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. Oh, Rachel, how my heart goes out to you and your Mom at this time. What a wonderful life you provided for Butterfly. These precious creatures come into our lives and burrow into our hearts where they will stay forever. Sending prayers of peace and comfort at this difficult time. πŸ’ž

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  2. ajmurphree's avatar elizabeth ann johnson-murphree

    My heart goes out to you…yes, they are our children. Seven years ago today I lost a daughter, the love grows greater with each passing day. My Mason, a white Teddy Bear which are rare, is now five years old, he is my baby. Know that you are in my prayers. Elizabeth

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  3. Oh Rachel, our deepest condolences to you and your Mom, we know Butterfly was extremely precious to you. Hugs to you both–and Cricket. We’d like to think Butterfly is romping through green fields over the Rainbow Bridge right now. ❀

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  4. So sorry, Rachel. My kindest thoughts are with you and your mom and Cricket.

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  5. So very sorry for your loss!!

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  6. Rachel, I haven’t dropped by in a while, but something drew me here today. Now I know what it was. This news makes me so sad – I always loved reading about Butterfly. She had a wonderful life with you and your Mom. I’m so sorry for your loss.

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  7. What sad news. My deepest sympathies, from one dog lover to another, I know how much they are truly family.

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  8. Rachel…I’m soo very sorry to hear about Butterfly. My thoughts are with you. xoxox

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  9. Rachel may she always be in your heart in spiritβ€πŸ™

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  10. Rachel, please accept my sincerest condolences. Butterfly is beautiful and will always be beautiful.

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  11. I am so sorry – Butterfly will always be a part of your heart. She gave you the best gift of love and you gave it back. My love and prayers are with you.

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  12. My heart goes out to you. Our wonderful companions aren’t with us long enough.

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  13. Aww I am so so sorry. Their lives are far too short and they are always gone too soon. I lost my little girl almost one year ago so I understand your sadness too well. Many hugs and much love you. I am happy you shared life together, even if the time was fleeting.

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  14. So very sorry for your loss Rachel. Butterfly will live forever in your heart. Hugs and healing thoughts to you.

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  15. I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful girlπŸ˜”. Sending you prayers.

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  16. I am so, so sorry. Thank you for sharing your delightful little friend with us.

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    • Thank you. I woke up this morning singing Mah Tovu, and at first I couldn’t figure out why, and then I sat with it for a few minutes. I was so lucky to have had Butterfly. She was such a wonderful gift in my life, so that even in my grief and anger at having lost her, I still feel that joy.

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  17. Oh Rachel. My heart melted to read it. Sending you lots of love.

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  18. I am so sorry. You will miss her more than you can know . She looks like such a sweet soul.

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  19. So sorry to hear of your loss Rachel!! Have enjoyed reading about Butterfly’s adventures. Big hugs to you!!

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  20. travelfeverstories2017's avatar travelfeverstories2017

    Oh no , I’m so sorry to hear that…It’s awful how bad it can feel, and it won’t feel alright for a long time, but one day you will feel better 😦

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  21. Oh Rachel, I am so sorry. This is the hardest part of loving a pet. My thoughts are with you….

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  22. I am so sorry to read about Miss Butterfly. She was such a little wonder. Some dogs are our soulmates and I think she was yours. What wonderful memories you must have.
    Mokexxx

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  23. I always loved to read your stories about Butterfly; such a special soul… I am truly sorry for your loss.

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  24. I am in disbelief and feel tremendous grief for your (our collective) loss! I do not know what happened; so young? I have recently been so overwhelmed nursing Buddy this past month, who is struggling too; perhaps he will meet Butterfly and become fast friends! These delightful wee little ones are put here on this earth to teach us so many things and all we can do is give them love and the best life possible in return. I truly feel your pain as if it is my own! Love and good vibes to Cricket, you and your Mom.

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  25. Oh no, sending big hugs πŸ€—

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  26. So sorry you lost your beautiful Butterfly. I know how hard it is to part with a pet. Hugs to you, Rachel.

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  27. So sorry your Beautiful Butterfly has left you.
    Sending you warm hugs and thank you for giving her a wonderful life.
    Sheila x

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  28. Rachel, I’m SO Very sorry to hear of Butterfly’s passing! While so many people may feel ‘It’s just a dog’ those of us who have truly shared our hearts and souls with our canine companions understand they are family members. As such, their loss is felt on such deep and varied levels; this is true for any animal with which we choose to love and cherish. I know Butterfly felt so very loved and cherished during her time with you; she’s now in a place free from the ravages of age. I will probably soon be feeling your grief as my Anana (112 pound female Alaskan Malamute) is eight years old in a week and a half; Mals rarely live past ten years and the average lifespan is listed as eight to ten years. Anana has been my ‘little’ angel and the true light of my life. She’s been struggling with arthritis across the last year but a friend recommended Antinol which has worked wonders for her. Still, I know it is only symptomatic treatment and one does not ‘recover’ from arthritis. I cannot imagine a life without her musical howls, her loving presence and her mischievous ways but I also know such a time is coming. It is said time heals all but the hole left in one’s spirit by the passing of a beloved family member is difficult for even time to ameliorate; I wish you the best in your struggles to reconcile the loss of Butterfly.

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  29. I am so sorry to read this news. There are no words to ease the pain of losing a family member, but thoughts and prayers are surrounding you both, as well as your Mom and Cricket.

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  30. I have only just seen this post. I am so sorry. I can only imagine how you are feeling. Sending love and virtual hugs xxx

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  31. Oh, Rachel, my heart breaks for you. Butterfly left beautiful forever footprints on your heart, and you and Cricket are in my thoughts.

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  32. i’m so so sorry

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  33. Oh, we are so very sorry for your loss. How sad. Our thoughts are with you.

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  34. Oh, no!! That is so sad. I am so sorry.

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  35. Animals like Butterfly do have a soul and a Heart – Therefore they too never die. Butterfly… what a wonderful name for such a cute little dog… I’m sorry for your loss, I know the pain… but time heals and I sure you will be given nice signs from your beautiful Butterfly!

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  36. travelfeverstories2017's avatar travelfeverstories2017

    Dogs are here only for a short time to teach us love ❀❀❀, they are born perfect

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  37. So sorry to hear that. She looked so lovable and such a huggable pooch. As a person having gone through the heartache of losing a loved pet,(Lizzy my boxer), my heart goes out to.

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  38. Sending positive thoughts your way. Remember the good times…there are sure to have been many….

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  39. Rachel – I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Miss Butterfly. x

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  40. So very sorry Rachel.. thanks for letting us know, who’ve come to enjoy and learn about and from Butterfly and Cricket over these posts.. hugs for your loss.. she was blessed to have you as her “Mom”…

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  41. I’m so sorry to hear about Butterfly. Dogs are very much a part of their family and it hurts when they pass.

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  42. God bless and comfort you. What marvelous memories you hold of such a bright, joyful furry family member. I’m so sorry for your loss.

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  43. I’m so sorry. Those little paws hold on to such a big piece of our heart.

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  44. Sorry 😐 😞
    Hope you should recover soon

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  45. I am sorry for your loss. Our furbodies mean so much to us, and they share this world with us for such a short time.

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  46. I am so sorry for your loss. It is always so hard to say goodbye. May you find peace in your own way and in your own time.

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