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You are here: Home / Pet Blogging / Dog Blogging / Dog Blogging: Rest in Peace, Heidi

Dog Blogging: Rest in Peace, Heidi

by | 92 Comments

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From commentor Davey C:

I’m a frequent lurker and an occasional Balloon Juice commenter. In the comments of the post about the loss of Tamara’s dog I mentioned that I also lost my dog, Heidi, this week. Somebody suggested that I reach out to you with a bit of information about Heidi and, possibly, a pic. Given that I’m not a prolific commenter and am thus not known to many, I’m not sure if this is an appropriate thing to do or not, but I figured I would give it a shot.

I adopted Heidi a little over 5 years ago from a rescue agency in Southern California. She was found living in the streets of suburban California. She had a litter of pups before I ever met her, and judging by the scars all over her body–especially her face–it seems clear that she lived a rough life before being rescued.

She was a strong-willed, brave, and wonderfully intelligent dog. She once managed to open a sliding glass door and jump/climb to the ground from a second-story balcony with no injuries whatsoever! I never discovered how she actually did that.

Another time, I had to board her for a couple days, and she managed to escape from her crate, open the door to the lobby, after which she proceeded to eat every dog treat in sight! I like to think that she did boarding agency a favor by discovering flaws in their security. They seemed to think so too, since they didn’t charge me for the mess she made!

Heidi was reticent around new dogs, but eventually made many good canine friends. She was wonderful around people–friendly, affectionate, and cuddly. Everyone who knew her loved her. She was a wonderful companion for me, and a better friend than I could possibly have hoped for when I adopted her. I feel incredibly privileged to know that although her early life must have been very difficult, I was able to provide her with a safe and loving home. I miss her more than I can put in words.

Reader Interactions

92Comments

  1. 1.

    MomSense

    Oh Heidi you were an intelligent and resourceful pup. I’m so glad you and Davey C found each other. Condolences on your loss, DC.

  2. 2.

    Gin & Tonic

    I feel incredibly privileged to know that although her early life must have been very difficult, I was able to provide her with a safe and loving home.

    That’s the key. Whatever they’ve been through before, if we can do right by them when we have them, that’s a good thing. You did good, and I’m sure Heidi was happy.

  4. 4.

    MoxieM

    I’m so sorry that you’ve lost your pal. She was so lucky to have been well loved for the 2nd half of her life. You done good with her, and I’ll bet she knew it. You can surely take comfort in that. It’s so hard when they go.

  6. 6.

    thalarctosMaritimus

    I’m sorry to hear the news, Davey.

    Heidi sounds like she was a wonderful dog. Thank you for rescuing her, and thank you you for reaching out now.

  9. 9.

    Silent no more

    From one mainly-lurker to another, my condolences. She had a great life with you, I hope the memories will help you with your loss.

  11. 11.

    Davey C

    Anne, thank you very much for posting this.

    Everybody else, thank you for your kind words. She was truly a wonderful friend.

  13. 13.

    Joy in FL

    Thank you for sharing some of Heidi’s story. What a dear friend she has been to you and you to her.
    My sympathy to you that you don’t have her physical presence any longer.

  14. 14.

    Betty Cracker

    What a wonderful description of a courageous, ingenious and brilliant companion. Thanks for sharing Heidi with us, Davey C. May her memory be a comfort.

  16. 16.

    Elizabelle

    Heidi was just beautiful. I love hearing about her exploits. What an adventurous pup.

    My condolences, Davey. It’s so hard to lose a pet, and it’s a pure love when you have such a good one. We all have to remember how much our pets loved being with us, living their good little lives. Which are never long enough.

  17. 17.

    Starfish

    I am sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was such a fun dog.

    I am sorry for Tamara’s loss too. That was just so sudden so soon after they had had the local meetup.

  18. 18.

    thalarctosMaritimus

    I’m sorry to hear the news, Davey.

    Heidi sounds like she was a wonderful dog. Thank you for rescuing her, and thank you for reaching out now.

  19. 19.

    satby

    @Davey C: Your love for her comes through in your beautiful eulogy. Condolences on the passing of your dear Heidi. Just know that you gave her a doggie heaven on earth, all that they ask for is love, safety, food, and scritches. Thank you for saving her.

  20. 20.

    Kathleen

    Thank you for sharing lovely memories of your life with Heidi. She looks quite noble in her pictures. Thanks also for rescuing her.

  21. 21.

    Aleta

    What a beautiful dog. So glad she got to a good home, was treated as an equal, where her intelligence and spirit were seen and appreciated. So sorry for your loss; it must be hard. Thanks for telling about her life.

  22. 22.

    trollhattan

    Heidi sounds like a fine dog and an even better companion. My condolences on having lost your special friend.

  26. 26.

    newdealfarmgrrrlll

    Condolences from another mostly lurker. Heidi sounds amazing and wonderful. You two were a blessing to each other.

  28. 28.

    SiubhanDuinne

    Lovely dog, lovely eulogy. Thank you, Davey C, for sharing Heidi’s story.

