This is the hardest post that I never wanted to write, but I feel I owe this to all my lovely long term readers who have over the years come to know our darling, dear old lovely girl, Sienna…
She’s been here on my blog with me since the very beginning, from my very first post, and has been my beautiful partner in crime, so to speak, on so many of my weird and funny blog-photo taking outings. Oh how I’ve giggled on many an occasion as we scrambled about on rocks and on beaches and in the bush as I’ve set up my camera and tripod and Sienna has stuck faithfully to my side, sat patiently beside me, or foraged about sniffing and waiting loyally for me to finish whatever the heck I was doing. I often took her into many an isolated, deserted spot, mostly because I was so terrified of someone coming along and seeing this insane woman posing in some outlandish home-sewn outfit, posing ridiculously in front of a tripod… oh man… and having Sienna with me always made feel safe and of course, accompanied. She was my little assistant. My bloggy-doggy friend. She kept me company, that was the thing. Keeping me company. She listened silently and unjudgingly and lovingly as I talked endlessly to her about life, the funny things we saw. Oftentimes about the craziness of blog photos, how was I going to set up my camera in whatever position this time, to get the picture I wanted? and how ridiculous I was being. Just politely wagging her tail every now and again. Just “being there”. And I would hug her and tell her over and over what a good good lovely girl she was.
as a puppy
Oh, I’m crying my eyes out even writing this, even though I thought I had no more tears to cry… saying goodbye to her and hugging her for the last time, crying into her ruff; was so hard, so so awful…
Poor Sienna had been unwell for many months; she was diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer back in May. She had been a bit poorly, and I had taken her in for a scan just after taking this picture for me-made May, and was told the terrible news that same day. I thought about saying something here or on social media, but decided I wanted to give her her dignity for as long as possible … we’ve known her time was limited for quite a while now. The last month she has been quite frail, had all but given up on eating and she deteriorated very rapidly over the last few days of her life. I wanted desperately to wait longer than we did, but even I had to admit in the end that to wait longer was possibly cruel and selfish.
she absolutely LOVED this fluffy cushion… would toss it around the room, then lie and contentedly suck on it for ages….
Sienna loved the beach. Well, she loved walks and walking anywhere really, but the beach was her very favouritest walk of all. It perked her up and she would frolic in the shallows like a puppy. We took her to Dunsborough last month, like we always do; and as always, I took her out for our early morning walkies while Craig slept. She had a tiny, brief little dip but came out straight away and sat down, refusing to walk. She just wanted to lay on the beach quietly. For Sienna to not want to walk on the beach, well, it was jut a big thing, that’s all. A big, huge thing; something that she loved most of all, and she didn’t want to do it… earlier that day I posted this picture of “my view” for bpsewvember and it seemed particularly poignant…. that was a heart wrenching moment. That moment was like a turning point for me, in letting go of my denial.
So there it is. I thought about editing a lot of this, but no. Sienna was the best-est of friends to me for so many years, and she deserves all my words and all my thoughts. Even all these silly tears, although she wouldn’t have understood them. She would have just sat quietly with me, looking lovingly at me, as always and just privately wondered what the heck I was doing probably.
actual shot from a blog photoshoot
Thank you for reading, and for all the lovely comments about Sienna over the years. It’s meant the world to me that other people have loved her too xx
Oh no. I am so saddened for you. She certainly was a beautiful girl and ‘made’ the photos. I will miss seeing her as she was just so photogenic – it is so hard to let them go, but you absolutely did the right thing. Rest in peace little one x
Dear Carolyn, I too am crying reading this sad post over the loss of dear Sienna. You should be comforted by the fact that she had such a wonderful life with you and your family. She always seemed so incredibly happy on those walks with you. A true and loyal companion. I will truly miss seeing her on your posts. Rest in peace dear Sienna. Best wishes.
Vera
I’m so sorry for your loss. I adore looking for Sienna in your photos–she was your frequent companion. I remember the photo shoot from a few years ago, after her coat was cut very very short–I thought you got a new dog! I was relieved when you told us it was Sienna, that it was the same canine with a different look. My sincere condolences on your loss. She was very special.
I read your post and remember when our dear dog Tessa dies….. it was so hard she was ten years with us.
i’m so sorry for your loss.
