Bess

     On Saturday morning our much-loved dog Bess reached the end of her life.

We had twelve very happy years with her and her importance as part of our family can't be overstated.

In the early days of Cornflower I wrote this about our dogs: 

     The affection, unconditional approval and companionship which they give us are a source of comfort, amusement, entertainment and delight in a sometimes trying, harsh world. They are constant in their devotion, eager to please and always in a good mood. Unlike people, they don't ask for much, and they unfailingly show their gratitude. We are lucky to have them.

We were indeed lucky to have Bess. We miss her very much.

Comments

[Mary]

I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Beloved pets are so integral to family life, it hurts terribly when they are no longer with us. My thoughts are with you and your family.

[Lisa W]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of dear Bess. Sending thoughts of comfort your way...

[Sandy]

I'm very sorry that Bess has gone from your life and hope that our sharing your distress will help a little. She will never leave your heart and the memories will be there for you forever.

[Barbara]

I'm so sorry.

[Amy]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm happy to hear that she had a wonderful life with you.

[Femke]

I'm so sorry for your loss. There is nothing like a dog's love and the unconditional way with which they give it to you.

[Mary Mccartney]

I'm so sorry to hear about Bess - they leave such a big hole in our lives when they go as inevitably they do. We have a Bess as well and I know how much she enriches our lives.

[Darlene]

Bess looks like she was quite the lady and her life was filled with kisses and cuddles no doubt. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Karen.

[ctussaud]

How lovely she looks in those beach photos. You will miss her horribly, and I know the feeling, having cried for several dogs in my time. There really isn't anything quite like them, or the love they give, and generate in their turn.

[ctussaud]

How lovely she looks in those beach photos. You will miss her horribly, and I know the feeling, having cried for several dogs in my time. There really isn't anything quite like them, or the love they give, and generate in their turn.

[Jennifer]

I'm so sorry for your loss. She is a beautiful dog.

[rhonda]

So sorry for your loss.We have a13 year old golden &we are treasuring every minute with her.What a beautiful dog you loved.

[Margaret Powling]

We who have similarly said goodbye to our pets know how you feel ... our thoughts are with you.

[cath]

So sorry for your loss.

[Julie Fredericksen]

I am so, so sorry. We have had to go through this five times, most recently with our golden, Penny, who was only six. Still, it wouldn't prevent me from having dogs. We are down to one now but hope to get another. I could tell Bess was an old girl even before I saw her age. Three of our dogs lived very long lives (14,14 and 16) and we were so happy to have them all those years.

[Barbara]

So sorry to hear about Bess, what a lovely lady she looked. It's always heartbreaking to lose such a friend. My thoughts are with you.

[Anne]

Sorry for your loss. Bess was a lucky dog, having a caring loving family. All of you will miss such a lovely creature.

[Lesley-Ann]

So very sorry, nothing prepares you for this, no matter how many times you have to go through it. Pets are a very important part of our lives, I miss every pet I have ever owned, and can still shed a tear. Thoughts with you and your family.

[LoriAngela]

So sorry for your loss. She was a blessing. I will take extra time with my big black lab today.

[Rosie]

Thinking of you.

[Gill]

How sad. Bess looks very gentle & loving. I too am thinking of you.

[Mr Cornflower]

By a melancholy coincidence I spotted this in "I Capture the Castle": "Cruel blows of fate call for extreme kindness in the family circle". Many thanks to all those in the wider Cornflower family who have taken the trouble to leave a comment, your kindness is much appreciated.

[Your Mother]

Your news on Saturday morning was such a shock. How very much we will miss dear Bess. Now there will be only Molly sitting waiting for the piece of toast I gave them when having breakfast when down in Edinburgh.Bess was a much loved "member" of the family and getting over her loss will take some time. Poor Molly will miss her constant companion. Your Dad will miss her company when the family visit us in the Highlands and the children will now pour all their love on Molly - thank goodness you have Molly. Our love to you all, Mum.

[ElfgirlMchan]

Karen, I can't even begin to say how sorry I am for the loss of Bess. I had always heard Alice speak so highly of her, and once I met her this summer, every bit of that and then some was proven true. She was an extremely lovable dog, the very definition of a sook, an elegant lady, and one incredibly sweet companion. I was and still am thrilled and honoured that I was able to meet her and spend such good time with her this summer, and even though I was only with her for the better part of July, I miss her as well.

