This is the kind of post no pet parent wants to write. I’m completely gutted to share that my beloved Elsa, ninja extraordinaire, earned her angel wings and passed peacefully late Monday afternoon. To say I’m beyond grief stricken about this immense loss is an understatement.
Elsa possessed a fierce spirit and was one of the most loving, sweetest dogs I’ve ever known. She was somewhere between 11 and 13, but her actual date of birth was unknown. As a puppy mill mama, there were no records of her or any of the other Standards found when she and the other dogs were seized after the owner passed away. Each of those dogs all had genetic problems, and Elsa’s was epilepsy. But she never complained, took her daily meds willingly and was never a problem trying to draw blood. Her vet and his staff loved that she was always an easy patient to treat. When I adopted her, she was basically feral and it took a few years before she knew how to respond to a positive home environment where she could relax knowing it was safe, comfortable and loved. You can read about her adoption here. Thankfully Sam kindly took her under his paws and taught her how to be a dog instead of a shut down canine who I adopted. I’m convinced that Norman taught her to wag her tail. Suffice to say she had many quirks and did not give her affection easily but once she did, she was loyal through and through. Elsa was definitely a “still waters run deep’ kind of dog and I adored her with all my heart. I will miss her impishness and those loving nose nudges.
Because I am so overcome with grief, I will be temporarily stepping away from blogging and social media until my heart has had a chance to heal a bit. But first I want to thank you for all the kind, caring get well wishes over the past month. In lieu of cards or memorial gifts, I would ask, if you’re so inclined, that you make a small donation to our favorite rescue, RMOESR.org in her honor or your own favorite local shelter/rescue. We think rescue dogs rock!
It’s so hard recognizing her noticeable absence from the Ranch and continue to wait for her to raise her head from her bed and give me ‘that‘ look. The look that said I’m here and want something and can’t wait for you to figure out what it is. Despite being a total ninja, quiet and stealthy, her personality was large. While there are hundreds of favorite photos of this very special dog, these two captured her most perfectly. The first a professional photo; the second one taken a few years ago on a beautiful spring day in the neighborhood.
Rest in peace my sweet precious fur-angel and give my love to Sam and Norman for me. 💔
Live, love, bark! 🐾
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Losing a fuzzy friend is the kind of heartache I wouldn’t wish on anyone – it runs so deep and hurts so much. Elsa was a beautiful girl, and now she is a beautiful angel. I do believe you will be together again someday. Sending love, hugs, and purrs from me and Tylan and Giovanni. <3
I also have a puppy mill breeder pup, rescued from the mill. They are truly very special and very loyal to their rescuers. My deepest condolences to you on the loss of your beautiful Elsa.
Thank you for your comment. Puppy mill rescues make the best companions. I think they must realize how lucky they are. Two weeks after I adopted Elsa, she was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. Poot thing, had so much adversity but she was a total trooper. She will be sorely missed. Thank you again for your kind thoughts.
I’m so, so sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl.
Thanks so much for your kind comment. She was the prettiest Standard Poodle I’d ever owned over the years. She will be very missed.
Please accept my condolences for your loss. You did a tremendous work giving Elsa such a beautiful life after her hard start.
Thank you. I’d do it all over again, given the chance. She was a loving and very special dog asnd brought me such joy over the years.
We are so sad to see this …sending you extra love and hugs 💔💔🙏🏻
Many thanks. Elsa will be going sorely missed by so many people who loved her dearly. She was a very unique and special dog.
We are so sorry for your loss dear Monika, Elsa was such a sweet and brave girl 💔 We will light a candle for her tonight and have made a donation to RMOESR in her memory. Sending you and Wilson love and hugs across the miles 💞💜💞 Run free sweet Elsa 💜🕊🌈 xxx
Many thanks, Xenia. Thank you for the kind comment and even more thanks for your donation. It is most appreciated. You are incredibly wonderful for your generosity as well as for your friendship. I feel so blessed to have met you digitally.
❤️❤️❤️ xxx
I thought I commented on this post, but perhaps that was on Facebook. I’m so sorry for the loss of Elsa. We all loved Elsa.
