I said goodbye to Smooch on Saturday. She had a seizure, and the
poor prognosis convinced me
it was time to let her go. I buried her at
the ranch, in a spot where she will still be able
to keep an eye on
things.
The song is called "Story of My Life" from The Piano Guys.
Thank you Linda for sharing Smooch with us for all these years. This is a beautiful tribute. As I wipe away my tears in my government cubicle I think of my own dog, Rosie who passed away in April. May you have ever lasting memories of Smooch. Hugs to you and Alex.
ReplyDeleteSweet Smooch, such a beauty, strong, responsible, protective, hole-digger-extraordinaire, prone to bouts of I've-got-to-gallop-now. I am glad you lived on a ranch, where you belonged, your perfect setting, not in someone's backyard or in a city. I'm grateful that Carson and you found each other, and that Carson shared you with us so often. You were truly a very good dog! My thoughts are with Carson during this difficult time of sadness and adjusting.
ReplyDeleteSitting here in tears, no amount of time we have with them ever feels enough. Hugs
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute 🙏
Wendy- Bribie Is, Oz
I am so very sorry. She was such a special dog.
ReplyDeleteOh, Carson, what a lovely tribute to your Smooch. My heart was breaking and soaring at the same time... so many beautiful pictures - such a wonderful life she lived, but dammit, the reality of her being gone is starting to sink in. I'd watched the video about 3 times before I had to pull out paper and pencil and write down the pictures that popped out at me. I began my list....because I wanted to talk to you about each one.
ReplyDeleteSmooch and Deets!
Smooch wrapped in Christmas lights. lol
Smooch and Anne.
Me and Smooch smooching. ha!
Smooch with the mouse on the wall.
Victrola doggy!
Smooch in the Ranger surrounded by the donks and Hank!
Smooch with eyebrows...snicker
Blue Brett!
And my list kept getting longer and longer and I just want to go back and live through all those moments again.
I believe the biggest gift of your blog is how you've shared precious souls like Smooch with the rest of us. How lucky we are to have known and loved her.
xo
I was so sorry to see your post and tweet about losing Smooch....I have enjoyed her story over the years and I know you will miss her for a very, very long time. Its so hard to lose your best friend. Take care Linda.....Smooch was a good dog.
ReplyDeleteThis is the hardest part of being an animal lover, isn't it? Smooch was a fantastic dog. I had dog envy over her. She had the life she deserved - that every dog deserves - and that is a beautiful thing.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me so sad for you. It's like losing a member of the family and takes a long time to get over. Take all the time you need and know we are all here for you.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Smooch. I have loved her for many years. She was the best dog and your best friend. I will miss seeing her and reading about her after knowing her for so many years through you. It will be a hard time for a long while but Alex will help you through it.Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteThis was beautiful and hard to watch at the same time. Thanks for sharing Smooch, and all of your animals, with us. If every dog had a life and be loved and cherised as much as Smooch was it would be a better world. Hugs and all the best to you and the animals at the 7MSN.
ReplyDeleteI know you only through your posts here, over the years - I've been fascinated about your totally different life to mine, from here in the urban middle of England - but grief over the death of beloved companions is universal.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how we stand it - I guess that what we gain over the years with our companions is more than the appalling feeling of loss when it comes. Your tribute to Smooch in pictures is incredidibly touching - especially when we see those images in which your other loves feature, who you no longer have in your life.
Sending warm wishes to the 7MSN. x
She was a beauty and made Head of Ranch Security look easy... but we know how difficult it was keeping an eye out for those pesky snakes, warning you of trespassing herds, keeping her many holes from getting filled up, training new staff, riding shotgun to town, and all the other important duties she fulfilled. But most of all she was a faithful, loyal, and loving companion. RIP beautiful girl.
ReplyDeleteA life well lived, it is the best testimony of who we are. Sending hugs. Lisa G in TN.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you have Alex.
I am so sorry Linda. Smooch gave us all a lot of joy over the years, and I will miss watching her antics. She taught Alex well. It can be agonizing wondering whether we are choosing the right time to let our beloved family members go, but I'm sure you chose the right time for Smooch.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry for your loss. She sure had a great life with you.
ReplyDeleteTime is never long enough. God speed, Smooch, my friend. /Fay, cardis3 and SPoo
ReplyDeleteOh, Carson... Words aren't enough. I'm so grateful to you for sharing her with us for all these years. She has made me smile many, many times. (((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteObviously not as much as you, but we too will miss Smooch. Never has the beauty in dogs and ranch security been so well represented.
