Daisy, 2007 – 2017

Posted on December 30, 2017    Posted by      281 Comments

In 2010 our dog Kodi died. Krissy was pretty wrecked about it, and decided that it would be a while before we got a new dog. That lasted a couple of months, until she was somehow cruising a pet adoption site and saw the picture of a two-year-old half labrador, half mastiff named “Daisy.” She immediately fell in love with the pup and decided that she would be ours. I did not argue. Daisy came into our lives on October 16, 2010.

The thing about rescue dogs is that they come with their own set of baggage. Daisy’s baggage was that she hadn’t known permanence. In her two or so years of life she had been shuttled between several homes, and in some of them she hadn’t been treated very well. She had been bred when she was very young (not a great thing for a dog) and then basically abandoned after the puppies were born and presumably then sold. Her other homes also proved temporary, for various reasons.

As result of many homes in a short life, and also simply I suspect her own nature as a dog, Daisy was almost neurotically cuddly. This was particularly the case with Krissy, sticking close to her whenever she was home, and making sure that no other creature in the house got more pets and love than she did. She wouldn’t stop you from petting that cat; she’d just butt her head up against your other arm and make sure you knew that you were free to pet her too, if you wanted to, no pressure. I have a higher than average number of pictures of Krissy petting two animals at once. Now you know why.

Aside from the need for cuddles in any and every circumstance, Daisy turned out to be a very good fit for the Scalzi household. She was generally low-maintenance and friendly, and she got along with everyone, and everyone reciprocated, which pleased Daisy to no end. Our previous dog Kodi was an Akita, and people who were unfamiliar with her were wary of her because she looked like she was parting you out for snacks. No one ever felt that way about Daisy. The worst Daisy would ever do to anyone was shed on them.

And because she had once been a mother, I think, her behavior toward the cats in the Scalzi household was exceedingly gentle and maternal, particularly toward the Scamperbeasts, who arrived as young kittens. Daisy fell in love with them almost immediately and the feeling was mutual. It was not in the least unusual to find Sugar or Spice cuddled up next to her and both animals napping away contentedly. It was a family of pets, within the larger family of us.

Daisy was a large dog — she had the facial features of a lab but the size of a mastiff — and the thing about large dogs is that they don’t stay with you as long as some other breeds of dog might. Daisy was with us seven years, until she died in the early hours of this morning. In the last couple of weeks her appetite had lessened, and she was listless and had a fever; we took her to the vet, who put her antibiotics. These worked, until they didn’t. Yesterday in a few surprisingly short hours it became clear that whatever the underlying problem was that caused the fever, it had become life-threatening. In the early morning we started the journey to an emergency vet clinic. She passed along the way.

It’s sad when your dog dies, because she is part of your family, someone you love and someone who loves you. I grieve for Daisy, and I will miss her, and I will miss her gentleness and her lovely spirit. She was a good dog. But I’m also glad, and even thankful, that for seven years this dog who had previously never known permanence in her life had a home, had a family and had love, and could give it back in equal measure. She made our home, our family and our love complete with her presence.

She had permanence with us. She had it, every day of her life with us. She has it still.

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281 Comments on “Daisy, 2007 – 2017”

  1. My only note for this thread is to remind everyone that the “Rainbow Bridge” poem makes me want to punch things, hard, so please don’t post it here in this thread. Otherwise, post away. I’m a little wrecked at the moment, so keep that in mind.

  8. I’m sorry for your loss. Daisy looked like a very good dog indeed, and I enjoyed all the photos of her mothering the cats.

  9. So sorry that the Scalzi family has lost their fur-mama. Daisy was indeed a good dog. May her memory stay with you always.

  10. So sorry to hear this. Condolences to you all, human and otherwise. As we say in the Jewish faith, may her memory be a blessing.

  11. [Deleted because think what a sad little person you have to be to attempt to troll someone who just lost a pet — JS]

  14. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad she had a home with you. Watching her interact with the Scamperbeasts was one of my favorite things about your documenting their kittenhood. Condolences to your family.

  18. I am very sorry for your loss. And sorry you had to go through this with the wife away. Author Jeffrey Somers latest post on his website (under blathers) is about the loss of his cat and the last mile … think it is worth a read. Amazon had the Dispatcher on sale yesterday and I read it last night … great job with that tale.

  20. I wish I remember the source…. but the comment was that although the loss of a pet is not like the loss of a mother/father/sister/brother, our mother/father/sister/brothers didn’t sleep by our feet for a decade.

    Glad you rescued her, and glad she found such a good fit. (And, FWIW, we’ve had rescue cats for about a year, and I just brought them back from their stay in the boarding hotel after our holiday travel…. one cat is fine, we’re trying to convince the other one that no, we did not forget about her.)

