Raika, you were special the day you were born. Always there. Always willing. Always giving more than I ever expected or hoped for. Always by my side – watching me. Waiting. For so many years, I loved you for all that you gave to me.
Then it was time for you to retire and we were stuck, not sure how to spend our time together without a goal to reach or a competition to focus on. I fed you too much and played too little, ignoring the fact that what you really wanted was my attention.
So we began to walk, and that’s when I began to truly appreciate you for who you were rather than for what you could do. I watched you being a dog and I marveled at what that was – to be a dog. I began to share you with the world so others could marvel along with me. And I loved you a little more than before.
Then age and illness slowed you down and our lives took yet another turn. Our walks became less about exploring the world and more about being together. Quiet daily rituals that wound around our days. And still, my heart found even more love.
Today, for the first time since you were born, there is nothing more. You have nothing to show me. Nothing to take. Nothing to share. You’ve given me everything you have to give and taken from this life all that you could hold. You’re so tired. Raika, I can see you’re so tired. And because I have loved you as much as you have loved me, I am listening.
Remember those molecules you promised me? The ones we talked about a few years ago? Don’t forget, because I will need them more than you could possibly imagine.
I cannot think about tomorrow but today, because I love you the most that I have ever loved you, I’ve let you go.
Raika 05/24/04 – 10/15/19
Denise, I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry is so futile. Crying because this reminds me of every dog loved ,and now gone, by me and all my friends. You have reminded me to love and appreciate my dogs more, especially for their dogness. Peace. Catherine
Heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. Rest well, Raika.
Gentle hugs Denise. Thank you for always being willing to share even when it is the most difficult. May time and beautiful memories help heal your broken heart.
So sorry for your loss Denise. This is the hardest part of opening our hearts to our furry friends. May you be showered in Raika’s molecules
Hi Denise,
I am so sorry for your loss. Raika will continue to live forever in your heart. Thank for you all that you have given the world with your marvelous training and blogs.
I am so very sorry. I am sitting here crying for you (and for myself). I have just lost my constant companion,sports partner, and best friend of 13 years. It is so hard without them. I hope you find comfort and peace in your memories.
I am so very sorry for your loss…she was a very special girl..I know you made many wonderful memories together. You will cherish those forever. May your heart be held as you hold her spirit in your hands.
I’m so sorry, Denise. My heart aches for your loss.
It is never long enough. And you really never quit needing them. I understand, and I am glad for you that you have this love in your life. I wish I had words…..I only have heartfelt understanding…..
We never have them long enough . Beautiful Memories to hold in your heart ❤️ xx so
sorry you have lost your friend xx Run free Raika ❤️
Thank you for sharing with us the most intimate details of your relationship with Raika. I feel your pain and your loss: I am crying with you. You see, I too lost my most special girl this year. Reading your eulogy, it’s clear to me that JoyZee with me was Raika with you. You and I are so very fortunate to have owned and loved that “once in a lifetime dog.” It’s that bond of love, trust and pure adoration that makes the loss so incredibly hard to bear, but bear we must.
Peace to you, Denise
Hugs.
I’m so sorry about the pain happening in so many hearts @ the world, but especially in that heart that Raika loved so much & it her… Denise, I wish I had words that feel adequate, but I don’t. I have love & heartfelt sympathies for you.
I have gratitude for you & Raika sharing your epic journey with us. I have the blessing of so much knowledge on things that are truly important to me, such as how to be my dog’s superhero when I’m used to him being mine & how to navigate this world with kindness. I’ve learned ways to do what I consider the best by my amazing SD Robbie; I appreciate learning @ the palliative care & support that I didn’t know was out there.
I see positive ripples everywhere, & I can envision them neverending! I recently heard that referred to as, “The Raika Ripple.” I will toast to the Raika Ripple Effect that will go on forever. May your pain be lessened & her vivacious, witty spirit live on forever. I know she wouldn’t forget, so you cling tight to those molecules when the pain overwhelms & know you’re now a part of each other forever!
Denise, I know you are going to get a ton of comments, but I can’t not respond to your blog! First of all, I am so sorry for your loss, I feel your pain! Lots of tears shed while reading this blog. Secondly, I can’t thank you enough for your ability to share with others your own experiences to help us and teach us and make us aware of what is involved in loving and caring for a pet. You are one special lady and Raika was lucky to share her life with you!
Oh Denise. Grief and sacrifice that binds all dog lovers together. I am sending you love. Rest well, Raika xoxo
I’m so sorry. Your grief is unique, just as your relationship with Raika was unique. Please know that all of us who have loved and lost our own unique and amazing dogs share in your loss. Holding you in my heart, this day and for a long time to come.
I am beyond sorry for your loss. I’ve so enjoyed seeing your Instagram posts with Raika. I know what you mean by the love for our dogs increasing as they age and their needs change and what we learn from them changes. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Raika with us. Lots of love and peace to you.
So sorry for your loss. But I’m glad that you had the chance to spend so much quality time together throughout Raika’s life.
I know that hardest day of days. And the ensuing weeks/months. I’m so sorry.
So beautifully expressed. I’m going through similar emotions with my girl as she ages, though she’s nowhere near the end yet. I’m so very sorry for your loss, but so glad that you’ve had such a wonderful dog in your life.
You said it perfectly, and we all understand , and have been there.
The great ones change us forever.
I feel we all know Raika, via the memorable conversation she had with you about molecular redistribution.
She was wise ! And generous in her view of the circle of life.
Hugs, Jane Jonas
So sorry for your loss… lovely words in sentiment for a lovely dog. They are never gone from us. 💜💜💜
This is beautifully written and so full of love and pain. I am reminded that I’ve been taking my own old timer for granted lately, and I need to do better. I want memories like yours to look back on when it’s tougher than I can even imagine. Thank you for the reminder. My thoughts and heart are with you and Raika, wherever she may be. Lots of love.
It never get easier. Bless you for putting your dog first.