One baby, then a puppy, then our second child. My house was full. 
Later on a kitten? Yep, chaos was my normal. Chaos was my love. For more than 14 years this house has been full of noise, of barking, of squealing and laughter.
Now..it is too quiet. Painfully, achingly quiet.
My Husband at work, my girls are at school, that cat sleeps all day long and my dog. My dog is gone.
Today, this week, I do not feel witty, clever or smart. Today all I feel is an ache deep down and I can’t stop the tears. Mine or theirs. Today I must acknowledge a loss in our family. The loss of our sweet Maddy girl, our almost 13 year old black lab. 
Maybe only a pet lover would get this; dogs bring so much to our lives, and then leave a huge gapping hole when they are taken from us so suddenly. Our sweet dog was a best friend, a playmate, a confident, a protector. A quiet companion late into many lonely nights, often sitting with me while I nursed and cared for sick babies, then toddlers now teens. The quietist of souls and the best listener in the house. A lover of popcorn, bananas, and the occasional unguarded piece of cheese. The last to say goodbye to us when we left our home, the first to celebrate our arrival back to the house.
My dearest Madison, I am so sorry I wasn’t here for you when you left this earth. Thank you for helping me take care of my babies, for being a friend to me in this sometimes big and empty house, for protecting us from unseen bad guys and for always offering a friendly nudge when I was down. You were loved, you will be missed. Always.
Oh, I’m so sorry! Dogs are such a part of the family and I know you have a big void right now. Sending you a big hug!
Oh, Stephanie, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sending big hugs to you and your children, who must be devastated, as well.
I’ve been bracing myself for this sad situation in my house, as my “puppy” is about to turn 16. I’ve been in denial about what that means, but I know it’s coming. 🙁
Oh Stephanie I am so sorry. Maddy girl was a beautiful dog.Hug B
I’m so sorry Stephanie.
She was a lucky dog to have you as her human family 😉
It’s so hard to lose a pet. They truly are part of the family. My heart goes out to all of you. XO
I have tears streaming down my face. I totally get your pain.
We lost our sweet Golden Retriever, Nala, last year at age 13. I miss her still.
I am so sorry for the loss of sweet Madison. You are in our thoughts!
I’m so sorry 🙁
XOXO
i am so sorry…we lost our 12 year old cat the week of christmas…its hard…they are such a part of our family….
I am so sorry. Pets truly are members of the family. Thinking of you and sending hugs!
🙁 You know how sad this makes me…xo love to your family!
We are a dog family and love our wrinkly friend dearly. A few years ago I lost my first dog and it still makes me sad anytime I think of him. They want nothing more than food, water and the occasional toy but give so much. ‘Best friends live forever in the memories we keep’
I am so sorry for your loss, Steph. My heart is achy for you. Much love… xoxo
Brought tears to my eyes. There is nothing like a dog. And nothing like their loss. So very sorry.
Oh, Stephanie! I immediately got tears in my eyes when I saw the photo and read the title of your post.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Maddie! I know how difficult it is to lose a pet, as they become a member of your family. As a pet lover, I GET your pain..
I wish I had some comforting words for you, but I do know nothing will help ease the loss, but time.
**HUGS**
Oh Stephanie!
I have tears in my eyes reading your post. The loss of a pet is so raw and the emptiness is so painful. I am so sorry to hear that Madison is gone from your home, but I know she will live in your heart forever.
I firmly believe that pets go to heaven and I am counting on it.
{{hugs}}