  22. I’m not a dog person, but stories like Daisy’s make me wish I were. How lucky she was to find her way to such a loving family. How lucky you were to bring her in to yours.

  23. So sad for you and your family. Condolences to everyone, human or otherwise, at the Scalzi compound.

  24. I have felt this grief… a hole in your family’s heart. It will not heal, but you will find workarounds. Know we grieve with and for you. Best wishes for tomorrow and ever after. RIP Daisy.

  25. My condolences to you, your human family and your furry family. Daisy was, is, awesome puppum and she had great time with you. I’m so sorry. :(

  28. John, I am so sorry for your loss.

    Fred, whatever you wish for someone, may it be returned to you threefold.

  29. Such a good dog. Condolences mixed with happiness that you had her for those seven years.

  30. My condolences. It’s difficult that such lovely beings can have such a short time with us.
    Maybe you can memorialize her as a character in your fiction?

  31. Really sorry, John. My best to you and your family. Taking in a rescue animal is an act of kindness, usually reciprocated with years – not enough years – of love and trust. You and your family did good by her; you can be sure she knew that. Be well, be kind to yourselves, and remember she was a very good dog.

  34. Glad Daisy found her home, glad she filled a spot in your home. Ten years is never enough but I’m sure it was ten of the years she was most needed.in your home.

  35. This isn’t mine, but we have it on a plaque in our house:

    It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are. -Anonymous

    With all my heart, John and Family, I offer my condolences, because you’ve lost a member of your family and that’s always painful.

  37. I ‘m thankful you gave Daisy a happy and permanent home. Be gentle with yourself and family, human and furry, through the process of grieving.

  43. John – She was loved and loved you back; you gave her a home and she helped make yours richer. Best,

    Fred – Seriously? You life is so empty you took time to write and post that comment?

  44. Condolences from me and my wife the vet. We’re sending a contribution to the UC Davis Companion Animal Memorial Fund in Daisy’s memory.

  46. No matter how long they’re with us, it’s never long enough. Thank you for giving her that loving, permanent home she needed, and know that she’ll live always in your hearts.

    And thanks for sharing her life with us. Hang in there, this is the impossible part of the bargain we make when we bring them into our lives.

  48. Such a good dog, such a good girl. One of my best memories of Daisy is the video you posted of her following one of the newly-arrived Scamperbeasts around: Daisy so large, the kitten so small, Daisy so protective. I didn’t know she had been used for breeding and had a lot of frustrated maternal love to share.

    You made her life a doggy paradise; I hope that knowledge is some comfort in the midst of your family’s grief.

  49. So sorry for you and the family (biped and quadruped members both)…and thank you for showing her how good of a girl she was

  51. Always sad when pets pass on, thank for taking good care (and wonderful photos) of your pets.

    Appreciate you sharing these lives with us. Thank you.

  52. RIP Daisy. I’m thinking that unless you know for sure she was part mastiff, I’m thinking she was an Anatolian Shepherd, in full or part. They are wonderful dogs. I had ASDs for decades – up until two years ago when my bestie, an Anatolian named Joe, died and took my heart with him. I’m glad you got to have Daisy in your life for as long as you did and what good people you were to have rescued her as you did.

  58. So sorry – but just look at all those fantastic photographs you have of her. She’ll always be with you and your family, and the Scamperbeasts too – never forgotten **hugs**

  59. I’m so sorry. Thank you for giving Daisy the best life you could. Condolences to you and yours.

  60. You have my deepest sympathy; I am in a similarily wrecked place. Our cat Rusty, Pudge Princess and Ruler of our household, died on the 27th. There is an empty space in our house that is everywhere she is not.

  61. So sorry for your loss :( – the death of a loved pet is always hard. She was a lovely dog, and so gentle with the Scamperbeasts.

  63. Grief cries hard to hear but so necessary sometimes. The word “No” expressed from a guttaral perspective can also be helpful. Breaking plates not good ones though, against a basement wall can be helpful, using a whiffleball bat on a pillow to let the anger and loss go in a healthy way can also be helpful. Don’t use your fist you might break something. Grief is a difficult reality most do not know much about hence our dependence on substance to escape.
    John,
    Til the day I die, I will read your blog, books, listen to them as well, cause you are so freaking real and down to earth. Sorry for the loss of Daisy. Family is family. You and your family are in my prayers.

  64. I’m so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed the pictures you posted of Daisy. She seemed like such a gentle soul, perfectly suited for a quiet life with you and your family. I’m glad you were able to give her a good home where she got all the cuddles she needed. May she rest in peace.

  66. Oh man, what an awful way to end the year :-( I loved seeing big!Daisy alongside the tiny Scamperkitties, but she always seemed not to mind in the pics. I’m sure she appreciated all the love she got from all of you.