As you know, I am far too familiar with this pain, but I'd like to think that my own case is a testament that all six of you (Mollie too, of course) can and will make it through this, carrying her pawprints on your hearts as added strength. You all have my deepest sympathy and strongest love, and I hope that you know that I am there for all of you in spirit and otherwise. I'm thinking of all of you.

-Mary

[Deirdre]

I'm sorry, Karen.

[Linda C.]

So sorry about your loss of Bess. My thoughts will be with you and your family at this sad time.

[Mrs. Pom]

Dear Bess looks like she was quite a sweet dog. I hope she is barking and running over The Rainbow Bridge, the place where all pets go in heaven. A hug to you all and to the spirit of such a gentle canine.

[Karen]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure she had a happy, loving home; she was as lucky to have you as you were to have her.

[jodi]

I am so sorry about the loss of your dog.

[Claire]

So sorry. Your black lab looked lovely. It is very sad to lose a loved family pet. It takes time to stop hearing the tinkle of their collar or the patter of paws coming in from the garden. I know she'll have had a very happy life with you all.

[adele geras]

Oh, Cornflower how awful. I remember Bess well and she was so lovely. You must all be very sad. Thinking of you.

[Liz F]

I'm so sorry for your loss of Bess.
Having mourned a beloved pet this year, my heart goes out to you.

[rj]

Losing a four-legged friend leaves an awful gap of sadness. Thinking of the Cornflower house.

[carole]

I am so sorry, heartbreaking.

[Rhona]

I am so sorry about your Bess.

[Georgina]

They are so much a part of our families, aren't they? I do feel for you all.

[mrspao]

So sorry to hear about Bess. They do leave a big hole in our lives.

[Rebecca]

Oh Karen, I am so sorry. I know how much the loss of a family pet hurts. Thinking of you.

[Boo]

I am so sorry about the loss of your dear Bess. I have one black Lab, and she is 11 years old. I treasure each day we spend together, especially when we are out in the garden together. Bless you.

[pamela]

I am so very sorry. There is nothing harder.
You are in my prayers.

[Claire (Paperback Reader)]

So sorry for your loss. Having suffered the loss of my beloved pet cat only three months ago, I know how painful it is and I feel for you.

[Nicole]

I'm so sorry to hear the sad news. My heart goes out to you.

[dovegreyreader]

Oh Karen **hugs** and I'm so sorry x

[Nicola]

Sorry for your loss - sending you love and light, Karen.

[Zoe]

So sorry to hear about your sad news. My thoughts are with you. Zoe x

[sarah]

How awful for you - we only got our first dog last year and already I just can't imagine how you will begin to cope with the loss. They become such real members of the family and bring so much joy, generally without the pain! Kind thougts. Sarah

[Suzanne]

I'm very, very sorry for you. My 2 Irish Setters Roosje and Lotte are nearly 14 and they look as grey as your loveable Bess. I know, we all know, that a time will come in which we have to say goodbye, but even to think about it makes me feel sick at heart and very sad. But you did have a wonderful dog and you appreciated her and loved her and that's very important, I think. There are so many dogs in this world who are not loved enough.

[Karoline]

I'm so sorry to hear about Bess

[Oxslip]

Very sorry that Bess has died, she's a beauty, what a lovely animal to have looked after

[irene]

I am just back from Scotland and so sorry to know Bess has died. She is still in your heart and always will be. She looks very like my old lab Daisy who died aged 16 some 10 years ago. I still miss her and know that she enriched my life and my partners life so very much. I have an old collie now who is 13 and of course I cried when I read your paragraph about dogs.
So sorry Karen. Here is a hug *** from me and little wag from old Robbie the collie.

[sakura]

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. We lost our cocker spaniel of 12 years Puccini in May. And although it's still very sad, we look back at all the funny things he did and it puts a smile on our faces. I hope you treasure your memories of Bess.

[Nan]

Oh, dear Karen, I am very sorry. Even from so far a distance, I have felt such fondness for your dogs, and the posts in which they appeared have always meant so much to me. There are no words. Each of us who loves dogs knows just how you are feeling.