sweet luka
Thank you so very much for your prayers, positive thoughts, energy and words of concern and kindness today. Really, it has meant so much. And I know that it helped us find her.
We did find Luka earlier this morning, and it was immediately clear to us that she had gone into the woods for the very last time, just like her pal Mow did before her. I'm so grateful that we found her, had a chance to say goodbye to her and to hold her in her final moments of life. I'm so incredibly grateful for that. There's so much to say about Luka, but my heart already feels like it's crumbling into little bits, and I just can't imagine ever finding the words. Luka had the gentlest spirit I've ever known - with endless love to give - she taught me so very much about that, as special dogs have a way of doing. I will always feel blessed for that April day nine years ago when she and I 'accidentally' and awkwardly stumbled into each others lives, and for each and every day that we've all shared together since. Oh, how we will miss her.
oh amanda, I'm so very sorry. what a loving goodbye to a friend who was so special and loved. hugs to you all.
Posted by: blair | June 20, 2007 at 05:21 PM
Oh! I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.
Posted by: chez shoes | June 20, 2007 at 05:23 PM
You all have fond memories of Luka and she will also have very fond memories of all of you. Feel thankful that you had nine years together, from a tiny puppy through laughs together. Our thoughts are with you Amanda, Steve, Calvin, Ezra and Adelade.
Love, Mom & Dad.
Posted by: mom and dad | June 20, 2007 at 05:26 PM
so very sorry for your family's loss. i'm glad you were able to find her and tell her goodbye.thinking of you..xo
Posted by: shari | June 20, 2007 at 05:26 PM
dear amanda, i am writing this with tears in my eyes. i am so very sorry...these little friends of ours, they bless our lives, don't they? i am sending you a big hug and lots of loving kindness.
Posted by: Veronica TM | June 20, 2007 at 05:27 PM
Sorry to hear the sad news - I'm glad for you that you were able to find her and be with her.
Posted by: Sarah | June 20, 2007 at 05:34 PM
I am so sorry for your loss. We also recently loss our lovable, sweet doggie, Oscar. It's like losing a family member. It has been almost a week since we let him go and I still grieve his death. Much hugs and love to you and yours.
Love,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | June 20, 2007 at 05:37 PM
I'm so sorry. It's such a hard thing, but I'm glad you had a chance to say good-bye, and to let her know again how much she was loved.
Posted by: Jenn | June 20, 2007 at 05:44 PM
awww- poor pup-
:(
I am so sorry your dog is moving on- best wishes for you all-
Posted by: tania | June 20, 2007 at 05:45 PM
I am so glad to hear that you got to say one last goodbye to her and be there in her last moments.... So sorry though for your loss... You and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Chara Michele | June 20, 2007 at 05:52 PM
Oh, Amanda. I am fighting back the tears in my eyes. What a wonderful spirit Luka has brought to your home. Many prayers to you both and the kids.
Posted by: Eren | June 20, 2007 at 05:53 PM
Oh Amanda...I am so so so sorry for your loss. My heart is heavy for you and yours. Dogs are such sweet souls, and I know Luca will stay in your hearts forever.
Prayers for comfort coming your way.
Heidi
Posted by: Heidi | June 20, 2007 at 05:55 PM
My heart goes out to you and your family. We've recently gone throught this ourselves and it leaves such a sadness. You suddenly realise how important their place was in the family.
Glad you found her and were able to be with her...
(I delurked to post this, visit your beautiful blog daily)
love from across the pond x
Posted by: asti | June 20, 2007 at 05:55 PM
oh.. i am so sorry to hear the sad news.. i checked your blog again today, hoping you found your sweet pup...
even though we all know life ends someday, it doesn't make it any easier for those of us who go on living.
my thoughts are with you,
peace.
jen
Posted by: Jen | June 20, 2007 at 05:57 PM
peace to you and your family.
what a blessing to have found her to share your stories and memories together as she traveled to her new spot of shade.
Posted by: celeste | June 20, 2007 at 06:04 PM
I'm sorry, Amanda. You know I'm here if you need to talk.
Posted by: bellablue | June 20, 2007 at 06:12 PM
I'm sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you and your entire family.
Posted by: Katie | June 20, 2007 at 06:13 PM
I'm so sorry Amanda.
Posted by: amanda | June 20, 2007 at 06:16 PM
what a blessing you were able to be with her in the end. sending lots of loving, healing, kindness your families way.
Posted by: heather | June 20, 2007 at 06:29 PM
I have been thinking about your family and Luka all day. I'm so glad you found her and had a chance to say goodbye. We have our own Luka in our family...same 8 yr old lab/rottie mix, same gentle spirit and soulful eyes. I know how much she must have been loved by your family and how much you will miss her.
Posted by: Jennifer Weeks | June 20, 2007 at 06:35 PM
Oh no, I'm sorry. I've just read both this post and your last one, so I didn't get a chance to add my prayers to everyone else's. I'll say them now, in the hope that Luka is at peace and has found Mow up there somewhere - that they are running together and happily remembering all of you.
