It’s been a bad week.
I purposefully like to keep the tone of Running in a Skirt positive and upbeat, but today I have something sad to tell you guys.
We lost Reina on Monday. She got sick late Sunday with heart problems and she died early Monday afternoon.
It had nothing to do with her recent health issues with her leg, and completely took us by surprise. She may have been ten, but we honestly thought we’d have a few more years with her.
The hubs and I are heartbroken. Even Rhett seems upset. I know she was just a dog, but since we don’t have kids right now, she was our family.
Many of you might not know that when I met the hubs almost exactly six years ago, he came with Reina. I never had a “big” dog before and honestly thought I was a small dog person. But Reina quickly won me over with her demanding and endearing personality.
She was so full of joy.
She may have been almost 50 pounds, but she was the best lap dog you could ever ask for.
She loved to put her forehead right on your forehead and force you to stop what you were doing to give all your attention to her. She could never be close enough to you.
I loved her spark, and quickly “adopted” her as my own.
She was also a beautiful dog and she knew it. People always fawned over her. She loved to be told she was beautiful and made friends with everyone.
We will remember Reina most for her love of chasing squirrels (so glad she never caught one though!,) eating and rolling in grass
and “chewing” on smoke out of the fire pit or smoker.
I will never be able to look at a tennis ball in the same way because of her obsessive adoration of them.
But most of all we will remember a dog who loved her people more than anything. At the end of the day, all she ever wanted in life was to be with us.
And you can’t ask for much more from a dog.
We will miss our Reina dearly.
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
Oh Julie, I am so sorry to hear this. I remember losing my dog as a kid and it's truly like losing a family member. Thinking of you and your hubby. Xoxox.
D. Lanier Shook says
I'm sorry.
Linda Extine says
Oh julie I'am so sorry for your loss I have a very special dog (Dixie) that is part of the family
LeslieR says
So sorry for your loss. Three years ago we too lost our Boxer from heart complications... Unfortunately this is common in them. Cherish what she brought to you, big dogs are really great.
Pragati // Simple Medicine says
I'm so sorry for your loss! I completely understand the feeling that your dogs are your family. Ours truly are a part of our family (we don't have children yet either). All dogs go to heaven <3
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
I'm so sorry, Julie 🙁 That's strange that her passing wasn't related to her leg issues. I'm glad that the decisions you made to treat her leg were not something that lead to her death though.
I can't imagine losing such a best friend. I've never lost a dog before, but I know it has to hurt. Praying for you, friend.
Gail Brookshire says
Sorry for your loss. God loves you and you Reina!
sur says
So happy you have beautiful photo memories of your friend, Reina.
JulieWunder says
Thank you for the kind note. I am very grateful for the photos. She was such a good dog! I appreciate the support.
Tracy says
I am so, so sorry for your loss, Julie. What an amazing life she had with you guys. I know she'll always be in your heart!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Tracy! I appreciate your kind note.
Kathy says
The pets we take into our homes and hearts are our children who eat on the floor. You will see her again when your journey here is done. She waits, happy and well, at the end of the Rainbow Bridge.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Kathy. I really appreciate your note.
Deb Wolfe says
God bless you and your husband. Fur babies are just that, babies with fur. My heart breaks for you both. I lost 3 dogs in the past year (all from old age) and I still tear up thinking of them. It does get better but it does take time. Now I can smile and/or laugh at a really good fur memory. You both have my deepest sympathies.
JulieWunder says
Thank you Deb. 3 dogs in a year? Wow. Sending you lot's of positive thoughts as well.
Rhett is 12 (almost 13) and now I so worried for him. Bad "family" planning on our part.
I really appreciate your note. It is good to know that it gets better with time.
Norma Clayton says
What a sweet and loving tribute to your Reina. My heart aches for you and your husband as you grieve for your dear friend and companion. Praying for peace and comfort during this very sad time.
JulieWunder says
Thank you for the kind note. I really appreciate it.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I'm so so so so so sorry for your loss. A dog definitely isn't just a dog - she was your family, your baby, your love. She brought so much joy to your life and I'm sure it feels like a huge part of you is missing now. I'm so happy she was able to enjoy 10 years in a loving home and turn you into a dog lover :). I hope she's happily frolicking in doggy heave.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Nicole! I've always had small dogs, but I realize now that size doesn't matter.
Lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says
My heart goes out to you and your husband. I am such a dog lover and, of course, they are your family! They give so much and light up our households and our hearts! It looks like she had a lot of fun with you and received great care.
JulieWunder says
So true. Life is quite and boring without her... even with Rhett still in the house 🙁 She was a real sweetie. Thanks for leaving a note today. I really appreciate it.
