Oh My Dog!

obsessed with dogs

Introducing the newest member of our herd

Several people told us the same thing: Emmett was waiting for Violet.

“He wanted to make sure you were OK.”

Maybe.

I don’t know. It’s a lovely sentiment, regardless.

I don’t yet have the words to write about Emmett’s life–or his death, for that matter. He himself was larger than life. Over the last year or so, he slowed down. He earned his slow-down. And the end was one of those things… it wasn’t unexpected, but it was a total surprise. I’m still not used to his absence. Not even just the big stuff, the him of it all, but the little dance steps you perform every single day without realizing… I don’t have to climb out of bed to the left side because he’s not asleep in the middle… I only need to take two dinner bowls out of the cabinet, not three… I don’t have to sneak a bag of chips and crunch them as quietly as possible so he doesn’t go nuts, tripping all over himself and the future to get a chip…

Of course, I don’t want to eat my chips loudly. I want Emmett.

Anyway, amazingly, the emotion that can live side-by-side with all that grief, is unbridled, unabashed joy.

Maybe Emmett was waiting for Violet before he let go. Maybe not.

But one thing is certain: Violet has brought happiness and joy and grace and big, squishy piles of love into our life!

Violet Elizabeth

John and I adopted this beautiful baby girl, Violet Elizabeth, born April 11, and we couldn’t be happier. She’s a seriously cool baby, and we’re so proud to be her parents.

As you guys know, Cooper’s always been a high-strung little monster, so we weren’t sure how he would do. I’m also proud to say that Cooper is head-over-heels in love with her. He follows her everywhere. I will share more about our plans for “baby-proofing” Cooper, but… to be honest… he didn’t need any of it. It was instantaneous adoration!

A photo gallery of his unending love:

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April was an intensely emotional month, from the greatest happiness we could imagine to the deepest grief. Combine that with baby-related sleep deprivation, and it’s sort of a miracle I’m not reduced to tears (more often than I am…).

I have so much more to share about all of this. Stay tuned. In the meantime, thank you for all the kind comments, emails, and cards about dear Emmett. We miss him so much, and we’re beyond grateful to you for all your love and support. There truly are no words to adequately express my gratitude except this: Thank you. <3

Comments

  1. Hi, I can’t even, OK bye.

    I am so sorry for your loss and so happy for your new beginning. Violet and Cooper–that’s a cute pair of names!

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    • I am so sorry to hear of. Emmet s passing. I have been following your blog for a long time and loved your stories. However. Congratulations on the birth of Violet. I. Do think our pets have a sixth sense and maybe Emmett was waiting for Violet. Be well .

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  2. I can’t think of the words to express how happy I am for Violet to be welcomed into such a loving home with wonderful parents or to express how sorry for your loss of Emmett. I am sending you a big hug and love!

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  3. Well Congratulations to you all!!!! The pictures are lovely and Cooper looks like the perfect brother. Violet is a beautiful name and she is a lucky girl to have you all. Enjoy your new family time. You deserve it.

    I am truly sorry for the loss of Emmet. I just loved your favorite picture of him, he seemed through the pictures and your writing just an awesome dog. What a gift for you all to have him. I hugged my dog a little harder after hearing of your loss.
    Thanks for a great blog, I really enjoy it.

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  4. Violet is beautiful, and I’m so happy that Cooper has taken to her! It’s funny – the same thing happened to me (sort of). As BJC was declining, I had a beautiful (and very pregnant) cat show up at my door. BJC passed on June 7th and the kittens were born on July 30th. Things happen for a reason. <3

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  5. Oh Maggie and John…congrats from the bottom my heart! I can’t think of any other couple more deserving for your newest bundle of joy! As much as your grief foe Emmett is overwhelming and the emptiness is so present you, John, Cooper and Newt welcome little Violet with open arms and warm heart! ?? I wish you all the very best of luck and welcome to human parenthood!

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  6. What a month you’ve had! Congratulations on welcoming Violet into your family! So sorry about Emmett. Nothing but time will help with that, as you know all too well.

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  7. Such beautiful, joyful pictures. I personally love the sentiment that Emmett was waiting for Violet before he let go.

