Hi. Just stumbled unto this blog and I can say that I agree with what you are feeling when you finally got the tombstone for your beloved Sophie Sue. If human beings, no matter how horrible or gentle they were when they were living, had beautiful tombstones, then I don't see why an extended part of the family should not have one when they pass away. More power to you!

Love the 'stone'... I have the plant we received from the vet at the time of our last dog's death. It thrives in our livingroom. Although 'Harold' was over 14 yrs. old, his death was rather sudden - it was in 6/09 and we STILL choke-up at the slightest rememberance.

The passing of our pets always leaves a HUGE hole in our hearts, for sure!

Having lost a dear friend and pet over 5 years ago I do understand your feelings at receiving the headstone, since I had done the same at the foot of a tree planted for her.
I commend you on your love of animals and your efforts to help the pets and their people to care for and love them as you do.
Thank you for letting me speak.
Mike

"...Behold, I make all things new." Rev. 21:5

Back in '85, we ordered a black polished granite marker from a local "human" gravestone broker, custom designed with 'what else', a Scottie profile. I love it, however it sure is more than 10 pounds and I could never afford another like it. So we think of it as a "family" stone for all.

If you had your old format, I would upload a picture. There is definitely a "bittersweet" feeling surrounding a visual representation of a pet held dear.

Thank you for sharing.

I can relate to your feelings of enthusiasm.
It's hard to make sense of any elation that might come with death but I say grab on to any positive feelings that come and don't feel guilty or let others point you down a dark road. When my beloved Tallulah passed it was after a long (it seemed long, actually it was very short) downhill spiral from liver cancer. I was so grateful to my friend who was a hospice nurse and my wonderful Vet who helped me keep her comfortable for as long as we could. After my wonderful Vet came all the way to our house to help her pass I was surprised that I experienced feelings of euphoria. I think it was because I had kept my feelings at bay for so long; keeping a happy cheerful face and voice so my beloved Tallulah would enjoy quality time and not know that I was sad and scared. And I know it was also because I was so unsure of myself the whole time; if I could make it through this. It was like crossing the finish line of a marathon. Yes I was feeling elated, euphoric; and I embraced those feelings along with the other feelings of sadness and loss and love. I still try to have good feelings when I remember my beloveds who have passed. I don't think they would want us to feel sad especially I don't think they would want to be remembered in a sad way. So I always think of the joyful times when I think of them and hold them with joy and love in my heart forever:) I love you Tule:) and my beloved Audrey :)

love is Love, I think it is wonderful of you, To want to remember her.

There's far too many windows in my house for me to throw stones. ;)

8 years ago, a cat I loved beyond reason died suddenly. I was wrecked. I paid a ridiculous amount to have him cremated and put in a wooden box provided by the crematorium. He's sitting downstairs on the mantle. We can't bury pets here.

When my bully died 2 years ago, I said I wouldn't make the same mistake, and let the vet dispose of her remains. That doesn't feel right either.

I hope not to face this decision again for a very long time. But I wish I had a yard - your stone is lovely.

It's a lovely memorial for your girl. I'd be proud too.

Just goes to show how much pleasure and love you and Sophie had between each other.

Having just lost my Mylo yesterday to cancer I know with all we did together I'll never regain the piece of my heart that died with him.

Sophie Sue was very blessed to have you for a mom. Great post!

I can totally relate to your excitement. We have had a number of Tripawds members share photos of the tattoos they got when cancer took their three legged furry kids from them. And I was happy to offer this selection of stylish urns and memorial photo boxes truly worthy of honoring the most beloved pets. But the excitement is not over the death, not by any means. It is about closure, and honoring the life lived.

Dear Dr. Khuly,

To honor and remember that precious, little member of your family with a specially lettered and placed monument or nostalgic tattoo is so healing and needed to give your soul comfort in the long process of grieving the loss of one of God's dearest creatures. Thank you for having the honesty to reveal your pain and sharing your joy in memorializing your blessed Sophie Sue.

heart to heart,

Sandi

Hi Dr. Khuly,

Condolences on the loss of your sweet girl. I hope that the beautiful stone you've chosen to help commemorate Sophie Sue's life also helps you to hold those precious memories of your time together, in your heart. I think that planting a tree was a wonderful idea.

I saw your earlier blog about Sophie Sue and had a hard time getting through it, because I'm going through the same thing at the same time. We lost 1/2 of our precious potcake duo, Palma (we adopted two littermates, brother Coco and sister Palma, from the Bahamas Humane Society when we lived there for a decade) suddenly, over the 4th of July weekend last year, to hemangiosarcoma. It's only been quite recently that I've realized I can go more than a few days without crying, and I thought that ordering a marker for her grave might be a good way to help me through the first anniversary of her death. I know what I want and have found a good company, but I'd like to have a photo of her engraved onto the stone and I'm just finding it very hard to pick one and make the order. I guess it's just so very final...

We buried her in our yard, and even though it might sound crazy, the thought of leaving her here if/when we move someday bothers me. I thought that with this type of memorial, I could at least take it with me if we must leave. We decided to bury her because we felt it would be more tangible to our two fairly young children than having her ashes in a container in the house. They helped put a picture, a stuffed toy, a Milk Bone, and flowers into the box when we brought her home, and we all wrote a special note to her on the lid before we laid her to rest. It was the worst day of my life so far and a huge piece of my heart got buried with her, but personally I don't think our Creator loaned us these wonderful animals with the intention of our never seeing them again. At least for me, if my dogs aren't in heaven - if by the grace of God I get there - then it won't be heaven to me.

Bless you for caring so much for the precious creatures. :-)

I also meant to say that Palma was 12 too when we lost her... 1997 - 2009, just like Sophie Sue. I cherish each and every day with Coco, who's now 13 and has some health issues of his own.

I know we were blessed to have had her for those 12 wonderful years; some folks don't get that long with their beloved animals. It's just NEVER long enough for me.

What a beautiful way to remember Sophie!

What a nice way to remember your beloved pet.

beautiful marker, but i think u really should consider the tattoo.

Contemplating it. Scared of the ink addiction. One tattoo leads to more...

@ potcakes
My sister found a small marker stone with an engraved name in the backyard when she bought her new home. She cleared away the brush and now keeps it nice and tidy to honor this beloved family pet even though it was not her own:)

@ tallulah

What a kind gesture by your sister! I bet it would make the previous homeowners smile to know that their sweet pet is being honored by a fellow animal lover. :-) Thanks for sharing that w/me.