Rose says
So sorry for your loss. I know how much she meant to you.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Rose! I appreciate your kindness.
Colan says
Julie, I am so very sorry to hear this awful news. There is no such thing as just a dog. They are family, whether you have kids or not, they are still your kids too. Please accept my condolences. R.I.P Reina. And one day she will be at the rainbow bridge to greet you and hubs.
JulieWunder says
She was much more than just a dog to us! I must have been getting that from somewhere the moment I wrote that because I would choose different words now. 🙂 Thank you so much for the kind note. I really appreciate it.
Debbie says
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know this kind of pain and it hurts deeply.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Debbie. I appreciate your note.
TJ says
Never just a dog it's family praying for you 2 for healing !
JulieWunder says
Thanks TJ! She was much more than a dog to us!
Margaret says
I'm so sorry your little girl is gone. She is now your Guardian Angel.
JulieWunder says
That's such a sweet way of looking at it. Thank you Margaret.
Sue says
Awe, so sorry to hear that you lost your beloved friend.
May the sweet memories help to fill the empty spaces. Peace.
JulieWunder says
Thanks for the kind note Sue.
Ellie Woody says
What a beautiful "obituary" for a member of your family! She sounds like a wonderful best friend! I'm so sorry for your loss. RIP Reina!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Ellie. Reina was the hub's and I's best girl and we will miss her. Thanks for the note.
Jean Maurie says
So sorry for your loss. Your blog was a wonderful tribute to your beautiful Reina.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jean Maurie! I appreciate your note!
Shannon @GirlsGotSole says
I am so sorry to hear this. Our pets are members of the family, it's never easy to lose one. Sending hugs your way as you deal with this loss of a beloved furry friend.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Shannon. She was such a good girl! I really appreciate your note.
Helly says
I'm so sorry 🙁 <3
JulieWunder says
Thanks Helly!
Norma McNeely says
so sorry for your loss Julie.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Norma for the kind note.
Jess @hellotofit says
Julie, my heart breaks reading this post! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband - rest in piece, Reina.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Jess!
Sarah says
Beautiful memories of a loving friend. Reina will always be remembered for her joy in every moment and the happiness she shared with everyone she met.
kathy boggs says
I am so very sorry for your loss! They are more than just a dog, they are our babies. I know how you are hurting because I have been through it. I had to put my baby dog Cuddles down almost 17 years ago and because it hurt and still hurts so bad I still won't get another one. It was just him and me for 13 years. I'm sure your other dog is depressed. Poor baby!
MaryAnn says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our kids are our kids and and the are always with us.
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
Oh my gosh, whether hormones or not, This made me tear up! I am SO so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine the pain of having it just sneak up on you. I am praying for your family through this tough time <3 A dog isn't just a dog.. a dog definitely becomes your family and losing one is just as hard as losing a family member.
Rene Baron says
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how easily our pets can steal into your life and your heart.
Jim & Flo says
We both feel your loss. I know we'll be devastated when our 18 year old cat (Dusty) is no longer here to direct our lives.
Julie Bantin says
I am truly sorry for your loss. Keep remembering the good times. Reina will remain in your heart forever.
Nancy says
So very sorry for the loss of your "child". I have lost several animals and i feel your loss.
Stan says
I am so sorry for your loss .
Allison Bosco says
Sorry for your loss. I don't think you ever get over it, just like with a person, you just get through it. I still kiss my Knutes ashes every day and say "You were the best:"
Elaine Orr says
so sorry to you and your husband. She was not just a dog but a special dog in a loving family. Makes me look at our older dog in a different way. Just hold on to that feeling of love for her. Thinking about you today. Glad you are now able to be home, take care of yourself and your family. take care
JulieWunder says
Thanks Elaine. I really appreciate your kind note.
Danyelle Musselman says
I'm so sorry to hear about Reina... I know she was a huge part of your family. Prayers to you guys!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Danyelle for the kind note.
Marilyn says
Dear Julie; Looking at your pictures of Reina shows what a good life she had. They will always bring you happy memories even though there is sorrow now. I hope Rhett will give you comfort for the big hole in your heart. Thank you for sharing your loss with us.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Marilyn. Rhett hasn't left my side since it happened. Such a good boy.
I appreciate your kind note.
Maryann says
So sorry for your loss. Fur babies will always have a place in your heart.
JulieWunder says
THanks Maryann for the kind note.
sheila austin says
So sorry for you loss.
JulieWunder says
Thanks for the note Sheila!