    This has been a sad week for several Juicers. We’ve seen the passing of Heidi, Bailey, and Alain’s beautiful mother (and I fear I’m forgetting other important recent losses, for which oversight I ask forgiveness). We weep, we grieve, and we move along with our lives because there is really no alternative. But it hurts like fuck-oh.

  29. 29.

    TriassicSands

    Davey C. — I’m very sorry for your loss, but I’m glad to hear about one more dog (or cat) who was rescued from a difficult, probably painful life, and was able to spend the remaining years of her life in a loving, protective home.

    And of course it is appropriate for you to write a remembrance of you beloved companion Heidi. That’s a personal choice and if it helps you in any way cope with the painful loss of a good friend then it is the right thing to do. There’s no question that the BJ commenting audience is receptive.

  30. 30.

    Chat Noir

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I know what it’s like to lose a beloved fur child and that it hurts to let them go.

  32. 32.

    Mary G

    I’m glad you took the suggestion and sent this in. So much going on is insane and depressing/enraging that it is helpful to have a reminder of the good things we have or had. I’m sorry for what is a great loss for you, but grateful that it reminds me to hold my two terror cats closely. Loved Heidi’s ability to escape! What a good girl!

  36. 36.

    Suffragette City

    What a cool pup you were lucky enough to know!!
    Condolences on losing her and truly thanks for telling us about her.

  37. 37.

    geg6

    Davey C, your Heidi sounds like she was a wonderful girl. So smart and courageous! And she looks like she was a real sweetheart, too. Keeping you and Heidi in the light.

  38. 38.

    catpal

    So very sorry for your loss. Glad you were able to give her a great life and she gave you wonderful companionship and great stories to tell.

  39. 39.

    orchid moon

    So sorry for the loss of your beloved Heidi. It really is so painful to lose one of our furry friends. Thanks for sharing her story. She sounds like she was a wonderful dog.

  40. 40.

    Spanky

    I’m sorry for your loss. Sounds like you made the last half of her life a paradise, and she returned the love. Neither of you could ask for more.
    @Davey C:

    Given that I’m not a prolific commenter and am thus not known to many, I’m not sure if this is an appropriate thing to do or not, but I figured I would give it a shot.

    It sure as hell is appropriate, and don’t be a stranger.

  42. 42.

    debbie

    Can a female dog be a mensch? Heidi sounds like she was a real mensch. So very sorry for your loss.

  43. 43.

    Elmo

    We don’t deserve dogs. We really don’t. But they love and cherish us anyway, and give us more joy, and peace, and love, in their short lives, than nearly any human is capable of. Their capacity for forgiveness is bottomless and astonishing.
    Davey, thank you for the introduction to yet another of these precious souls. I’m glad to have learned about Heidi, and I grieve with you for her loss.

  44. 44.

    J R in WV

    Our last trip we hired a friend to pet sit for us, and when we got home around midnight, he had gone home, as expected. The front door was wide open, as our older dog is excellent at opening doors. She can also open the back slider door if it isn’t locked securely.

    You memory of Heidi was great. She was bright and persistent, and beautiful. Congratulations on having five great years with her. It is hard to lose a furry companion, yet you will always have the memory of her with you. And the warmth of knowing you gave her a safe, warm loving home for the rest of her life. Our sincere condolences.

    And some day you may find yourself rescuing another furry wonder. Best wishes from the WV hills.

  45. 45.

    Torrey

    Thank you, Davey C, for sharing Heidi’s story and letting us get to know her a little bit. As others have pointed out, when so much is going wrong, it is good to hear about such a wonderful dog and to know that she spent her last five years in a home that sounds like it was a complete paradise for her. You did a good thing. I am so sorry for your loss.

  46. 46.

    Tazj

    I’m so sorry for your loss.
    What an escape artist! She looks like a real sweetheart in the pictures.

  48. 48.

    Seth

    Thank you for giving her the loving she deserved. She was clearly a good doggie and finally found her home. The pain you feel now is the price we pay for having such wonderful companions. I am sure it was worth it.

  49. 49.

    LAO

    Very sorry for your loss, Davey C. Heidi sounds like she was a real character, thanks for sharing her with us.

  52. 52.

    woodrowfan

    I am so sorry. At my vets there s a sign that read “Don;t be sorry it’s over, be happy it happened.” It did not help much when we had to put our last dog to sleep due to heart failure, but later on it made more sense to me and I can look back at my little buddy’s life with me and smile…. I hope in the long run you can with Heidi too..

  54. 54.

    Beautifulplummage

    So sorry, Davey C, for the end of your time with Heidi. It sounds like she shared a great life with you. Woof.

  57. 57.

    Cermet

    Dogs can fill such an emotional void; and while we project a bit too much, maybe, they do return devotion and love. Rescues can be a delight and I am sorry for your loss – you provided her such a wonderful life. I rescued a wonderful Saint Bernard and she is such an important part of the family now and I wonder how we got along without her. When she passes, it will be a terrible loss but will in no way undo what she gave us all those years. That is what we offer both to our pets and children – both a satisfying life and wonderful memories.

  58. 58.