Big healing hugs, my friend. ♥
Many thanks, Sandee. She was quite the dog and I know I’m not the only one who is going to miss her. She was my muse and I’m somewhat a drift now.
Oh no! Sweet Elsa. Such a brave, strong, special girl. She will be missed by so many. RIP, beautiful pup. Prayers for your family to heal. When the time is right, you need to send them what they need to make them smile again. xoxo
Love and licks,
Cupcake and Mom
Thanks, Cupcake and mom. Appreciate your caring comment. She is going to be sorely missed.
Sending lots of love and snuggles to you and Wilson. Elsa, and her Nature Friday posts will always be remembered,
xoxo,
Beth Rosy & Sunny
Thanks, Beth, Rosy & Sunny. She really was a nature lover at heart. I’m not sure how to do those posts without her. She was such an incredible dog and muse.
Virtual hugs and sincerest condolences. Elsa is up there chasing butterflies with my Freddie. I had two cats brother and sister Freddie and Tish. Last Wednesday I walk into my workroom and see Freddie just keeled over a spoke on my PC chair and dead. No illness no complaints and not even 3 years old, I am still reeling myself.
Many thanks for your kind comment. I’m very sorry for the loss of your Freddie. These special creatures add so much to our lives and it’s devastating when they leave this mortal earth. Sending you tender thoughts of comfort.
Thank you very much.
I’m so sorry. We all love Elsa. Big healing hugs. ♥
Many thanks, Sandee; your comment is very appreciated. She was my creative muse as well as a remarkable dog.
So sorry to hear about your loss of sweet Elsa. Once you became her dog mom, she hit the jackpot. The life you gave her was such an improvement over her previous circumstances that she didn’t know to trust her luck for quite a while. I know in her own way she rewarded you for your kindness and grace. I know that you were devastated as she took her last steps over the bridge. She can now run free. Hugs to you!
Thanks, it’s been heartbreaking to lose her. She was my world and I was so grateful to help her enjoy a loving home. She, Norman & Sam can watch over me now until we’re all reunited.
A true rescue; her reward was her family’s reward. Godspeed, Elsa.
Many thanks for your kind comment. We appreciate you swinging by the Ranch and 🩷 Blogville visitors.
Monika, so sorry to hear Elsa has gone. The saddest thing having a pet is the time when their time is full. In the the whole world is not a word to give comfort for a broken heart.
Hugs,
Kristiina
Kiltos, Kristiina. My sweet precious koira-she will be sorely missed. I hope she gets to visit with Kosmo and the two will fly free with all the other angels from Blogville.
That is what I thought, too, Elsa meeting Kosmo there. They both have there so many friends to fly with.
I am so very sorry to read about Elsa’s passing. She lived her best life with you.
Ebony furs
Loved forever
Sensational sister to her pack
Amazing smile
Sincere hugs
Cecilia
Thank you for your words of comfort. She really did have luxurious fur that I will miss so much. She’s with her angel brothers now and together the 3 of them will watch over Wilson and me.
I am so sorry. Losing a furchild is beyond heartbreaking. Huge hugs♥
Thank you, Duke. You’re so right, losing a furchild is devastating. The pain never goes away, it lingers in our broken hearts.
So very sorry to hear this sad news but we absolutely understand how hard it is to carry on blogging when your heart aches……what a precious girl she was and now her job will be to watch over you all. It’s like a part of your soul gets ripped out when one of our family leaves – but all of us who knew and loved that sweet girl know she will be with you always. Sending you big hugs and prayers for peace in your hearts.
Love, Pam and Teddy
Thanks, Pam and Teddy. We are blessed to have such caring and comforting from you and the rest of Blogville.
Oh no😿So deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved girl, MoniKa and Wilson. My heart broke while reading and seeing her beautiful picture. Wishing you much strength during your time of grief. We know it’s hard to let go😿Soft Pawkisses to comfort you🐾😽💞 Fly free beautiful Soul✨
Thanks so much, dear Marlene, Stippy and Peachy. So grateful for the kindness. We appreciate it very much.
