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October 2nd 2015, a sunny autumn Friday. A part of myself died peacefully in my arms. I will love you forever, I promise.
Jiao Zi (Dumpling) From 2000 ~ 2015
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150 responses to “I LOVE YOU”
Oh, my God in heaven, how well I know what you are saying. I will hold mine in my arms as well. Where they belong. Dogs, all seeing, all knowing, the creatures who are the most like us, and this has been proven scientifically, are the most precious gift our Lord has for us other than our own children. I am so sad, right along with you. Sending love…
<3 <3 <3
I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the feeling of loosing a family member. 15 years with dumpling. You both were blessed. Peace be with you.
Peg
I am so sorry for your loss. I know all too well when you loose a family member- be it human or pets- there will always be a hole in your heart for them to stay.
Becky, thank you. It is all a part of life right?
thank you for this topic
My heart hurts for you – sending love x
There is a cost for caring and being loved, and those of us who know gladly pay it.
Thanks for sharing. I’m happy you had the time with Dumpling.
Gralan, thank you.
I am so sorry for your loss. The feeling never goes away, it just gets easier to bear. Thank goodness for our pets. They make us human. Every day I am grateful for those that have been a part of me. Hugs.
Abbe, thank you. Yes the pain will ease, but I’ll miss him like hell.
Oh my goodness, I am so very sorry for your loss!!!! :(
Thanks, Kim.
Oh dear. Sweet Dumpling. Blessings to your family! ~
Tunie, he was more like a mean old man, but love him anyways :)
Many gurus are mean old men. Unrelenting in their focus to hone us into clarity of heart and mind. This is a form of dedicated love through their authentic selves AND remember all that appears in our reality is a projection/reflection of our own Self. A mirror image we can love, hate, laugh, play and sorrow with. Dumpling was a tremendous inspiration for you, a reliable friend and an unwavering guiding star just as you are for many of us. So many times I have been inspired by your creativity and humor. Laughing out loud releasing some inner demon and then on to the day. Much Gratitude to you and Dumpling, Deborah
Deborah, hehe the imagery of Dumpling as a guru put a smile on my face :) thank you for the kind words, and I hope you continue to find laughers and inspirations here.
Sending you love. I’m so sorry for ur loss…
Nikki, thanks.
Mandy and Jason,
I just saw your message. It is 3:30 AM here. I’m crying my eyes out. I knew it was coming but the day is never known. You took such good care and loved Dumpling like no other. Sending you good thoughts and reminding you of what you told me. We love them and feel so bad when they are gone. Remember – NO GUILT- all good – LOVE, dog treats, Birthday cake, etc., etc.,……………………………………………
Laurie
Laurie, I know… You know… Sigh…. No guilt, but I miss him like hell
I wish there was something that I could say that would make you feel better. We had to let our Bannon go about four years ago. It was one of the hardest decisions we have ever made but it was the right one. He was too sick to go on…
We still miss him – the feeling will never go away. My heart aches for him but I’m grateful that we were the lucky ones that got to love him for all those years. I know you feel the same way and so did Dumpling.
All good wishes,
Robin
Robin, I’m sorry for Bannon… I know what you mean. Thanks and I hope you find another companion who reminds you of Bannon and gives you comfort.
I miss by dog so much still. But so glad she is at peace. I told her it was ok to go before she died. She looked at me and died. I am so sorry for you.
Patricia, that’s so sad to hear… I didn’t have the guts to tell him cuz I was afraid he might understood me… We let him go while he was asleep, so he wouldn’t knowthat he was leaving…
very sad for your loss. take good care xx
Thank you Beth.
I’m so very sorry for your loss, it is, at times, almost unbearable. I hope you’re ok ❤️
Tami, yes.. Pretty unbearable now, but I know it will get easier. Thank you.
So so sorry for your loss…..peace.
Laura, thank you.
I’m so sorry! What a tiny little sweet face. Our little one was recently attacked while out on our walk the other day. It made us realize how special our pets are in our lives. I’ll be thinking of you.
Sarah, oh no I hope he/she is ok! That’s one of my worst fear, too… Hope all is well.
So sorry Mandy-thinking of you.
Magda, thank you.. I’ll hang in here.
Dumpling could not have been loved or more better. Pretty sure humans don’t deserve dogs, but we’re lucky enough to have them anyway. So sorry, Mandy.
Meant to say she could not have been loved more or better by anyone, Mandy – you did her justice.
Oh girl, this is terrible news. Sending big hugs your way!
Katrina, thank you. Really appreciate it.
We all know this is one of the most difficult things in life. Sorry for your sadness. Hope you get to a good place soon.
Andrew, trying, trying. Thank you.
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Jiao Zi.
Anthony & the hounds Sasha & Kleiner
Anthony, Sasha and Kleiner, thank you!