  70. All dogs go to heaven. This is reliably known. The luckiest dogs get to go to a little piece of heaven while they’re still alive; their families share it with them when they rescue them. Daisy was one.

  71. This is beautiful, John, without being the least bit sappy, a fitting tribute to what sounds like a great dog. I’m glad you found each other. Our dog Cayenne is ten, on medication for arthritis, a bit deaf and increasingly erratic in behavior and in willingness to eat. I strongly suspect we will lose her fairly soon. But I know it will have been worth the grief to have had Caye-Caye around all these years. And we will get another dog. Again.

  72. A good friend just lost her Great Dane this week, as well. I am sorry for your loss. Daisy had a great home for 7 years. I am glad for her sake. (And for yours, as you and your family certainly enjoyed her company.)

  75. Oh, that panicky late-night trip to the emergency vet! It takes a lot of the good memories to blur that bad one. Our non-human family members make us more human, and that’s not always a comfortable thing. You gave Daisy as much happiness as she gave you; keep that in mind.

  78. I’m terribly sorry to read this. Daisy was lucky, and it’s clear you have been too, to have found her. Thinking of you.

  79. Some of the best people I know are dogs. She sounds like a wonderful dog — you were lucky to have her and she was lucky to have you, just the way it’s supposed to be.

  80. My condolences, John. I’m glad that you were able to give Daisy a good home, and that you brought each other joy. I’m also grateful that you saw fit to share a little bit of that joy with us here on Whatever.

  82. My condolences. We lost also a beloved dog in 2017. They leave a hole in your heart but give such love while they are with you.

  86. John, I’m very sorry for your loss. Our 12-year old Akita, Miko, has slowed dramatically in recent months, and I fear I’m facing the same loss soon. I’m glad Daisy found a good family, and it sounds as though she brought you much joy in return. May her memory be for a blessing to you and your family.

  87. I can’t add anything that everyone else hasn’t already said. I just feel so sad for you, losing such a wonderful family member. And she will always be alive in your hearts. What a good dog. What a good family. And thanks for sharing so many beautiful pictures of her.

  90. Sending virtual hugs to all the members of your family, furry or not. There is a particular kind of poignancy when a rescue pet dies, knowing that they will be deeply missed, but also knowing that they had a wonderful life they may not have otherwise had. You’ve gained a new guardian angel, who will happily be waiting for you someday.

  91. Pups are family. Hubbie and I just got our most recent, Torvi. It’s been a little over two years since our last, Nuala, passed. We need the time and space. Really, we were ready last year, but other circumstances, like my ability to get a leave long enough to begin training her, intervened. We got her from a rescue at six weeks on November 10. Torvi, too, is a big dog, or, she will be. I don’t want to think about losing her already, though. We want her to hang around as long as possible. Our last two dogs died relatively young.
    Pup love is the best love, though. My deepest sympathies.
    One of our past pups passed en route to the vet, as well. It’s awful, no matter what.

  92. Oh I’m so sorry. Big old mellow dogs are the best, and I’ve had an Internet crush on Daisy for years because she reminded me of fine old mutts my family had when I was growing up. It sounds like she had a fine life with good humans, which is the best we can offer them for the bottomless well of love they bring us.

  93. Thank you so much for sharing Daisy with us. It often felt like she was our dog, too, and I adored the way she loved her kittens.

    So sorry for the grief you’re all going through right now, but it will pass, and then you’ll still have the memories and the love. They don’t fade; our pets are always with us. And it seems like we’re always way overpaid for the care we give them.

  94. So sorry to hear of Daisy’s passing. The only bad thing about our pets is they don’t live as long as we do. Daisy must have been so happy at how much her life changed from her horrible first few years.

  96. My condolences for the family’s loss. Extra-condolences to Krissy, who was clearly so special to Daisy.

  98. You gave Daisy a wonderful life and made her the star of Scalzi’s World. I hope your daughter was around. It always seems more difficult when you don’t get a chance to say good-bye.

  100. My condolences. I know from experience that It’s so hard to say good-bye to pets. The amount of love they provide is so vast it leaves a hole. Fortunately, with a little time, it’s easier to look in that hole and find it filled with good memories and the joy of having had that love in your life. I’ll take the pain of losing a pet over the emptiness of never having had one any day.

  102. My spry but no-longer-deniably-elderly cat turned 16 this year, and I’ve had him all 16 of those years, since *I* was 16. It wrecks me just to *think* about this day coming. But I remind myself that he’s a pampered kitty with a lifetime of cuddling behind him. You were good dog parents, and Daisy was a lucky pup.

