RIP Minnie
Recently my dog Minnie died at home after a short illness.
It’s taken me over a week to begin composing this message because her death has hit me (and my husband Martin) so hard. Minnie lived with us for just over a decade and we thought we had another 2-6 years together.
Perhaps people are surprised that I didn’t immediately share the news to social media, but I was too raw to discuss it, and grief for me has a private dimension.
Instead I informed close friends and family, and went about all the sad duties that fall upon you when a pet dies – including deciding how to dispose of her remains, cancelling her pet insurance policy, and sorting through her toys and food for donation. I diverted some of the dreadful energy that comes from such a shock into cleaning the house.
All of this takes time and exacts a certain toll. Yet, these tasks also serve a simple function of cementing the stark reality of her passing.
Every floor you vacuum, every squeaky bone you give away, every paper you sign erases the signs of her presence a little more from your daily life.
People adapt. It’s the mechanism by which we survive sudden changes, and yet at times it feels like a terrible betrayal.
Martin and I discovered Minnie at an animal shelter in Co. Mayo, and we brought home a scared and anxious young dog – as I think is evident from the picture above, which is one of the first we took of her.
She required a lot of time and patience to overcome her insecurites, but I now believe you can help any dog through their issues as long as you get the right help and are willing to put in the effort. It’s not easy, but as Martin and I discovered, it was worth it.
Since I work from home Minnie was an integral part of my daily routine. Her absence is an inescapable void – from her immediate reaction to my movements, and her regular check-ups on me throughout the day. At least the postwoman no longer has to fear Minnie’s howling welcome (but it’s something I now miss).
Unlike some pets you take dogs into the world with you. They accompany you on your excursions, and become part of your social circle. I made friends because of my walks with Minnie.
One of the things I immediately observed about being in the company of a dog is that people interact with you in a way they don’t when you are solo. I had more conversations with people when I was with Minnie than I did without her.
And alas, that’s where I find myself now: without her.
Here’s a lovely video from 2009 of Martin playing fetch with Minnie down in Coole Park. It demonstrates some of the joy and fun we had together.
12 Comments
liz
Dear Maura
I know how very much you and Martin loved Minnie as she was always part of our conversations when you visited Dublin. I never got to meet Minnie and from the pics I can see she was a delight.
Dogs [and any pets we love] weave their way into our lives and hearts. They help us really see how simple things can make us happy and walks aren’t just for exercise but for just the sheer joy of being alive.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Liz
Maura McHugh
Thanks Liz. I appreciate your kind words. Much love.
carol
maura & martin
i feel your pain- my heart breaks for my yeats every day so i know exactly what you are going through you will never forget her and you have lovely memories of her forever, i know that does not help now but in time you will be able to think of her and smile i am getting a tattoo of yeats paw
your sista
Carol
Maura McHugh
It’s very hard to say goodbye after a lifetime (their lifetime) of good memories. Thanks for your message Carol. I know how much Yeats meant to you.
gerald mchugh
i am so sorry to hear of your dogs passing , i too had a dog for over decade, but was lost to cancer. Sharing that long a period of time with a dog they become best friends and family. you will always have the memorys you shared with her.
Maura McHugh
Thanks, and I’m so sorry to hear about the death of your dog. It’s very hard to watch your companion sicken and pass away. You can only concentrate on the good memories, and the long time of fun you had together.
Tracey Naughton
Dear Maura and Martin:
Minnie looked like a beautiful dog. One can see the transformation of her comfort/happiness zone from the early pictures to the more recent pictures. We are so sorry for your loss. Our pets are so much a part of our lives and families. Your blog is a wonderful tribute to her life and how she impacted yours and Martin’s. Please take care and know your are in our thoughts and prayers.
Maura McHugh
Thanks for your lovely words Tracey. Martin and I appreciate your thoughts and good wishes.
Sarah McIntyre
Aw, that’s hard. Sending big hugs. xxx
Maura McHugh
Thanks Sarah. Gratefully received.
Sinead
Hi love, hugs and kisses to you and Martin. I have such fond memories of our week together last year. I loved Minnie’s energy. She was a beautiful friend. Great photos of her xxx
Ellen Datlow
Maura, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. It looks as if you and Martin gave her a wonderful life and that she in turn gave you much love in return.