Sending you peace in the knowledge that your baby knew the best kind of love. Rainbow bridge….I know mine will be waiting for me there.
In great sympathy,
Phyl with Misty, Raven, Angel, Kali, Roxy, and Bella
Phyllis, Misty, Raven, Angel, Kali, Roxy and Bella, just the image of you guys all together gives me a smile. Thank you.
so sorry for your loss
Chan, thank you.
Dumpling looks majestic. My condolences.
Julio, he was quite a looker yes :). Thank you.
I lost my beautiful Israel on August 11. He was 15 also. A 4 pound Maltese who looked like your lil cutie. It’s devastating, but it will get easier over time. Cry, laugh and remember… Xoxo
Ebonie, oh no… I know. We are peddling through this time and missing him so much. Thank you and I hope you feel better, too.
I’m so, so sorry. Sometimes I really wonder why we do this to ourselves. The pain is so immense and never completely goes away. Then one of my dogs climbs into my lap, kisses me and curls up to go to sleep and I remember why the pain is worth the joy they bring us during their lives. It never gets easier to loose a pet, but the joy of getting a new friend, getting to know them and sharing your life with them, for however long that is, never diminishes either.
Sending hugs from Phoenix.
Jill, I know what you mean. I would take the same pain if I could get another 10 years with him… Thank you so much.
As soon as I saw the post in my inbox, I knew and the tears began. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I know it cuts deep. I’ve never had children, but my little Milo has been just as worthy as any human child… as I know Dumpling was to you. Know that you loved and that your love was returned.
All my best – Dawn
Dawn, thank you. Dumpling is (present tense = denial) the closest thing I’ll have to a son, and I know Milo is to you, too.
Oh Mandy, I’m so sorry. Your words gave me the waterfalls as I don’t think I’ve gotten over the loss of any of my dogs to this day. They offer so much in too short of a life, and they’ll live in our hearts forever. Wherever Jiao Zi is right now, he knows that you gave him the best life possible and he was greatly loved. Big hugs. <3
Jenny, it’s a pain that only the ppl who have been through it could understand, and I’m sorry for your loss as well. Thank you.
The Peters Puppy Pack is VERY sorry for your loss. We lost a member in March and there is an empty space in all our hearts….. Not a day goes by that we don’t miss our Filbert [we are the “Nut-House, so all our furbabies have “nutty names”]. Our hope is that one day we will all be reunited with our lost family members and have eternal company.
Furbabies are experts at stealing hearts…… Double edged sword: you lose your heart to them….. but you have a heart to lose to them. We would rather lose our hearts than not have hearts to lose……
We will say a special prayer for Dumpling at our Animal Blessing Service later this month.
Bunny peters, Filbert is a great name :). Thank you for the blessings. We really do appreciate it.
Oh no. Mandy, I’m so sorry to hear this. What a little darling. Fierce internet hugs to you for being a good mommy to him.
Dana, fierce internet thanks to you, too.
So very sorry for your loss- Our fur babies are our heart and soul- hugs-
Teresa, thank you. Fur babies… It’s now no longer plural for us… Sigh
I’m so sorry…
I know exactly what are your feelings but you must remember you gave your love an happy life. However I don’t think it’s possible to get over a friend’s loss so my thoughts are all for you dear ❤️
Silvia, thank you. I hope he did have a happy life
Dearest Mandy,
You have single-handed inspired me to adopt a loving doggie for my young sons. Not due to the expense of your pain of losing your sweet, beloved Dumpling, but simply so they may learn to love/feel/trust the companionship of a loving pet…extension of family, which I never experienced as a child. It is now time.
We are about to make a couple young boys very happy. Thank you for sharing!
Blessings,
Daphne
P.S. I’ll keep in mind that a mean little old man is quite ok. :)
Daphne, your comment means so much to me. It’s humbling to think that I could have added a few more dog-lovers in this world. I hope, with all my heart, that your family could share the same connection with the new member, as much as we did with ours. It’s a special, life-changing experience. Thank you for letting me know of this great news.
So sorry for your loss. I hope you take comfort in the fact that you gave this little guy a very good life. Hugs to you.
Maia, thank you. I just hope it could’ve been a good and longer life. Another 30 years would be nice….
So sorry for your loss Mandy!! Sending ALL the love.
Brandon, thank you. Really appreciate it.
I am so sorry for your loss. They teach us so much about love, unconditional love that is. I am glad he had such loving mom.
Okchu, thank you so much. We were lucky to have each other :)
I am so so sorry, Mandy. Dumpling was so lucky to have you for a momma. Sending love and hugs from across the world <3 <3 <3
Thanks Molly, we were both lucky to have each other :)
I’m so sorry. Our pets abide so deeply in our hearts and have such short lives.
Alicia, yeah that’s the downside of all of this… Thank you.
