are family. Remember what I said about the book- I know Shasta will be there waiting for you!!

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  71. I am in tears right now. I so understand this kind of love, and can imagine the pain in losing a part of the family. So sorry for your loss, Michaela. Lots of prayers to you and your family!

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  72. What a beautiful prayer this is for your sweet friend. We too have a golden and can't imagine life without him. I'm happy that you had so many wonderful years with yours.

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  73. aww I am so sorry to hear this. I loved seeing the cute pictures of her in your post and the joy she brought you. Dogs are an amazing thing and should truly be treasured and remembered.

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Thank you for stopping by! If you have a specific question, please email me at hello@michaelanoelledesigns.com. I always reply to emails! Have a blessed day! xoxo

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