phin

10/20/2023

This post isn't about me. It's about our four legged family member, Phin, who was diagnosed with cancer (sarcoma) 3.5 years ago. In dog years - that's a long time. He faced cancer like a champ and just kept on enjoying each day. Sadly, on Oct. 14 we had to say goodbye.

I am incredibly fortunate to have had dogs my entire life. The companionship they bring is unsurpassed, but saying goodbye to a furry family member is extremely difficult. You know in your heart you are making the right decision but you just want to squeeze out a bit more time. Why can’t there be more time?

I’m so grateful to have had Phin in our lives. He arrived in Canada on a jet plane in 2011 as a three-year-old California dude with a sketchy past, a penchant for running away, sparkly white teeth and curly golden locks. He sprinkled joy wherever he went. Unless you were a bus – he hated busses. And motorcycles, and loud trucks…and bikes…oh, and winter.

Phin was pure love and was with us through all the ups and downs over the past 12.5 years. He taught us many lessons. Here are a few...

Always find the sunshine
Keep the ones you love close
Choose adventure
Let the wind blow through your hair
Eat with enthusiasm
Get outside and walk
Rest
A lick on the nose fixes everything
Love with all your heart
No matter what life throws at you, adapt and keep going

Always find the sunshine

Keep the ones you love close

Choose Adventure

Let the wind blow through your hair

Eat with enthusiasm

Get outside and walk

Rest

Love with all your heart

Have a best buddy

No matter what life throws at you, adapt and keep going

I only ever want our dogs to live their very best lives with us and I'm positive you did. Phin, my heart is broken. Our house is so different without your positive, easy going energy, your wagging tail, your big eyes begging for food and your quiet (sometimes loud) snores. However, I know you are running free, chasing squirrels and eating all the treats you want...and that makes me smile. If we all lived with the unconditional love that dogs have, what a wonderful world this would be.

7 Comments

Donna Bilodeau

10/22/2023 07:58:58 pm

I’m very sorry for both of you. Losing a fun, furry pup is one of the hardest. I’m sure you have lots of funny things to think about. Phil was always so very happy.

Sharon Robertson

10/22/2023 08:17:42 pm

So sorry for your loss. So sad to lose a family member !

Chrissy

10/22/2023 09:02:51 pm

So sorry for your loss of Phin. I know a piece of your heart will always belong to that little fur baby. My hope is what feels like a hole now will heal in time and turn into a comforting space to hold your special memories. My thoughts are with you.

Patty Peel

10/22/2023 09:34:50 pm

I am so sad for you & James😢
12.5 years ago those 2 little California dudes were so blessed to find their forever home with you & James (& Chloe) & they became blessings, bringing so much joy to your family. Run happy & free little Phin, you were so loved. 🐾❤️

Sayler Reins

10/23/2023 07:18:46 am

I am so sorry of the loss of Phin. Your words spark so much love and kindness, that yes if mankind were to be the same what a wonderful world it would be. Thank you for sharing your amazing journey with Phin.

Anita

10/23/2023 10:20:52 am

Amazing beautiful heartwarming photos. Love and tears all mixed in. Your heart is full of love, so was Phin's. I am so very sorry for your loss
To you and James I send gentle hugs and love to surround you..

Henriette Martin

10/23/2023 11:29:35 am

Yes for unconditional love given by our furry friends. What a beautiful journey you have had with Phin. Thank you for sharing this with me. Indeed he is running free up in doggy heaven and am sure he is forever grateful for all the love he received from you and James. Hang in there girl. Hugs

a different journey

phin

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