RIP Dumpling :( he was lucky to have you as his Mama. xx
Hannah, thanks so much.
Mandy & Jason,
I’m sorry for your little Dumpling leaving you. I’m glad you could be with him when it was time. Never an easy choice. However, one of the kindest, although heart breaking decisions we can make.
My little old man is 13 now. I’ve always appreciated the silly guy, and today I will give him a little extra something special from the fridge in honor of Dumpling.
hugs to you all….
The Fur Crew in Las Vegas
Alison, thank you, and it brings me smiles to think about the faces of your fur crew, sitting and wagging in front of the fridge :) Give them kisses for me, too.
Sending condolences from one dog lover to another. I’m sure he is already in doggie heaven, and frolicking around with my sassy old dog up there.
My thoughts are with you, hang in there <3
Cassie, thank you. Dumping is probably too busy terrorizing the place right now, attacking everything that moves… I hope your old dog can take the high road and cut him some slack.
So sorry your dear mean little Dumpling has passed. I’m certain he’s playing now in heaven with all of our loved fur children, including my heart Waffles. It’s been about 20 years now, easier but still missed/
Kath, thank you. Waffle is such a great name :)
I am so sorry for your loss – I know Dumpling will be greatly missed – too cute not to be missed!
Maria, thank you. I’ll miss him so ferociously everyday.
Our pets never disappoint us until they leave — when we lose ones we love, we reflect on a Swedish expression (tillsammens i Himlen) which translates to
“together in Heaven” (or whatever other eternity you may believe in. This has helped me and I hope with all of my heart it consoles you somewhat
Love is forever and I’m sorry for your loss
DN
Doreen, thank you for the kind words. “Together in heaven”, yes.. someday, I hope.
I am so sorry for your loss. Dumpling has been loved through your posts all these years. We will miss him too.
Elisavet, thank you. It’s comforting to know that he acquired so many stranger friends through the years :)
Dear Mandy,
Those we hold closest to our hearts never truly leave us. They live on in the Joy & Happiness they have given and the unconditional love they brought into our lives. It is hard to forget those who gave you so much to remember.
R.I.P Dumpling.
Jill-Ann, thank you. I hope I don’t lose any memories with him as years go by…
Time just makes it tolerable… It took us 10 years to get a new dog after the first two passed. I’m sorry we waited so long, our new furbaby Parker, is momma’s boy! Wishing you and yours comfort.
Diane, 10 years without dogs feel so lonley! I’m glad you have Parker now. Give him a big kiss for me.
so sorry for your loss :( may dumpling rest in peace and be happy in doggy heaven!
Jessica, thank you. I hope doggy heaven and human heaven is the same place :)
Every post about Dumpling’s personality sounded like my grouchy beloved oldest dog. My heart aches for you. The love of a dog is both incredible and devastating.
Ginger, thank you, and they are probably pretty similar :). Give yours hugs and kisses for me.
I’m so very sorry <3
Julie, thank you.
So sorry for your loss. Did that with my thirteen-year-old pup this spring… there are no words for it really, but I’m sorry.
Spring, I’m sorry too for your loss… I hope it was a beautiful spring daa…. Thank you.
I’m sorry for your loss, I lost my little pup of 14 years 2 weeks ago, I feel your pain, treasure the memories you made with your cute little guy.
Cathy, oh no… I’m sorry too for your loss. I know… Hang in there…
Dumpling! I’m so sorry to hear this. I can’t even wrap my head around the pain. Some people say they’re just dogs but our animals are so much more.
Adrianna, I think I love/care for my dogs like children. The only difference is the acknowledgment and acceptance that it is inevitable that they will be short lived, and that they are oblivious of what’s happening. And it changes the way how we approach/handle their lives and deaths. But that is not an indication of lesser affection :)
I am also so very sorry for your loss! Those who have been so fortunate to have a soul care for us and love us unconditionally as they do are even more blessed when they meet again! Reading and knowing about the “RAINBOW BRIDGE”! Please google! It helped me know what is waiting….
Sally, thank you. I was never someone of faith, but I truly hope I was wrong :)
So sorry, Mandy…they are so part of the family. Sending big hugs.
Jess, thank you so much.
I’m sorry for your loss. Owning and loving a dog is an inevitable, slow-motion tragedy, knowing they will have a shorter life than yours, but still worth every second of happiness.
Katie, yes I feel the same. It’s a story with inevitable sad ending, but nonetheless, a worthy and beautiful one.
Sorry for your loss. They leave a hole in your heart.
TG, thank you. It’s so true.
My childhood friend died in my lap wrapped around my arms when I was just a kid.
His name was Lucas and he was a beautiful Irish Setter.
I completely understand your feeling.
So sorry for your loss.
Mariano, thank you. I’ve never had any dog when I was little… And I’m so glad they came into my life anyhow.
