toffeedog – Reflections

Foo

Foo has been a member of my son’s family for almost 15 years. On Tuesday Foo joined his best friend, Toffee, to whom I said a tearful and painful goodbye almost 4 years ago. Saying goodbye to a pet was as difficult for me as losing a family member. When asked if I will getContinue reading “Foo”

1 year

Exactly one year ago I said goodbye to Toffee. He was my companion and friend for just over 11 years. Toffee loved road trips. He loved walks. He was excited if anyone came to visit, and he would turn in circles when offered vegetables. My days are quieter now. I get up when I’m readyContinue reading “1 year”

Paw prints

I noticed these on my neighbour’s back steps the other morning. Cats stop by at my back patio every day, but I didn’t realize that they also explored my neighbour’s balcony. Evidence of the cat or cats will disappear once the sun comes up and melts away the dew. For many years I lived inContinue reading “Paw prints”

Peaceful encounter

This photo of Samantha and Toffee’s first and only encounter was taken just over a year ago, a month before Toffee died. Six weeks before Samantha died. For those who knew Toffee, this greeting was a shock. Any dog that was bigger than Toffee was viewed as a threat, and in his desire protect me,Continue reading “Peaceful encounter”

Super-dog

Toffee loved to wear this bandana. Perhaps it was because he received a lot of positive attention from strangers when he wore it. Perhaps because he liked to have something wrapped around his neck. Or maybe it signified that a walk might be happening soon. Last July after Toffee died I gave away many ofContinue reading “Super-dog”

Vacancy

With Toffee’s passing in July, apparently he left a vacancy not only in my heart, but in my home. Mouse moved in last week — at least I first noticed him last week. Perhaps he is a she, which would bring even more unwanted house guests in the near future. This mouse evades traps, andContinue reading “Vacancy”

Assisted death

I started this particular post several weeks again, and could not get further than choosing the photos. The one on the left is Toffee in one of his mellow moments; the one on the right is Toffee in his final moments, cuddling in a warm and soft blanket on my lap, at the animal hospital.Continue reading “Assisted death”

memories of Toffee

My little protector is gone. People can ring my doorbell or knock on the door and nobody barks. It’s just quiet…so quiet. My neighbour whose two children have studied with me for several years let me know how sad they all are that Toffee is gone. Her son, when he started lessons with me wasContinue reading “memories of Toffee”

Goodbye to Toffee

Today I said goodbye to my companion of over 11 years. Toffee was a gift to me, discovered by my children, to help me cope with the death of my husband, Michael. It is hard to believe how attached one can become to an animal, even a person like me who was never very fondContinue reading “Goodbye to Toffee”

Reflecting on the past

This morning I met a friend at a coffee shop, and we sat outside enjoying a conversation over morning coffee. Before the pandemic started this was a regular occurrence, but in the past year we have only tried 2 or 3 times. Both of us are very concerned about our own, and each other’s healthContinue reading “Reflecting on the past”