  104. After seeing the heading, oh, it was so hard to read this, having come to ‘know’ Daisy via your site, especially her relationship with the kittens. The only real down side to having pets is that most of the time, we outlive them…. but as painful as it always is to say goodbye, I would never choose to NOT have had that time with them. I’m sure Sugar and Spice will miss her; I know that animals do mourn the loss of ones they love. I am so sorry for your family’s (both human and furred) loss…

  107. My condolences as well. Daisy always seemed like a great dog, and she will be remembered with love.

  108. So sorry. I’m crying as I read this, remembering all the fur people I’ve said goodbye to. It never gets easier, but we do it again for the love.

  109. So sad to hear that. We had cockatiels. One of them developed something major Saturday night (when else?). The only emergency vet clinic that knew anything about birds was 50 miles away. Our poor little bird didn’t make it as we were breaking every speed limit to get her there. So that part of your story made me even more sad.

    They do indeed stay part of your family forever.

  112. I also had a yellow Lab named Daisy and she sounds a lot like yours. I lost her 3 years ago and I still miss her. She was 14 years old when she died and the vet said that was remarkable for a Lab to live that long. She was a rescue from a puppy mill. Two weeks ago my little Chihuahua, Ginger, died. I’d had her for 17 years and she was also a rescue. She was my baby and my heart is broken. For the first time in almost 30 years I am dogless. I have two cats, Ozzie and Ginger, that are also mourning the loss of Ginger. Ozzie often sleeps in the exact spot that was claimed by Daisy when she was alive. They were best friends. I may get another dog in the future but right now I’m happy to just be taking care of Ozzie and Maggie. I’ve had people tell me that dogs don’t go to heaven because they have no purpose or soul. I disagree. Our pets teach us patience and unconditional love. I will never forget my furry babies. I just hope they know how much I loved them and miss them.

  113. I am so sorry for your loss. It’s never easy to loose a four-legged friend. I’ve been able to take solace in the knowledge that they had a good home, were loved and cared for and will be remembered and missed.

  117. Oh, so sorry to hear this. You & your family enriched Daisy’s life and she enriched yours. Thank you for sharing your stories and photos of your sweet doggie with us.

  118. So sorry to hear this. But love will stay even if the loved one is gone. And it doesn’t matter if it is “just” a pet or a human family member.

    The love she gave and received will stay. For as long as there is somebody who is remembering her – then she will truly be gone, which is good, nothing stays forever.

    To me this is a comforting thought.

  119. The love for a dog and the love of a dog are gifts that keep on giving forever. Bless you, your family, and Daisy! You will always be together.

  125. I am so sorry for your loss. And yet so glad that you were generous enough to share Daisy (and all your pets) with us through your pictures.

  126. I am sorry for your loss. I have two feline fuzzy ones that are 13 1/2 or so and I don’t know how I will deal with it (or my children) when they die. I hope your fuzzy ones won’t be too unhappy.

  127. I’m sorry for your and your family’s loss. They are never here long enough. She was a good dog. Almost all of them are.

  128. I am so sorry that Daisy is gone, but so glad she had you and the rest of your family for all those years.

    My German Shepherd bitch is ten, the age our last GSD bitch died and I know that we are on borrowed time for a dog her size, it’s not long enough.

  129. Your love for Daisy was evident in every photo of her that you shared with us. How fortunate your family was to have her as a part of it, and how fortunate Daisy was to reside in your family’s warmth.

  131. So sorry for your loss. We too have a rescue dog. They can be good and true companions, as Daisy was. Grieve in the time of grief and remember fondly always.

  132. So sorry about Daisy. As Signe pointed out, Kipling had it right about giving our hearts to a dog to tear and also that “our loves are not given but only lent.” And I hear you about rescue dogs with issues. Mine, after 10 years, still has separation anxieties but oh is she worth the problems. They bring so much joy and love to us and it is so hard when they have to leave us. My condolences to all the members of the Scalzi family.

  136. I’m so sorry to hear this. Thank you for sharing your gentle dog with us, and good thoughts to you and your family.

  140. My condolences. We lost our boy cat, Ben Venue, a month back, and our girl cat, Katrine, a year ago. (Terminal kidney failure.) Many others before them. It never gets easier.

    I wrote the following alternative to the dread “rainbow bridge”, and your post motivated me to finally get around to publishing it: https://blatherskite.dreamwidth.org/94102.html

    I hope it brings comfort to someone as it did to me while writing it.

  142. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your pictures of Daisy always brought a smile to my face, and her loving personality always came through so clearly. I’m sure you’ll treasure those pictures and memories. I hope you’ll take all the time you need to cuddle the cats and grieve. My thoughts are with you.

  145. So sorry for your family’s loss. Daisy was a good pupper and had the best pack who gave her an amazing life. Thanks for sharing her goofy doggy joy with us over the years. She’ll be dearly missed.

