Thank you Vicki 💕 People (usually people who don't have pets) often underestimate the potency of grief that accompanies the lost of a pet, but as you say, these are among the closest bonds. Budino was part of our family, and we will miss him forever. Thank you so much for validating the depth of the loss, and for being here. I'm grateful for you 💕
Clare, my heart is with you for Budino. This morning, as I wrote my daily record in the five-year ONE LINE A DAY journal gifted to me five years ago, I noticed that three years ago we were preparing for our beloved dog Lily's euthanization. I felt everything all over again as I read my entry, so I feel your pain today, too, Clare. Our pets mean so much. I truly believe in the intimate connection and deeply shared love and bond between our pets and us. Take this time to care for your tender heart and do what you need to honor Budino and his memory.
Thank you so much, my friend. I am so sorry that you had to say goodbye to Lily - what a devestating loss that must have been. Pets are such a big part of our families, and it is heartbreaking when we need to say goodbye. Thank you so much for your kind words and support. It means so much 💕
My heart aches with yours as I read your beautiful, raw tribute to Budino. I lost my Becky 2 years ago after 17 years.
The love you shared with him is so palpable, woven through every word. I can feel the weight of his absence in the details you shared—the little basket turned step, the food dish, and all those quiet, familiar moments now filled with emptiness. It’s a grief that sits deep, and I hope you know you’re not alone in carrying it.
Budino’s life, and the way he lived it with you, feels like a testament to the power of love. He gave you his trust and his loyalty, and you gave him a world full of safety, warmth, and joy. What a gift you were to each other. To have been there in his final moments, to have held space for him as he crossed that threshold—that’s an act of love that goes beyond words. It’s clear he felt every ounce of your devotion, right to the end.
Your plans to honor Budino by supporting the DSPCA are a beautiful way to keep his memory alive. I hope you can feel the ripple of his life through every contribution, every act of kindness inspired by his story.
Take all the time you need, Clare, to sit with this grief, to cry, to remember. The Artist’s Way community you’re envisioning sounds like a gentle, healing space—a place where creativity might offer a path back to yourself, just as Budino would have wanted for you.
Please know that I’m holding you and your family in my thoughts. Budino’s light will always shine in the love you gave him and the stories you carry forward.
You're right: I've needed time to just sit with my grief. To cry and share memories and collect all the little things he left around the house. I am hoping that The Artist's Way will be a cozy container as I begin to stretch toward new creativity again, whenever the time is right.
I am so sorry for your loss of Becky too. 17 years is a long time, and I hope you have many beautiful memories of a full and loving life.
Thank you again for your support Jay, it is so appreciated during this difficult moment ❤️
Clare, thank you for sharing this—it’s such a tender and vulnerable time, and I’m deeply moved by your reflections. Sitting with grief, allowing the tears, and holding onto those small traces of his presence around the house is such a vital part of honoring his memory.
I think The Artist’s Way can indeed be a gentle and nurturing space for you to reconnect with your creativity when you’re ready. Grief often shifts us in ways we don’t expect, and creativity can be a beautiful way to explore and process that transformation.
Thank you for your kind words about Becky. Those 17 years were a gift and the memories remain a source of love and gratitude. As does Monty, or Sir Monterich, my new cats. Sending you so much love and strength as you navigate this tender time. Be gentle with yourself—you are carrying so much. ❤️
Aw man, I'm so sorry Clare. We lost our old girl dog in a similar way and I will never forget that day. I cried literally all day long. I cried when I looked out the window, when I peed, spoke, thought, ate, got in the car, coughed, picked up my phone, heard the doorbell, Allllllllllll day. I have never cried for a human in the same way. Weirdly I was comforted by the intensity of my grief. I knew how much I loved her. I, like you, felt we had given her the best years of her life and that really helped me to heal. Since then, I look back and know contentedly that adopting and caring for Nana (that was her name) is one of the best things I have ever done with my life. Sending lots of love x
I am so sorry for your loss 💕 Nana sounds like an amazing girl, and such an important part of your life. It has brought me a lot of comfort to know that Budino knew how much he was loved, and how steadfastly we cared from him through good times and bad. It was his time to go, though we will miss him forever. I know I'll look back on the chapter of life we shared with enormous fondness and gratitude.
Thank you so much for your kind words. They mean so much in this difficult moment. ❤️
Much love to you Clare. These are some of the hardest losses and the closest bonds. Our fur families are so precious ❤❤
Thank you Vicki 💕 People (usually people who don't have pets) often underestimate the potency of grief that accompanies the lost of a pet, but as you say, these are among the closest bonds. Budino was part of our family, and we will miss him forever. Thank you so much for validating the depth of the loss, and for being here. I'm grateful for you 💕
Those who know, know ❤️
Very true 💕
I'm so sorry, Clare. This is truly a deep loss.
