We lost an important member of our family last week, so have been turned inside out a bit. Simon came to us from Oakland Animal Services over 13 years ago and has been the faithful keeper of our hearts since then. He hosted hundreds of pit bull foster dogs in his home, and only complained if they tried to take his ball or step foot in sacred turf -- our bedroom, of course. He reminded us daily that life was meant to be lived large with as much jubilating as your lungs can muster. He also reminded me - quite often! - that while pit bulls were very special indeed, they're really only just dogs, and the most important dogs will always be the ones that call you family and turn you into better people.
Some are sending donations in Simon's name to Bullseye Rescue for the fabulous work they're doing with a recent group of bust dogs. Rock on Bullseye - Thank you for what you do. Or, in lieu of donations, please consider bringing a special treat to a husky or husky mix in your local shelter ... and make sure and tell him that Simon sent you. (Below, six minutes of Simon photos.)
Dance on, my little buddy. You did such a good job.
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Simon. I understand the hole it leaves in your heart. It is not fair that 7 dog years pass for each of ours. We should have them in our lives for more time, and they us. Rest in peace, Simon.
Oh, Donna, I am so sorry for you and Tim. Simon sounds like such a great dog. You gave him a wonderful and interesting life full of love and doggie friends.
There are still a few huskies from the Quebec sled dog rescue at the shelter where I volunteer (WARL/Washington, DC), and I will certainly give them some extra playtime and treats from Simon.
I loved your column a while back on the care of older dogs and it's made me think about what I can do now for our healthy 6-year-old to make sure she stays that way as long as possible. I hope to at least get close to doing as well by her as you did by Simon.
I am so sorry for your loss. When you didn't update the blog or post to facebook I thought something was up. I also volunteer at WARL and will give Manitoba (my favorite) some extra kisses. Anyone in the DC area who wants some husky love, come on by! My big cat (24#) turns 12 this week, and I don't relish losing either of the Abys.
And another one crosses the rainbow bridge. My Dad just lost his 14 year old Lhasa Apso on Saturday. I am so sorry for your loss. A beautiful video tribute to Simon. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
and if you can ,take time to sing with a husky, it is an invigorating experience, and one that I miss. I had Huskys many years ago, they were the dog I first fell in love with, and we have sung many times. I feel for ya
hey Donna, this is a really beautiful edit of the highlights of ol' Simonizer. god luv him. love the music you selected too. he lived an extrarodinary life with you guys. he's the original Good Dog. I'm sure gonna miss him. xox ~hillbilly
Awwwwww....what a wonderful tribute to a sweet, happy boy. I am saddened by your loss but know Simon had a happy life with his family: you and Tim and your dogs.
So long beloved Simon. An awesome furiend deserves an awesome rest. Take care, brother. My condolences to the family, I wish I could say something smart, but there's nothing, is there? Twink
Donna and Tim, I am so, so sorry for your loss. Losing a best friend is the hardest thing. At least you can take heart in knowing that he lives on in memory, and in every soul he touched.
This post is surely a fitting tribute for a glorious life well-lived, how did beautiful simon die?? i'm sure simon died knowing that he was very much loved by everyone.. r.i.p lovely simon and deepest coledensce to you, Tim, and Sally... may his Joyful memory forever remmain alive in your hearts
Thank you, sweet people. These dogs sure do make an impact on us, don't they? I love that there are so many husky lovers reading in.
I've been telling everyone ... TAKE (and archive!) TONS OF PHOTOS and VIDEO of your beloved pets during those moments when you're enjoying them. It's helped us so much to pour over our images and laugh and cry. Even the most mundane footage .. It brings him right back to us for a few seconds. Although of course I wish we'd taken more.
My very 1st family dog was a beagle/husky mix named Blue! Best Dog Ever!! Best Poem Ever when you've lost your Best Friend! He was a lucky dog & i'm sure your better humans b/c of him!!
He was so loved. You can just see it in his happy eyes -- every photo, every clip, such happy eyes. The kind of happiness that only comes from such deep love.
We are so lucky that these beautiful souls love us as much as we love them.
Sleep in peace Simon, knowing your family will always carry you with them.
Donna and Tim, I was so very sad to learn that Simon is dead. Please accept my condolences. Thank you for a gorgeous tribute to a wonderful, well-loved, and cherished family member. Oxo
Oh SIMON. I just watched you at the ocean and in the green green hills and in the snow and in your new house with your grey blanket and your balls and I keen your passing even though I never met you. Keen for your Mom and your Dad and because death is such a deep and a dark and a lonely place. I have sent word to OTIS that if he has not already met you he needs to find you so you guys can run like fast rivers and laugh big and live large and wide as we two-leggeds here on earth struggle to keep up with you. Love, Samantha
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Simon was such a good dog - I always enjoyed seeing his smiling husky face peeping out from amid all those big pittie heads. He had a big job, teaching you guys, and he did it wonderfully.