Christine
Dear Carolyn
Love reading your blog and seeing all your amazing creations. I have never commented before but feel I just have to say how sorry I am to read this post. My heart goes out to you as I know just what you are going through as we had Maggie, our poodle, for 18 years and still miss her dearly. Such unconditional love.
Sonia
I can understand your heartache Carolyn….sending love and hugs from South Africa.
Oh no, I am so, so sorry for your loss. 🙁 What a beautiful, lovely companion Sienna has been for you all these years. I am sad to not see her anymore. Also, on a personal note: having lost so many cats over the past few years, I have noticed that it never gets easier to lose a furry friend. People who don’t have pets don’t necessarily always understand the type of bond that is possible between an animal and a human being. With that special bond comes overwhelming sadness when they leave us for a better place. Pets are members of our families, they are friends who can always be trusted. I wish you strength and send you the warmest hugs imaginable.
I’m very sorry for your loss.
I am so sad for you…
Goodbye, dear, sweet beautiful girl
I enjoyed seeing Sienna in your photos too, she always looked happy and content moseying around and had an uncanny knack of coordinating perfectly with your outfits and scenery… or maybe that’s your clever photography and artistic eye 😉 take care -s-
Sending love and hugs. It’s so hard to lose such a special family member and partner in crime. Thank you for sharing your memories with us. It makes me think of my own beloved furry family members from the past and I’m thankful that the hurt does fade with time, though it’s hard to believe when it’s fresh, but the memories don’t.
Oh, crying a bit for your lovely dog, all the way across the earth. “Funny”, I know there would be a post from you. Wish you strength.
*Knew .
So very sad Carolyn. Sienna left paw prints in many of our hearts and there will be tears from many of her admirers from around the globe today. She was certainly loved, and she will be missed.
Much love to you and yours.
Really sad 🙁 Lots of love to you, I’m sure you were such a wonderful family for sienna to belong to.
Carolyn, I’m so sorry. Words cannot describe the loss of a beloved pet, but those of us who have been there are with you now. You gave her a beautiful, fulfilling life. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Oh Carolyn, I’m so sorry to hear about gorgeous Sienna, the loss for your family will be immense but even more for you as she was your constant companion. Roscoe is wondering why all the tears, and I expect many more will be shed by you all. Sienna will be missed by a lot of people. Take care.
Deeply deeply sad, we share so much with our pets and dogs are so receptive to our emotions and moods, it’s a very pure kind of love. She had a beautiful life with you.
I am in tears too reading this. Sienna was beautiful and I have often admired her in your photos. Also I have two dogs, both of whom in their different ways are my constant companions, so I know just what you are talking about. Sending you lots of love across the miles xx
Carolyn, this loss is heartbreaking to read. Sienna was a beautiful puppy who grew into a beautiful dog who looked so loved and happy in your blog pictures. She was lucky to have you and your family to care and love her. Hugs to you and your family during this difficult time.
My heart breaks for you, I’m so sorry about your loss. Sienna was a very well loved dog.
Carolyn, take heart that your love for Sienna was reflected in her love for you. You made her life happy and that knowledge, coupled with your humour, skill and sensibility will support you. In turn your readers will support you x.
Oh Carolyn, Heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. They truely become such a lovely and wonderful part of our lives and it just hurts so much. May those beautiful memories live long. Rebecca xx
Oh Carolyn, my heart is aching for you. I went through this with my own sewing companion a bit over a year ago. Similar thing, though the end came much quicker. And … yeah… I … I’m crying here with you. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m so happy you had Sienna in your life and I’m so very very sorry you’ve lost her now.
Much love, Imogheena
Oh Carolyn – your tears and heartbreak are shared. Dogs are such a conduit of unconditional love with a huge multiplier effect…
Hugs
I cried for you this morning after seeing your post on Instagram and again this evening. I know just how hard it is to realise the moment you have to let them go. And they’re not silly tears, ever. Xx
I knew I would cry as soon as I saw the post title, so sorry to hear the sad news about Sienna – it is always so hard to say goodbye to our pets. Your words and pictures are beautiful and a very fitting memory to your friend and companion. xx
She was definitely a bloggy doggy star! She will be missed.
