Bitsy Button Sutton
I knew the day would come when we had to say goodbye to our sweet Bitsy. But time caught all of us by surprise this week, as she went into severe kidney failure. We couldn’t turn it around. We said goodbye to her yesterday, and she died in my arms. I would have gone with her if I could have.
She was our companion, a best friend and she gave us unconditional love. I feel so empty now that she is gone, like my heart has been hollowed. I see her everywhere.
Chelsea and Mooch were her friends and I know the house must feel empty for them too. When we came home without her, Chelsea walked all around the outside of the car sniffing.
Bitsy was a gift to us from heaven, and I’m so grateful for the time we had with her. She taught us so much. You can read about her here.
I hope the tears will stop in a few days, and my heart will fill with memories of her. For those of you who have been through the death of a pet, I know you understand the feeling.
Bitsy has her wings now and I hope she’s learning to use them well. I will miss her so much.
Hugs to each of you who have ever lost a pet.
Anne
167 Comments
Judy C in NC
I always try to remember how much bigger the loss if the pet had not been in my life … the unconditional love is a treasure and gift given to us by their life. She has now crossed the Rainbow Bridge and frolicks free of pain and waiting patiently for you. I understand and know your pain. Judy C
Christine Williams
Anne,
I’m so sorry for your loss of Bitsy. She will be missed by all.
Tracee
Oh Anne, I am so sorry to hear you have suddenly lost beautiful Bitsy. At this point nothing makes the pain go away but know we share your pain & are shedding tears too. At this point their little lives seem far too short. Tracee xx
Jan
Bless you for rescuing Bitsy and giving her a wonderful love-filled life.
Ronda
Oh Anne I am so sorry. our pets are like family members .We love them so much. it is so hard to lose them. Hugs
Gail
Anne, so sorry to hear of your loss. Hold on to the good memories and sending a big hug your way.
sara
dear annie,
i am sending you a big hug and a shoulder to cry on….i still miss everyone of our pets…they were all so special and so much a part of our family…they each had their own personalities….but the loss of my 18 year old cat charlie just about broke my heart…
the above comments are a testament to our beloved companions…..
SuzK
I’m so sad to hear about Bitsy. You’ve shared so many sweet stories about her that I feel I knew her personally. Three years ago our older cat had to be put to sleep because she had developed lung cancer. I had originally brought her home to be a companion for my son so the house wouldn’t be empty when he came home from school while I was at work. I always thought of Jacki as his cat and I was just babysitting while he was in college and then when he couldn’t have her in his new apartment. When she died I thought my heart had broken in two. It was overwhelming because, while I cared about her, I had no idea how attached I was to her. My thoughts go out to you and your husband and to Chelsea and Mooch.
Sherri
I’m so sorry for your loss Anne. We have been through this as well and my heart goes out to you and your family.
Karen S
Anne,
I am so sorry to hear about little Bitsy. I too have experienced the unexpected loss of a beloved pet. Bitsy will forever be in your heart. I hope you soon the pain will ease and you will have wonderful memories of your beloved Bitsy. Hugs to you.
Carmen Wyant
My last little boy died in my arms too, I still miss him so much. All my sympathy to you & yours, to others they may be just dogs, but to us that love them, they are our family.
sandy
Anne, I’m so sorry to hear about little Bitsy. I understand your sadness and hope it turns to really great memories soon. It is one of the hardest things we must do in life, I still miss our little Molly and it has been three years.
Melody
Dearest Anne, I’m shedding a tear too, for darling Bitsy Button. All my dogs have been strays and each with their own stories. I believe each little lost dog knows she is being given a second chance and their love is extra special. Bitsy really was a little angel, you could see it in her eyes. I know there is a dog heaven and she will be there. When my darling Toby was dying I looked out the window and there on the top law was Possum ( my much loved dog who died four years earlier and Toby’s best friend) she had come back to wait for Toby and take him to dog heaven. I know this seems fanciful but it was so real and I believe it really happened. I’m praying Possum and Toby will have come for Bitsy too. Much love and comforting hugs to you, I’m sure all your animal loving friends are sending you big hugs too.
usairdoll
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Over the years our family has lost several pets, Milo our cat of almost 17 years just passed away a few months ago. I hope that through your pain and saddness that you will remember all the good and happy memories. You and your’s are in my thoughts and prayers.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
Ann P.
Dear Anne,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have also lost pets and have had several pass away in my arms. I always felt the least I could do was hold them while they passed so that they would not be afraid.