  146. You don’t know me, but I feel like I know you and this news hurts more than is reasonable. I am sorry for your loss.
    If I ever leave this world alive.

  147. I am so sorry, John. Daisy was beautiful both in appearance and in soul. I know you will love her always.

  154. A sad day indeed. We also had a rescue dog, a greyhound, who had been gifted with a number of neuroses by the people of her previous life. It was a great thing to watch her gradually come out of her shell over the years that we had her, and actually start acting like a dog.

    I miss all of our departed dogs so much.

  155. {{hugs}} to you, Krissy, Athena, and all the four-legged family members.
    May Daisy’s memory be ever warm in your loving hearts.

  157. This is tough news and I always think it is particularly hard to take in the dead of winter. Please stay warm from all the good memories she left you with,.

  158. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I’ve made a donation to a local rescue group in Daisy’s memory.

  159. I am sorry to hear this. My dog Jack was a rescue dog, too, who died last year. He was a young dog when we rescued him (only about six months old), and he was with us for about 16 years. It hurt so much when he died and I still miss him. My condolences to you all on Daisy.

  160. You gave her such a good home, and it was obvious she loved you for it. We said goodbye to my old pony earlier this year – it was time, but it was so hard – and knowing we gave him the best home we could for as long as we could has helped me a lot. I hope knowing you did the same for Daisy is a small comfort for all of you as well.

  161. She loved and she was loved, deeply. That’s all that matters in the end. But of course it doesn’t make losing her any easier. My sincere condolences.

  162. I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you, Krissy, Athena, Zeus & the Scamperbeasts. I also hate that Rainbow Bridge poem, but I have found comfort in Rudyard Kipling’s poem The Power of a Dog. I recommend it if you’ve never read it.

  164. Now I’m crying after that lovely tribute. RIP Daisy. You gave her a good home and she gave you lots of love. My condolences to you and your family.

  166. A good dog. I’m sorry you had to go through it alone, and I’m sorry Krissy and Athena weren’t with her (and you) at the end. But Daisy was a good dog, and had a loving home.

    All of you take care of yourselves. I know I still miss my girl, who died nearly 18 years ago, but I take comfort in remembering both the good times, and snuggling the new rescues I’ve since invited into my life. And you’re right; the love of a rescue is like no other.

  167. This brought tears to my eyes as I’ve also known the grief it can cause to lose one of your family.
    My deepest sympathies to you and yours.

  168. John, I’m so sorry. Such sad news, to lose such a great companion. My best to you and yours.

  169. Oh man, I’m so sorry. Pets really get into your heart and tramp out a big place there. When they go, the big hole stays for a long time.

    Peace and good wishes to you all.

  170. I am so, so sorry. Losing a pet is incredibly rough even when it’s expected, and it’s so much more difficult when it comes as a surprise. My condolences to you and your family.

  172. So sorry for your loss, John :(. It’s always hard to lose a pet and a true friend as well as a member of the family.
    Been there earlier this year, my cat, also named Daisy, passed away at the age of 17. Seeing her go was one of the hardest moments in my life, and I cry and ache every time I remember that night when I had to rush her to the vet at 3 in the morning.
    RIP Daisy (and Daisy).

  173. Condolences to all.

    It’s so hard losing a companion, the trade-off is all the love (both ways) along the path. You did a wonderful thing giving her a great place to rest her paws (including the one on your heart).

  174. Well, shit. My wife (whom I love greatly) won’t let us get a dog, so I enjoy them vicariously through the internet for the most part. Always liked hearing Daisy stories and seeing her photos.

    But yeah. Shit.

  175. I’m so sorry, John. We know when we bring them into our homes and hearts that we will one day lose them, but it never makes it any easier. You gave her a good life and it was clear from your pictures that she knew she was loved – which also doesn’t make it any easier but is a thought which brings me a little comfort when I’m missing a pet.

  177. I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve been following you so long I remember Kodi, too. If there is something after this life, I hope Daisy finds in it at least as much love, stability, and cuddles as she has with your family.

  178. Aw, good puppy, great life. We recently lost a cat and a friend of mine posted that they’d rather say they’re racing Rainbow Road than crossing a rainbow bridge. I loved the imagery.

  180. Daisy looks as though she lived a happy, happy life with you all. Condolences to the Scalzi family for the family loss. :-(

  183. So sorry for your loss. Our dog passed away earlier this year and we all still grieve.
    What a wonderfull life she had with you.

  186. In every photo you posted, Daisy radiated love and contentment. Their lives are too brief, but I believe that she spent her life knowing that she was cherished, and I believe she found joy in having the Scamperbeasts to mother and cherish in turn. The happiness that was plain to see in every one of those photos gives ample evidence to support that belief. Your family gave her the best life – abundant love and the chance to give love in return.