I am so very sorry to hear your sad news, losing a furfriend is heartbreaking
Sending you our very best wishes
Julie
I’am so sad !!! Difficult to me to translate all I want to say. <3 <3 <3 <3
Oh Carolyn. With eyes brimming with tears I say goodbye to your bloggy doggy. RIP Sienna. I’ll miss seeing you around these parts.
Oh Carolyn, I’m so sorry – these quiet constant companions are so special, and so missed. Hugs x
I am so sorry you have had to say goodbye to your beloved Sienna. She graced your photos so beautifully and she will be sadly missed by us all.
So sad, Carolyn. I’ve always appreciated your sharing her in your pics. Such a lovely pup. Thinking of you all.
So sorry to read about the loss of your darling dog.
I’m sorry for your and your family’s loss Carolyn. It’s hard to lose a loving and loved pet and companion.
My heart is breaking for you. The love we have for our furry friends is a love like no other.
Warm hugs from Florida
Kelly
I am a serial lurker on pretty much every blog that I read but I just can not comment about how sorry I am for your loss.Puppies are the best people x
My heart goes out to you. Very sorry for your loss xx
I’m so sorry Caroline. I was crying my eyes out along with you as I read.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved companion. Many hugs, Carolyn!
My heart goes out to you. I am so saddened to hear this. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Dear Carolyn, I had tears in my eyes as I read your post. Sienna fascinated me, because she was always there with you and I thought how do they do it, your pet idolised you and she loved having her photograph taken. I always wondered how old she was. She will be in your heart and mind forever. You all gave her a truly lovely life, and she had world fame.
Best wishes to you and your family, Cynthia in UK
So sad news, dear Carolyn! I could see at the pictures recently, that Sienna was getting old. Your words made my tears roll down. I am very sorry for you and dear old Sienna. I will keep her in sweet memory.
I’m truly sorry for your loss. It cuts so deep and has such an impact to lose our furry best friends. I lost my precious dog in August. He was also my constant companion and turned up constantly on my blog and social media. He was so very dear to me. Our cat missed him so much that we lost him only 5 weeks later. Even though I’m approaching 5 months since Willie went to the Rainbow Bridge, I miss him every day. I am finally not crying constantly, but there is a deep sadness and loss that remains. Know that you are not alone in your grief, and that I’m very sorry your sweet dog is gone.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing her story. 🙂
Carolyn, I am so sorry for your loss; many of us know the agony you are feeling all too well. Thank you for letting all of us “meet” Sienna here on the blog. She was such a beautiful girl–she always seemed to be in her element in your beach-side photos.
I’m so sorry. Your post made me burst into tears.
I lost my dog last January and he had been with me everywhere, just like your Sienna.
Hugs to you.
I’ve been so upset about Sienna all day. Such a beautiful girl. It was a privilege to meet her and her calm and contented blog poses will be hugely missed. The wonderful life you gave her shone out of those gentle eyes xxx
More tears for her in the USA. Extra bitter tears of understanding because my mom passed away from liver cancer this past June, and I completely understand the slow downward progression. So many hugs for you.
It is so hard to give up unconditional love! And that is what she gave you. She was a beauty, and you will always have her in your heart. Don’t be sorry that she’s gone, Carolyn, be glad that she was here. What a boon companion she was!
Oh my goodness. I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing such lovely pictures of her. Something tells me she has found a fluffy cushion in heaven and is having a ball tossing it around pain free. Please consider yourself hugged many times over from me in Destin, Florida.
I’m crying here too, just reading how much she meant to you and what a special bond you had. I’m so very sorry you’ve lost her and will miss seeing her in your photos. Hugs from Texas.
How very sad! My heart goes out to you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Saying goodbye to our four-legged family members is incredibly hard.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
Such a beautiful tribute to Sienna and it did bring tears to my eyes to read it. I’m so sorry for your loss Caroline. My heart is with you.
I am so sorry for your loss, I always loved her giant smile in every picture. She was such a beautiful girl, lots of hugs from San Francisco.
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful companion and friend. When we had to put our sweet Jasper down due to heart issues, I missed hugging him so much. What an awful thing to be so sad and the one who always helped it not be so hard gone.
