A short weekend view this week. All about flowers, the beach and little Sweet Pea.
Sweet Pea
Little miss Sweet Pea joined our family about 6 years ago. You might remember that we adopted her from a rescue and they thought that she was about 5 years old- though weren’t exactly sure. You can read more about when we adopted her Here
We knew that adopting an older dog meant that we she would probably leave sooner than adopting a puppy. But honestly, we were not thinking it would be as soon as it was. She quickly became a perfect fit for our family and brought so much joy everyday. She loved going on walks sitting in the front pack, sleeping on the pillow above our head and she loved to sit in my husbands arms & dance in the living room.
She went on road trip adventures and she was right there with us while we worked on many far away and at home photo shoots. You might remember that she was the cover girl on my first book and she made an appearance on the beach in my second book.
We found out that she was sick a few months ago but with medicine she seemed to be doing okay until she really started to slow down about 3 weeks ago. We brought her with us everywhere during that time, including to the wedding reception so that she could see my daughter. Later that week she passed while she was sleeping on the sofa. It was a week filled with many good moments with the wedding celebration and many sad moments as we said goodbye to her. But we are grateful for the extra time to cuddle her and love her and that she passed at home peacefully.
The house has been feeling so empty this week and we are missing her so much but are finding little reminders of her everywhere – including in the sweet peas that are growing in the yard and garden. I know I have been a bit quiet on the blog and social the past few weeks- it has not been super easy to feel creative or inspired so have stepped back a bit.
Flowers in the garden
We buried the Pea in an area of the yard where we have buried all of the animals that have passed over the years. It seems like we have added far too many of our pets to this area recently.
The garden is filling in with so many flowers and blooms- including the wild growing sweet peas that vine and climb on the garden fence. You can see them growing in behind her in this snap from a few years ago. She knew that I loved taking photos of her and pretty much came to expect it. She was an expert at posing perfectly for the camera.
Tulip Garden Tour
Last week, we took a little road trip and toured a meditation garden that was filled with beautiful tulips- including some of the ruffly peony tulip varieties that we have planted in our garden this year. I will share a post about it next week- I took a ton of photos and videos.
Wandering
I haven’t done too much wandering this week- it has been a fairly full week of work. But I always like to wander over to my favorites even for just a quick visit.
This Cape Cod beach house tour is so lovely and makes me want to escape to the beach for a bit. You can see the whole tour here.
Wishing you a beautiful Sunday all.
debra@commonground says
Courtney, you are so fortunate that your sweet little gal passed so easily. We’ve been through a year of heartbreak and anxiety as our two kitties traveled that hard road. They were 18 and dearly loved. Even though you’ve only had little Pea a few years I can tell that she was part of the family and will be terribly missed. Blessings to you, take care.
Teddee Grace says
I’m so sorry about your Sweet Pea. She was a darling dog. I had to have my cat put down on Good friday so am totally in tune with the absence you are feeling. i still start to tell bree where i’m going and how long i’ll be gone when i leave my apartment and so miss reading aloud to her, something we both enjoyed. please accept my condolences.
Pat says
So sorry for your loss, thise little pups take up so much space in our hearts and leave a huge hole when they pass away.
Pat
Gabby says
My heart breaks for you and tHose who love Sweet pea. Pets become the bedt of family. Very sorry she was lOst so soon.
Cate Tuten says
Oh, I am so so sorry. I have loved seeing her through the years. I could tell she knew she was a princess and very much loved. Blessings to you all as you mourn her loss. She will be remembered well by so many!! Sweet baby girl!
Maureen says
WE lost our CoopEr after 16 years last week, so i can feel Your loss as well, all too clearly. May thoughts of all the special times you shared give you peace at this difficult time!
Karen B. says
Courtney,
I’m so sorry for your loss of Sweet Pea. She was so darn cute. I hope you can enjoy the photographs and memories as some comfort during your sadness.
Karen B.
Diane says
I am so sorry for your loss. Our fur babies leave paw prints on our hearts and make us better people. Wishing you peaceful moments as you heal.
Susan says
My husband and I adopted a female bichon that was 8 years old. we had just lost our bichon to heart failure and I must admit that i was concerned that this new dog might break our hearts again all too soon. as if to deliberately prove me wrong, our sweet Keeper (her name from the previous owner) lived with us for nine years before passing. she was 17 and was always the sweetest little soul.
We foster rescue dogs through small paws rescue and this came about largely because of our little keeper. Thank you for adopting an older dog. you gave her a most wonderful life and I’m sure she enriched yours as well.
franki Parde says
“That bridge” has been heavily traveled recently. So sorry. franki
MJ Stallings says
Courtney, I’am so sorry for the passing of your Precious Sweet Pea. I as well know the feelings of losing a Dear Little COMPANION. The Pain is so Hard. Cherish all Your Memories and Photos. I’am Keeping Y’All in My Thoughts and Prayers. MJ
Ashley says
I am very sorryCourtney. So hard when our most precious fur babies pass. You gave Sweet Pea a home full of love and life. I too am very glad to hear she passed in the comfort of her home. You take good care and time to grieve your loss. ~hugs~
Jennie HAle says
Dear Courtney and Family,
We are very sorry for your Loss, and wish you much peace- and hopefully a warm feeling from sweet pea in your hearts when you think of her.
