Goodbye, Friend.

We said a very sad goodbye to our pal Mow today. He had nearly 15 (just weeks shy) years of amazing adventures, fabulous roadtrips, and lots of love. I only knew Mow (pronounced 'mo', as in "mow' the grass) in the second half of his life--one slightly calmer than his wild days of youth, which were spent travelling the country on one adventure after another with Steve. I've heard stories of Mow hanging with a 'gang' of dogs in the parks of Salt Lake City; being chased off cowpastures by farmers (with guns) in West Virginia; running alongshore many a whitewater kayaking trip; nearly taking a 'swim' at Niagra Falls; and traversing many a mountain range. He had far more encounters with wildlife of the LARGE variety than I could ever recount, and he managed to escape his own demise more times than anyone thought possible for one dog. When I met SteveandMow (oh yes, a package for sure), they completely changed the way I thought about pets and companionship and spiritual connection. I had never seen such respect for the spirit of an animal, and never seen a dog live so 'free'. Mow's later years were spent in a lovely 'retirement'--full of beach jaunts, running in the woods, and a surprising patience with the little babies that entered his life. The past four years he has spent as 'master' of the dog-friendly park our home borders-- he was a 'leash-free' roamer and sometimes walking companion to those passing by.

Journey on, dear one. We will miss you so, so much.

Comments

[autum]

Great big tears are rolling down my face! I am so sorry for your loss. You have written such a beautiful tribute to this beloved member of your family. Thank you for sharing. We have 5 furry family members and I so dread the day we have to say goodbye to any of them.

[betsy]

Oh Amanda, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sweet, gentle Mow. What a love. And what an amazing tribute. We're sending love to your whole family and sweet dreams for Mow.

[Molly]

So sorry to hear of your loss. What great photos those are, and what a touching tribute you have written. Mow was obviously more than "just a pet". He was lucky to have been part of your family and to have had such a long and happy life.

[Valerie]

Oh Amanda, I'm so sorry. Sending you and your family love.

[carole]

oh, what a beautiful dog. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Michele James-Parham]

Our hearts go out to you and the family. I know Mow will be missed, but even more so, he will be remembered and his spirit cherished forever.

Take care

[Blair]

Your post remembers him so nicely. So sorry you lost a friend.

[Tania Jo]

G'bye, Mow, you stinky-breath'd dogger you. Gentlest head I ever did pet. Don't worry; they'll miss you but you surely left them all with a good batch of true dogger love. That'll last as long as any of them needs it--which is probably forever, because who *doesn't* need true dogger love? You did your job well. Look for Tundra, will you? He's like you, another wild-eyed dog---part wolf, you know. You two would seem to make good friends. Bon voyage!

[Anamaria]

You'll always remember Mow, and your words will help your little ones remember him, too. Mow had such an adventure-filled life: wild animals and babies both! He must have been a very special dog.

[Kristen]

I'm sorry Amanda, for your family and most of all Steve. It's very hard to have to say goodbye to a loved one. I always think of pets as live stuffed animals ~ all the unconditional love that one's heart can handle.

[aimee]

My heart is with you and your family. From old age and accidents, we have lost four companions within the last year, and they had been with us through a lot, too. So I understand how hard this is for you, and especially Steve. Hang in there. Isn't Love amazing-how you can give it out, and you always get so much more back?

[Erica]

I'm so very sorry -- they truly are members of the family, aren't they? I'm sure you all brought Mow as much joy as he brought you.

[Emily]

My heart aches for you, but what a wonderful life he did lead. I'm sure he was just as gratefull to know you as you all were to know him. The one year anniversary of Barnabus (the beloved and faithful weenie-dog I grew up with)is nearly upon us and the loss is still fresh. What a lovely "memoir" you've written for him. I don't know of a better place than the one you made for him in your home and hearts is but it sounds like he's there. My sympathies.

[erin]

amanda, im so sorry for your loss, things like this hurt so badly. it sounds like he had an adventursome life. we have a german shepherd who is 7, i know the day will come so soon. putting a dog down is more difficult than it sounds, but knowing that they are in a peaceful state is so much better than knowing that they are old or suffering. my heart goes out to you guys and mow.

[mo]

You can see in his beautiful face that he knew the depth he was loved. What a gorgeous dog. I am so sorry you are without him now.

[melissa]

I'm so sorry for your family's loss, Amanda. He was such a lucky dog to be so loved in his life.

[Lisa]

So sorry for your loss of Mow. May you always be able to celebrate him with your memories.

[Barb]

Tears rolling down my face....literally.

[Sonia Luisa]

I know what it feels like; I can't stop crying.
I am so sorry...