I hope you will be comforted. She was a beautiful, lovely dog. Blessings.
My deepest condolences for your loss. I’ve enjoyed seeing Sienna in your blog posts. Her beautiful face always made me smile. It’s always so hard to lose a family member & it was obvious how dear she was to you. You are in my thoughts.
I’m sure she’s waiting for you on beaches for more walks and talks!
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. I am crying with you today, I am so sorry to hear this. I have read your blog forever it seems, never commenting, always loving your creations but in truth I was always looking for that bright sweet face by your side. Her expressions always made me smile & you could tell what a good girl she was just by her photos. Much love & hugs to you.
Yes, she added humor to the photos, and yes you really could tell she was a good girl! Thank you for saying it so well.
Long time reader, first time commenter. Sienna’s doggy presence brought so much joy to your photos, as was evident in every shot she was in. I’m very sorry for your loss.
I’ve been following your blog for a couple years now and always enjoyed that Sienna was with you in the photos. She seemed like such a lovely girl. My sympathy to you and your family.
This is so sad.
Hugs, Carolyn.
I feel your pain- I lost my ‘soul dog’ about 5 years ago and cried for 3 days straight. Just know that you gave her a wonderful life and someday you will be ready for another wonderful companion. Dogs are the best thing, period.
I am so sorry for your loss. I can recognise bits of my own old boy in what say about Sienna (like throwing and then sucking on his cushion and frolicking in the shallows) and my heart aches at the thought of one day having to say goodbye to him. Our pets may only briefly be in our lives but I know from experience that they stay forever in our hearts.
You have said it all here, Carolyn. The very best of friends. The best. Always in your heart.
Oh Carolyn… as soon as I started reading your post, tears came to my eyes… we love our dogs so much, even as they love us with all their hearts, and having to say goodbye is so very hard to do. What a wonderful tribute you have written to the era Siena spent with you. I send gentle hugs to you from Acorn Cottage, that you remember that the measure of our grief is the measure of the love…
I’m so sorry. She always looked like such a happy dog, and it is easy to tell that she knew she was loved.
So sorry for your loss
I’m so sorry, Carolyn. I’ve lost beloved animal family members several times. Sending good thoughts your way.
I managed not to cry yesterday, but this lovely tribute to Sienna has me crying right along with you Carolyn. I am so very deeply sorry for your loss. When our four legged loves leave us…it hurts…everywhere.
I think our beloved pets stop doing some of the things that they’ve always loved to do, or otherwise change a routine, for our benefit. They want to ever so gently help us prepare for their return to spirit. Ugh..it’s never easy though.
Sienna, you will be dearly missed. May you be flying fear on the wings of an angel. xo
flying *free* on the wings of an angel.
My heart breaks for you. I lost my best girlfriend of 17 years not too long ago and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to live through. I so hate it when people tell me “she was just a dog”. No, she was my best friend, my daughter, my sweet, furry, beautiful girl and I’ll miss her every day for the rest of my life.
Oh, I am so sad for you. But Sienna will always be with you, running on the beach and at your side. You just can’t see her, but she can see you. She is happy.
I’m so so so sorry for your loss. Losing a friend like that is awful. All the best for you and your family.
Sleep tight Sienna x
That’s such sad news Carolyn. Sienna brought her personality to your pictures and always brightened up my day when she appeared on your blog with you. Dogs bring such a lot of joy into the lives of their owners and I’m glad that (later on, when it feels less raw) you’ll have so many great memories of Sienna to look back on.
A beautiful tribute to a lovey friend. I’m sure she felt well loved, possibly the best blessing life can bestow. Rest in peace, Sienna.
Dear dear Carolyn-
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss…
It takes some time, and I’m glad to hear you allow yourself to grieve.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandy
My heart is breaking for you and your family, Carolyn.
I’ve loved seeing you and Sienna in so many posts over the years. She will definitely be missed. You all are in my thoughts and prayers as you move through this devastating loss.