It's been a devestating loss, Shawna. Thank you so much for your kind words and support 💕
Clare, my heart is with you for Budino. This morning, as I wrote my daily record in the five-year ONE LINE A DAY journal gifted to me five years ago, I noticed that three years ago we were preparing for our beloved dog Lily's euthanization. I felt everything all over again as I read my entry, so I feel your pain today, too, Clare. Our pets mean so much. I truly believe in the intimate connection and deeply shared love and bond between our pets and us. Take this time to care for your tender heart and do what you need to honor Budino and his memory.
Thank you so much, my friend. I am so sorry that you had to say goodbye to Lily - what a devestating loss that must have been. Pets are such a big part of our families, and it is heartbreaking when we need to say goodbye. Thank you so much for your kind words and support. It means so much 💕
I’m so sad to read this, Clare. May his memory be eternal. 🙏
Thank you Amanda 💕
I'm so sorry Clare, sending big hugs!
Thank you my friend 💕
It is utterly heartbreaking to lose a much loved companion 😪 I am sending you love, light and peace 🤍
Thank you so much 💕
Ugh. Heartbreaking indeed💔 So very sorry you had to say goodbye to Budino.
Thank you so much 💕
I'm truly so sorry, Clare. Sending love and comfort your way as you grieve Budino.
Thank you Emily 💕
Take heart, dear Clare. (A Summer lying in the sun...loved that!) Sending xoxo
Thank you Jan 💕 He really loved an afternoon lazing in a sunbeam. We'll miss him forever.
I am so sorry for your loss. 💔💔💔
Thank you so much 💕
Oh Clare, I am so very sorry for your loss 💔! Sending much love x
Thank you so much Adina 💕
I am sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much Liza 💕
I’m so sorry for the loss of Budino. I hope you have good ways to take care of your tender heart and the grief ♥️
Thank you so much Linn 💕
Hugs 🥰 xx
Thank you Helen 💕
Dear Clare,
My heart aches with yours as I read your beautiful, raw tribute to Budino. I lost my Becky 2 years ago after 17 years.
The love you shared with him is so palpable, woven through every word. I can feel the weight of his absence in the details you shared—the little basket turned step, the food dish, and all those quiet, familiar moments now filled with emptiness. It’s a grief that sits deep, and I hope you know you’re not alone in carrying it.
Budino’s life, and the way he lived it with you, feels like a testament to the power of love. He gave you his trust and his loyalty, and you gave him a world full of safety, warmth, and joy. What a gift you were to each other. To have been there in his final moments, to have held space for him as he crossed that threshold—that’s an act of love that goes beyond words. It’s clear he felt every ounce of your devotion, right to the end.
Your plans to honor Budino by supporting the DSPCA are a beautiful way to keep his memory alive. I hope you can feel the ripple of his life through every contribution, every act of kindness inspired by his story.
Take all the time you need, Clare, to sit with this grief, to cry, to remember. The Artist’s Way community you’re envisioning sounds like a gentle, healing space—a place where creativity might offer a path back to yourself, just as Budino would have wanted for you.
Please know that I’m holding you and your family in my thoughts. Budino’s light will always shine in the love you gave him and the stories you carry forward.
With so much care,
Jay
This is so kind, Jay, thank you 💕
You're right: I've needed time to just sit with my grief. To cry and share memories and collect all the little things he left around the house. I am hoping that The Artist's Way will be a cozy container as I begin to stretch toward new creativity again, whenever the time is right.
I am so sorry for your loss of Becky too. 17 years is a long time, and I hope you have many beautiful memories of a full and loving life.
Thank you again for your support Jay, it is so appreciated during this difficult moment ❤️
Clare, thank you for sharing this—it’s such a tender and vulnerable time, and I’m deeply moved by your reflections. Sitting with grief, allowing the tears, and holding onto those small traces of his presence around the house is such a vital part of honoring his memory.
I think The Artist’s Way can indeed be a gentle and nurturing space for you to reconnect with your creativity when you’re ready. Grief often shifts us in ways we don’t expect, and creativity can be a beautiful way to explore and process that transformation.
Thank you for your kind words about Becky. Those 17 years were a gift and the memories remain a source of love and gratitude. As does Monty, or Sir Monterich, my new cats. Sending you so much love and strength as you navigate this tender time. Be gentle with yourself—you are carrying so much. ❤️
Aw man, I'm so sorry Clare. We lost our old girl dog in a similar way and I will never forget that day. I cried literally all day long. I cried when I looked out the window, when I peed, spoke, thought, ate, got in the car, coughed, picked up my phone, heard the doorbell, Allllllllllll day. I have never cried for a human in the same way. Weirdly I was comforted by the intensity of my grief. I knew how much I loved her. I, like you, felt we had given her the best years of her life and that really helped me to heal. Since then, I look back and know contentedly that adopting and caring for Nana (that was her name) is one of the best things I have ever done with my life. Sending lots of love x
I am so sorry for your loss 💕 Nana sounds like an amazing girl, and such an important part of your life. It has brought me a lot of comfort to know that Budino knew how much he was loved, and how steadfastly we cared from him through good times and bad. It was his time to go, though we will miss him forever. I know I'll look back on the chapter of life we shared with enormous fondness and gratitude.
Thank you so much for your kind words. They mean so much in this difficult moment. ❤️