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    —Jackie Cantor, Diana's first editor

Best Wishes… and Sad News


Diana's dogs napping on a pillow.My best wishes for a good New Year to everybody.

I’m sorry that I have to begin the year myself with bad news; my lovely dog JJ died this afternoon (complications from a freak accident he suffered two weeks ago) and we buried him next to my garden, where he loved to hunt rabbits and toads with his brother, Homer.

Homer is bereft and so are we.

-Diana

In the upper-right image, JJ and Homer take a nap together. In the next photo, JJ looks for critters to chase in a prickly pear cactus:

Diana's dog JJ and a prickly pear.

familystuff-020-2

In the photo below, JJ and Homer were not sure of a visitor in 2012 and tried to hide:

Homer-and-JJ-under-table

95 Responses »

  1. I am so sorry for your loss. Animals choose us, not the other way round. Your loss is now your guardian angel; talk to him as you work and rest, as he will still listen.

  2. I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Thank you for sharing the photos. He truly seemed like a special one. God bless.

    • So sorry to read of the loss of your beloved JJ! Many four-footers have come through our doors over the years and its always so sad when one of them leaves us for the Rainbow Bridge. Your family, including Homer, will feel his love even though he’s physically left you :)

    • Poor Homer! My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved dog. He’s gone on to chase unending rabbits and toads at Rainbow Bridge.

  3. Diana … I am so very sorry for your loss. I am hoping that the pain goes away and the happy warm memories take over.

    It is so hard I know. Losing a family member that has always given you only love is a thing that takes a bit of your heart away with them.

    Always and Gratefully Yours … for the wonderful Outlander books which have given me many hours of pleasure.

    MsPam

  4. So sorry to hear about your baby — always leaves a hole in your heart that nothing will fill. Sweet memories – I know he was well loved!

  5. I am so sorry for your loss! He is chasing all the rabbits he wants now over the rainbow bridge!

    Sending our love and prayers.

    Jensen family.

  6. Diana, I’m so sorry for your loss! I have loved and lost many dogs over my 70 years. It never gets easier to say goodbye to them. Knowing that, as with family and friends who have gone before, I will see them all again eases the pain. Because, heaven can’t really be heaven, after all, without my dogs! RIP JJ and prayers for your peace, Diana.

  7. My deepest sympathies to you and your family on this loss. We know from experience how sorrowful it is to lose
    our most loyal fur companions. Each has a specific place in our hearts. May you you be blessed with frequent joyful memories of your sweet boy, to lighten your grief.

    Peace,
    and then enough to share

    ~C~

  8. I am so sorry to hear of your dog’s passing. I hope that in time your good memories of JJ will outweigh the sad ones and bring you comfort.

  9. Very sorry to hear about your loss.Dogs are like having a 3 year old around,and so it almost feels like loosing a child when they are gone ,especially when our children are grown and not at home any more.I hope Homer and your household are holding up ok.Prayers for better days ahead.

  10. So sorry for your loss. When I lost my beloved dog, a friend sent me this poem and it touched my heart. Hope it does the same for you.

    https://www.rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

  11. Sorry for your loss….we recently lost our Min Pin after 12 years…..❤

  12. My condolences to you and your family. JJ was a most fortunate fella to be a part of your brood. Pets are a true gift. Each unique and quirky, like the rest of us. Thank you for sharing the stories, and snaps of your dear wee mates. Prayers for healing, and peace for you and your family, and sweet Homer.

  13. So sorry… they leave such an emptiness for everyone … and are never around long enough. My heart goes out to your family.

  14. So sorry for your loss. I always say, dog is God spelled backwards because they are a reflection of His love. God Bless.

  15. So sorry to hear about your little JJ. Lovely to see the pictures of him though and am sure I don’t need to remind you, to paraphrase your own words “whilst there is one person to talk of him and one to listen – he will be remembered”.

  16. I’m so sorry for your loss. Our furry families have a special place in our hearts and leave big holes. May your memories of his life with you bring you comfort in the coming season.

  17. It is so hard to lose a beloved one whether human or animal. My thoughts are with you.

  18. Diana, I’m so sorry you lost JJ. All pets (family members!) have a place in your heart forever, but I think dachshunds dig a little deeper than others. I lost my Penney (long-haired) in ’86, when she was 16; I still swing my legs to the left when I get out of bed so I won’t step on her. The memories are still vivid and so is the love she gave me. JJ will live on forever in your heart and he’s waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for you.

  19. Losing a beloved family member is always difficult, pets sometime even more so as they accept us unconditionally. Feel what you need to feel, crying is healing and strengthens your soul. The photos are wonderful, dachshunds are incredible loyal and fierce defenders. Linda is correct, JJ is now a guardian angel for you and your family.

  20. It is so hard to loose a dog, such a big hole that leaves.
    Very sorry for you, your husband and Homer

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