We said goodbye to our dear sweet pug Tippi today. She had a beautiful morning outside on the deck with us — lots of face rubs and lovies and treats and a second breakfast of pancakes. My heart is breaking but we are so lucky to have had this sweet, funny little girl in our lives for almost fourteen years.

It’s always hard to say goodbye to a beloved family member, but this time is especially hard for me. It's already been a tough year, in so many ways. I lost one of my dearest friends to cancer in February. And I loved this little pug so much — the way she would run full tilt when it was mealtime, her playtime fetch antics, her snuggles with me during difficult times and good ones. She was there for me when my mom passed away, and my constant companion during the many times my husband was out of town for work, sometimes for weeks on end. She laid by my side on a bed in my office while I worked many days, and she was my shadow around the house — always at my feet. Right up through the last days she fought through her obvious discomfort and inability to breathe well, to follow us around. Yesterday she struggled slowly up the stairs to greet me when I got out of the shower, and it broke my heart because I could tell how hard it was for her. 

I decided years ago that pugs are the hobbits of the dog world. They love to eat, they’re fun-loving and funny, loyal and entertaining, but never to be underestimated. Tippi was like Samwise —nothing ever got her down, and she was far tougher than her little 11-pound body appeared. Even as she struggled for the last week, her tail would curl up every time she saw one of us approach, and her eyes would widen with excitement when food was around. Tippi was dearly loved, and she loved in return.

Now she has gone to join her “big sister” Sophie. ❤️❤️ An era is over. Her absence in the house is almost unbearable. But my husband and I have each other, and our two catahoulas, and lots of wonderful memories to bring us solace. Maybe someday before too long we will have a pug in our home again.

ETA:
The first photo is from this morning, while we enjoyed our last few hours together.

The second was just a few days ago, the day after we got her diagnosis. She is sitting at my feet on the mat at the kitchen sink, where she sat every time I would prepare a meal, which means I’ve gotten very, very used to her presence there in the last three months.

Pic 3 is from about 6 weeks ago.

4-6 are all from 2+ years ago, with Sophie

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5 years ago