Oh this is so sad. I am so very sorry to read this and my heart breaks for you. its never easy saying goodbye to our beautiful Babies. Sending you and Wilson so much love and many hugs, love from us both xx Rachel and Titch
Many thanks, Rachel. Your kind comment is comforting and I appreciate it very much.
Oh, MY:( I was so shocked and heartbroken to read this. I can only begin to imagine how you must be feeling with this devastating loss of your dear sweet Elsa.
I truly thought she was going to get better…but the Rainbow bridge must have needed her.
May all the wonderful memories you have, stay deep in your heart to be treasured forever.
I just sent you an email with a couple images in it…I hope they might give you even a wee bit of comfort…
Many thanks for the beautiful images and your gentle thoughts of comfort. I very much appreciate both.
oh no…. we are so sorry for your ninja girl… and our tears are running… how many times can a heart break apart …. we will miss this part what goes with them forever and ever…
Thanks, Katty. I have been asking that same question. This is the third time in less than 5 years to lose a beloved pet. It never gets any easier. Elsa was so special and like the others, will be sorely missed.
I am so very sorry. Such a gorgeous girl. So sorry.
Thank you for your kind message, Lori. I truly appreciate it.
I am so so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences. Sending you lots of love and hugs. Take care.
Thank you, Nimi. I’m totally devastated and appreciate your kind message.
Oh, Monika, I’m so sorry for Elsa’s passing. It is so hard to lose your loved one. You cared for Elsa so well and did all you could. This is very sad since we all loved her too. My thoughts are with you and hope you will find comfort in the wonderful memories of Elsa’s love for you.
As always, you’re too kind, John. The memories are so bittersweet; I’d do anything to be able to run my fingers through her soft fur again. She was a such a sweetheart and will be sorely missed.
Chaplin: “Oh no, we are so sorry to hear this!”
Java Bean: “Ayyy, we were hoping all the tail wags we were sending—”
Charlee: “And the purrs!”
Java Bean: “—would do the trick for sweet Elsa.”
Oona: “Oona and the other cats continue with the purrs, but now they are for you and Wilson who are left behind.”
Lulu: “And we dogs continue with the tail wags.”
Charlee: “Run free over the Rainbow Bridge, Elsa, and be sure to stop by Tucker’s Everlasting Rainbow Bridge Buffet to meet Dennis and Trixie and the gang and get a special treat.”
So many thanks for past and future well wishes. We so appreciate it.
So sorry to read your news which, very sadly, brought back so many memories of our beloved Ray. These “guys” attach themselves to us so securely don’t they ….. and despite their many idiosyncrasies! My thoughts are with you during this difficult time of loss, but I have no doubt that Wilson will help you through it. Take care. Big Hug.
Thanks, Colin. They really do embed their sweet selves into our hearts which is probably why it’s so hard to deal with the loss. Sending loads of thanks and ear rubs for your sweet Nigel.
I am gutted with you. The news hit me hard, having just lost one of our dogs only a couple months or so ago. I am so sorry, and so grateful that she came to live with you and got to have a wonderful life finally. Rest in love, sweet girl. And take care of yourself as you grieve.
Many thanks, Debra. Yes, unfortunately we all belong to that fraternity of heartache at some point. She was really something and I just adored her. She’s going to be sorely missed.
oh, it’s so sad, I know how empty it feels, we’ve talked but I wanted to say it again here.
What a strong pup she was, and so perfect that you found each other. You cared for her so well Love, LeeAnna
Thanks so much for your kindness and friendship. I so appreciated your call and now this gentle comment. Elsa was such a love (as you found out when you met her), my soul is so heavy with heartache. She was very special and would be thrilled at how much she impacted so many wonderful people. She was such a gift.
Such sad news. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl. XO
Many thanks, Ellen. As you well know, losing a pet companion is never easy. Just wish they stayed with us longer.