    My deepest condolences for your loss.

  187. I was so sorry to read this post–Daisy was a lovely dog, and I will miss seeing pictures of her on Whatever.

  188. Oh, oh, oh. Oh, I am so terribly sorry for your loss, Clan Scalzi. We just lost one of our fur-kids three months ago and are grappling with the possibility of losing a second one in the near future, so this one really hits home for me. I send all of you, two-legged Scalzis and four-legged ones, my deepest sympathy.

    Thank you so very much for giving Daisy a loving home with permanence, stability and all the cuddling she wanted for the past seven years. And thank you for continuing to rescue and love animals, despite the grief and sorrow at times like this.

    Farewell, Daisy.

  189. I would never have known Daisy was insecure from her expressions in the pictures you post. You all gave her so much love! She looks like she was a fantastic, relaxed and peaceful canine. I am so sorry for your loss. Grief over the loss of such a gentle and loving being is natural and OK. I hope the wonderful memories are soon more sweet than bitter.

  190. Just lost a dog of my own on Tuesday. It’s never easy, but being able to look back on giving our beloved pets a lifetime of love helps soften the blow.

  191. John, I’m so sorry for your loss. Animals work their way into our lives in mysterious and sometimes magical ways, don’t they. One day there is nothing, then the next there is this thing that loves you and you love in return. They make our lives so much richer just by being there with us and for us. I will mourn Daisy with you, knowing what it means to lose pets as well.

    Rest well, sweet pupper.

  193. What LesE said @ 12:42 was so good I’d like to borrow it. If there is in a Patron Saint in any theology for our pets, I’m sure that saint is now congratulating Daisy for a life well lived.

  194. I’m so sorry, John. We just lost one of our cats earlier this month, and it isn’t at all easy. Condolences to you and your family, human and otherwise.

  195. I’m sorry for your loss. Pets are family. It’s so very sad that their lives are so much shorter than ours.

  196. I love kittens! They are sweet and lovely! Puppies are very good too!

    [see here for the explanation of this comment — JS]

  197. I started crying before I even read the post, by now I’m completely wrecked. She was not my dog, but the amount and depth you wrote of her, and how much she affected your family, made her a tiny tiny part of me. I am so sorry she is gone. She was a good doggy.

  198. So very sorry for your loss — all my best wishes to Family Scalzi. Thank you for sharing stories and pictures of Daisy over the years; I’m glad she had a wonderful life with you.

  199. Deeply sorry for your family’s loss. Such a sweet, beautiful dog. “The comfort of having a friend may be taken away — but not that of having had one.” — Seneca

  201. Sorry about your friend Daisy.
    Good dogs are always missed. Surprisingly so are ornery dogs. We become friends with them, they with us. You gave Daisy a good life. She gave you one in return.
    The road taken with a dog is always a better walk than without.

  202. My herd of Fluffybutts (4 brothers from the same litter) and I would like to offer {{{hugs}}}, redeemable at your local loved one. I’m so sorry for your loss.

  204. I’m so sorry to hear this – my condolences for your loss. Daisy was a very good dog indeed. Best.

  205. John, Krissy, and Athena
    My heart goes out to you and your family at the passing of Daisy. Our furry friends become such integral members of the family. They love us so deeply and we love them. They will be missed.

  207. she was beautiful, and she was clearly loved, and while it always feels like a mortal wound when one of them leaves us it is good to remember that you gave that dog a good life and a loving family and sometimes, through the grief, that thought should fall like a balm. I”m so sorry for your loss. My condolences to your family (human and fur-kind)

  209. As a prepubescent 12-year-boy with access to the internet without parental supervision, I can say there is nothing I like more than to watch endless videos of kittens and puppies playing together!

  210. Beautifully said. I’m so sorry Johnny. I’m right there with you both, mine went Saturday from lung cancer. Hugs to you and Krissy.

  211. I’m so, so sorry, and my sincerest condolences to Krissy and you for your loss. It’s clear that Daisy won the lottery when she found her forever home, and clearly she realized that she had won as well. Funny, that my eyes seem to have something in them right now, especially picturing the Scamperkittens and Daisy being best buddies. I wish I had seen that with my own eyes.

    You don’t need me to remind you that as time marches forward, that the loss diminishes, and the current tenants of Casa Scalzi help smooth over that big hole of loss. The reality is that at some point we start to heal because there is so much love around us, and that it is okay to move forward, not because we forget that love that has departed, but because the well of love is not diminished with our loss.

  213. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. May you take comfort in knowing that you gave Daisy the best life possible for most of her years, and may her memory come to grant you more smiles than tears.

