37 Comments
Jun 4Liked by Will Peterman

Made me cry one more time. She was everything you said and everything we could ever want in a companion. We were all her pack, and our house and our lives are emptier without her. But the memories and wonderful photos remain and like you I feel her presence and know I always will. She loved her big brother and the big sister you brought into our lives. Thank you for this beautiful tribute.

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I cried while writing it and again while editing it. Sometimes I think there’s nothing all humans can relate to better than losing a pet they loved with all their hearts and yet we do it over and over again because it’s worth it every time

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And I know we’ll do it again. There are so many dogs that need love and we need someplace to put all the love Sophie gave us. And I can’t help but think she’d want us to do that.

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Isn't that astonishing? We've always adopted adults, and we'll do it again despite the pain of loss. Because those precious few years enrich us beyond what we can fathom. Our age is affecting that choice, but I can't fathom a life without another dog (we still have our seven year old Maple.) Jerry and I have done it seven times. My first dog, Rufus, who was eight years old when he met Jerry and "chose" him, after years of loathing anyone I ever dated. A close friend, my brother, and my dog - who could ignore that? we were married six weeks to the day we met. Our 44th anniversary is August 15. My God, that dog was brilliant!

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Jun 4Liked by Will Peterman

Beautiful post. Sophie must of been a special dog I can feel your pain. It took me two years to get another dog after I lost my last one bear. And now I have Sugar Muffin to snuggle me all day and it really helps but doesn’t replace the one I lost or his memories.

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She was a 10/10 dog, all love and very few problems. Give Sugar a big hug for me

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I told your Dad that I thought Sophie was one of his children from his earlier posts (as she really was.)

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Jun 4Liked by Will Peterman

My heart goes out to you and your family. I know you loved her beyond words. I have been in that place of loss of my beloved pet, so I know beyond words how you must feel. Her memory will be a blessing. 🌈

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I’ll treasure the memories and the photos and videos for ever, thanks Judy

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Jun 4Liked by Will Peterman

This really got to me….Bravo.

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Thanks Rick

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Jun 5Liked by Will Peterman

You made me cry. For the short time I spent with her, I loved Sophie! I’ll miss her.

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She was so sweet and loved you guys. She was excited every time you came to visit. Thank you Beth

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Jun 5·edited Jun 5Liked by Will Peterman

Emotions so many of us have shared and the anticipation of grief we have gladly undertaken. When it was time to put our dog Molly down, the vet came out of the treatment room with tears in his eyes, "She licked my hand from the moment I examined her on the table to the second the drug I had just administered did its job." With dogs, they give love to their very last breath.

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Awww I bet Molly and Sophie are having a blast right now up in doggy heaven

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Jun 5Liked by Will Peterman

We’re so sorry to hear of this major loss in your life, Will. Such a sweet and beautiful animal and friend. It’s always been difficult for us to lose our “children”, but we manage somehow to get through it. Was Sophie part anteater? My God, that tongue!!! Got a lot of love from that, I’ll bet. If only we humans could be like Sophie - “They love without limits, they see everything without judging, and they would do anything for you…” Well said. Thanks for this moving tribute.

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Hahah she actually was not a licker at all which made it all the more special when she would give you a kiss. Thank you so much Rick

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Jun 5Liked by Will Peterman

Beautiful Will🖤 the best dog ever. Longest legs I’ve ever seen on a kid. She will be so missed.

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She loved you so much, and I know you loved her too ❤️ thank you

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Jun 5Liked by Will Peterman

My heart breaks for your family. What a beautiful tribute to Sophie.

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Thank you so much. She’d love all the attention she’s getting, and then would decide it was enough and go lay down in the other room haha

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Jun 5Liked by Will Peterman

She always welcomed us as visitors. Demanded her pets and was given them gladly. A wonderful dog, companion, friend and a joy with a big friendly heart.

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She was so great because she was always very excited to see guests, then after some sniffing and pets, would go back to doing her own thing until the snacks came out

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Jun 5Liked by Will Peterman

This is so well said. She was a sweetheart and will be sorely missed. You honor her.

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Thanks man, I’m glad you got to spend as much time with her as you did. She really grew to love you

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Jun 4Liked by Will Peterman

They say, ( not sure who “they” are..or if they really are that wise..but I digress..not for the first time). They say, that when one writes from the most personal experience, one does their best work. I am very, very sad for what you and your family went through..I will also miss Sophie..but this was very, very well -written and poignant.

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Aww thank you Eric. Being vulnerable can be tough but it’s a little easier with an audience full of people like you.

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Jun 4Liked by Will Peterman

Ohhhh, a beautiful memorial to the sweet dog with airplane ears.

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They really were some of the best ears you’ll ever see ❤️

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I have to agree with your Dad. Thanksgiving 2024 won’t be the same without hearing the “sinister” barking when we pull up and the wonderful greeting when we step inside the house. You perfectly explained why they give us unconditional love. It’s too bad they stay with us only long enough that we can bear to lose them.

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Thanks Tom. Yeah Thanksgiving will be a little empty under the table but she’ll be there in spirit, ready to walk into the other room when we get too loud about a football game

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Jun 6Liked by Will Peterman

Dammit you made me cry. She sounds like she was a wonderful dog, you reminded me of the dogs we had and how each will be missed. My husband and I are going to get a dog after we travel a bit and settle down (only fair to the dog!) and yeah...we have to steel ourselves for outliving the love. It's beautiful and it sucks at the same time. Wishing you warm thoughts at this difficult time.

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Thank you so much Nadine. We were lucky to have her and lucky to know her time was coming to a close so we could spoil her rotten, give her all the treats we could, and say our goodbyes. It’s never enough but it helps

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Jun 4Liked by Will Peterman

Well said! Youngin! Made me well up a bit! Sweet goodbye/see ya when I see! She can feel ya! 🙏🙏🙏❤️

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Thanks Ty, I know she’ll be waiting for me whenever I get up there with her favorite ball ready to play fetch

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