Dear M, I am heartbroken to hear this sad news. As you say, a post no pet parent wants to write. But we must do so, for our pet’s legacy and because they will never be invisible or forgotten. Thanks to you this sweet Ninja got a second shot at having the life she deserved; you gave that to her. Elsa: God’s speed sweet girl as you cross the bridge. Run free. Your spirit is eternal and lives in your mom and so many of us, even if only virtually, who were able to know you. ❤️🐾🌈
Thanks for your kind words, Mike. She was beloved the entire time she lived with me and I hope it gave her great comfort, after a rough few years. She was a pill, fierce and oh-so loving. I’m going to miss her spirit forever.
❤️
Elsa, we have a hero here in trout towne, who goes by the name of St Francis: patron saint of animals and the environment. we have a saying here in trout towne,
that st francis sees to it, when a anipal is ready to cross over to heaven, he stays by their side, every step of the way, ensuring they have no pain, feel frightened ,or alone. we believe here in trout towne, that one day, st francis shows our people,
where in heaven to find us, reuniting us once again. we are truly sorry, and we send hugs and loves to you and the family you leave behind, rest well until you are reunited again.
💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙
dude, boomer, dai$y, tuna, sauce, mackerull and de food gurl laura
Thanks for the kind and comforting thoughts. Elsa was loved her entire life with me, and especially at the end. She was special and will be forever missed.
Nose nose nose!! Miss Monika an Wilson wee are as shocked an stunned as you are. Wee thott Elsa wuud reecovurr….Pleese accept our seepest Sympaffiess an nose wee love both of youss’ so much……
‘angel’ Elsa run free with mee Bee-Eff-Eff Olivia an Ssweet Norman an Sam an THE GANG!!!!
***hangss head*** BellaDharma an **wipess tearss from eyess** BellaSita Mum
Thanks so much, BellaDharma and BellaSita. We had hoped she would recover but it just took too much from her. I’m sure Olivia, Norman and Sam (and many, many others) greeted her and are showing her the ropes. In no time, I’m sure she’ll be bossing everyone around like she did her entire life on earth.
Wee bet you are rite Miss Monika!! Wee wish shee was still heer to ‘boss’ you around tho’. Wee send our <3 <3 to you an Wilson <3 <3
I’d give anything for her bossing me. Anything.
Wee nose Miss Monika….wee nose….. **sighss** Elsa had such Poochie-tude!
I hurt for you. Love the phrase, earned her angel wings. My pup is 3 years old and I still ache from the loss of her predecessor. It doesn’t go away.
Thanks so much, Jacqui. It’s too true, our pets don’t stay with us near long enough. The loss of Elsa has underscored the hurt I experienced after Norman and Sam’s passing. Those scars are still most tender. They all remain in our hearts, right where they belong.
M, so very sorry to hear of Elsa’s passing. I know she was such an important part of your family, and all of the McDonald’s. My heart hurts for you 💔 🌈 🐾
Thanks so much for the comforting thoughts. She was a special dog and will be so very much missed.
I am so sorry my friend, reach out when you need to, I am and always will be here for you… Hugs
Many thanks, Cathy. I appreciate it-you’re too kind. I’ll be in touch when I’m better able to handle this devastating loss.
My heart is broken for you. She was special, and although i didn’t have the pleasure of meeting her in person she was loved in your words. I am sure she and norman are tail wagging right now. My deepest deepest sympathies to you and the house pony. ❤️
Thanks Martha. Appreciate your kindness with this difficult loss. They never last long enough and their absence is more gut wrenching.
As does yours to me. ❤️🩹🫂
You’re too kind, Sue. Bless you.
Oh, Monika, my dear friend, I am so very, very sorry. When I saw your post about Elsa on FB a few minutes ago I burst out in uncontrollable sobs and the Z Kids still don’t know what to think. I was finally able to add a comment over there; but wanted to let you know I am here for you if you want to talk. I know you know my heart is shattered for you as yours was for me when I lost my beloved Ducky three years ago. Our two sassy but loving girls are looking down on us right now saying they are ok and that they will always be with us in our hearts. Gentle hugs of comfort and love are headed your and Wilson’s way from me and the Z Kids.