BIG hugs from Portland–
Darci
Crying with you, Carolyn. We loved Sienna, too, and know your heart is broken. XO
I am crying with you Carolyn. And Maja is looking at me – not understanding what is the matter…. What a beautiful tribute to your companion. I know the situations you describe so well, as Maja is always with me like your Sienna when I take photos outside….May your heart become lighter over the weeks….Sending much love, Ute
My heart was in my throat as I was reading this. As I read your loving words about her, I could hear and feel your pain. I’m so sorry for your loss. She was so beautiful and a loving friend and companion. I will miss seeing her with you in your photographs.
I believe that animals have souls too. So now that she has crossed that rainbow bridge she’ll be watching over you and still loving you.
I am literally shedding tears into my breakfast. Dogs are absolutely our best friends, unreservedly, unconditionally, and non-judgementally. I am so sorry I didn’t know she was ill, but am glad you didn’t tell us as we would forever have been enquiring as to her health and that would have been really hard. I lost my dog just over two years ago and still miss her every single day. Sienna’s memory will never leave you, but the sorrow will resolve itself into happy memories. Thank you for your generosity in giving us an insight into this sad time.
Oh Carolyn so, so sorry to hear of this. I am weeping here. Border Collies sure get under your skin. They are such constant companions and so devoted – not to mention such fun. We lost our first one to cancer when she was 7 and it really was the very saddest time. She came with us to Singapore, sat under my desk while I walked, got me out of the house multiple times a day for walks – we lost her just before returning to NZ – I like to think she’s off chasing swallows on her favorite beach now happily with no more pain I think Sienna is there too. Sending you much love.
Let the tears come and treasure them. So sorry that you have lost a huge part of your family. I hope I get a chance to hug you soon x
Nicki
Oh Carolyn, I’m so sorry for your loss. I started crying before I even clicked the link to this post. Sienna will always be with you, just in a different way. I know that there is nothing that anyone can say that will make you feel better. Cry as many tears as you need to, and when you think you’re done, cry a few more. They are in no way silly. The pain of losing a pet can be as devastating as losing any other family member. I know that it doesn’t feel like it now, but believe me, in time you will be able to think of her with joy instead of pain. She will always be in your heart. Sending many hugs and love to you and your family from Canada. Anne
Hello, I read your blog through bloglovin. I am so, so sorry, what a love your precious fur angel was and is…Oh how my heart hurts for you. You see, I too sew like you and have lost two of my fur angels this year. My little Esther the day before she left me was looking at me while I sewed as if she wanted to remember me. Just this year I have had to blog about two angels of mine. The pain was so bad for me, it was a while before I could write again.
Your post really hit home and I so understand your pain. What a lovely, and sweet-sweet face and countenance your precious Sienna has. Oh what a love… There is nothing like our precious fur angels.
My prayers go forth for you this season. God be with you, my fellow sewist.
Bless you, Amelia
Carolyn, So sorry to hear the news about Sienna. Loving a dog so totally is why we have them. I have walked this same walk and know how painfully sad it is. You have so many lovely memories of her. In time, this will be such a comfort. Bless you Anne
I’m so sorry, losing a good friend is very hard, even if you have time to prepare. Many hugs and thoughts.
Our fur babies are a part of us, just like any other family member and deserve to be treated as such. Remembering is the best we can give them. My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
I’m so sad for you and your loss.
Thank you Carolyn for your heartfelt post and sharing your memories with us. The walk through life with our precious furry family members brings us such joy and these memories will bring you comfort over time. I will miss seeing her with you. Take care.
My heart hurts for you so much. I am proud of you for writing about your beautiful and loyal friend – such a hard thing to do. I have loved and lost 4 German Shepherds and I don’t think I’ve gotten over any of them. We lost our dear Brandi 3 months ago – seems like yesterday. But there is nothing in this world that can compare to a dog you love. They seem to know what our souls need. They love us without any strings.
When I lost my first Shepherd 34 years ago, I couldn’t write about her – I was so afraid that if I wrote it down, I would lose it . . . I didn’t want to part with any of it, even the loss. But it’s important to share. So many of us have pets we dearly love. And as with our human partners, there comes a day for all of us when we have to let go. Treasure your memories and know (with great comfort) that you were the center of her life. The depth of grief is a testimony to the depth of our love. Stay brave and don’t be afraid to love again.
