While we’ve had a rash of special pets cross over the Rainbow Bridge over the past several months, it hasn’t been limited to Blogville. A number of fellow pet therapy dogs have left as well. I haven’t shared stories about those losses since we try to soldier on as best we can despite the hole that’s left behind. When Sam and I joined pet therapy over 4 years ago, there were over 50 dogs in the program. Today that number is just over 30.
Recently one of my absolute favorite dogsleft us unexpectedly, leaving her owner, Bonnie and the rest of us who knew her, simply devastated. “Fergie” was one of those dogs you just couldn’t get enough of whenever you saw her. With a regal face, expressive features, she was a pawsome ambassador for our program. I was instantly drawn to her at the first get-together for both handlers and dogs. In the midst of dogs everywhere and uprights chit-chatting away, Fergie quietly sat next to Bonnie taking it all in. She was a beautiful soul with a calm presence whorepresented her breed so nicely especially in the midst of frenetic motion and noise.
Fergie was a wonderful therapy dog and will be sorely missed. Throughout her two years of service to our program, she and Bonnie provided much comfort and joy during their 64 visits. Sam and I were lucky to spend some time with Bonnie and Fergie at the annual fund-raising calendar sale with Fergie performing impressive tricks for people in the hospital lobby. And Sam adored her as much as I did.
Bonnie described Fergie this way:
“Fergie loved riding in the car wearing her goggles, and hanging her head out the window. It also gave Fergie joy when she would get her toenails painted. And I believe she liked wearing one of her many outfits. She was an attention hog. She knew only a few tricks but she was always willing to perform.Treats were a big must have for her. Fergie loved chasing anything that ran. She didn’t care to catch it, but she loved the run. If she saw something running (squirrel, deer, rabbit, cat, anything) she would be on the chase. But, if it stopped, she would stop, until it started running again and then it was off she goes! When she would get tired or the poor creature would out smart her, she would come bounding back to me with her head held high, a smile on her face and a prance in her step just as pleased as she could be.”
Here are some photos Bonnie shared with me that show the great spirit Fergie exhibited with her good nature and sense of style.
Sam and I will miss our sweet fur-iend and hope our admiration for Fergie helps her mom deal with this untimely loss. Our program just won’t be the same without the two of them. No doubt there will be tons of nail polish colors and goggles just waiting for Fergie at the Rainbow Bridge. While she may be gone, she will not be fur-gotten. Rest in peace, sweet girl.
Oh. This is very sad. Fergie looks like she was a wonderful therapy dog. Love all of the photos of her….such a unique style. It’s hard anytime we lose a pet, but I think it is even more so when it is unexpected. Hug, kisses, and prayers for all.
So sorry to hear. It’s tough to see our furry friends go. They leave our hearts full with precious memories and aching for more. Hugs and pawkisses from us.
Oh noes. I am so sorry for (everybody’s) loss. Fergie sounds like one pawsome puppers! And I do likes her style! I hope you will give Bonnie our loves, and tell her we are all thinkin’ of her and I am sendin’ lots of AireZens her way. And, Sam, if you can, gives her a big slobbery kiss from me the next time you see her, k?
{{{hugs}}}}
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
Love the photographs of Fergie! I know how difficult this kind of loss can be. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I know that Fergie is always right there in the hearts of those who loved her so much!
Benji, the WaWa and me all send out heartfelt love and hugs to Bonnie, she has lost a companion and she will miss her. Fergie looked special and a heap of fun- we would have loved to have met her. This would not have been easy for you, so Benji and the WaWa send an extra hug to you.
Many thanks for the kind words. I gratefully accept the extra attention for your fur-kids. Fergie was one of many very special dogs we lost this past year, but one that was extra special. I adored her and her huMom who is a lovely lady. 💖
Thank you, Miss Harper Lee. I know it’d mean the world to me. Fergie was an extra special pup in our program and her absence will definitely be felt by all of us who knew her.
I’ll tell anyone about how Bear’s saved my life any day … but it’s something else entirely to say a puppy’s saved MANY lives just by her gentle presence and sense of humor 🙂
AWWW What a beautiful sweet fun girl. This was a lovely tribute, it gave me goosebumps! I teared up a little too! We send our condolences to Bonnie and lots of slobbery kisses from ME!
This was a most beautiful tribute for your special friend Fergie, we are so sorry for your loss and we are soooo sorry for Fergie’s Momma. That is an enormous loss ((((hugs))))
Fergie looks adorable in those pics! So sorry about the loss of her! Our furry friends leave paw prints on our heart that will last forever!! <3
My thoughts are with her owner and all of you that knew her.
I’m so sorry for Fergie…please give Bonnie a BIG hug… that are the sad sides of having dog-friends… I often cry when I hear the sad news… but tears for friends are precious… like diamonds…
Get a therapy parrot. We live forever.
Oh. This is very sad. Fergie looks like she was a wonderful therapy dog. Love all of the photos of her….such a unique style. It’s hard anytime we lose a pet, but I think it is even more so when it is unexpected. Hug, kisses, and prayers for all.
Thank you. Fergie was a fur-tastic pup and we all miss her sweet nature. Bonnie appreciates the kind words of comfort.
What a fun therapy dog gma will be greatly missed so sorry for everyone’s loss.
We are so sorry for the loss of your friend. Fergie looked like a very special dog. Please give our deepest condolences to Bonnie.