[Shannon Oakes]

Oh my Soules' I am so sorry to hear that Mow's wonderful life here is no longer. It's hard, I remember what it was like when we lost Jingles after 15 years, it's heartwrenching. They are family. I remember more of Mow in his "younger, wilder" days. He was a good dog and a great friend and companion to Steve. He'll be missed but never forgotten. I'm thinking of you guys :)
Miss you all, give my best to my big Bro and the little ones.

[manda]

I'm so sorry to read this Amanda. My heart goes out to all of you. Very, very sad.

[brandie]

oh amanda, i am so sorry. very sorry for steve and the babes, too. mow sounds like he was a wonderful companion, and i am sure he will be missed dearly. that is a very lovely photo and story of him, and it sounds like he lived one heck of a life. my thoughts are with you...

[amanda]

I am so very sorry to hear this. So much sadness for Steve, who has surely lost a dear friend. And for you all. Des believes quite strongly that when one dies, one's spirit is passed on to another. So, perhaps Mow will roam the planet with new puppy legs in the days to come. Here's hoping.

[jean]

Well, Amanda. I just posted the above as you. That would be from me to you, not you to you. xxoo

[laurie]

i know just how you feel. posted about it this week. lost our 12 year old golden 3 months ago and just one week ago today we got our 8 wk old golden. starting all over again!!

[jacqueline]

I am so sorry. My love for my dog, Zeppelin, is so strong and deep I can only glimpse your loss.

[Lynette]

Sympathy for your loss. It's hard to see the fuzzies and furries go, huh?. Sounds like you have plenty of memories to remember him by. The photos are beautiful. RIP, Mow.

[vania]

I'm so sorry for your loss too. My dog died a couple of years ago and i still think of her often - she was just an important family member. I can empathize about your feelings. Stay strong.

[Angela]

Oh, I am so sorry for your family's loss. I too am crying. Animal family members are so wonderful and important.You all will always keep your great memories of him. What a beautiful post in honor of of your puppy. My heart goes out to you.

[Lori]

Sending hugs your way, so sorry to hear of the loss.

[stacy]

You're very fortunate to have had such a wonderful four legged family member to learn with and from. May big, dimpled smiles grace the faces of those remembering Mow.

[Tambra]

Hugs to you and Steve. My heart aches for your loss. After a good cry, Gyro (our ridgeback) and I went for a good, long hike in Mow's memory!

[Toni]

So hard to say goodbye, and such a reality of life we all go through. We've said goodbye to 2 furry friends thus far..it hurts. *Big hugs* to all of you.

[sofia]

you made me cry :-( Bye Mow...be happy in the dog's paradise ...

[Sandrine (alias Didine!)]

Oh I'm so sorry ! It's too sad. Tears are in my eyes. I send you all my love for you and your familly ! Smooches from Belgium

[Jo]

The photos and words commemorate him with such dignity. I haven't cried this way since I was a kid watching Lassie movies...

[meredebluebelle]

Oh, Sweetie, I'm sooo sorry.... Thank you for including the stories of Mow's lifetime adventures. He had a richer and fuller life than many, many people I know. How blessed he was to have you and Steve, and for you to have him.

[Gemma Grace]

My heart is with you ~

[Dorothy]

I'm so sorry. I hope your family eventually fills the hurting, emply space with happy memories. Mow was a wonderful spirit in the world, and continues to be. Carry it on!

[Dorothy]

I'm so sorry. I hope your family eventually fills the hurting, emply space with happy memories. Mow was a wonderful spirit in the world, and continues to be. Carry it on!

[lynette]

i'm sorry to hear about your wonderful dog!

[Dana]

Wonderful tribute.

[bellablue]

{{{{Soulefamily}}}} My thoughts are with you all... Poor Steve. My heart breaks for him. They've been through a lot together. Know we are thinking of you.

[mrspilkington]

he's everlastingly beautiful. i'm sending big hugs. we lost two our our (feline) buddies in the last year...i know it's so tough.

[kathy b]

Mow, what a gift. What a tribute.
It is so difficult. So different from other grief. Be kind to yourselves...its a hard time.

[lisa]

so sorry to hear about this, dear amanda. such a gorgeous dog. blessings to you and your family...

[hutch]

Soule Family,
Really great fun hanging with you and yours yesterday, and Amanda that is a true portrait in words of the conection between Steve and Mow. Can you expound ? Maybe get Steve to write up a little bit of the Life of Mow ? I know Java and i learned a lot from hanging out with those two. Long live the leashless !! One of my never forget memories: Mow and Java running river right at Big A as we'd float down through the waves... free as we wanted to be, bound by love.

[button]

Dear little Mow :) what a wonderful life and loved family member ... rest in peace, adorable doggy.

[Amber]

Sounds like Mow had such a wonderful life. I'm sure he will really be missed!

[Bree]

I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with your family.