Robin says
Julie,
I am so sorry about the passing of Reina.. My heart goes out to you and your family in this time of sorrow... We lost our beloved Buttons (chihuahua) abt 4 1/2 years ago to cancer.. I still miss her.. But it does get better in time... RIP Renia
JulieWunder says
Thanks Robin. It's been a rough week, but I know it will get better. Thank you for the kind note.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Julie sorry for your loss-Looks like you made each other very happy and will have lots of wonderful memories.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Deborah. She made our lives better and we will miss her.
Tina Moore says
I'm so sorry Julie. Many hugs to you on your loss. We lost our jack russell Harley Jane two weeks ago. She also just wanted to be with her people.
JulieWunder says
Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear about that. Sending love your way as well. Thank you for the kind note.
gerald says
there is no such as jest a dog they are members of our family I fill for you I have lost a dog ===g
JulieWunder says
So true. Reina was our fur-baby and we will miss her. Thank you for the note.
April says
Julie, I understand where you are coming from. You and Hub gave so much love and understanding she would have never gotten any where else. She truly knew that she was loved by you.Thinking of you today.
JulieWunder says
Thanks for the kind note April. We loved her so much!
Diane says
So sorry Julie and Shon reina was such a special girl she will stay in our hearts forever love you
Vicki says
Oh, Julie, I'm so sorry for your loss. I too have "been there"....she was truly a beautiful girl and very lucky to have you and your husband for her people.
Dan says
I'm so very sad for you , gosh , that's rough news , it's like loosing a real person , a little furry person , but a family member as well. I'm very sorry Julie , a big hug to you from me.
Jaime says
Oh, Julie. My heart breaks for you and your husband. Reina was so lucky to have you both as her humans.
Dan Steadman says
sorry for your loss
Libby says
Dear Julie,
Oh, so very sorry. We, too, have been there for a situation in which a beloved furry family member has left us behind wondering how we will ever get over the loss. Only precious time can ease the horrendous ache and fill the void that this day holds. Yes, Rhett will miss her, too, and will grieve alongside you and Hubs.
Bless you, my dear, as my tears for your aching loss fall I am sending you and Hubs hugs from the heart.
Keep her photos out. Save a tennis ball for Rhett. Know that she loved you - the unconditional love that only our furry family can give. Life, as you know, is meant for today. We are not promised tomorrow. We live and grow with each experience and there is a reason that a DOG is our Best Friend -- spelled backwards it is GOD. Just a bit of the unconditional love from Him into our daily lives.
Deb Welborn says
Oh Julie my heart is breaking for you guys this morning. There is nothing anybody can say or do to make it all better. Been there and done that with Boxers. Reina lived a wonderful life and even though she has crossed the Rainbow Bridge she continues to live and will be waiting on you one day so she can run and meet you again. I bet that today she is running through fields full of flowers and chasing butterflies. She will always be watching over you guys. My prayers and thoughts go out to yall today and for many more to come.
When I lost my 4 year old Boxer to cancer I passed out at the vet and my mom had to come get me. I had to be put on medication and see a therapist. It was awful. I just wanted to die too. I slept in the floor for weeks cos I couldn't stand to get back in the bed without her. Sooooo......I feel your heartache Julie. Many hugs sent your way also. GOD BLESS you BOXERS RULE.
Diana says
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Reina. What a beautiful tribute to her and your relationship.
Shelley says
Our pets, like all companion animals are gifts from God. Furry creatures with big hearts and tons of love to brighten our worst days. They never let us down. They know us inside and out and they wrap themselves around our little fingers and become "our heart". Once that happens its hard to tell who loves who more. We become one with them and they with us. There is a difference though. As we worship our most Heavenly Father as God, our pets worship us as God. We become their everything and we become their heros. We are faultless in their eyes. Nothing matters more to them than loving us with their whole heart, never holding back. At the end of their lives, they leave this Earth a better place because of it. What a lesson we could all learn from a good old dog!
Your family are in my prayers Julie...
Joseph says
She was not just a dog , She was a member of your family and we send our condolences. You will be listening for the sound of her paws and expecting a slimy tennis ball to land on your clean dress. Only time will heal your hurt. Cherish the time she brightened your life.
Sherri Bradley says
So sorry Julie. What a wonderful companion.
JulieWunder says
Thanks for the note Sherri!
Madeline St Onge says
I am so sorry Julie, and there is no such things as "JUST A DOG" They grab your heart and won't let go
Dhe was a beautiful girl (((HUGS)))
JulieWunder says
She was both the hubs and I's best friend. Thank you for your support!
Pam says
Oh,Julie... my heart breaks for you and your hubs. No need to say that she was "just a dog"...those of us that are pet parents know how close the bond is with our furkids. Love is love and, you've lost a beloved family member. I'm so sorry. She had a wonderful life and you know she'll be right there waiting for her mom and dad, years from now, at the Rainbow Bridge.