Many thanks for the kind words. Bonnie has been touched by our incredible community and sends her appreciation. 😍
So sorry to hear. It’s tough to see our furry friends go. They leave our hearts full with precious memories and aching for more. Hugs and pawkisses from us.
Many thanks, Benji. I will certainly pass along your pawkisses to Bonnie.
Oh noes. I am so sorry for (everybody’s) loss. Fergie sounds like one pawsome puppers! And I do likes her style! I hope you will give Bonnie our loves, and tell her we are all thinkin’ of her and I am sendin’ lots of AireZens her way. And, Sam, if you can, gives her a big slobbery kiss from me the next time you see her, k?
{{{hugs}}}}
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
Many thanks, dear Ruby. Sam will gladly provide the necessary slobbers for Miss Bonnie.
It is always so sad to say “good-bye” to our dog friends. Fergie looks like a very special dog. ♥
She really was special and a treat to be around. Our pets never stay long enough with us.
Oh we are sad that such a precious soul has left this earth. sending our pug prayers to Fergie’s mom
hugs
Hazel & Mabel
Many thanks Hazel & Mabel. Appreciate your pug prayers.
how special…. she leaves a hole in the fabric of life…
Fergie was all that and more.
What a tragic loss of a beautiful soul. Hang in there, Bonnie, I believe you and Fergie will be together again some day.
What a wonderful tribute for a beautiful girl!!
Love the photographs of Fergie! I know how difficult this kind of loss can be. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I know that Fergie is always right there in the hearts of those who loved her so much!
Wasn’t she a great sport at dressing up? Gotta love the goggles on top of the Tu-tu’s.
Incredibly fashionable. Ottie would have fallen in love. I can see the boxer in her.
I’m sure he’d swoon over her. She was one very good looking dog in addition to having amazing therapy skills.
Benji, the WaWa and me all send out heartfelt love and hugs to Bonnie, she has lost a companion and she will miss her. Fergie looked special and a heap of fun- we would have loved to have met her. This would not have been easy for you, so Benji and the WaWa send an extra hug to you.
Many thanks for the kind words. I gratefully accept the extra attention for your fur-kids. Fergie was one of many very special dogs we lost this past year, but one that was extra special. I adored her and her huMom who is a lovely lady. 💖
What a sad loss – Fergie looks like she was the sort of dog who brought joy to all!
She truly was a joy to be around. The hospital has suffered a big hole. 😢
Such a lovely tribute to a sweet, beautiful girl. I know it means the world to her mom.
Thank you, Miss Harper Lee. I know it’d mean the world to me. Fergie was an extra special pup in our program and her absence will definitely be felt by all of us who knew her.
We also lost a furend not associated with Blogville. He was a wonderful pal too.
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
So sorry for your loss. They never stay log enough to satisfy our human needs.
I’ll tell anyone about how Bear’s saved my life any day … but it’s something else entirely to say a puppy’s saved MANY lives just by her gentle presence and sense of humor 🙂
These pets are unbelievably amazing creatures. We are beyond lucky to have them in our lives.
What a wonderful tribute to Fergie…such a noble-looking and photogenic pooch. <3
Thank you. She was a very striking pup and as sweet as honey. We’re gonna miss her and the wonderful work she did.
This post was a beautiful, sweet tribute to Fergie, and to her bond with Bonnie. RIP sweet Fergie.
Aw, thank you. I’m sure Bonnie will be touched with Blogville’s outpouring of comforting comments.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Bonnie for the loss of her Fergie. And to all of you who knew and loved Fergie.
I love what Phenny/Katty said about our tears for friends being precious like diamonds! Such a beautiful thought!
Thank you. Yes, I thought it was a lovely sentiment too. 💖
AWWW What a beautiful sweet fun girl. This was a lovely tribute, it gave me goosebumps! I teared up a little too! We send our condolences to Bonnie and lots of slobbery kisses from ME!
Many thanks, Mia. Like you, she was a super Pit and will be missed. I’ll pass along your kisses of comfort. ❤︎
Condolences to Bonnie. What a wonderful tribute to a fantastic pup I wish I had known.
Many thanks, Michael. I wish you could have met her-she would have enjoyed you and your two golden gals.
This was a most beautiful tribute for your special friend Fergie, we are so sorry for your loss and we are soooo sorry for Fergie’s Momma. That is an enormous loss ((((hugs))))
Thanks so much, Dakota. We are really going to miss sweet Fergie. She was such a sweetheart and those goggles…what a hoot that made us all smile!
aaww how beautiful. I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend my sweet pal. I’m sending you bunches of hogs and snout kisses. XOXO – Bacon
Many thanks, Bacon. We will relish the hogs and snouts from you!
No matter what, there’s never enough time with our beloved pets. She was a special girl! ❤️❤️
Fergie looks adorable in those pics! So sorry about the loss of her! Our furry friends leave paw prints on our heart that will last forever!! <3
My thoughts are with her owner and all of you that knew her.
She was such a calm sweet girl. Thank you for your kind words.
I’m so sorry for Fergie…please give Bonnie a BIG hug… that are the sad sides of having dog-friends… I often cry when I hear the sad news… but tears for friends are precious… like diamonds…
That’s a good way of looking at it and I’m sure it will make Bonnie smile with your comment. Thank you!