April 16, 2015

Goodnight, Sweet Prince

Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince:
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!IMG_2737

This isn’t the post I thought I’d be writing this evening. My dear sweet Connor died earlier this evening after a stroke that rendered his legs unable to move. I am so glad I was there when it happened because he would have been terrified to not be able to move. He’d been declining for a while now, and had fallen a few times. His appetite wasn’t great and I knew he had been in some pain recently, which made me very unhappy. burrito2

I adopted Connor from the city pound soon after I moved back to Baltimore from the UK. He had been at the shelter for six weeks, waiting for the right person. His philosophy in life was “I wish I was somewhere other than here…” as he always wanted to get out. He leapt out windows, both house and car, got out onto roofs, took off at any opportunity and was nicknamed Houdini. IMG_0208

He ate my gutter-guards, my mini-blinds, a windowsill or two, and a door, but other than that, was pretty good. He shed like no-body’s business and even this morning, I was brushing him and letting his hair fly for the birds to use for their nests. IMG_8911

He’s been sleeping so much and so deeply recently, that he doesn’t even hear me come home, and he’s startled when he wakes. When he’s totally and completely sleeping and relaxed, his little pink tongue comes out. And that’s what happened this evening, with his beloved Baby with him. IMG_8795

Rest in peace, my sweet baby.

74 comments:

  1. Did he know how many delighted fans loved reading of his antics? Yes, tears are being shed as we learn of your loss Meg. Thank you for sharing Conner with your readers. We will miss his charming ways.

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  2. ohhh. this is sad. i remember so fondly all the stories about Connor and his escapades. Him escaping from second floor windows and not being home when you got there. All the funny things he did over the years. I remember worrying about him!!!! You must be so sad right now. I can only imagine. He touched a lot of us readers.

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  3. Oh Meg I am just so sorry... He seemed such a sweet creature but it made me laugh to know he was a canine Houdini! I think it's fantastic you got a dog from the pound and when I'm ready I've decided to do that too. Rest in peace dear Connor and thinking of you and hope you are ok xx

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  4. I've sent two to meet him, one who looks just like him. Sweet Connor. My heart goes out to you, Meg.

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  5. Oh sweetheart, I am so, so sorry. My heart goes out to you. No dog was loved more than your Connor. Goodnight, sweet Connor. Thinking of you, Meg.

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  6. He was a beloved companion, so much more than a pet. You gave him a wonderful life and a loving home. Many of us will miss him.

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  7. Meg, I'm so sorry. All your readers will miss him.

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  8. I believe that Connor is the world's most famous blog dog. We'll all miss his antics, his love of snow and his bunny ears. My heartfelt condolences.

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  9. Such a sad sad thing to read on a this beautiful spring morning. He will be dearly missed by all the readers of your blog. What a sweet boy he was. I am so sorry. He will be joining my beloved Corgi, Dylan, who passed away two years ago this month. I still look for him to come running to the door to meet me when I come home.

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  10. So sad to hear this news. Thinking of you and sending heartfelt condolences. xo

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  11. Feeling your pain, I lost my Big Joe Johnson last November and I miss him still. Take your time, your heart will heal. Conner will be looking down at you from heaven.

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  12. All pet owners can relate to your grief. I sit here in my home with tears in my eyes. It is so hard to lose a beloved pet. So sorry.

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  13. I'm so sad for you. What a wonderful animal--an old soul.

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  14. Hello Meg, What sad news about Connor. We glimpsed your special bond with him with each photo of Connor frolicking or relaxing. He will be missed.
    --Jim

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  15. Oh Meg, the tears are running down my face. Such a wonderful noble dog. It breaks my heart to know how deeply his loss will be felt. My sympathies. Love Cathy and her 'Boys' Thomas, Finni and Seamus.

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  16. My heart aches for you.

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  17. I so sorry for your loss, but thanks for sharing Connor's sweet treansition to doggie heaven with us!

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  18. What a beautiful tribute! Thank you for sharing. Wishing you many happy memories to carry you through!

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  19. He lived a great life with you. No dog could have had more love. I am glad he didn't have to suffer. RIP Connor. :-(

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  20. our hearts are with you Meg

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  21. Dear Meg, I am so sorry, special dogs are hardest to lose! I still feel it 15 years on... Condolences - Richard

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  22. Dear Meg, I'm so so sorry. My heart breaks for you. Connor was such a sweetie. You gave him a good life.

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  23. As dramatically overripe as this sounds, I'm crying. Oh Meg, my heart breaks for you. He was such a lucky dog to have found you. Know all of us who read and love your blog are holding you both in our hearts.