ReplyDeleteSuch a good dog! We will all miss her. I am so sorry. Julia
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about Smooch’s passing. It’s hard to loose a fur baby ... 😢😢
ReplyDeletePat in east TN
The muddy digger face. Running with Alan. Running - we call it zooming at our house. Thanks Carson. She will always be remembered.
ReplyDeleteThey say people break your heart many times, but dogs only break it once - when they leave. I lost my Frankie girl the exact same way - seizure at 13. I am so so sorry for your loss. Remember the good times and know that you gave her THE BEST LIFE. Sending hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this with us, my heart aches along with yours for your sweet girl Smooch...hugs and prayers in your time of loss..
ReplyDeleteThank you for having shared Smooch with all of us.
ReplyDeleteTheir time with us is never long enough.
Best ranch dog ever. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteOMG. I am in tears here at work. I have loved Smooch from the day you got her. I am shocked at the extent of my grief. I can't even imagine what you are going through. I know Smooch taught Alex everything she knows. It is comforting to me to know that Alex will continue looking out for you. Please know that we are all grieving with you.
ReplyDeleteWith love,
Marty in North Carolina
Thank you for sharing her all these years. Like so many I cried and sniffled my way through the slideshow. May her spirit guard you all as she did in life.
ReplyDeleteChuckled at the dirt on her nose and the big smile that accompanied the gleeful hole digging. Also Smooch off to the races. She was wonderful and we will always love her too. Thank you for the video.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so sad to read this and know how hard it is. She has been such a joy to know via your words and photos. She lived an amazing life with you and I know her spirit will be with you forever. Big hugs from all of us on November Hill.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so sorry. I loved reading about the adventures of Smooch.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if my previous comment “took” - apologies if a double one comes through. I am so sad to read this and know how hard it is to say goodbye to such an amazing spirit. Smooch feels like part of our extended family - I have loved knowing her via your words and photos. The slide show is such a tribute to her life with you - a wonderful life - and I know her spirit will be with you forever. Big hugs from all of us on November Hill.
ReplyDeleteThank you for allowing Smooch to be part of my life over the years. Smooch was a fantastic dog and you are a fantastic story teller. I am on my seventh dog now and I feel your pain about decision time. RIP Smooch!
ReplyDeleteWords are no good for this sort of thing, but I guess they're all we have. I always want to cuss when I really care. This is one of those times. I'll keep it clean though. What a big life. What an emptiness to be felt in your home now. All those years of love, and this is the hard part. It's worth it, I think. But it is really hard. I'm sorry. We'll all miss her, but not like you do.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. I feel like I've lost one of my own as you shared her stories so fully. Peace.
ReplyDeleteHave been waiting so long for a new post - but was not expecting this. Such heartbreaking news. What a beautiful tribute to a "life well lived". Feeling sad in Warwick, RI.
ReplyDeleteI knew the video would make me cry, but also didn't expect to smile so much. How can you not? The happiest dog, living the life all dogs dream of. I have loved Smooch for years and will miss her with you. Holding you close while you navigate that painful road of life after a profound loss. She was one-of-a-kind.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss of the amazing Smooch. She was a damn good dog; one of the best I've met. Thank you for sharing her with us. May the memories of Smooch bring comfort and smiles in the days to come.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. Thank you for sharing Smooch with us all these years. <3
ReplyDeleteWhat a great life she had. So glad you shared so many of these memories with us....she will be missed. So sorry for your loss. Betsy
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss but glad you have Alex. I feel bad for you :(
ReplyDeleteThat was an absolutely amazing remembrance of Smooch and his life at the 7MSN. Made me tear up. I am sorry that he has left this world and I extend my condolences to you. Linda. He brought so much love, energy and humor to us all as you chronicled his life on your blog. May Alex always be there for you for the many years ahead.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. It's been a pleasure to read about (and watch) Smooch's escapades on the ranch. Thank you for sharing her with us. A quote that I carried close after losing my last dog, from one of my favorite dog trainers:
ReplyDelete"There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals. It is a cycle unlike any other. To those who have never lived through its turnings and walked its rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with full knowledge that they will be broken seems incomprehensible. Only we know how small a price we pay for what we receive; our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given.” ― Suzanne Clothier, Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs
I hope that your memories of Smooch will in the future bring you joy. My deepest sympathies.
Auf Wiedersehen Smooch!
ReplyDeleteSo much love and a life so well lived, but still too short. A dog's only flaw...I am very sorry.
ReplyDeleteOh Carson. So not fair. Tears are falling. Rest well Smooch.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking for you and Alex. So sorry for your loss. I sure enjoyed reading about Smooch over the years.