I’ve lost a Few pets over the years too-IT’s actually Been on my mind today… and most recently my dad Too-
yet after the first few deaths as an Adult I started to feel a sense the loved ones were still Here in Spirit.
I notice when I think of my dad I will feel a hug inside my heart- which is actually just what he did when practically in a coma at the end when I was upset. I also had a very French Charteaux Girl cat named Jaqueline who was very elegant and would love your books- her passing was the turning point- that she was right here- but I still think of all her moments “in person.” Yet this feeling still washes over me of her guiding spirit… if any of that helps to hear.. maybe you have felt this too. sometimes it’s good to remember….
I also wanted to say sitting with me right now are my two current cats- a tuxedo named olive and a tiny orange tabby named Finn, feeling our condolences. Yet I can also say that Orange Tabby I felt I already knew the moment I first held him. it was a interesting chain of events that lead to me meeting him…. I had been missing my former Grey Tabby from college- and to make a long story short felt overwhelmed by the Merchandise Mart design floor One day visiting and stopped at the pet shelter on my way home. I looked up the cats to see what was what once home And noticed a tabby at a different location for a neighbor actually. I went to meet him but he wasn’t there, yet Finn was, and though I meant to visit him each day until he got adopted, I got home and felt I was supposed to have him here with me and Olive (who always wanted a friend but most cats don’t get her… (if you need a laugh- she’s very sweet yet also Loves “The GodFather” and is Very Sicilian ish in personality!- very intense! but a great protective mom to a country boy in the city!). Anyway, we Believe he is my former tabby, going from zen master to a little boy I take care of this time. And Might I add, as per the design start to the story= Very French Country!!! He’s one of the coziest beings there is. And quite the Gentleman!
I only had my former tabby a short time too, finding him as an older cat and he got sick too at the end. Any Time with them is always amazing- though I also hear people have things like this happen. Once I even worked with someone who wasn’t new agey at all but really felt her son was her dad! You never know. I’m mystified by it myself- I’ve done yoga a long time but not reincarnation focused…
IT’s good to grieve and feel loved ones as they were/are-
but it’s quite possible one day Sweet Pea will Grace your presence again-
it’s pretty clear you loved each other a lot!
I’m sure Sweet Pea is watching over you too!
I quite adored her photos myself. Sweet Pea is/was Just, So Sweet!
I think anyone who ever reads your books etc is grateful to see her lovely spirit!
I hope this wasn’t too long, it just reminded me of a few things and of course, I just was like oh no… that must be difficult and have had that experience with finn.
Warm Wishes,
Best,
Jennie, olive and Finn
Jennie HAle says
you don’t need to post my comment if it’s too long etc- or shorten it maybe, I just wanted to share the story in case it helped feel better. I know how hard that can be… and just wish you all the best!
Donna says
So sorry for your loss. It is never easy to say goodbye.
Debbie says
So sorry for your loss, the photos of her are the sweetest. Blessings to you during this sad time. 💕
Lisa Johnson says
I am so sorry for your loss, Courtney. It is so hard to loose our furbabies. KNOW THAT SHE WILL ALWAYS LIVE IN YOUR HEART.
Mary A. Gavin says
I’m so sorry. I’m glad you gave her a second chance and a loving home.
Penny says
I’m so sorry to hear of Sweat Pea’s passing. She had a wonderful life with you and your family. My daughter lost her 14 year old Yorkie this January, she also died at home and had started a rapid decline the week before. Our fur babies sure do leave a mark on our lives. Know that you left one on hers too.
MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says
Courtney, I am so sorry to hear about your precious little sweet pea. it is so hard to lose a precious pet. hold on to all the memories — which will be so many! how nice that you were able to put precious little sweet pea to rest in a special place in your yard. every time you walk by, you will be filled with so many precious memories! the flowers will be so pretty growing up around her! My heart goes out to you, courtney.
Kym Morello says
Oh, I am so sorry. It is never easy to lose our four-legged family members. Truthfully, it seems more difficult now that my kids are grown. My heart goes out to all of you. It feels so empty, and each time we bury a love on our property, I can’t imagine doing it again, but we do. Sweet Blessings to you.
candace says
Courtney, Sweet Pea was so adorable, and I’m so grateful you included her in your books and blog for all of us to love her. you gave her a wonderful home, yard and family. It was so kind of you to adopt an older dog, and no doubt she thrived on all that love and attention. My husband and I have loved and lost many dogs over 40 years – mostly aged 12 to 20. We pamper them, and the current five, including a boxer, Practically push us off the bed, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. All of ours actually adopted us via various ways, and we’ve given that responsibility our best as have you. Unfortunately, parting is the price we eventually pay for the abundant joy and unconditional love that pets bring us. However, if you believe life is eternal, you will be united again. I look forward to seeing all our furries again, but meanwhile cherish photos and memories. please know that your many fans are touched by the news. may you find peace in knowing that she has passed into the very best hands who created her. no pet – or person! – is replaced by another, but I hope you may find another darling dog as there are so many in need of a home – and, wow, how blessed to live in yours with you! take care of yourself, and feel better soon. woof and doggie kisses from all of us dog lovers who completely understand.
Nancy Brantley says
So sorry to hear about Sweet Pea. Keeping you in my prayers. I have shed many tears losing my fur babies. They are family.