Sweet Simon, you handsome boy! Rest well and know how much you were loved by your family. You look very much like my last set of dogs, Anya and Sasha, who were wolves and the sweetest souls you could meet. I will ask them to keep and eye out for you and show you the ropes. Sasha also lived to be 13 and caring for her at that age was an honor.
Heartfelt condolences to Tim, Donna, and the rest of Simon's pack.
i am crying for your loss. it hurts so much when one of our four legged family members leaves our homes. it looks like simon had a wonderful happy life with you. its just not fair that dogs dont live longer. all we can do is cherish every day and when they are gone find comfort in the memories and knowing we gave them all the love in the world and they gave us the same. thanks for sharing those wonderful pictures. it was very moving hence all my tears running down my cheeks as i watched it. rip simon, you are as special as any dog could be.
Donna and Tim, my heart goes out to you with your loss of Simon. Your video tribute was wonderful and I know that putting it together was something that soothed your heart just a little as it has done for me for in the past with my losses.
What a heart warming tribute to Simon. I noticed that he was smiling in almost every scene. My favorite photos were the still shot of Donna and Simon- heads together on the beach and Simon and Sally asleep on the bed. Hugs to you & Tim and Simon's fur buddies who will miss him.
My deepest sympathy. Since following your blog I have loved the pictures of Simon and Sally together. Teacher, indeed! Seeing the pit bulls with Simon should convince any non-believer that pit bulls are just dogs.
Oh goodness me, I am so very, very sorry about Simon's passing. I got the euthanasia list from our pound and some great pits went down due to space. I am comforted to know Simon will be up there waiting for them with Bad Rap spirit to welcome them. May Simon shine on...and be sure, Juno will show him around. =) Big hugs from NYC.
Tim, Donna & Pack: How lucky you were to have had each other in your lives. You now have another guardian angel looking out for you. With heartfelt sympathy,
My folks met you and I'm sure I got one of your 'stay-out' reprimands. I could not have reached my 'forever home family bedroom' without the energy around you.
Donna and Tim, My OEL's father has a response when told he has had a long good life. It seems to echo with how we feel about our companions "... long enough for you, not long enough for me!" - Simon's 13 dog years with you doesn't feel enough.
deepest colendences, rest assured, simon will be waiting for you, tim, and the rest of your pack in the after life, but for right now he's sleeping with the stars at night and watching over you guys during the day, simon was such a lovely dog and yeah they're never here on earth long enough, but he will always be alive as long as you keep him in your heart, mind, and soul rest in forever peace simon, know that you were and will forever be loved here on earth
""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 or 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
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are right-- this is a reminder that they are all dogs, and all equally deserving of the kind of love I know you and Tim showed him.
I look at those pictures and I see in Simon's eyes that happiness can be as tangible as diamonds, yet we know it to be infinitely more precious. Love to all.
Donna & Tim- I'm so sorry for your loss! I'm sure it doesn't need to be said, but he had a wonderful life because of you! It's just another sad reminder that life should be treasured (whether it is human or dog).
An extraordinary dog and his extraordinary people resulted in an extraordinary mission. But of course it would work just that way. Thanks to Simon and to you for the difference your love for each other has made in the lives of so many.
We heal a little more with each comment. How could we not? Thank you for watching his video and sending such kind thoughts. We devour each and every message.
56 comments:
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Simon. I understand the hole it leaves in your heart. It is not fair that 7 dog years pass for each of ours. We should have them in our lives for more time, and they us. Rest in peace, Simon.
Oh, Donna, I am so sorry for you and Tim. Simon sounds like such a great dog. You gave him a wonderful and interesting life full of love and doggie friends.
There are still a few huskies from the Quebec sled dog rescue at the shelter where I volunteer (WARL/Washington, DC), and I will certainly give them some extra playtime and treats from Simon.
I loved your column a while back on the care of older dogs and it's made me think about what I can do now for our healthy 6-year-old to make sure she stays that way as long as possible. I hope to at least get close to doing as well by her as you did by Simon.
Hugs and tears,
Paula
I am so sorry for your loss. When you didn't update the blog or post to facebook I thought something was up. I also volunteer at WARL and will give Manitoba (my favorite) some extra kisses. Anyone in the DC area who wants some husky love, come on by! My big cat (24#) turns 12 this week, and I don't relish losing either of the Abys.