Thank you for sharing the news about Sienna. She was ever-present in your blog posts, and had a sweet smile for us all.
Thank you for sharing the news about your Sienna. My sincere condolences to you and to your family.
My heart goes out to you. Our dogs become such good friends, it is heart breaking when we lose them. Fortunately you have many good memories and lots of pictures to treasure.
There aren’t enough words. Or the right ones. I am so so sorry for you and your family. I have lost 2 of our dogs this year and right now I am crying for you and for me.
Godspeed Sienna. Find my Barney and Max at the Rainbow Bridge, they are both good chaps and will show you around.
Pets. From the moment we take them into our lives, we know -we KNOW- it will end in total heartbreak. But we do it anyway, knowing this, because the bond matters more than the heartbreak. Providing a home matters more. Making a friend matters more. It always will.
I, too, was in tears at your post. I don’t comment here much, but I am one of the many who have been quietly loving Sienna from accross the planet. She was so damn lovely. My heart goes out to you.
So sad, thank you for sharing. I lost my 14-year-old male Lhasa Apso last Friday. So your post put words to my feelings. Thank you.
So sad. She so often made me laugh and smile when she was in your pictures. She was beautiful and I loved her smile. Hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing her with us and now celebrating her life as well! (((HUGS)))
SO sorry for your loss, honey….can’t imagine what you and your family are going through, but I have a dog who’s our “baby” since we couldn’t have children, so he’s a HUGE part of our lives too….He’s 4 yrs old now, his name is Benji. How old was Sienna? I’m sure she is at peace now, God Bless.
Sending Light for the Highest Good to you and your loved ones.
Oh Sienna.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful addition to your photos and obviously to your life.
Rest in peace lovely one.
My heart goes out to you. You lost a family member and the pain seems like it will never go away. Give yourself time. My condolences to you and your family.
You’ve lost your best and least critical friend. Condolences Carolyn.
Oh no, I’m so sorry. Sienna looked like such a sweet thing.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I have loved seeing her in your blog pictures. Any dog person (and I am one) can relate to your pain and grief. I’m crying with you at the moment.
I’ve enjoyed following your photos with Siena and could tell from afar what a sweet companion she was for you. I’m very sorry to hear of her passing and for your loss. May the memories of her bring some comfort.
There are oceans of tears from all of us who watched you and Sienna and from those of us who know the pain of this loss…and the joy of life with a dear dog. Here’s hoping that happier memories can be some comfort during this sad time.
Really sad to hear that your beautiful partner in crime has passed on. Sending you strength and good vibes.
Awwww. Sending sympathy for you and the family. V sorry for your loss. Beautiful sharing.
This made me cry too. She will be missed ((hugs))
Crying along with you and everyone else. Dogs are just the best friends and it is so hard to lose one. Hope you will find comfort in knowing she had a great life with you.
So sorry for your loss Carolyn! I can imagine how this post has been hard to write, but it is such a genuine hommage to this wonderful friend you were lucky to have all these years. Sienna looked very special, even from a distance. Sending you love xx
So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful dog.
Oh what a loss. She was so clearly loved. Thank you for sharing such a kind and noble and beautiful soul with us all.
So sorry for your loss – they definitely leave their paw prints on our hearts!
Take care, eventually the memories are easier.
not so different from a family member since she actually was one – our Daisy lacked 1 month of being 17 years old when she finally sat down and we could see “enough” in her eyes – terrible day for sure. Happy memories!
So sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is. Keep the memories of her close to your heart.
Oh Carolyn, I am so, so, sorry to read about your loss. I can’t imagine the pain you are going through. I often think about the inevitability of this with my own pup but always remember that the time you spend together is worth all the pain at the end. Sending you and your family all my love.
I will miss her sweet spirit. Thanks for sharing her with us.
My heart aches for you ,I’m crying as I write this. Just remember all the love and joy she brought you. I lost my fur baby 2 years ago & it was one of the hardest things ever. Animals just love you so unconditionally, they’re always there for you and they become part of us. So lots of love & prayers sent to you from me in Auburn ,Washington (U.S.). Take care♥Cheri
You did the kind and loving thing for her in letting her go when you did. She will always be with you in wonderful memories and was a truly beautiful happy girl from your photos. Take care of yourself.