I feel the same way. The unconditional love of a dog deserves nothing more than to rest in your arms in their last moments. It’s hard to let them go, but the joy they bring you everyday is worth loving them and being loved.
Nicole, thank you. I hope he felt safe and comfortable in my arms. And the joy was worth every ounce of pain.
Thinking of you, friend — so so sorry for your loss.
Cynthia, thanks. We’ve talked about it… I knew it was coming… It’s for the better that he didn’t go through too much pain.
Mandy, today is my first visit here, I come in a bit late to this but I am so deeply sorry for your loss. We can never repay them for their unconditional love, the best we can do is give them the happiest life we can and, when the time comes, not allow them to suffer, and be with them at the end. Twice in my life I put off for too long what needed doing, and those are the times that haunt me the most. As painful as it is to the human part of the relationship, it’s always better too soon than too late. You were loving and brave for your Dumpling, and I know he is grateful for that.
Marie, I know what you mean. We waited for too long with our frenchie who passed 2 years ago, and the regret felt more crushing than anything else. I hope this time, we did right. Thank you.
Mandy, I am so sorry. I have three fids (feathered kids) and one of them is dying of cancer. She’s still fighting hard, but the signs are slowly creaping in. Those three little monsters are the closest I, too, will ever have to kids. My heart breaks for you. Maybe the poem “The Rainbow Bridge” will help. <3
The author is unknown.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Brooke, thank you so much for sharing the poem with me. And I’m sorry to hear about your feather babies. I know how hard and agonizing it can feel. Hang in there. You’ll need to be strong for them :)
Oh I am so so sorry for your loss.
Jane, thank you.
I am so very sorry for your loss, Mandy. Our family dog, Maddie passed away a few months ago after 13 years with us. The pain never goes away, but it does ease with time. The poem, The Rainbow Bridge brought us all great comfort after she was gone. Perhaps you’ve read it – if not, I recommend you do. Sending you a big hug and hoping that your heart feels a bit lighter very soon. xo
Amanda, thank you, and I’m sorry to hear about Maddie. I’ve read the poem, and even though I’ve never belonged to any faith, the poem brought soothing imageries and comfort :)
I have loved your posts on your sweet baby for so long. Thinking of you during this time. You have a guardian angel now. Thanks for always sharing your heart with the rest of us!
Becky, thank you. The blog turned out to be a good release for emotions, and it’s really nice to know that someone is listening.
My sincerest condolences … rest in peace little dumpling.
G-tsak, thank you so much.
… i know the feeling, it’s been 8 years now since my darling doggie-friend-companion left me.
i feel for you. It hurts more than anything to loose a soulmate.
Thank you for your brilliant blog.
Greetings from Berlin, Anja
Anja, thank you. Dumpling really was a reflection of myself.. angry grumpy and insecure :) I find comfort in that, in a weird way.
This makes me so sad!!! Rest in peace little Jiaozi <3
Amanda, thank you.
So sorry for your loss.
Eve, thank you.
I am so sorry for your loss, Mandy. Thinking of you and sending a big hug your way.
June, thank you so much.
In memory of JIAO-ZI … rest in peace.
https://www.facebook.com/icookstuff/photos/a.1567486026870556.1073741828.1566691640283328/1645516045734220/?type=3&theater
g-tsak
Thank you.
your dog loves you a lot.. i’m sorry for your loss *hug*
Angie, and I love him back a ton :). Thank you so much.
I dont know if you will ever see this but i feel like sharing after 3 years of your loss. I lost my dog handy (maltese) last year at age 12, 3 days later i lost my mom to leukemia. Weirdly all my Chinese relatives wouldn’t even mention about the loss of my dog and when i brought it up, they just dismiss it. They dont understand that the pain of loosing my dog is really no less than loosing my mom. Its different but at the same time it is just as devastating. in a way loosing my dog is harder because he is part of my life, my schedule revolve around him. he is the first one i see when i wake up and last one i say good night before i go to bed. The grieve counselor said to me, when our dog left, they left a hole in your heart. The hole can only be filled by another doggie. I thought i would never have another dog, he is special! but after 6 month i just got another puppy! and i felt so much joy. Dog is really the best.
Lijia, oh I totally understand. Losing a dog is like losing a child, and that’s always harder than losing a parent. I miss my Dumpling and Bado every time I have the courage to think about them or look at their photos. And nothing could refill that hole, but life is too short to live without dogs, and that’s why the happy years still outweighs the heartbreaks. I wish you another amazing journey with your new puppy :). PS, Handy is such a great name.
Yes its great because he is super useless. He will run into wall and stuff. My mom used to say, its ok, he doesn’t need to be smart because he is cute. People will do things for him, God gives you skill to survive. LOL and I love your new PUPs!!!!! so different from Maltese! and two!!! you must have your hands full! They are lucky because i know you will make any homemade delicious food for them! :D