ReplyDeleteShe was such a good girl... (((❤️❤️❤️)))
ReplyDeleteNo better life for a dog but on a ranch. May you many loving memories as you adjust to life without Smooch. Hugs to you and Alex.
ReplyDeleteSue
Such a beautiful, sweet, good girl. I'm so sorry. Words, I know, don't help. Our fur babies leave holes in our hearts when they depart from us. Always the missing pieces that break our hearts into a state of shattered. Thank you for sharing her with us. I loved her and sent her kisses and air-scritches daily. Extra hugs for Alex today. And especially you. Thoughts...monie
ReplyDeleteOh, this hurts my heart. Such a beautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteYou are a wonderful photographer.
No words, just sending hugs.
ReplyDeleteThey never live long enough - I will miss her. My heart breaks for you - her prognosis may have made your decision easier but still a hard thing to do. Sending hugs to you and your crew.
ReplyDeleteOuch... We saw this coming so at least this doesn't come as a shock. I also saw your instagram post the other day... Dear Smooch is always happy, and I'm happy for her. The montage is the most beautiful thing I've seen this year, thank you.
ReplyDeleteWell, the other team (on the other side) got another precious member. They're going to be a dream team at this rate.
What a beautiful tribute. I'm hugging you from afar.
ReplyDeleteOf course this made me cry. I lost my dog 3 weeks today so my heart is with you. Pups are so precious to our lives, bringing such joy. SO many of those photos expressed that.
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for your loss. Wonderful tribute of Smooch. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteAwww so sorry for your loss....
ReplyDeleteI'm So Very Sorry to see this. What a Beautiful Tribute for a Beautiful Soul. I feel your pain. Sending you love...
ReplyDeleteOh Carson - I'm so sorry to hear this. I know that Smooch had every dog's dream of a life, but it hurts us all to lose her. Her name will go out in our prayers at Pipe Ceremony tonight. Christina from ABQ
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. Smooch so resembled my long-gone Marly. I am reliving the pain of Marly's passing along with you your pain of losing Smooch. No doubt you followed the right path. But why do these beloved creatures have to die? Why isn't our love enough to inure them against that fatal end?
ReplyDeleteI kept putting off watching this...but it was such a beautiful video of Smooch and her friends and family.
ReplyDeleteShe always held her head up proudly, always on alert never forgetting her job as ranch security. Such a loving dog and she loved you fiercely as
you did her. She helped train Alex and put up with her ;-) . She will always be there watching over you. We will miss her kisses...
Ethel
Again I must thank you for sharing your amazing animals with us.Smooch was a special pup.A good journey fur friend .
ReplyDeleteoh goodness.... the universe has been off this week. there's been a heavy feeling and this is part of it. I am so thankful I got to meet Smooch. What an amazing soul. From the first time I saw her on your blog and she looked like my sweet Bali, she had my heart. Thank you, Carson for sharing her with us. She touched the hearts of so many. You gave her a wonderful life as she in turn made yours more wonderful; which, in turn, makes her absence so much harder. Thinking of you and all your crew there at The 7MSN.
ReplyDeleteMy sincerest condolences on your loss. Such a lovely tribute, as all your tributes have been. Sending you love and prayers during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteLinda D.
Tucson. AZ
I'm so sorry you lost your lovely girl. She certainly had the best life a dog could ever ask for with you and the other critters out on the ranch! I think she went from one doggy heaven to another.
ReplyDeleteShe lived the best life a dog could live, and she fulfilled her role perfectly. We always know this day is coming, but it still seems too soon. I'm so sorry to hear this news.
ReplyDeleteOh my, so sorry to hear this. She was such a beautiful soul. I can only imagine how hard it was to say goodbye. You did right by her Carson. The love she gave to you was returned by you knowing how to help her go. Hugs to you and thanks to Smooch for allowing to share in your adventures.
ReplyDeleteLynn-El
I am so sorry to hear this.
ReplyDeleteYou and Alex will get thru this somehow... my heart breaks for you and her, but Smooch had the BEST life ever with the two of you! This tribute was simply beautiful Linda. Sandy from Edgewood, NM
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you. Such a part of your life.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry! Smooch was a very good girl!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry! Smooch was a very good girl!
ReplyDeleteHugs and love sent from Michigan. My eyes are filled with tears.
ReplyDeleteLynda in Michigan
There are never words enough to express the extent of loss of our most beloved family members. I am so sorry for your loss of Smooch.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. She was a good dog.
ReplyDeleteI guess I just needed a reason to cry this morning ... this news of Smooch filled the bill and has left me so sad for you and Alex. I check your blog to see if you've written something new ... this was unexpected!