So sore you lost your friend/ pet. I have experienced a loss just like this & I know. Bless you…
I am so so sorry for your loss. Sending you and yours much love and support. What a wonderful life she shared with you x
Crying. Just crying. You’ve written a perfect memorial for your sweet pup.
I’m so sorry to hear about your girl. Our “fur babies” enrich our lives so much. How lucky she was to be so loved.
So sorry for your loss Caroline.
Sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose a great friend.
Thank you for sharing about your buddy Sienna. So sorry for your loss. Our furry friends can have such strong personalities, and the years spent together allow us to bond so tightly. I have enjoyed seeing Sienna in your photo shoots, always imagined that the fun you had together extended your shoots! What a delight. I have had a couple of dog pals in my life, each one so special in their own way. Hugs to you as you go through this transition — and perhaps open your heart to a new buddy when the time is right.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Sienna with us. I just recently subscribed to bloglovin and read your blog this morning for the first time. I’m grieving with you, too. You are very blessed to have shared your life with such a lovely soul. Love and hugs from El Paso, TX.
I am very, truly sorry for you loss. As a fellow doggie parent, they’re not pets. They’re family. Thank you for sharing this with us.
I know your heart is hurting, Carolyn. Thank you for sharing your grief with us. I’m drying my tears as I write this. Only time will dull your pain, but the sweet memories of the time you spent with your Sienna will always shine bright.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I had been missing her photos. She’s the most photogenic dog ever. Did not suspect anything was this wrong.
Everyone who has had her own Sienna – the pup so tightly bonded, you can read each other’s every mood and gesture – knows losing a dog is like losing a limb. Everything feels wrong. Thoughts about her suffering are heavy.
Do take your time. Don’t fight it when tears want to come. Go ahead, miss Sienna with all your heart. Her gifts to you are worth appreciating. And yours to her was the very best life a dog could want: goofing around and being with you, her mistress, all the time. You made each other’s lives better.
Have a special Christmas with your family anyway. Maybe make little commemorative things, like a tree ornament out of one of these photos, toys, or tags. Wash and keep that furry pillow. Those wonderful photos will keep Sienna and her hilarious, endearing ways alive in your memory.
I’m so sorry Carolyn! And at the same time, especially after reading your touching words, I’m happy for you that you could spend so many happy years and moments with Sienna. For me she was part of this blog and I always enjoyed seeing her with you in your pictures. So thank you for this post.
You and Sienna have brought so much joy to your blog friends around the world through your “silly” photos that we all look forward to receiving. Friendship has a “mathematical” formula I love – it multiplies our joys and divides our sorrows. May your grief be lighter as we all cry with you at this sad time. We will miss her, too. Thanks for sharing your beautiful girl with us through your photos.
They are never with us long enough.
oh my god … no … no … no That’s not right… they should live forever … I read your post through tears I can’t imagine … I don’t want to imagine
Goodbye Sienna
So very sorry for your loss. I know how very heart-wrenching this is. My heart felt condolences to you and your family.
Went to sleep and had a dream about Sienna.
Here’s the thing. It seems like Sienna was your alter ego, your twin, a Carolyn Mini Me. A glorious ginger with an endless zest for discovery… and a pinch of mischief. You belonged together. You were in on the same joke. It’s great that you found each other.
My sympathy for loosing a good friend and family member. I have enjoyed your blog for several years now and always enjoyed the joyfulness of Sienna. We are on a parallel path it seems as our longtime friend Barkley passed this week.
So so sorry for your loss, such a beautiful soul. Sending all my love.
I am so sorry , it is such a sad time. I know how you are feeling my beautiful dog has just been diagnosed with cancer. Beautiful photos and memories.
I am so sorry for your loss. There’s nothing more to say, really. You are loved.
Heart is aching for you, Carolyn – a lonely beach, a long goodbye. Thank you for sharing your tribute to Sienna with us.
What a beautiful post, so eloquent about your Sienna that describes exactly how I feel about my beautiful beagle girl. I have cried along with everyone else for your loss. Sienna was a very special girl.
I am so, so, sorry.