I am so sorry to learn of your loss, Donna... what a fantastic tribute to a special dog!
Donna, I am so very sorry for you, Tim, Honk, and Sally. I know you will all miss Simon and I will certainly make a donation in his memory today.
Best, Dina
And another one crosses the rainbow bridge. My Dad just lost his 14 year old Lhasa Apso on Saturday. I am so sorry for your loss. A beautiful video tribute to Simon. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am so sorry for your lose. It makes my heart ache to hear such a loved member of the family has moved on.
and if you can ,take time to sing with a husky, it is an invigorating experience, and one that I miss. I had Huskys many years ago, they were the dog I first fell in love with, and we have sung many times. I feel for ya
My sincere condolences on the loss of Simon.
The truly sad thing is people not knowing the gifts that Simon and many other dogs bestow on their people in their life!!
Donna and Tim, you received and acknowledged that gift, and how precious it that!! Hold on to that, that is yours forever.
hey Donna, this is a really beautiful edit of the highlights of ol' Simonizer. god luv him. love the music you selected too. he lived an extrarodinary life with you guys.
he's the original Good Dog. I'm sure gonna miss him. xox
~hillbilly
Donna, I am incredibly sorry for your loss. Simon was adorable - I loved watching his video even though it made me teary.
Hugs and comforting thoughts sent from Bill, myself, and Lola.
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. No matter how long we have them it is NEVER enough.
Diane
Awwwwww....what a wonderful tribute to a sweet, happy boy.
I am saddened by your loss but know Simon had a happy life with his family: you and Tim and your dogs.
s&b/mty
So long beloved Simon. An awesome furiend deserves an awesome rest. Take care, brother.
My condolences to the family, I wish I could say something smart, but there's nothing, is there?
Twink
Donna and Tim, I am so, so sorry for your loss. Losing a best friend is the hardest thing. At least you can take heart in knowing that he lives on in memory, and in every soul he touched.
Again, I'm so sorry...
-Laine
This post is surely a fitting tribute for a glorious life well-lived, how did beautiful simon die?? i'm sure simon died knowing that he was very much loved by everyone..
r.i.p lovely simon and deepest coledensce to you, Tim, and Sally... may his Joyful memory forever remmain alive in your hearts
oh jeez, I'm so sorry for your loss :'(
What a beautiful tribute to Simon. Thank you for sharing this with us and I am so sorry for your loss.
Our hearts are with you. We all know how hard it is to lose a family member.
Thank you, sweet people. These dogs sure do make an impact on us, don't they? I love that there are so many husky lovers reading in.
I've been telling everyone ... TAKE (and archive!) TONS OF PHOTOS and VIDEO of your beloved pets during those moments when you're enjoying them. It's helped us so much to pour over our images and laugh and cry. Even the most mundane footage .. It brings him right back to us for a few seconds. Although of course I wish we'd taken more.
I'm so sorry for your loss. They are never here long enough!
-Diana
My very 1st family dog was a beagle/husky mix named Blue! Best Dog Ever!! Best Poem Ever when you've lost your Best Friend! He was a lucky dog & i'm sure your better humans b/c of him!!
Rainbow Bridge, Author Unknown
http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm
He was so loved. You can just see it in his happy eyes -- every photo, every clip, such happy eyes. The kind of happiness that only comes from such deep love.
We are so lucky that these beautiful souls love us as much as we love them.
Sleep in peace Simon, knowing your family will always carry you with them.
This is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful dog. I'm so sorry for your loss, but heartened by the joy he had in his eyes while he was with you.
"Earth, receive an honored guest..."
Donna and Tim,
I was so very sad to learn that Simon is dead. Please accept my condolences. Thank you for a gorgeous tribute to a wonderful, well-loved, and cherished family member.
Oxo
Oh SIMON. I just watched you at the ocean and in the green green hills and in the snow and in your new house with your grey blanket and your balls and I keen your passing even though I never met you. Keen for your Mom and your Dad and because death is such a deep and a dark and a lonely place. I have sent word to OTIS that if he has not already met you he needs to find you so you guys can run like fast rivers and laugh big and live large and wide as we two-leggeds here on earth struggle to keep up with you. Love, Samantha
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Simon was such a good dog - I always enjoyed seeing his smiling husky face peeping out from amid all those big pittie heads. He had a big job, teaching you guys, and he did it wonderfully.
thanks for sharing this with us, it's beautiful.
Sweet Simon, you handsome boy! Rest well and know how much you were loved by your family. You look very much like my last set of dogs, Anya and Sasha, who were wolves and the sweetest souls you could meet. I will ask them to keep and eye out for you and show you the ropes. Sasha also lived to be 13 and caring for her at that age was an honor.