    Debbie(aussie)

    From another mostly lurker, sincerest sympathy for the loss of your friend Heidi. What a beauty, she reminds me of our dog who passed in the early nineties, Tiny. Memories

  59. 59.

    Virginia

    Thank you, Davey, for sharing beautiful Heidi with us. So very sorry for your loss, but it seems like the two of you were perfect for each other. Remember that.

  60. 60.

    NotoriousJRT

    @Davey C:
    Thanks for telling us about Heidi. I am so sorry for your loss but, at the same time, glad you rescued her to help the universe atone for the hard years before that happened. Wishing you some comfort from your memories of special Heidi.

  61. 61.

    Another Scott

    I’m very sorry, DC. Thanks for sharing her story with us. I know it hurts now, but remember the good times.

    We lost our 11 year old Sophie suddenly in April. We started seriously looking for a new dog today and hope to visit with a prospect tomorrow.

    Nobody will replace Heidi, or Sophie (or Colleen). But when the time is right I hope you’ll find another four-legged companion to share your life.

    Best wishes,
    Scott.

  63. 63.

    Elizabelle

    The top photo of Heidi is really good. She looks so intelligent and strong, and the colors are soothing. I really like it. Might bookmark; “be a survivor, like Heidi.”

  64. 64.

    George

    Peace to all dogs who slipped away this week and to their owners. I lost one as well–a dog that I adopted as a wormy, feral, emaciated one-year old 12 years ago from the shelter in Merced.

    You rescue them, then they rescue you. Condolences, Davey, and thank you for sharing your story. Your words have helped me cope. Long may Heidi run in your heart.

  65. 65.

    feebog

    Thank you Davey C for the wonderful eulogy. It is no coincidence that so many in this community are pet rescuers. I hope after a period of time you will rescue another future friend, there are so many out there in need.

  67. 67.

    Felony Govt (formerly Old Broad in California)

    Aww, so sorry, Davey C. She had a wonderful life with you.

  68. 68.

    Leto

    I’m so sorry for your loss; she looked like a wonderful companion. You provided her with a good home, and I hope in the future that you’ll provide that same home to another four legged friend in need. Thanks for sharing.

  69. 69.

    MazeDancer

    Thank you for letting us know your Heidi and telling her story – and yours – so beautifully. You gave her love and sweet, safe home. That’s all a dog wants. And you made it happen for her. How wonderful. And may the day come swiftly when what you feel, more than the horrid loss, is all that love

  71. 71.

    MazeDancer

    @George:

    You rescue them, then they rescue you.

    Truth there.

    Twelve years is good long time to give a pup a good life. Well done. Much light to you. So sorry you have this hard time now.

  72. 72.

    Amir Khalid

    Heidi was loving and smart and she brought happiness to you, Davey C. You’ll always have that. We are better for having these animals in our lives. My first impulse when I read this was to give my kitty Bianca a hug.

  73. 73.

    Alternative Fax, a hip hop artist from Idaho

    My condolences for your loss. They leave such big paw prints on our hearts.

    I’m so glad you and Heidi found one another so that you could give her a loving home.

  74. 74.

    Odie Hugh Manatee

    I am sorry to hear of your loss, Davey C. It hurts now but soon all of the good memories will soften the blow. One of my customers came in today to pick up her laptop and told me that her little guy, a black cat named Spooky, had to be put to sleep on Halloween day. I’ve been servicing her systems for 26 years and have known her cat ever since he was a kitten, 24 years ago. Now that’s a long life for a cat (and damn, how time files!).

    Short or long lived, they always go too soon for us. You have my deepest condolences.

  75. 75.

    JPL

    I saw the post about Heidi when Tamara’s dog died. I’m a firm believer that all dogs go to the good place. Heidi looks like Finch’s friend. I’m so pleased that you were able to give her a warm, happy home, and may she rip.

  76. 76.

    Juju

    I’m sorry to hear about Heidi. She sounds like a wonderful friend. I’m glad you found each other. It sounds like she had the time of her life with you.

    Grieve not, but laugh and talk of me as if I were here beside you..,
    I loved you so…
    ‘Twas heaven here with you.

    Elsa Paschal Richardson

  78. 78.

    skyweaver

    I hope I’m not too late to say how sorry I am. Heidi looks like a beautiful girl. May she rest in peace, and my best to you.

  80. 80.

    satby

    @George: George, condolences on the loss of your dear companion too. You gave 12 wonderful, well loved years to a dog that otherwise might not have had any. That’s the comfort we have when they leave us too soon. Peace.

  84. 84.

    Rob Lll

    Davey C, thanks so much for sharing the photos and story of your beautiful girl. I’m glad you had those good years with her. So sorry for your loss.

  87. 87.

    Jane2

    Heidi was a lovely looking dog, and how lucky she was to rescue you for a great five years. Condolences…she will be sorely missed.

  91. 91.

    Drunkenhausfrau

    So sorry for your loss, but so happy that you both found each other, even for a short time.

  92. 92.

    jame

    You did good for her, as she did for you. So sorry to hear that she’s gone.
    I hope you find each other again someday, somehow.

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