My heart goes out to you.
Sincerely,
Ann
Diane S.
Anne I am so sorry for your loss of Bitsy. It is so sad I have tears in my eyes right now. I am sending hugs to you. I feel your pain. They are our babies. They give us so much love and ask for nothing. I have been through this so many times and again one of these days will be going through it again. I say no more it is just to hard to loose them, but just remember we have to take the bad only to have the good. If we never had them in our lives we would has missed so much. I hope your pain soon turns into happy memories for you. It is hard to loose them but we wouldn’t want them suffering. One day we will see them on the other side of Rainbow Bridge . She will be in your heart forever. Lv Diane S.
Monica Massanyi
So sorry for you all…our pets give us unconditional love and it is so hard to lose a precious friend.
Vickie
So sorry Ann…hugs to you. I lost my beloved Daisey just before Christmas. And of course a life time of others. It is really tough because we get such routines with them (feeding, walking, meds, etc) and we feel so empty when we no longer need to do that. I’ve decided when my Eddie is gone I will only have fosters.
Kathy O in GA
Oh Anne, I’m so sorry to hear this…but I can tell you from experience, that the pain and tears will lessen, and you will always hold Bitsy deep in your heart. Hugs to you and your furry buddies – they need lots of hugs right now too.
Nancy C. in Utah
Oh Anne, There is nothing one can say to make it hurt less, but I am so truly sorry for your sad loss. My heart aches for you and your family and I can’t hold back my own tears. I have been down this road a number of times. The emptiness is overwhelming. But as I think about your loss, I can’t help but also think, that Bitsy’s wings were lovingly attached with beautiful buttons that are a perfect match to the one she already has. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. Gentle Hugs…
Cathy
Anne, I’m so sorry for your loss Bitsy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ganeen
I am so very sorry to read about your loss. I took my Rocky to the vet for a suspicious cough and had to put him to sleep 45 minutes later. We didn’t even know he had cancer. No outward signs. I cried for a year off and on. It does get better but it is hard to loose your best friend and confidant. I would ask him how I looked when trying on clothes and he always made me feel beautiful. He thought I was his mommy. It will get better but don’t rush the grieving process. My thoughts are with you and your husband.
Andrea
I am so sorry to hear this. What a lucky girl she was to have you in her life. Losing a beloved pet is so hard, but it must be comforting for you to know that there are so many of us sending love and prayers your way
Melanie
So sorry to hear the sad news about Bitsy. My heart is breaking for you! It’s so difficult to lose a pet. The love and joy they bring to our lives is priceless. Don’t be hard on yourself for it takes a long time to accept their loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joanne Moore
Oh Anne my heart hurts for you. You have been Bitsy’s angel mommy and now Bitsy is that little angel for you. Our cat Stewart William got his wings a few months back. He was a family member for 18 years and I so feel your pain. Ugh. However hard it is to say goodbye how much richer our lives are because of our furry friends. May I suggest another Airedale terrier puppy to turn your life upside down? I am only saying that to try to make you smile as I know you mentioned you used to have one. Ours is now almost two years old so you know to what I am referring. Peace be with you Anne.
Tamara
So sorry for your loss… It’s funny how they get into your heart…
Pam Fredrickson
M heart is aching along with yours…we all understand how you are feeling; I share your grief and feel your sadness one who has lost a pet knows exactly what you are dealing with…I send you strength and compassion.
Mary
Hi Anne,
Sorry about Bitsy, shedding tears with you. We’ve been there, too.
Yvonne
Oh Anne, I feel for you so much, I am sitting at my computer in the shop looking at my little dogs & my hear is breaking for you, once you are less sore you will have so many memories, keep strong & know Bitsy couldn’t have been more loved anywhere but with you, Hugs & licks too from Bailey, Poppy & Yvonne in NZ
Diane
She’s by your side — the first days are the worst — sent my wonderful boy off to Rainbow Bridge on April 1 — that heart hurt is just the worst . . . sending a prayer !
Sara
So sorry for you. We have lost many dogs over the years to the point that we just cannot bear to get another as it is so hard when they die.
Polly
I am so sorry for your loss! Our pets are such important members of our families. My heart goes out to you and your family.
JanetB
So sorry for your loss. Words cannot heal what you are feeling right now. She is in and will be in your hearts forever. My tears are with you.