Heartfelt condolences to Tim, Donna, and the rest of Simon's pack.
My heartfelt condolences and sympathies.
I'm so sorry for your loss Tim and Donna. Simon was a lucky boy. BullsEye really appreciates your continued support.
I am so very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful and touching tribute to a beloved and cherished family member. Rest in peace, Simon.
Such a lucky lucky boy he was to be so loved! Look at that smile! RIP sweet boy.
i am crying for your loss. it hurts so much when one of our four legged family members leaves our homes. it looks like simon had a wonderful happy life with you. its just not fair that dogs dont live longer. all we can do is cherish every day and when they are gone find comfort in the memories and knowing we gave them all the love in the world and they gave us the same. thanks for sharing those wonderful pictures. it was very moving hence all my tears running down my cheeks as i watched it. rip simon, you are as special as any dog could be.
Donna & Tim,
We're so sorry to hear about your loss of Simon. Our sincerest condolences.
Cindy, Neil, Sasha and Phat Man
My deepest condolences to you for your loss. You can tell how happy he was with you and I know you'll all be back together again someday.
Donna and Tim, my heart goes out to you with your loss of Simon. Your video tribute was wonderful and I know that putting it together was something that soothed your heart just a little as it has done for me for in the past with my losses.
Hugs & Prayers,
Diana
What a heart warming tribute to Simon. I noticed that he was smiling in almost every scene. My favorite photos were the still shot of Donna and Simon- heads together on the beach and Simon and Sally asleep on the bed. Hugs to you & Tim and Simon's fur buddies who will miss him.
Oh I am so sad and so sorry! The love and the devotion and the smiles and the tears...peace to you and your family!
My deepest sympathy. Since following your blog I have loved the pictures of Simon and Sally together. Teacher, indeed! Seeing the pit bulls with Simon should convince any non-believer that pit bulls are just dogs.
rip precious simon, you were loved on earth and will be sorely be missed by every badrapper fans...heaven has truely earned an honored dog
Oh goodness me, I am so very, very sorry about Simon's passing. I got the euthanasia list from our pound and some great pits went down due to space. I am comforted to know Simon will be up there waiting for them with Bad Rap spirit to welcome them. May Simon shine on...and be sure, Juno will show him around. =) Big hugs from NYC.
Tim, Donna & Pack: How lucky you were to have had each other in your lives. You now have another guardian angel looking out for you. With heartfelt sympathy,
Cornelia & Jim,
PB's Misty & Buddy
Lodi, CA
I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure he's up above welcoming all the scared dogs and showing them that's it's going to be okay.
RIP Simon.
E...
PB's Mickey and Malka
PA
What a dolly.....what a pal
Goodbye Simon,
My folks met you and I'm sure I got one of your 'stay-out' reprimands. I could not have reached my 'forever home family bedroom' without the energy around you.
Donna and Tim,
My OEL's father has a response when told he has had a long good life. It seems to echo with how we feel about our companions
"... long enough for you, not long enough for me!"
- Simon's 13 dog years with you doesn't feel enough.
Your's in grief, Boris
deepest colendences, rest assured, simon will be waiting for you, tim, and the rest of your pack in the after life, but for right now he's sleeping with the stars at night and watching over you guys during the day, simon was such a lovely dog and yeah they're never here on earth long enough, but he will always be alive as long as you keep him in your heart, mind, and soul
rest in forever peace simon, know that you were and will forever be loved here on earth
i'm so sorry for your loss. growing up with a husky as my "sister", i know the pain when they're gone. my heart goes out to you.
""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 or 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
I could not say it any better.
Jackie & Jersey
Ohhhh Simon (*sniff*)... you're such a Good Boy. Yes, you are.
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are right-- this is a reminder that they are all dogs, and all equally deserving of the kind of love I know you and Tim showed him.
I look at those pictures and I see in Simon's eyes that happiness can be as tangible as diamonds, yet we know it to be infinitely more precious. Love to all.
Donna & Tim- I'm so sorry for your loss! I'm sure it doesn't need to be said, but he had a wonderful life because of you! It's just another sad reminder that life should be treasured (whether it is human or dog).
-m
Donna and Tim,
An extraordinary dog and his extraordinary people resulted in an extraordinary mission. But of course it would work just that way. Thanks to Simon and to you for the difference your love for each other has made in the lives of so many.
We heal a little more with each comment. How could we not? Thank you for watching his video and sending such kind thoughts. We devour each and every message.
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