Thursday, September 13, 2012

In Loving Memory of Noelle.

Ten years, five months and three weeks seems like such a long time.  It is actually far too brief.  How do you thank such a being for giving 10 million smiles.


While we do have two other wonderful dogs Noelle had that extra something special and her passing is such a void that our hearts seem unable to comprehend the reality of it.  Believe me when I say this post was pared down from the original version.  There was so much more to share about her.

 The first time I saw Noelle was at a flea market where a local shelter had set up a table of information and had several cages of dogs looking for homes.  Her cage said I'm Noelle, and I am about 5.50 years old and me my companions have lost our home.


Cute as button; weighing in at mere fifteen pounds I got to pet her and just as the cage door was about to be closed  she placed her paw on my hand as if we were already familiar with each other. Frankly, it was as if she looked into me. It was a look of yes, I am for you subsequently, I called it "the look." Odd as that may sound, it would later prove to a hint at her amazing intuitive and reasoning abilities.



Noelle quickly showed us she not only knew routines touching her nose to which flower pots needed watering next but, how adaptable she was.  Boat ride? No problem.  She enjoyed sitting right at the  helm.  She practiced walking the gunnel's too.  Long car trips she was game as long as she could put her head out the window. Sun time was her favorite to lay on the hottest surface and simply doze.

Noelle had great will. She suffered two severe spine injuries and worked very hard to learn to walk all over again both times.

Since Noelle had gone to work with one of us for many years she made many friends.  Sometimes a treat or a toy would arrive for her. Well for her and for Lilly shown with her below but Lilly didn't care much for toys.

Lilly and Noelle 2004

We were always curious how she knew what bags were for her. Be it a toy, coat, or some hermetically sealed treats she would cry in delight and wriggle her body into the bag and proceed to remove them. I never caught a photo of that action, she was just too fast!

Lilly and Noelle

 Left to Right: Noelle, Molly and Zoie June, 2012

We had hoped she would pass at home but; instead had to make the painful decision of giving her relief from the cancer which had overtaken her. It seemed so wrong that would be her fate. Noelle had given us so much joy how could we deny the one request she made after letting us know she had had enough.

In Noelle's final hours we took her to the beach one last time. I was so touched she still sought to have me in her line of sight no matter how poor her vision had become and then snuggled with her Papa.


 I whispered the same words to her like I had done every night for over ten years. Telling her how much we and so many loved her and what a good girl she was.

Most of all, what we will remember is when Noelle looked at us it was like her gaze was saying. I am happy I know you, and I know you how much love me and I love you too.

Loving and restful peace to you sweet Noelle. It was a great honor to be your family.


In 2010 I wrote a post about how lucky we were to have found Noelle.
http://beachhouseliving.blogspot.com/2010/03/st-patricks-day-greetings-you-never.html

14 comments:

Jan said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Noelle had a wonderful life and you will be united one day. You were brave and loving parents to provide relief from suffering at the end. I feel that we owe them a happy, safe life and a painless passing. -- Jan

Melissah from Coastal Style said...

So sorry that you've lost Noelle - dogs are such important members of the family and so truly loved. At least you have photos are happy memories to treasure.

Melissah

rjerdee said...

Rest in peace, Noelle.

Susse said...

I'm reading this unbelievable touching story half way across the world in Finland, at my desk in full view of students...and crying my eyes out.

(We've lost our dear pug Daphne last year) Only other dog owner and animal-lover can fully understand this hurt and sorrow when one have to make that decision to let your dear, dear pet go to sleep. It's almost inhuman that we as owners are put to that God-like postition...I would so much liked that she would have just died in her sleep.

So so sorry for Your giant loss.

Unknown said...

so sweet, so sad, so perfect to take her to the ocean one last time,,,I need to find a tissue :(

WhiteWhispers2u said...

My heart hurts for you! I have had several losses myself.Lil miss Noelle was darling! I had a lil doxi named Wiggles when I was a child, loved her to death.
May your heart heal in time but never forget~Kim

Burlap Luxe said...

Tear, Tear, Tears....I miss Noelle now too :(

Rita, what a story and I know you could have gone on, I feel the pain of your loss. Best part was how Noelle came about being adopted by you. You gave Noelle a life to love :)

Rita I have missed our visit so dearly, and I need to make up for all that I have missed by going back into your postings to catch up.

Thank you sweet dear one for giving Noelle the life she deserved, one well lived.
Thank you for sharing your sadness with us,it gives us the chance to comfort you :)

I am sure you will be creating something in honor and memory of Noelle.

Lots of hug and kisses to you my sweet giving friend.
Blessings
xoxo
Dore

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Thanks for your visit! I don't own my horse any longer. I wish we had property so we could own some my Girls love horses.They call them ponies though!

I have friends I can ride with so that is nice just not the same though.I guess it's better less expensive and less work.Lol

~Cheers Kim

Anonymous said...

Oh gosh..........

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

OH Rita, I missed this post...I am so very sorry to hear this news. What a sweet dog...you were blessed to have each other. Sending a BIG XO...

sealaura said...

So sorry for your loss. This was a very touching post and I can totally understand how you could have written many pages more. She looked like a doll. Isn't it so wonderful how these sweet little creatures find us? I love how you described her touching your hand with her paw at the flea market.

warm hugs.
L

ekewin said...

Hugs to you and yours...It's never easy to say goodbye to these sweet companions.

Bluebirdbasketry said...

She had the sweetest face, I can so see how you fell in love with her. I am looking over at my sweet Daisy dog now, there is nothing like their unconditional love.

Hugs,

Sue

WarmWeenies Dachshund Dog Sweaters said...

I actually cried when I heard. She wasn't a sweetie that I ever got to touch and hold or even know in person. I had no idea I could feel so attached to a long distance customer. It's my first loss (that I know of) in that way. I'm surprised at the strong emotion in me that it brought about. I am so very sorry. Oh dear, there I go again. I think it touches me because my little Frodo is aging quickly now (he's 10) and he has just lost his sight. I, of course, will be looking back at my photos of Noelle. My very best wishes to you and your family (four and two leggeds).

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