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  24. Oh Meg, I am so sorry. I have loved reading about Connor all these years and am so happy you were his savior. I know he must have felt loved and cherished all the time with you. xo

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  25. Oh my goodness, I am sobbing. I have followed along on Connor's adventures jumping out the window, getting lost after your first moved into the new house, eating the blinds. But also on all of the wonderful joy he brought to your life. He was indeed a very special pup and he was blessed as were you to have him. Thank God you were there with him as he had his stroke, I am sure he felt great comfort from having you there.

    My thoughts are with you and sweet Connor, I will miss his sweet face.

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  26. Dear Miss Meg: I am so sorry. I am crying as I write this, as I had the privilege of meeting Connor many times and he was an incredible dog. Every time you hear fireworks, you will have an opportunity to remember him and his crazy, loveable antics.

    He was very lucky that you found him and brought him home. You were an amazing "mom" to him.

    Hugs to you during this hard time. -- Miss M.A.

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  27. Meg, what a beautifully written tribute to your sweet prince.
    It's quite true that we readers felt we knew Connor, though without ever meeting him.

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  28. So very sorry to hear the sad news of Connor's passing. You were lucky to have found each other.

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  29. Houdini's last trick: he never left us at all. Thanks to you, Connor's memory has hurled around the world and back. So much love. For those of us who have said farewell to our beloved pets, we know your heart is broken, yet full of the times you have shared.

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  30. All the strength and love possible sent your way, as there is no pain quite as sensitive as that suffered when one loses a pet. Although his destruction of several blinds, window sills, and escaping to the roof and beyond were scary for you - and your readers - the joy he brought you through his charm and sweet nature shone through each Connor post you shared with us. May the pain of his departure be lessened in time by the wonderful memories of such a great dog.

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  31. Meg, I'm so sorry to hear about Connor, he's been a big part of the wonderful journey you've taken all of us on over the years. If you ever need to talk to someone let me know.

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  32. Dear Meg when I saw you mention this on Facebook my heart just broke, as I am sure yours is. We have all come to know and love Connor over these years, even hearing about his shenanigans, he was a most loving companion! Hugs and love to you!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

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  33. I am deeply sorry for your loss. He was a special friend and loving companion. I am glad you were with him at the end. I've been enjoying the pictures you added to Pinterest.. They show his personality as well as the love you have for him.

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  34. I am so sorry. My heart aches for you.

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  35. You will find him when your eyes are closed, his beautiful face beaming up at you, with Baby dangling from his mouth...eyes imploring you to forgive him for he did wish to stay, but had too go ahead to make sure all will be well when you arrive! The only fault with these beautiful Souls who love US unconditionally is their limited lifespan, but within that time, they teach us so many lessons about giving LOVE. IF you spell 'Dog' backwards - 'God' is the word - the definition of one who walks besides you without judgment, forgiving always and above all...LOVE!

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  36. Dear Meg, I am so very sorry. Like Joni said above, he touched a lot of readers and will be terribly missed.

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  37. As a dog lover and owner of several rescues past and present, I can say from the bottom of my heart that I truly know how painfully sad it is to lose your beloved dog. I am so sorry for your loss. Connor was a handsome boy, and a sweet and loving companion. He brought you much happiness, as you did him.
    Claudia

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  38. I'm crying as I read this Meg, can hardly focus on the screen. I am so so sad for you. You gave your love and he knows it. He will keep watch over you and sit beside you until you meet again. Bless you both. All our love John & Di xxxx

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  39. I am so sad for you- but what a life you gave Conner!

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  40. My thoughts are with you. You gave him a wonderful life.

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  41. I'm so sorry Meg -my heart goes out to you. xo

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  42. oh I am so very sorry for your loss.
    He seemed like a wonderful loving dog.

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  43. Meg,
    I just opened this email and was a bit hesitant when I saw the title. So very sorry to hear about your beloved Connor. I too have a yellow male Lab. No better dog on earth than a sweet yellow boy Lab. I always enjoyed your posts and photos about Connor. I know you must be missing him so much and my thoughts are with you.
    Blessings to you and to Connor.
    Laura in Santa Fe

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  44. Ethan, Cassie, Nicholas and Pepper will be happy to meet him at the Rainbow Bridge. I loved reading about him.

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  45. No words, but deepest sympathies sent your way. He was a special dog sent to a special human.

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  46. Heartbreaking. I am so sorry but yes, it was good that you were there at the end so he was not alone.

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  47. Hello Meg,

    I am so sorry for your loss. Connor is a beauty and the love in your images of him indicate how much you loved him.
    I hope over time your heart heals. Sending prayers your way
    Helen xx

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  48. My husband and I were away from our two fur babies this week and couldn't wait to come home. Then I tried to catch up on my E-mail and read this. I cannot tell you how very sorry I am. Our animals sneak their way into our hearts and never leave. I am sitting here crying trying to explain to my hubby (who is also from Baltimore) why I am crying. Rest In Peace dear Connor.

