April 16, 2008

Paw Paw: I will miss him

UPDATE: Thank you for the many kind words, they are most appreciated. I have added a new picture of Paw Paw's final resting place at the end of this post.

As many of you know, my beloved dog, Kublai Khan Paw Paw Chow Chow Chow, was not feeling well in recent weeks and I am very heart-broken to announce his passing last Saturday, April 12, 2008 as he was approaching his 13th year.  Paw Paw was a spectacular chow and an even more spectacular dog.  He was always my loyal companion, displaying the most agreeable temperament.  Paw Paw loved traveling with me and was always a willing model for the camera.  In addition to taking part in television commercials and several national print ads, he has been part of numerous photo shoots and is a familiar face on my television show, in my magazine, and on this blog.  Paw Paw’s veterinarians, Dr. Thomas Marsh of Fairfield, CT and Dr. Marty Goldstein of South Salem, NY also admired his easy-going nature, and caring for him was never a chore.  Even in his final days, Paw Paw just stopped eating and drifted off to deep sleeps, where he now rests peacefully, and, I’m most confident, quite happily.  I will miss him, always. 

Paw Paw in the pachysandra one week before he died. He loved walking through soft green ground covers.
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One of Paw Paw's final smiles.
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Paw Paw - the “last day” of a great dog - Kublai Khan Paw Paw Chow Chow Chow.
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Paw Paw's thoughts that day: “Martha got up really early to check on me, again.  She took a picture of
the beautiful morning.”
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I went outside for one last pee.
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Paw Paw the day before - he just wanted to sleep.
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A sleepy bear.
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My best friend and baby sitter, Carlos.
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Francesca does not look happy.  I know she will miss me.
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My two little gargoyles flanking me - I'm just so tired.
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They just could not get close enough.
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Francesca stood guard while Sharkey just wanted to nap with me.
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I'll just stay here a little longer.
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Lily has been my very good friend for my whole life.
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Martha always liked to bury in my fur.  I'll miss those hugs and kisses.
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She nuzzled me so gently.
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I'm not even dreaming anymore.
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I really don't want to eat anymore.
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Beauty-Boy, Paw-Paw was elegant and kind and reserved and charming up until the very last moment.  He was the only pet I ever had, with the exception of Blue Maximilian Chow Chow Chow, who was never disobedient, and never, ever, required me to raise my voice.
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Francesca and Sharkey paying last respects to Paw Paw before his burial.

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April 12th, 2008 was an early spring day.  It was the day Paw Paw was laid to rest amidst the crocus and greening grass.
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I will make this more beautiful in the coming days

Pawpawg