  214. I’m so sorry for your loss. Daisy sounds like a love, and I can tell how much you cherished her.

  218. I am so sorry for your loss–I’ve enjoyed seeing Daisy’s pictures. She looked like a happy dog who was well loved.

  221. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I know Krissy and Athena are as saddened as you are. I hope the scamperbeasts help you out late at night and early in the morning.

    We share your joy in our critters, and your loss also. Sorry you have to deal with trolls for such a personal and sad event – your bunnies and kittens edits are a nice solution to those heartless individuals.

    Best wishes to every person at the Scalzi household, no matter their number of legs. Take care.

  222. Daisy was lucky to have you all. You all were lucky to have her. Sorry for your loss. But I’m glad that you had so many years with a gentle and noble animal, and she with you.

  223. Deepest sympathy, John, Krissy, and Athena. Our pets aren’t human, but they are people, and they leave a hole in our hearts when they go.

  224. I’m also sorry for your loss. We lost a pet yesterday too. It was a fourteen-year-old cat, “Skitty”, that had traveled to Texas with us for the holidays and we were on the last leg of our journey back to our home in Florida. We didn’t even know she had died until we were unloading the cars.

    She lay in state for a little while on our coffee table before we moved her to the garage for the night. The familiar silky texture of her fur as I moved her into a plastic bag was hard for me to bear.

    Today my sister took her body away and brought her back in a two-inch square six-inch tall plastic box.

    A few hours after we lost Skitty, we gained a new pet. A friend who is emigrating to South America drove down to deliver us a new dog.

  226. I’m so sorry to read this. My impression has always been that Daisy was Krissy’s dog; she loved everybody else as well, but she loved Krissy above all others.

    My sympathies for your loss; she will be remembered!

  228. Thank you for sharing these lives of your pets with everyone.

    Thanks for posting wonderful pictures of them, too. Helps make the craziness that is the ‘net that much easier to bear, when there are stories of kindness, canines, and kittens along with everything else.

    Peace to you and family in the coming New Year.

  229. Thank you for sharing these lives of your pets with everyone.

    Thanks for posting wonderful pictures of them, too. Helps make the craziness that is the ‘net that much easier to bear, when there are stories of kindness, canines, and kittens along with everything else.

    Peace to you and family in the coming New Year.

  231. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a pet is always very hard. I’m thinking of you and your family.

  232. My condolences on your lose. It’s amazing how pets can become family members. I’ve lost several and it never gets easier.

  233. The contract we make when we make critters part of our lives is that most likely we will say goodby before they do. I’m so sorry she’s gone, and I’m so touched by your decision to give her a real-live permanent family. You did good.

  235. Condolences on the loss your family member. Big dogs may not have the longest lives, but they so fill our lives and leave big holes in our hearts when they die. May the find memories of her always be a blessing.

  237. They’ve shared our homes, hearths, and the spoils of the hunt for millennia. Apart from a few bad actors (of whom Daisy was clearly not one), it’s been an excellent arrangement for all of us. Your posts and photos of sweet Daisy have demonstrated the best of human-canine-feline bonding. Thank you for that and for this beautiful tribute; vale Daisy.

  238. Gods, 2017 is determined to suck right up through the last second, isn’t it?

    When you lose a beloved furry family member, it’s an anguish like no other. My condolences to you, Krissy, Athena, Zeus, and the Scamperbeasts.

    Merry Meet and Merry Part and Merry Meet Again. Daisy, be at peace in the Summerlands and know that your family loves you.

  239. John, please tell Krissy and Athena that you’re all in my thoughts. This was awful news at the end of a year that has had far too much of it. I’m glad that you can reflect on seven good years with Daisy – good for her and for the human Scalzis – and I hope the cats aren’t too discombobulated by Daisy’s absence in the coming days.

    When I went home to visit my parents for Christmas, I hurried to close the front door behind me and then realized that I was making sure their dog didn’t get out, a dog that passed on almost two decades ago. It’s strange, the way these beasts work into our hearts in ways we don’t even realize.

    All my best wishes in 2018, John. See you soon.

  240. So sorry for your loss – she was clearly so loved by all and loved all in return. My condolences to you and your family.

  241. You took her from chaos and gave her a good happy life. Don’t minimize the loss, but don’t forget what both furry and furless family members gained.

  245. A hundred years ago I read somewhere, and could never again find to credit or quote properly, something along the lines of: We know how this story ends. We know before we even choose the pet. And yet we do it again and again.
    When the time is right you will do it again.

    Meanwhile, I am so sorry for your loss. I am dripping real world tears now.
    Daisy was a Good Girl who deserved treats.

  246. My sympathy for your loss, and special pets for the four-legged family members. Could you write Daisy and Kodi into one of your novellas or books? Immortality could be yours to bestow.