Thanks so much, Sue. Yes, our sassy girls who were each the love of our lives. And thank you for your ongoing kindness and friendship. It means the world to me.
I’m sorry, Monika. I had a bad feeling … and is why I was praying for you both, and will continue to pray for you. I know it’s going to take time. I hope the “house pony will be a source of comfort for you.” If we didn’t love them so greatly, it wouldn’t hurt so much. And yes, I’m wiping tears and blowing my nose now, same as so many of your blogging friends.
And I can’t thank you enough for your prayers and kind thoughts, Amy. Thank you. Elsa is going to be sorely missed by us all.
Oh dear, I sure wasn’t expecting to see that horribly sad news. I’m so, so sorry and we all send tons of love and hugs your way.
Many thanks for your kind thoughts, Terry.
So very sorry for your loss. She was a beauty and a treasure.
Soft woos and gentle hugs from all of us.
Thank you, Kathie. Every pet parent who’s experienced this kind of loss knows what it’s all about. It’s never easy; thank heavens there’s Blogville to help us survive.
Oh, no, 😔 although a part of me knew she was struggling, I had hoped her fierce spirit would come to the fore and beat her latest illness. I am so sorry to read of her passing and your deep loss, Monika. She will be missed here in the blogosphere and Fridays won’t be the fun they were without her snarky input. Please take of your heart and hug Wilson all the tighter as you process your grief. Much love to you two. 💕🙏🏼 ❤️🩹
Thank you for the kind thoughts, Eliza. the vet and I kept hoping she’d improve but alas her illness was more fierce than she was. Luckily Wilson is very attentive and realizes something is amiss and trying to comfort me. Bless his big heart.
my deepest condolences to you and your pack She was such a sweet girl and gave so freely from her heart. she will be missed by many but none as deeply as wilson and you. much sympathy to you both
Many thanks. Both Wilson and I appreciate your kind thoughts of comfort.
Oh no, I am so very sorry for your loss. She was so lucky to have you and she was the dog you needed. Losing a dog is so very painful, sadly I know that pain all too well. Take time to grieve in the way that is best for you. You and the house pony will be in our thoughts. He will need you now too. Hugs to you.
Thanks, Joy. We all know the devastating feeling of losing a special dog. Thankfully Blogville is such a caring environment and we are so grateful for your words of comfort.
I’m just so terribly sorry. Run free beautiful Elsa!
Thank you, Sue. Appreciate your kind words.
We are sorry for the loss of sweet Elsa. Sounds like she had a very good life , partly die to your love and patience after you adopted her. That is a bond that will never be broken.
Many thanks for your comment. I’m completely gutted with this loss, though I knew she wouldn’t be with me forever. You just never can prepare yourself for their departure.
I am so sorry. We will all miss her and her conversations with Wilson. Rest in peace baby girl!
Many thanks, Kate. She will be so missed.
My heart is heavy with this news and the words are hard to find so I’ll just say that I’m crying with so many others tonight. Elsa touched all of our hearts and she left an indelible impression that will stay with us.
My deepest condolences
Thank you for the kindness, Marc. She was a very special dog despite a rough start. It’s so hard to comprehend she’ll only be in my heart and not on a hearth now.
Don’t respond. Just know I’m holding you close and giving you the love you need.
I am so sorry you (and we) had to say goodbye to your beautiful and special Ninja, Elsa. Go find Sam and Norman. They are ready to welcome you. 💔❤️🩹💝
Thanks so much, Dale. I’m so touched by how beloved she was to readers and am so grateful for all the tender kindness at this time. Love ya.
Love ya right back. And an extra hug for the House Pony who must be wandering around lost …💞💞
He seems a bit oblivious but definitely has picked up on my heartache.
I don’t doubt that. And he will realise soon enough.
So sorry to hear such sad news about the passing of sweet Elsa. Sending virtual hugs to you and Wilson during this difficult time.
Many thanks for your gentle thoughts of comfort. Wilson and I are so blessed that so many people loved her as much as we did.