JulieWunder says
I probably shouldn't have written that.... I guess I was getting that "just a dog" vibe from someone so I was trying to defend it. 🙂 She was such a sweet dog and we will miss her. Thank you for the support and the kind note.
debbie says
so sorry to hear about the loss of you fur baby. It is extremely heart breaking to lose a family member, they are so comforting and give unconditional love.
JulieWunder says
She was such a sweet dog. Thanks for your note.
Martha says
My heart goes out to you, a sad time, never easy. They love unconditionally, become a part of the family and are so special, bring such joy to us. My sympathy to you all.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Martha. I appreciate your note.
Robert Jumper says
So sad for you and your husband at the loss of your furry family member. In such a very short time they steal our hearts and change our lives. Praying for you both.
JulieWunder says
They do. She made our lives better. Thanks for the kind note.
Annette says
I am so sorry for your loss. I know they are so much more than a pets. They are members of the family.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Annette. She was my best friend (along with Rhett of course.) Thanks for the kind note.
Paula says
So sorry for your loss as last Monday we list our lil Chihuahua girl who was 11 1/2 and to us they are NOT just dogs, they are our Children!
JulieWunder says
That's what I say too, but I know some people don't understand. I hope you are starting to feel better. My heart goes out to you as well.
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
My heart breaks for you, Julie! Losing a pet - a part of our families - is one of the hardest things to do. What a beautiful tribute to Reina!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Stacie. I really appreciate your note.
Debbie Bowen says
It is never easy to lose a pet. I do not think you ever really get over it. I lost a dog when I was a young teen and still think of him. I am now "old". Good memories can be precious.
JulieWunder says
They are. I'm so glad we had the time we had with her. Thank you for the kind note.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Julie, I am so, so very sorry. There is nothing that I can say that will make this any easier, but please know that I am thinking of you and the hubs.
Paula says
I am so sorry and sad for you. Our dogs Are our children and the only thing in the world that truly loves us unconditionally. Big hug Julie, I know how hard it is.
Lisa says
I am so sorry. It is never easy. They may have four legs but mine are never "just a dog" either they are my furry children. The loss is real. I am sorry.
LongBraid says
I am so sorry to hear about Reina. Our four-leggeds & winged friends are truly family members & losing them is just like losing a child. You have my deepest sympathies Julie. I would love for you to visit the Rainbow Bridge section at my website http://www.longbraid.com/RainbowBridge/RainbowBridge.html and if you'd like... I would be happy to make you an animated sympathy candle free of charge (you can see it on the page above).
Megan says
She Was one of the best dogs! My heart is broken for you and we'll her and her lack of personal space <3
Megan says
*we'll miss her
Sherry says
I'm so sorry for your loss. It is like losing a family member. I lost my dog Happy a few years ago and I understand what you are going through.
Kelly towe says
Oh Julie my heart breaks for you and your husband. Losing a pet is so devastating. Please know myself and my standard poodles are thinking of you. Sincerely,Kelly
Nan says
Oh, Julie, I am so sorry and understand how heartbroken you must be right now. Grief is the same, no matter for whom you've lost -- a family member is a family member. My thoughts are with you.
Lisa says
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I understand completely. Just like you, our pets are our children. She was such a sweet dog. I have been following your blog since the beginning and feel I have gotten to know them also. Rhett will miss her also. They were such an unlikely pair but so cute together. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. I am sure it is difficult at times like this. Grace and Peace to you.
Adam Lemerise says
So Sorry for your loss Julie. Reina was a beautiful dog.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Adam. We loved her very much!
Blane Sherer says
I'm so sorry Julie. I know you try to keep your blog upbeat but I think this as a totally appropiate place for you to share and receive emotional support.I know we are not your family or close personal friends, but I certainly hope you feel support from us.
Again, I'm sorry for your loss.
JulieWunder says
Thank you for the kind note. She was such a great dog 🙁
donna says
im so sorry to hear it Julie..i lost my furbaby, Spencer on Monday as well. He was only 8 yrs. and it was completely unexpected. You are in my prayers.
JulieWunder says
Oh Donna!!! I'm so sorry!!! It totally stinks! I hope you are starting to feel a little better. Sending lots of love your way as well.
Jenny says
I'm so sorry to hear this, Julie!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jenny! She was such a sweetie.
Catherine Smithcc says
So sorry for your lost she was a beautiful dog
JulieWunder says
Thanks Catherine. She had beauty and the sweetest personality ever. We will miss her! Thanks for the kind note.
Tina says
I am so sorry for your loss. She is a beautiful girl! She was lucky to
have such great parents.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Tina. She was a really special dog and we will miss her very much. Thanks for the kind note.