Mistletoe died today. It was not unexpected, but we are very sad. Seems troubles come in clusters, and this year has been a big cluster of difficulties so far. That said, we don’t need sympathy. If you live your life with animals, you will have your heart broken again and again. We know that well, but we also understand with certainty that the joy and laughter they bring us outweighs the sorrow and tears.
And so we are grateful for the 13 years we had with a little gray ragamuffin dog who had many names. We found her on Petfinder while we were grieving the loss of Petro, who was also gray. We drove out in an ice storm to the Franklin County Pound and paid $250 to ransom her out of there, though they insisted their vet had to spay her first, because she was a “choice breed”. A few days later, we brought her home to join Nettie (a mere $50 from Franklin County for her) and Millie, the grand dame of the family. After a few monikers, we settled on Mistletoe, since we have had many good dogs with “plant names”.
Mistletoe was fearless and fierce, loyal and stoic. Although I took her to dog school, she never wavered in her supreme affection for Harry. He was her favorite, and she always went crazy with joy whenever he came home. She could hear his car half a mile away and started yapping with excitement.
Mistletoe had a good life, though old age was painful to see, as her bones got arthritic and crooked. She never complained, and as she failed at the end, she was an exemplar of grace in difficulty. We will remember her best as the feisty, game terrier she was for most of her happy years. And we must admit that she did bite a few people, though she felt it was only her duty to defend this place. After introductions, she was usually civil. And she was never rude to the groomer – she loved going to the hairdresser.
Be safe, be well, be brave. Slava Ukraini. Peace.
Oh, Anne, what a wonderful tribute to Mistletoe! I’ll really miss seeing her in your future blogs because she reminded me so much of my deceased cairn terrier. RIP, Mistletoe.❤️🥲
Merci, Linda! Cairns are delightful dogs. We are partial to them. But, then, we are fond of all dogs. And so lucky to have our lives entwined with animals!
I love seeing photos of her romping. She really had a good life with you and Harry and the rest of the gang. One of my favorite stories of her is when she was defending your house against Jack.
Thanks, Rebecca – Jack was one of Mistletoe’s most memorable victims. We were always safe with her on duty!
Oh Mistletoe you will be missed! Hugs. Slava Ukraini. Peace.
Thank you, Linda. Perhaps she and Tink have met up now.
Terriers live life to the end. A lovely tribute to a wonderful dog.
Thanks, Janis. She was a real terrier, for sure.
I am deeply touched by your beautiful tribute to Mistletoe and the heartfelt reminder that the joy and laughter of sharing your life with a pet outweigh the sorrow and grief of losing them.
Very sorry, Anne. We accept their loss because it’s the price we accept to pay, but it is so awfully hard. Your dogs, cats, horses have a blessed life, quite obviously and that is the important thing.
Godspeed Mistletoe.
Thanks, Carolyn. The animals certainly bless our lives. Their brevity is offset by the enormity of the gifts they bring us (with the exception of dead rodents and deer parts).
So Sorry to hear about Mistletoe. She was my favorite.
Oh, Woody, thank you (she was my favorite, too, even though I couldn’t compete with Harry – he was always her favorite).
So sorry for your loss, Anne. What a beautiful tribute to your dear Mistletoe. The photographs capture, as much as photographs can, his joie de vivre. You were lucky to have him in your life, and he was lucky to be rescued by you. Best to you, Harry (also one of my very favorite humans), and the menagerie.
Thanks, Dan. I’m with you and Mistletoe re: Harry.
While Mistletoe was as tough as the boys, she was a girl, so her pronouns were she / her. Haha!! Mistletoe was NOT woke at all!! We miss her, but we have many funny memories to interrupt tears.
I love the photos of Mistletoe, her romping especially. Every breed has their specialties, it seems Mistletoe had more than enough. Fierce and loyal, a fine ittle huntress looking so proud with those little feet sticking out of her mouth. Godspeed little Mistletoe, you are one of the lucky ones! To you, Anne and Harry, I feel your loss and it is heavy. Nettie, Cedar, and Weedy will carry you “galloping” through.
Oh, Jane! Thank you.
Anne I’m so sad to hear about Mistletoe. I love seeing all the pictures of her life with you and Harry. What a wonderful time she had living with all of you. Big hug to you.
xoxo
Thanks, Laura. You have just been through the same thing. Onward, with good memories!
Oh dear, I’m so sorry about Mistletoe. It’s been a tough go for all of you. I’ll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. 🙏🐴🐶🙏🇺🇦🇺🇦
Thanks, Louise. We are luckier than many.
Anne & Harry,
Ross & I are so sorry. Even though it’s part of the deal to one day have to say goodbye to our animals, it’s never easy. Happy memories endure and out weigh the sad. Mistletoe was lucky to join Bronze Fox Farm. So was Chewy, Petro, Bracken, Millie, ‘Little Brown Dog’ (who was old, deaf & hairless when we met), Hardee the cat, and of course Jane’s Isabelle. I am sure I am missing others on the roster.
Best wishes to you both, your current pack of dogs, cats, horses and to future additions.
Stay well and enjoy spring.
Thanks, Anne and Ross – you are such good friends to remember so many of our beloved creatures! It has been a terrible year. I hope Spring will soon produce happier times. Thanks for reminding us of many happy memories.