    When we lost Pip, my heart dog, in 2013 I received some similar comments. We were in the process of a very stressful move and my mom was fighting cancer. Pip was with us through the move and passed a few weeks after my mom’s final chemo when it was clear she was going to be OK. Looking back I do think he stayed with us until he knew all was going to be OK. Dogs are pretty amazing in that way.

    So happy for you guys!

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  8. Isn’t that real life just mashing up all the joy and pain together in a big mess? So very happy to hear about Violet !! Honestly, she is the BEST NEWS in my world at large in a very long time. Big congratulations to all of you. And, yes, the non-top reminders Emmett. Much love from all of us.

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  9. You all look so very happy and Violet is just beautiful. Enjoy motherhood! I think Emmett knew the timing was just right to heal your heart with the pure joy that comes from having a new baby.

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  10. What a beautiful baby! She looks just like you both. And a little like Emmett, too. 🙂
    I know you’ve been waiting for this good news for a while, and how fortunate that she came along when she did. God takes with one hand and gives with the other; the timing was as good as it gets.

    Cooper is amazing! Don’t you wonder how long he’s been wanting a BABY ?
    He looks like his world is complete ,with his head on you and the baby. I can only imagine how happy you are that he’s going to be Violet’s protector and big brother. Lucas and Emmett would be so proud that he’s stepped up to his responsibilities and is going to be a credit to you all in this new chapter of your life.
    Congratulations on the arrival of the newest member of your family.

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  11. I’m so sorry to hear about Emmett. Congratulations on adopting Violet! Our baby girl was due on April 11th, but decided to arrive early and was born March 23rd. Poopie diapers are little different then potty training a puppy, but we’ve enjoyed every moment raising our first child.

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  12. What a beautiful family you all make! Cooper is a wonderful big brother! And Violet is absolutely precious! I love her name!!

    I, too, believe that Emmett waited to be sure you would be ok before he left on his journey. Callie did her best to teach Ducky how to get along with Shadow. I believe she knew Ducky would eventually take her lessons to heart. And she was right.

    I wish I could get to BlogPaws to meet you in person this year, but no go. Just know that my spirit will be with you all even if my body’s not. Have a safe trip and a wonderful time!! (Looking forward to more pix and stories!)

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  13. Maggie, I am so, so happy for you and John. Violet is beautiful. Life can be crazy sometimes, how things work out…..it seems that Violet came at just the right time for you. Not that she can make your grief over Emmett go away, but that you can still have joy in your life as well.
    Oh my gosh, could Cooper be any sweeter watching over her? Love that. Congratulations to all of you.

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  15. Congratulations on becoming a parent! Oh, what a wonderful little precious girl. So fitting to have her come into your life as your precious friend is leaving you. The true circle of life. I can’t imagine the emotional ups and downs. Stay strong and be blessed!

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  16. Congratulations and so much love. Life continues on through the losses and gains. You are handling both with incredible grace. Much love to Violet and good job Cooper.

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  17. Violet doesn’t yet know how lucky she is to be blessed with you and John as parents. More than a few times I have read your blog and thought what wonderful parents you would make for a child one day. And now that day has arrived. Congratulation, I am so happy for you and Violet. As I read your blog I cried tears of joy for Violet and sadness for your loss of Emmett. Blessings on your beautiful family.

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  18. Hey Maggie, we have been following your blog for the last 7 months. we love your content.
    You all look so happy and healthy. Life is amazing and you guys must feel blessed. Congratulations and what beautiful family you all make, Violet is absolutely gorgeous and I actually have not heard this name before.

    Look at her cute eyes, great pic!

    All the best.

    Sabrina & Michael.

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  19. Congratulations! I am so happy for you and your family – Violet is beautiful! I can’t wait to see many more Violet + Cooper (and Newt?) photos – so sweet!

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  20. Sorry for your loss, Every dog has his own purpose, maybe one day he will show up at your door again. And also congratulations for your beautiful baby Violet. Hope you will remember the happiness that Emmett has brought and the happiness that Violet is going to brought to your life. and just let go of these sadness and loss. Life has a destiny. Smile.

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  21. Oh guys, so sorry for Emmett!
    But now you have new lives, became parents of your little princess. Keep it up, life is going on!

    Reply

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