Posted by: Katharine | June 20, 2007 at 06:40 PM
I'm glad you were able to be with her at the end. I'm sorry for your family's loss.
Posted by: Lisa Clarke | June 20, 2007 at 06:42 PM
I'm so sorry, Amanda. Glad though, that you got to hold her and love on her a little while longer. Be good to yourself, and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Posted by: Stefani | June 20, 2007 at 06:43 PM
my deepest regrets for the loss in your family.
may the joy she brought into your lives wrap around each of you and enable your hearts to let go of the hurt...in time.
i am so happy to hear that you got to be with her in her final moments...that she felt your tender love in passing and you hers.
my thoughts are with each of you.
Posted by: Jessamyn | June 20, 2007 at 06:51 PM
So sorry about Luka. I'm glad you had a chance to say goodbye.
Posted by: Julie | June 20, 2007 at 07:02 PM
o, Amanda, I can hardly see the keyboard for my tears. I am so deeply sorry. Trying to be glad that you found her, that she knew you would come and held on. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Posted by: charlotte | June 20, 2007 at 07:03 PM
I am so very sorry.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | June 20, 2007 at 07:08 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss. I am glad to hear that you did get to say goodbye, hopefully that makes it a little easier. You will always have those wonderful memories, its amazing how pets can effect our lives...
Posted by: Jill | June 20, 2007 at 07:14 PM
I'm so sorry, Soule family. Hugs to you all.
Posted by: Alicia A. | June 20, 2007 at 07:16 PM
i'm so sorry, but at least you can take solace in knowing that you found her and were able to spend her last moments together. sending you love and light to your whole family.
Posted by: Julia | June 20, 2007 at 07:22 PM
xoxoxoxo
Posted by: meg | June 20, 2007 at 07:23 PM
oh, i'm so sorry. that just aches.
Posted by: emily | June 20, 2007 at 07:26 PM
Oh, I'm so very sorry. Hugs to your whole family.
Posted by: Valerie | June 20, 2007 at 07:27 PM
Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry!
Posted by: Beth | June 20, 2007 at 07:30 PM
What a sweet photo of her---good luck to you all for your pain to turn to joyful memories...
Posted by: Amber | June 20, 2007 at 07:31 PM
i'm glad you found her to say goodbye... she had a full life with you, and i like to think that we will all see our four legged friends again in some other form. you'll recognize her sweet eyes.
much love to your family.
Posted by: camerashymomma | June 20, 2007 at 07:48 PM
I am so very sorry that you are losing your cherished luka. May you comforted by the memories you hold. Heal well.
Posted by: tamara | June 20, 2007 at 07:51 PM
My heart aches for your family. I am so sorry for your loss. :(
Posted by: Wannabe | June 20, 2007 at 07:51 PM
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Peace be with you.
Posted by: Beth | June 20, 2007 at 07:56 PM
Gulp...
Posted by: Jen | June 20, 2007 at 08:15 PM
Oh Amanda. I am so sorry, I'm bawling here. I am glad you at least found her and said goodbye to her.
Posted by: Jessica | June 20, 2007 at 08:17 PM
I'm so, so sorry. Dogs are special souls who we are lucky enough to share the world with. My heart hurts for you and your family. May you find peace in your quieter moments and joy in your memories.
Posted by: Kerry | June 20, 2007 at 08:19 PM
oh, i'm so sorry to hear about your luka.
may you all find a little peace in your togetherness and happy memories.
Posted by: kristin | June 20, 2007 at 08:26 PM
Its an amazing thing that animals can touch our souls so deeply. Thoughts and love are being sent to your family.
Posted by: Stefanie | June 20, 2007 at 08:59 PM
Amanda~ So sorry to hear about dear Luka. You must be so sad. It was a blessing that you were there with him when he passed. I'm sure it was a great comfort to him, and will be a comfort to you in years to come when you think back on the moment. All our best...
Posted by: sue | June 20, 2007 at 09:26 PM
So sorry for your loss. We are starting our journey with a beautiful pup and it hurts to think about the inevitable farewell we will have. My thoughts are with you all.
Posted by: Jessicah | June 20, 2007 at 09:40 PM
I'm so sorry. Hugs to you and yours.
Posted by: earthchick | June 20, 2007 at 09:41 PM
I'm so sorry for you loss. I'm glad you had the chance to say goodbye.
Posted by: Wende | June 20, 2007 at 09:46 PM
i'm so sorry for your loss. there truly is nothing like the pure, unconditional love of a dog. xo
Posted by: jen t | June 20, 2007 at 09:48 PM
im so so sorry for your loss, and only know to well how you are feeling we lost our beautiful girl of 15years on the weekend : ( ... we were outside the other night and my near three year old said wheres jess, and i said see that brightest star in the sky that is her, and how very true, animals have the kindest souls and we are so blessed to be able to have them as our family.. take care
Posted by: sarah | June 20, 2007 at 09:50 PM