Judith
Carolyn, I am so sorry for your loss. I have read your blog for many years and I just blocked out the thoughts I would have every now and then about how old she was… When I opened your blog today and saw your post title my heart immediately sank and I said “oh, no” with tears already coming to my eyes. I absolutely loved every picture of you with her and of her and I cannot even imagine how terribly missed she will be. Many times I wished I could meet you in person but today even more so I wish I could hug you… much love to you.
Dear Carolyn, I am so sorry that your beautiful Sienna has left you and I feel your grief and sense of loss. I always loved seeing her in your posts. She was such a lovely dog.
Elizabeth D
Sad news XXXX Jo
You were so lucky to have her for so long after her diagnosis. We lost our Papillion to the same disease, but we were not so lucky. He got sick one day and the next we had to put him down because he was bleeding internally. He had not shown any symptoms up till then. You were lucky that you had time to prepare and spend some time with your loved one. I am sorry for your loss.
I’ve enjoyed your postings for years, astonished and appreciative of your designs and amazing creativity, but this is the first time I’ve had to write to you. My condolences. It was so sad to read, but you wrote SUCH a beautiful and moving tribute to your heart-mate. You can be sure darling Sienna will be so excited to see you when you get to Heaven.
Dear Carolyn,
I do not know what to say, except I am sorry for your loss.
I’ve enjoyed reading your posts over the last few years and always looked forward to seeing what Sienna was up to. She was always there with a wicked smile on her face.
She will be sorely missed by you and your family.
Dear Carolyn,
I am so sorry for you. She is still protecting you.
Love from France
Véronique
I’m so sad. Sienna was a sunny part of this blog and a wonderful counterpoint to your pictures.
Love.
I am so sorry for your loss. My family just said good-bye to our old girl a few weeks ago. Heartbreaking for you.
So sorry for your loss. Will miss her in your photos. Such a beautiful puppy.
Oh I am sooo sorry . She was such a beautiful girl ,you could see it in her lovely expressive eyes . I am dreading this time with my dear Millie dog who us also getting on in years .
It was indeed a beautiful dog. Animals are living creatures, as people are. I’m sorry for your loss.
In our memories she will be there with you, walking on the beach and fotoshooting items handmade by Carolin.
I can understand how your last few weeks have been. My dog was diagnosed with cancer two months ago and we’re on borrowed time. He’s eleven, with many good days, but little appetite. Even knowing the end is near doesn’t make it any easier. Not knowing when those last deteriorating days will hit is the hardest. I imagine you woke up every day listening for her claws clacking on the floor or her collar tags jangling and breathed a sigh of relief when you knew she was seeing another morning. I know I do.
Without a doubt, Sienna is running on that endless forever beach.
I am so sorry for your loss of beautiful Sienna. I believe all dogs go to heaven and you will be reunited someday. Our pets are family and five years ago I lost my beautiful American Bulldog Clementine. She was 11 and a half and died in my arms. She had a tumor on her heart and we had to let her go. I think of her everyday and know I will see her again. Now we have loveable and rowdy Lucy! You are in my prayers.
Oh Carolyn, how heartbreaking to lose your beloved girl. We still miss our old boy, Charlie, and that’s been years. They never quite leave you, which is a blessing.
Sending you enormous hugs.
Evie
Carolyn,
I am so sorry for your loss. Sienna will be missed in your photos, as I am sure you are missing her every second. Her memory will live on in your photos here.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It doesn’t seem fair that they have such short lives :'(
I am occasional visitor to your blog and a great admirer of your creativity–and your lovely Sienna. I always marveled at her beauty and her willingness (eagerness?) to pose. While, of course, I didn’t know her, she just seemed like a very special girl. I am so very sorry for you loss. I lost my little dog a year and half ago, and I got another dog within weeks. I am so glad I did. Pets stay in our hearts forever.
Oh Carolyn, aren’t you blessed to have had such a wonderful companion for many years. In her photos, I could always tell she absolutely adored you and loved life. Having been down this same road a few times I know that the memories you have will warm and comfort you plus brighten your life for many years to come. Bless you for being such a wonderful doggy mommy and friend and for sharing the beauty and joyful sprite that Sienna was with all of us. <3
I’m in tears reading this. So, so sorry for your loss Carolyn xx