Butterfly is Gone

Butterfly died at six thirty this morning. She has taught me so many things, and now one more: life is fragile, well-being is fragile, but love is the strongest substance there is.

butterfy-with-hair-stand-up

I loved you with all my heart Miss Butterfly, and I always will.

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About rachelmankowitz

I am a fiction writer, a writing coach, and an obsessive chronicler of my dogs' lives.

558 responses »

  1. My condolences. Know that Butterfly indeed had a wonderful life, and you were integral to making her days full of fun and love, which is what dogs (IMHO) are here to do for us. This tears my heart. It’s so difficult to let go and if we grieve (who doesn’t over a death of a child of ones?) some people don’t understand. I will remember Butterfly and her antics and the beautiful soul she was, thank you so much for sharing her with us! Have peace.

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  2. How sad. My heart goes out to you.

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  3. So sorry to hear your sad news.

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  4. My deepest sympathies to you, your Mom and also to Cricket. I know she gave you so much joy. I understand your grief. Amy

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  5. Rest in peace, Beautiful Butterfly! Hugs ༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ

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  6. Oh Rachel, you must be heartbroken! my thoughts and love are with you.❤️

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  7. We are very very sorry fort this…big hug

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  8. I am so sorry to hear this. Gentle hugs, love and prayers sweet Rachel and lots of nose kisses for sweet Cricket.

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  9. † I’m so sorry, Rachel….R.I.P. little butterfly ♥

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  10. So sorry for your loss Rachel.

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  11. It has been over 2½ year since we lost Kyla. We were already feeling blue because today is Kyla’s birthday-now this. We feel for you because it really hurts. What helped us was getting a rescue – Butterfly would approve of you helping one of her kind.

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  12. wandererperson's avatar wandererperson

    Nooooooo :(:(

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  13. I wish I could provide words of comfort or a hug to you, your mother, and Cricket, but I feel like it all falls short. I’m so sorry.

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  14. No! So sorry to hear this awful news. Sending virtual hugs across the world.
    Run free, little Butterfly. Love to you and Cricket xxx

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  15. Rachel, I am so sorry. This news brought tears. I feel like I know Miss Butterfly, through your beautiful blog, over the years.

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  16. I am sorry to hear your puppy has gone. I can tell from the stories you have written about her that she brightened your life and you and your Mom brightened hers. She was lucky to have you all as her friends and guardians. Lots of love to you, your Mom, and Cricket.

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  17. Sorry to hear Butterfly has gone,you will miss her I know we still miss Daisy, but she will be at peace and will be able to run and play over the rainbow bridge love to you all especially Cricket

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  18. Rachel, I am so sorry for your loss. Keith

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  19. I am so, so very sorry. Your news hit me like a sledgehammer.
    RIP dear Butterfly. Run free and well at Rainbow Bridge.
    My thoughts are with you and Cricket Rachel. ❤

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  20. This is such sad news. My thoughts are with you and Cricket. xx

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  21. So sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you!

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  22. Michelle Cole's avatar Michelle Cole

    I am so very sorry for your loss. My dog Maggie passed away 15 years ago, and I will always cherish my memories of her. Actually I thought I saw her for a moment waiting on the other side of my patio door last week. Pets are with us for such a short time, but we hold them in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

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  23. Oh Rachel I am so sorry. Your heart must be breaking. You and Cricket will be in my thoughs and prayers.

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  24. I am sorry to hear about your loss. Our dogs are such immense presences in our lives.

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  25. We are so sorry for your loss Rachel. Run free sweet Butterfly, free from all your pain and full of all the love you have gathered here xxx

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  26. I am so sorry, Rachel. And when I say I share your pain, I mean it literally.

    I do not know if you recall my abandoned blog, the House of Mars in which I recounted all the mischievous deeds of my young cat Marble. Well, he is with Butterfly, and they are sharing their sweetness with everyone in the universe, shining down upon us.

    I was on vacation last week in Martha’s Vineyard when I received a call from my petsitter that she had just found Marble dead on the kitchen floor. Although he was only 4, he, like Butterfly, had health issues including inflammatory bowel disease for which he was on prednisolone, a strong steroid. He also had a predilection for eating harmful objects. So whether it was a forbidden snack, the IBD, or a tumor, as the petsitter, an animal health technician, suspected, he is no longer prowling the earth. And his older cat roommates, Marcel and Marceau and I miss him dearly, as I know you, your mom, and cricket are missing the lovely Butterfly.