ReplyDeleteLittle girl Alex has some BIG paw prints to fill! Smooch was a one-in-a-million dog! Such a sweet girl!
Hugs from CO ... Marcia
Smooch was so very fortunate to have been loved by you, and we have been so very fortunate to be able to follow her adventures via your blog. What a beautiful tribute to Smooch - thank you for the memories. Run free, Smooch, run free.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Carson. Smooch was such a great dog. I'm glad you have so many neat pictures; a few made me smile, some made me tear up.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute!! Jean B. said exactly what I was thinking.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for your loss Linda. As an avid dog (and animal) lover I know how much they become a loved part of our being. Cherish the good memories you had with Smooch. You were both lucky to have each other. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteHeartbroken... I'm so sorry... </3
ReplyDeleteJamie
Heartbroken....
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss, Linda. Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort.
ReplyDeleteSmoochRulz!
Mel
Remembering Smooch in Amsterdam. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI just loved that dog, and I never even met her. I am so very sorry.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry! And I know how inadequate that is. We have lost many but it never, ever gets easier.
ReplyDeleteSo many wonderful memories and beautiful photos. She was one of the BDE, Best Dogs Ever. I know your heart is sore with missing her, but she will live in the hearts of all who knew her. She is running free in the cool grass with family and friends who crossed the Bridge before her. God bless.
ReplyDeleteOh Linda, somehow I missed this post earlier, and when I read it just now I burst into tears. I loved Smooch vicariously but as if she were my own. I hate that our beloved animal people have such short life spans, that they get old, become ill. I’m so sorry for your loss, but thank you for letting us know.
ReplyDeleteWords are just never enough...sending you big hugs, Carson....
ReplyDeleteVee
just saw this. So sorry. I put down my dear Barney six years ago. I swear to god I heard him keening the next morning out in the woods in back of the house. I always loved Smooch, what a cool spirit. Hope you're doing OK...glad you've got a new baby...Ann
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry to hear about Smooch. The tribute you did was beautiful. I’m glad you have Alex to help you through this. She had Smooch as her sister so you know she was taught well. She’ll have big paws to fill but she can do it.
ReplyDeleteWe are all blessed to have had a little "Smooch" in our lives. My heartfelt condolences. KarenTX
ReplyDeleteBig hugs to each of you. Cherish her memory, as I know you will. Our fur babies are so very special to us. THank you for sharing her beautiful face, spunky personality, her on guard alerting, her ever and always holes that she dug to make the yard a mishap to strangers entering the yard. She was a beautiful soul. You have those handsome boys, Alan and George, along with beautiful Alex to give more love than you can ever imagine to help ease your loss. She will be a part of your heart forever. Hugs from afar.
ReplyDeleteThinking about you.
ReplyDeleteLynda in Michigan
Miss your daily blog and photos. Hope you are doing well... looking forward to seeing all the critters! Lisa G in TN
ReplyDeleteI check in here everyday, even though I know you are taking a break. Today, I just needed to actually type a thought or two, because you have been on my mind a lot since you lost Smooch...or maybe it's because my own losses of fur babies has me hypersensitive to yours? Who knows? Whatever the reason, I just felt the need to type a hello, to extend a heartfelt condolence, and to let you know that even though we've never met,you are cared about by many, including me, and I'm hoping the beautiful Fall weather is cleansing your heart and wounds with the beauty of the season. For me, Thanksgiving and Christmas are the hardest to get through without the loves of our lives...so I'm lifting you up today, and will in the coming days, as you are navigating the valley. Thoughts...Monie
ReplyDeleteThinking of you Carson, and checking in every day, hoping to see a new post. Take care and know there’s a lot of us out here keeping you in our prayers. Pat in east TN
ReplyDeleteCarson, WE are worried about you, I know you are suffering from the loss of Smooch, Just know that we love and miss you
ReplyDeleteand are awaiting the return of your blog, in your time. When you are ready.
Oh no! I am so sorry to hear about Smoochie-poo. I don't know what happened to me and how I keep forgetting to check in with you here. I am so so sorry. I hope you are doing as well as can be. Much love and hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteIt occurred to me yesterday that I hadn't visited your blog in a long time. I used to check daily via a feed app on my phone that quit working awhile ago. When I pulled up your blog today, I gasped and burst into tears. I'm so sorry Carson, that Smooch has gone on home. Heartbreaking. Sending you virtual hugs and comfort.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. Can't believe I only just found this NOW! Sending very late - but heartfelt hugs your way.
ReplyDeleteI have silently followed your blog for years. I admire you resoucefulness, independence, creativity...but most of all your kindness and love for ...well..all living things exspecially those under your care. Smooch was so lucky to have had you as a guardian and best friend..and you her. I hope when you think of her now, it doesn't hurt as much and hope you may even smile when you think back on the adventures of her life with you.
