Readers of both this blog and my books will be familiar with our dog of 13 years and beloved family member, Meli.
Sadly, Meli has now passed away. On Wednesday we woke up at 2.30 in the morning by what we thought was the wee one whinging. As she is at an age when she still wakes up for milk, this didn’t worry us. However, it turned out that the sounds were made by Meli, who was having a seizure. We rushed her to the vet’s, who stabilized her and put her in a drug-induced sleep. He kept her under observation during the night while running a barrage of tests. The last test, which he ran in the early morning, was a CAT scan. It showed that Meli had an inoperable brain tumor. Early in the morning, she passed away.
Considering how hours before she was happily going on her walkies, marking her territory from any stray dogs or foxes, we are consoled by the fact that she didn’t suffer and that we were with her in her final hours. Instead of dwelling on her death, we prefer to celebrate her life with us, so here are some photos of our happier times together.
Meli is survived by two cats who are already claiming her favorite spot on the sofa. I only wish it were as easy to fill the empty spot she has left in our hearts.
Jessica Bakkers said:
As a mum of my own fur babies (who are 17 this year) I so feel for you. Your obituary for her is simply the best way to honour her memory and thank you for sharing her with us all. Hugs.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you, Jessica 🙂
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Jessica Bakkers said:
🙂
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MG WELLS said:
Blessings and prayers to you and dearest Meli. Dogs are like our children. Wishing you much love during this sad time.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you, MG 🙂
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crushblush said:
So sorry for your family’s loss. Our fur babies enrich our lives for all too short a time, yet we’re better for having loved them.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you 🙂
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M. L. Kappa said:
So sorry 😢 The only problem with dogs is that they live a lot less than us…
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
I know. I’ve lost too many already 😦
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C.E.Robinson said:
Prayers and consoling thoughts to you and Electra. It’s so sad to hear of Meli’s passing. My heart goes out to you. In my mind Meli will still do a happy dance when I make a comment! Hugs and peaceful thoughts. 🌸🌷🌺 Christine
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Aw, thank you so much, Christine 🙂
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Sue Vincent said:
I am so sorry, Nicholas, you and your family must miss her dreadfully.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
We do. We had her cremated so we can bury her in the garden and plant a tree over the ashes in her memory. Electra’s now gone to pick up the ashes.
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Sue Vincent said:
There was a lilac tree in my grandfather’s garden that bloomed more beautifully than any other I’ve seen. It was planted over the ashes of Meg, the family setter…Grandad always said it bloomed so beautifully because there was a heart of gold buried there.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
I love that 🙂
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Sue Vincent said:
🙂
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Simon said:
Its a sad time when a loved pet passes away. But as you say the suffering wasn’t great or long.
Treasure those memories.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
We’re trying to 🙂
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Adele Marie said:
So sorry for your loss. The pictures show what a wonderful life she had and how happy she made you.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you, Adele 🙂
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The Story Reading Ape said:
So Sorry to hear about Meli, Nicholas.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you, Chris 🙂
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Mick Canning said:
Sorry to hear of it, Nicholas.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you, Mick 🙂
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Lorelei said:
I’m so sorry, my friend. She was beautiful and sweet, and I’m glad she didn’t suffer. Hugs to you all! 😦
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Lorelei. She’s terribly missed 😦
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Marcia said:
I’m so sorry for your loss, Nicholas. We had our two eldest cats die last month, 12 days apart, from very different, age-related issues. (They were each over 16). And we have two senior citizen dachshunds that don’t have that many years ahead of them, either. So I know some of what you are feeling. This is a beautiful tribute to a faithful, loving family member. I’m sending you lots of love and healing thoughts and prayers to help you get through these sad days. Continue to celebrate the joy she brought into your life, and know that she felt your love in return. ❤
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Marcia. I’m so sorry for your feline family members. I hope your dachshunds have a lot of happy, healthy years ahead of them.
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Annette Rochelle Aben said:
God Bless your tender hearts. May Meli’s memory bring you comfort and fill your life with delightful energy. ❤
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Annette.
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V.M.Sang said:
So sorry. It’s always heartbreaking to lose a beloved friend.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much. She really was a friend.
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elsat said:
So sorry for the loss. Memories never die and she definitely will continue to live.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much. You’re right, she’s very much alive.
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kimwrtr said:
You and your family are in my heart, thoughts, and prayers, Nick. Bless you all.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Kim.
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Deborah Jay said:
Melissa looks adorable. Having been in the same situation as you just 6 weeks ago, I can truly say “I know how you feel”.
Hugs.
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Deborah Jay said:
And there goes auto-correct for you. ‘Meli’, of course.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Both are Greek words. Meli = honey, melissa = honeybee. Both describe her pretty well 🙂
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Deborah. 6 weeks – I’m so sorry for your loss!
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Deborah Jay said:
Thank you. Frodo had been my constant companion for nearly 14 years, travelling everywhere with me, work and holidays. I miss him terribly.
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Rainne said:
So sorry for your loss. She’ll live on in your heart and in your thoughts.
*hugs*
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Rainne. You’re right, she’s very much alive in our hearts 🙂
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Micki Peluso said:
So sorry, I know your loss well. I can’t get another dog or cat again. I just can’t handle their loss.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Micki. I can’t say I blame you!
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jjspina said:
Oh, so sorry to hear of your loss, Nicholas! Dogs are gifts from Heaven! They are so sweet, lovable and unselfish. All they want is to be loved and love you back. My daughter lost her dog of ten years. She looked similar to your dog, part lab and shepherd. It was heartbreaking for my grandkids too. I wish you well. Keep her close in memories and in your heart. 😘🤗
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Janice. I’m sorry to hear about your daughter’s loss. Thankfully, the wee one is too young to really notice the absence.
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jjspina said:
Oh, he talks about her all the time. What scared me was when he said he wanted to go see her! He is only 3 1/2 now but he is extremely bright. Years ago I had to put one dog to sleep, gave two dogs and a cat away – very emotional and a long story. 😢
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
The wee one was trying to feed the empty air the other day. Freaked us out. Parting with them is so hard.
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Rae Longest said:
My condolences. Try to focus on the happy times as you are doing.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Rae. That is what we’re doing, but it’s not always easy 😦
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Rae Longest said:
Been there–I understand.
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beemweeks said:
So sorry to hear you’ve lost a member of your family, Nicholas. Pets do indeed become family members. Anybody who has ever lost a furry loved one knows the pain of that loss.
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Nicholas C. Rossis said:
Thank you so much, Beem. Yes, she really was a member of the family 😦
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