    Sigh

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  27. Oh no. I am so sorry to hear this news.

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  28. Oh I’m so so sorry. They are worth every tear we cry for them. I know this sounds crazy but after Lisa passed over, I was in bed and heard her tags jangling…like they did when she would circle on her bed. I held my breath and heard it again, clear as anything. I was a little bit afraid…I turned on the light and nothing was there…but I know she was letting me know she’s ok. ❤ Sending you so much love and peace.

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  29. Oh no, Rachel…I’m so very sorry for your loss. 💔 Sam, Elsa and I are sending oodles of poodles thoughts and prayers with some extra digital ear scratches for Cricket. RIP sweet Butterfly. Run free.

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  30. So sorry for your loss Rachel. Words fail.

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  31. Rachel, I’m sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this time.

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  32. Oh Rachel – My heart is breaking for you and your loved ones – Butterfly was one of the sweetest little souls and you reflected her spirit so eloquently through your writing that she became everyone’s gentle girl each week. May you find peace and comfort in your precious memories of her as you grieve, and may the love that Cricket and your family and friends and online community of support carry you through the times ahead … you all are in my heart and prayers.

    Lisa

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  33. Deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

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  34. My condolences, Rachel.

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  35. My heart broke when I read the title of your post, oh no!!! I am so sorry. What a hole her loss is to us all, most especially you and your mother. I wish there was more I could do, sending comfort to you both.

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  36. Mia’s humom here: Rachel, I am so sorry for your loss….I have tears in my eyes, I can’t imagine how you must be feeling right now. I’ve only started reading your blog recently but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading about Cricket and Butterfly. Mia, Keiko and myself send you our love and prayers.

    Rest in Peace Miss Butterfly. Run free sweet girl. ❤

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  37. The loss of Butterfly is a loss for all of your blogging friends…we are sharing your sorrow right this minute and wish we were there to say how much we love and care for you and your family. Life is fragile, but your love will keep her memories with you forever. I have never felt a loss greater than the sadness I’ve felt when losing Red, Annie, Ollie and Chelsea in the past five years. I see them every day…and am just grateful for the joy they gave me.
    I am so deeply sorry for your loss.

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    • Thank you. Cricket isn’t sure what to do. She’s pacing, and hiding. She let me scratch her head for a minute but then she looked confused again. Right now she’s standing next to my leg and sniffing the floor where Butterfly’s bed used to be.

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  38. So so sorry to hear this. Its so obvious that you adore your lovely animals. Butterfly had a fantastic life with you, your Mum and Cricket. Love to you all.xx

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  39. Rachel, my heart bleeds for you — I am SO SORRY to hear this; I know how much Butterfly meant to you. Pets are like family and it’s devastating to lose one; I’ve been there myself. If you need a friend to reach out to, don’t hesitate to contact me: maryannechristiano@gmail.com … Much comfort to you during this sad, sad time.

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  40. So sorry for your loss. Our fur-babies are our family. Hugs to you at this sad time.

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  41. I am so sorry for your loss! It is so hard to say goodbye to them, as they are a huge part of your family.

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  42. So sorry to hear about Butterfly. I know just how sad you feel. When Lily died I cried for a month. I still miss her but now we remember all the fun we had with her. They are special special friends and they always remain with us. Thinking of you.

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  43. I know that pain youre feeling- sending English hugs across the sea. Fly free, little Butterfly- we will all miss you so much 💕

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  44. I am so sorry Rachel! Yes life is fragile. Thank you for sharing the beautiful moments of butterfly’s life. We will miss her! Please take care. Sending you hugs and kisses!

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  45. Oh no I am so sorry Rachel. I realize at a time like they’re just words; I’ve been in your position and know the pain of losing your much-loved friend and family member.

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  46. I’m so sorry to hear about your loss Rachel. Butterfly was loved by all who knew her and by all who read about her. Give some extra hugs & kisses to Miss Cricket. I’m sure she misses her sister & best friend, too.

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