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  49. I'm also so very sorry. Loved reading about Connor - he was so lucky to have been rescued by you.

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  50. Dear Meg.....sweet Connor.....my heart is breaking for you. Anyone who has loved and lost a pet is shedding tears for your loss. Angela Muller

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  51. Dear Meg, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Good night sweet Connor!! Godspeed!! Cristina Speluzzi, Buenos Aires, Argentina

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  52. Connor touched so many of us - what a sweet boy he was! I just shared the news with Tom. We are very sorry, Meg. Just grateful we had the opportunity to meet Connor. Much love!!

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  53. Oh Meg! This is a sad day for me and all your readers, but especially for you. I'll always think of your boy every time I read your blog.

    Shelley

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  54. Thank you for giving him a loving home. So sorry for your loss

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  55. Meg,

    I'm so sorry for your loss. Connor was wonderful and had a wonderful home with you. You will miss him most, but so will we.

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  56. Meg,

    I'm so sorry for your loss. Connor was wonderful and had a wonderful home with you. You will miss him most, but so will we.

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  57. Meg,
    I had to wipe my tears before I could write and tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Connor was a handsome devil and despite his Houdini tendencies, obviously loved you and the home you gave him. He will be missed by all of us who fondly read your posts about him and saw his regal photos.
    (My rescue Charlie's philosophy has always been "I'm so glad you chose me - please don't ever leave me", thus, separation anxiety is an issue.)

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  58. Meg, my heart goes out to you. I'm sad to read this news. I've long enjoyed reading your posts about Connor and his antics. Rest in peace, dear Connor.

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  59. I am so sorry for your loss- Dear Connor rest in peace- Barbara P from Ma

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  60. Your Connor brought so much joy to you and your readers! He's now probably sniffing out new ways to sneak out of Heaven - where all good dogs like Connor go! My heart goes out to you, Meg. God Bless:)

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  61. I am so sorry! I feel as if I know Connor. Both of you were so fortunate to have found each other.

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  62. So very sorry to read this news about Connor. What can I say to comfort you when such an important aspect of your life has gone away, leaving a large hole in your heart? You have been his champion and he has been your boon companion. I know you're grateful to have been at home with him when he died. That's a kind of comfort for you both. Will hold you in my thoughts.

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  63. I do not think a day goes by that I do not miss my dog who passed three years ago. I know what it is like to lose such a beloved part of your family. You have my deepest sympathy, Meg.

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  64. Oh Meg, my heart breaks for you and the loss of your sweet boy! I always loved seeing Connor on your blog, and I know he will forever be in your heart! How lucky he was to have been loved so fully.

    xo Kat

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  65. And now Connor is free to be anywhere he wants to be. I will miss him but not as much as you will. Jan 'downunder;

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  66. Earth receive an honored guest,
    Connor Fielding laid to rest.

    Apologies to W. H. Auden but was there ever a more honored, or honorable dog than our Connor? Sending love to you across the miles, Meg.

    -Flo

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  67. Meg I am so so sorry to read this. You gave him a beautiful life. I have 3 very old dogs myself right now and know I will be heading down this road soon. They really touch our hearts and leave footprints there. Thank you for rescuing him and giving him a second chance.

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  68. Oh, Meg, I'm so sorry. I think we're all crying with you. I'm glad Connor's suffering is over and that you were there for him at the end. Only other dog lovers can understand why our dogs can chew our favorite shoes and pee on the new draperies and still deserve all the love our hearts can give them. My heart goes out to you.

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  69. Meg! I've been away from the blog for a while, and now I come back, belated, and find this. So very sorry, and I am so glad that you quoted from Hamlet because there is nothing better when remembering a dear friend gone. "But I have that within that passeth show... these but the trappings and the suits of woe."

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  70. I am so sorry, I am just reading this now and my heart is breaking. I have a white lab that reminds me so much of your Connor. It is the hardest part about loving a dog, they leave too soon. I love how you sushi wrap him and I love his baby and i love how he sleeps in the snow. I love how he escaped to go I don't know where.
    I will miss his sweet face so much more that you will know or understand.

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  71. So sorry to learn of this, Meg, especially so late. Our pets are our dear, sweet friends, our companions, helping us through life, consoling us, loving us. People who don't have pets don't understand the bond between animals and humans. So glad to read of Connor's adventures all these years, and so sorry that he has left you. xxoo

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  72. I'm so very sorry, Meg. My heart goes out to you. Sweet Connor.

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  73. Meg, I am so very sad to learn that sweet Connor died. What a lucky boy he was to be rescued by you and you by him. I truly believe that certain dogs are angels on earth, and now you have an angel in the beyond watching over you. I am so sorry for your great loss. joan

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