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry, I wish I had the words to make it better.
ReplyDeleteHope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and that you all are well and happy. Miss your posts!
ReplyDeleteHey! What 'cha doin' over there? We miss you (ya'll)! Hope your Thanksgiving went well. We had an exciting one over here in southeast Texas (Groves). A little refinery exploded and many of us had to evacuate for Thanksgiving. But we're all back now and the kids even got an extra day out of school. Love the pics of everyone over on instagram, but really miss your posts. Stay warm. Hugs to all!
ReplyDeleteYikes! Happy to hear you're safe. All our Thanksgiving excitement came from the weather...9" of snow on the holiday, followed by an inch and a half of rain that night, followed by 3 days (and counting) of epic mud. You'd think I'd write a blog post about it, but no. The spirit has apparently left me. Thanks for thinking of us!
Delete9" of snow, I would be dragging out the "where should I move map" that you made! Would love to see a picture of the boys in the snow! Maybe on Instagram?
DeleteBe safe in all that mud. Lisa G in TN
Oh Carson, are you ever coming back to us? It's been months and months - I miss you so much.
ReplyDeleteHi, Linda. Just spent some time in Albuquerque/Santa Fe/Durango, fulfilling a lifelong wish to see Santa Fe at Christmas. Flying out of Albuquerque, I looked down and saw so many places that could have been the 7MSN spot you call home. I thought about all you have been through with your babies...and sent you air hugs. It has been a joy to read your posts, and to be inspired by your talents and gifts. I totally get why you've taken a break from posting, and I respect that...but I just wanted to thank you for all the joy through the years, and for keeping the page open. It's a comfort to check in and read older posts. Best wishes to you and your crew this holiday season, and the new year. Monie
ReplyDeletei echo the sentiments above. i hope you are doing well.
ReplyDeleteDitto....still check often, hoping to see you come back. Merry Christmas, Lisa G in TN.
ReplyDeleteOK Carson. Time to come up for air and curb our wild imaginations!!!! Shelley in Boston
ReplyDeleteI was hoping the New Year would bring you back to us, Carson. Be well and take care!
ReplyDeleteWe miss you, Carson :(
ReplyDeleteShould we be worried?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely not! Everything and everyone here is perfectly fine. But for reasons I've yet to figure out, I have nothing to say and nothing to share. I miss you all, and at some point, I hope to crawl out of my shell.
DeleteMaybe just a quick 2020 update/post? Could just be a picture of the beautiful New Mexico Sky with a "Hello 2020" caption??? It's so sad each time I check in and see the "Remembering Smooch" post. My heart breaks every time ....
DeleteThere you are!!! Thanks for this. My wild imagination had you selling the ranch and moving everyone to Idaho!!!
ReplyDeleteMiss you and your stories. Sending love.
ReplyDeleteWe miss your posts and stories but I understand about nothing to say. I still grieve for my dog and he's been gone for almost 5 years. I check every day, just in case.-:) Take care!
ReplyDeleteWell.. I didn't find the 7MSN until 2011 when I was looking for stories of other middle aged women who chucked the successful corporate career for an entirely different gig, found your blog and I was hooked and now miss reading the daily updates.... but thanks to the archives I have started back from the beginning. Has been fun catching up and wow the horror of what a bad farrier can do! Problem is that I am a binge reader. I have to stop myself or I will go through years of blogs in no time! Hoping that by the time I reach the end of 2019 you will be back! Lisa G in TN
ReplyDeleteOH, Carson...I am so very sorry to hear that Smooch passed away. Such a beautiful tribute to your beautiful dog/best friend. I hadn't visited your blog in a while as I've been dealing with my own loss of our two beloved fur-kids last year. We said an emotional goodbye to Cody in February 2019 and then, to Jack, on October 2nd 2019. It's been hard without them. Who knew they would take a huge chunk of our heart with them. Thinking of you. Take care.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentines Day. Hope you had an enjoyable one.
ReplyDeleteFeeling like we need a proof of life picture...maybe something on Instagram? You know we all worry. Lisa G in TN.
ReplyDeleteIt has been awhile since I have been around. A friend told me about your loss of Smooch, I'm so sorry. I saw your comment from 1/9. I hope you decide to return soon, you are missed.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and your gang are ok? Miss seeing your posts.
ReplyDeleteOmd, I just found this. I could hardly stand to watch your incredibly beautiful tribute. It had been so long since I'd seen her. Run free Smoothie, I'll never forget you.
ReplyDelete