Carol Y
We love them so much – it feels like a huge hole in our heart when they go. I hope yours heals quickly.
gloria g.
yes…..I feel your pain. On Thursday we lost our dear Dotte Girl Green Walls. She came to us through our vet, she had been hit by a car. The folks didn’t want her back. I thought she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen…..she came to share her life with us. She made it to 15 in April of this year. She had diabetes insipidus if I spelled that right. I have been lost these two days. Our home is quiet, even with four other dogs and six kitties. Dotte was so very bonded to me. I too held her through the Rainbow Bridge. She has her wings……
When I saw your little girls picture, I almost lost my breath. I knew too you were going through the same feeling as we are. My hubby says to remember all those good times we did share, the trips we took, and all those cookies we shared. I remember that last kiss……those eyes looking up at me. Oh how I miss my girl……..
My heart is broken, I will be thinking of you too and praying for you. We will never forget, not one day, not one week, not one moment. The pain is so great, I just hope I can get through this…….
Thank you for sharing…….I feel for you…….
fondly, gloria g. Hemingway, SC
Susan
So sorry for your loss of Bitsy; we had to say goodbye to our lhasa apso 8 years ago and it does leave a hole in your heart. We have now had Laura our cairn terrier for 7 years, and she’s the best thing I ever did! Luckily you are not totally alone, although your others will miss her for a long while.
Robin Crittenden
My heart is so sad for you. We’ve been there and know you pain. I believe in the Rainbow Bridge. She will be waiting for you one day.
Tina Dillon
So so sad for you. Rest in peace little Bitsy Button – much loved and so missed. God bless you x
LindaSonia
So very very sorry for the loss of your sweet Bitsy – sending you the biggest cyber hug I can. Truly I know how it feels. God bless you and give you peace.
Polly Hada
Dear Anne,
We had to put down our precious Boston Terrier, Tabi, and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. She was ours for 15 wonderful years. According to the vet, it would have been making her suffer to ignore the obvious. I can truly empathize. It was like losing our 5th child. Unfortunately, the only thing that helps is TIME. It takes the passing of time to help the empty hole in your heart to mend a bit. But there will always be a hole there for your beautiful Bitsy. I believe you will see her and be with her again. God Bless.
Diana Simmons
So sorry to hear about Bitsy! Losing a friend is so hard!
Anne Elias
My heart breaks for you and your family Anne. Our furbabies are a gift, they give us so much. Sending you much love. Over Rainbow Bridge Bitsy, rest in paradise.
Ruth B
We just went through this with our beloved boxer named Mocha. I understand what you are going through and I’m so sorry for your loss.
Megan
Dear Anne, So very sorry to hear about the loss of Bitsy. I can imagine how you feel. It is just such a loss, and so sad for Chelsea and Mooch. We lost our German Shepherd at 15 years and some months, she’d had a hard life before we got her… my cattle dog had never been alone before she’d had her ‘Mum’ with her all her life, she died a couple of years later at 17 and a bit. I would rush to the house after an evening shift expecting her to be there… this went on for months. I saw her in the garden for many months after she’d died. It was especially hard as both our girls had to be put to sleep and the guilt was hard to take, there was little alternative really. You will have fond memories and many more tears. I feel for you so much. It’s been many years but I still can’t think of another dog, just want mine back. Remember she was blessed with you too, you made her life so happy, and she yours. Take care.
Jenny
Oh I feel for you they become members of the family not pets and its just as distressing to lose them.
Lynda
Oh Anne, I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I had a feeling when I saw the title that it was going to be sad news. As someone who’s lived with pets for most of my 63 years, I understand the heartbreak that comes with a beloved pet’s death.
Please accept my most sincere condolences, and my wish that Bitsy’s memory will be a blessing for you and your husband.
Patty
Anne,
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Bitsy. We had to put our beloved Bruno down on May 6 (very unexpectedly) and it was devastating for my husband and I (we don’t have any children). Our remaining pup has been dealing with grief since then, some days eating , some days not, wandering, pacing, panting. My husband and I both lost weight from not eating and not sleeping. That feeling in your stomach, the lump in your throat and the hole in your heart are so real and devastating.
Time will help to soothe the loss and help you to rejoice in the wonderful memories of your faithful and loving companion.
In the interim, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this very difficult time.
Janet
And hugs to you, Anne. I’m just so sorry for your loss.
Jeanne Langston
Anne, so so sorry for your loss of Bitsy. I hope your heartbreak soon turns to memories in time. Hugs and Love, Jeanne
Kaaren
My heart is breaking with yours, Anne. I know your pain only too well and share your grief.