  252. I am heartbroken for you and your family. My dog is old and has lymphoma, so I know we have, at best, a few short months left together. Having a dog means knowing that you will have to say good bye someday, so that time is precious. I am glad Daisy and your family found each other, and that you could give her the home she clearly deserved.

  253. Aww, losing a pet is always hard but especially at this time of year. Condolences to you and your family.

  255. I’m so very sorry for your family’s loss, John. I had to put my cat to sleep back in May, and it still hurts, so I know your pain. You gave Daisy a very good life and she was surrounded by love in her last moments, which should be at least a tiny bit of comfort.

  256. My most profound sympathy for all the Scalzis.
    May I suggest extra petting for the Scamperbeasts, as consolation for all.

  258. I still remember 3-4 emergency vet visits over the course of a month about 6 years ago. The last time, Max had trouble going to bed, and then woke us up in the middle of the night. His previously labored breathing now had a rasping rattle in it. I carried him to the car, and promised him I would take care of him. We both knew what that meant.

    The vet did what she could, but we all knew that it couldn’t be enough. That night will forever stick in my memory. It was painful, but it was also so right that there was and remains a sense of peace surrounding the pain.

    I also have 6 years of beautiful memories of him. He was about 7 when I adopted him, and I don’t think he had been in any one home even 2 years (many probably less). He lived his best years with me. As Daisy did with you and your family. I hope the memories and knowledge of her love and happiness bring you comfort for years to come. I have other dogs now, and always will have dogs. But I will also never forget my Maxi-boy, even while I give my heart to new dogs.

    Daisy will live in your hearts and memories forever, and I hope those memories will become a source of joy for years to come.

  260. I am deeply sad to read of Daisy’s passing. We lost our cat Lucy recently, and the process sounds very similar. I feel for you and your family, two- and four-legged. Do remember the many good years that Daisy shared your home, to the benefit of all within.

  261. My condolences for your loss. Our furry children never seem to live as long as we’d like, but they are still dear to us.

  262. When friends & family die, I think the best we can hope for is that they part knowing they were loved – sounds like Daisy had that.

  264. My condolences for your loss. You folks blessed her life, and she undoubtedly blessed and enriched yours.

  265. Daisy couldn’t have found a better forever home than with you, Krissy and Athena. Our hearts and tears are with you.

  266. Aw crap, I liked Daisy. The photo of her lolling with her tongue out always made me smile when it came up on your blog header. My condolences and thank you for sharing her with us. Hugs to all the cats.

  267. Ah, another fine soul gone. I’m glad Daisy was able to enrich your lives; and thank you for enriching ours by sharing Daisy stories and pictures.

  271. Oh no. I don’t have any pets, but have followed Whatever for years, and Daisy became part of my life just a little bit. Whenever there was a picture of her with the Scamperbeats, I would call my wife for a look and say, “The world isn’t so bad, is it?”

  272. We lost our Tawney (German Shepherd/lab mix) at 14.5 years old. It will be two years since she left us in April 2018, and I still burst into tears randomly, and miss her terribly. They give us so much, ask for so little, and only truly hurt us when they leave us. As someone who volunteers with shelters/rescue groups, let me say a deep, sincere “thank you”–so much–for giving Daisy a loving forever home. Not every animal is so lucky. Those who have struggled to know love and to feel safe, seem to show their appreciation to their families in so many extra little ways. Tawney left behind 4 furry siblings–a husky/malamute mix and three kitties. All rescues–or strays who wandered by and were invited in to join the family. We added a rescue German Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog puppy last year as well. You can’t replace an old friend with a new friend, but she does remind us that sometimes it’s ok to simply revel in the joy of life’s little moments, to be goofy, to play, to laugh, to smile…and not let those day to day “dark clouds” block the glory of the sun. My heart is with you and yours, and my tears fall for you as well.

  275. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you can take comfort for the years of love you gave each other.

  276. I love animals, but dogs are my soft spot. The loss of one has ripped my heart out more than any other critter I’ve ever had. Dogs and their Humans are one of the most symbiotic pairings around. And When one half is gone, the other half has to deal with the loss.

    I’m sorry for you and the rest of your family. A good dog is easy to find, and hard to lose.

  277. My sympathies on the loss of your sweet Daisy. Our pets become part of us in a way that humans often don’t, perhaps because they are so transparent about their affection. Take care, Scalzi family, and my condolences.

  280. Daisy was a great dog. I never had the pleasure of her presence but her personality comes across in the pictures, especially those with cats. She had a uniquely expressive face even in stills. Your touching eulogy shows how big a hole this big dog leaves. Condolences to all.

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John Scalzi, proprietor – JS
Athena Scalzi, contributor – AMS
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