“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”
~ Kahlil Gibran
Wednesday is my day for posting about death and dying.
Today just happens to be Ben’s birthday as well.
And for us, death and dying just came right to our front door, with the recent heartbreaking and sudden loss of our dear friend, Nurse Bert, the bestest and goofiest dog we have ever known.
I have tried, but I still can’t bring myself to tell you what happened yet. It was a little like being in a war zone for those last few hours of Bert’s life. We are still running on adrenaline and not enough sleep. We’re all still bruised and traumatised and too numb. We’re all still raw and feeling too much and not numb enough.
That’s what death brings to those who remain. A deep grief and sorrow. A total disorientation. An ocean of feeling and a desperate need to be able to find a way to navigate that ocean without our flimsy crafts being tossed around and going under.
On top of all of which I am undergoing procedures to help settle this intractable antibiotic-resistant UTI, which has been making life a misery.
While enduring a heatwave.
And with a dog left behind who is mourning the loss of his brother hard, and for whom there is currently only sadness in this world. Poor Cafe Dog, our sweet Harry, needs extra cuddles and care right now.
So, today we are having a very quiet day at home. We might just retreat to the only room with air-con – the bedroom – and all have a cuddle and a cry and try to catch up on some sleep.
Thank you so much for your outpouring of love and support. It has been such a comfort to us all.
Hug your loved ones, and be kind to yourselves and each other, today and always,
Much love to you from Nicole, Ben and Harry xx
Vale, Good Sir Bertle, the most distinguished Nurse, companion and burger connoisseur.
Ohh..look at that face!!! Soooo precious!
Sending much love to each of you! <3
I’m so sorry, Nicole. . .heart a wide as a mile had Nurse Bert. . .sending his soul love and thanks and honoring for the ways he looked after and cared for you and Ben and Harry. . .oh Chief Snuggler and warm covers maker. . .a deep bow to you
Those of us who have lost soul mate pets know your sadness and grief. I am so sorry for your loss and I know how it feels. I send you a hug of comfort and love.
So sad for your loss, Nicole. I said goodbye to 2 of my 3 dogs last year, and I know well the pain and grief you and Ben and Harry are experiencing. I have always enjoyed your posts about your dogs, and Nurse Bert was one of a kind. How blessed you were to know and to love him! May his spirit gently comfort you and may the goddess wrap you in her arms. ✨💖✨
No words just sending love xx
Heartfelt love and compassion for you all <3
Very, very sorry to hear about Bert. Thinking of you, Ben and Harry and the heaviness of losing him. What a wonderful life I imagine he had being part of your family. Xx ❤️❤️❤️
That’s OK. He is at a better place now.
I remember your post on how you found Bert as a puppy in the Carpark, so I always thought he had this very grateful look in his eyes in your photos of him. What a special dog! So sorry to hear he has passed.
Sorry to hear you have lost Bert, very dear fur friend 🌻
I feel your pain Nicole….pls take care !
All I can say is – I feel your pain Nicole….take care !
I am sobbing here Nicole because although I never met Burt , he has always been there on my computer screen tales if his adventures never ceased . That face soooooo adorable and like no other. Nurse Burt rest in peace my sweet one 😔😔😔😢😢😥
Love Cherryxxx
O heartbreak/broke for you and Nurse Bert….oceans of love across & beyond…healing in mind body & soul & cuddle comfort.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
Sending you and yours much love and hugs in your time of loss from Loving, NM, USA…….
So, so sorry. Have been through this too many times myself. And yet, wouldn’t have missed the loving connection I had with each of my dogs. Hugs and blessings to all of you.
Sending love and deeply-felt thanks for all you have shared. Nurse Burt will be sorely missed by many. 💝
Nicole,
I always enjoy looking at photos of your dogs and I always showed them to my husband saying they are the coolest looking dogs! I am so sorry for your loss of your much loved Bert. You are in my thoughts……jen
Such a huge loss Nicole and Ben and his buddy Harry. He’s in a beautiful place so try to find peace and love maybe another dog who needs love too.
So sorry for the loss of your family member Nicole…
It’s heartbreaking to hear he has passed Nicole. I’m so sorry for you all. They always leave such a big hole in our hearts and lives. I’m thinking of you all. xxxxx
I liked this post even though I don’t like this post. I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve lost 2 in as many years so I know the pain you’re feeling. It’s awful. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Sending much love to your little crew. much love sx
So sorry for your loss of your pet dog! Dogs are beautiful creatures so full of love and very good company. I have a palmeranian who is so attached to me. I can’t even think of him passing…it brings tears to my eyes!
My heartfelt condolences!
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Dear Nicole, It’s so hard to say you “like” a post like this. Losing a family member is hard (human or animal). Hugs () () () to all.
Poor lovely Nurse Burt. My tears are being added to yours Nicole as are many other teary streamlets I am sure all coming together to wash over him and carry him to a good dog place on a river of love and acknowledgment for his wonderful service to humanity.
As a dog lover it is a dearest wish that they will be waiting for us on the other side of that river when our own boat comes in.
So sorry for your sorrow at this time.
Much love from Elle
So sad when our beloved pets depart. A true display of unconditional love. Sending love and prayers to your family xx
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Take care of each other🙏
So sorry to hear that Nurse Bert is no longer here. It’s always so hard to say goodbye.
Lots of love to you all xxx
Love to you Ben and Harry. Bert was such a presence in all of our lives who read your beautiful heartfelt blog. Much love and tenderness from me.
Endless hugs from us 💖❤️💞
Dear Nicole,
I’m so sorry. Nurse Bert transitioned. I cheered him on in numerous blogs and laughed at his antics, just as you and Ben did. I’m sending blessings and love Bert’s way. His death is a shock to me and so many.
It almost feels wrong to wish Ben a Happy Birthday, but he needs our compassion too. I’m guessing the last thing he wanted to remember on his birthday was Nurse Bert’s death.
Love to your loving family – you, Ben, Harry and Bert wherever he is playing right now.
Love Brenda
Such adorable photos, of a much loved dog
I can’t bring myself to ‘like’ this post. I know you’re heartbroken, as are Ben and Harry … There’s been a lot of tears here, too. I loved The Bertle so hard, and feel grateful that he was in my life, and that he filled it with great love, joy, and laughter. Sending you big love today and always XOXO
My heart cry’s out for you.
Bert’s photos are beautiful – rest up today and cuddle – there will be other days to fight your battles.