I’m just going to fucking rip the bandage off today, because we are already grieving Rosie. I was going to make another FP write this for me (looking at you Adam) but it didn’t seem fair.
Bixby died in his sleep yesterday after a very brief, but intense illness. As many of you may remember, he had an adverse reaction to (or overdose of) Maropitant citrate two years ago that left him paralyzed. He was amazing and willed himself to recover, but his health was never robust after that and I truly knew I was treasuring each day I got with him after that. He gave me seven great years and the best hugs.
I’m about as messed up as I have ever been right now, but I needed to let you know because you’ve been on the journey since he was a pup and I’m not going to want to talk about it the rest of the week. Just hunker down with Scout and grieve our loss.
Hug your critters for me today…
NCSteve
I am so sorry.
ruemara
I’m so sorry, Tamara. Much love and support.
Elizabelle
I am so sorry, TaMara. Again, good life and all, but what a shock. Condolences.
Joy in FL
Oh, TaMara, I am so sorry.
You and Scout take care of each other.
eclare
Oh no! I am so sorry!
Pharniel
I am so sorry.
Cheryl Rofer
Bad day. Hugs, TaMara.
JanieM
Will be thinking of you…….
Spanky
Oh jeez… So, so sorry, TaMara. Take what little solace you can in that he left on his own terms. Not that it makes it any easier on you or his pack. Hugs.
currants
Oh, not Bixby too! Tamara, I am so sorry. I have so loved your Bixby (and then Scout, and duck…) posts, and … I’m sorry.
kindness
All my Condolences. Please.
Man, tough day for the front page folks.
pika
Oh dear–I am so sorry…I loved watching him so and was so moved by his journey in 2019. I am so very sorry for your loss
A woman from anywhere (formerly Mohagan)
TaMara, I am so sorry. {{hugs}}
xjmuellerlurks
My sincerest sympathy.
sherparick
So sorry for your loss. Bixby was such a good dog and so splendid looking and such a good heart. His memory will always be a blessing. Tough way to start the week as both Bixby and Rosie cross the rainbow bridge.
CaseyL
Oh my god. Fuck fuck fucketty fuck.
I worried about how much Bixby had recovered, but he seemed so energetic and strong again, and I was happy just to accept the miracle that he had recovered at all. (Any slowdown was, surely, just age and maturity…)
TaMara, my heart breaks for you; and for Scout, who has also lost her best bud. Bixby was an amazing dog, a darling in every way.
I am so, so sorry.
Another Scott
Oh no. :-( I’m very sorry. Condolences to you and all of your furry and feathered family.
Best wishes,
Scott.
eric
so sorry :(… my heart aches for you!
badgirl
Oh such an awful day! I am so very sorry for your loss.
Wolvesvalley
Oh, no! What can I say except that I feel your pain!
I will hug my kitties for you. (And for me.)
Tom Levenson
I’m so sorry, and yes, I am going to finish typing this and play with Tikka. Bixby was such a special creature, so clearly evident in your posts. I wish you joy in his memory, the more so when the immediate wretchedness of his loss does not dominate.
Again, so sorry.
Rosalita
Hugs TaMara, I am sorry.
MomSense
Oh my god NO. Tamara I’m so sorry. This is just heartbreaking. Sending condolences to you and your pack. Big big hugs.
?
Betty Cracker
Terrible news, TaMara — I’m so sorry. He was a good and brave boy.
WaterGirl
Oh, my god, TaMara. Shocking and heartbreaking. He had it all, a great mom, Scout, kitty friends, duck friends, a full and great life. And now he’s gone. I am so sorry.
MagdaInBlack
Well this day just sucks pet-wise. I am so sorry.
Soprano2
I’m so sorry, Tamara. What a sucky day.
Bluegirlfromwyo
I’m so sorry. He was a dear, sweet fighter. Hugs to you and your pack.
Bad Monday here at Balloon Juice.
Steeplejack
Whoa, tough day for the Balloon Juice menagerie. Condolences to you and yours, TaMara. ?
NeenerNeener
I’m so sorry. This week sucks, and it’s only Monday….
WaterGirl
@Betty Cracker: Bixby had heart. In spades.
randy khan
I’m so sorry. I’m glad for him that it was peaceful, but that doesn’t really take the sting away.
skerry
I am so sorry.
West of the Rockies
Good heavens, a brutal pet day! I’m so sorry. Tamara.
Jackie
Oh, TaMara!???
He was such a good doggo and a devoted duckling nanny. May he be at peace and pain-free.
Go snuggle with Scout and let your tears go.
Kristine
I am so so sorry ?
Dorothy A. Winsor
Cripes. That’s awful. What a terrible day for BJ pets
Baud
What an dreadful day. I’m very sorry, TaMara.
peter
We lost an English Mastiff many years ago, and for us there was something especially hard about losing a dog who is bigger than you are. Your Bixby was a beautiful dog, Tamara. I hope you can relish the memories of the good times you had.
narya
I’m so sorry.
Betty
So very sorry, TaMara. You shared his beautiful life with us and gave us all moments of joy. Losing a good friend always hurts, but so much more when it is too soon. I hope your remaining family can help you through this grief.
WereBear
Oh, no! I’m so sorry.
rikyrah
Oh no
I am so sorry
He was a beautiful boy. ??????
So dignified.
He terrified me because of his size, but he was wonderful with the ducks.
John Cole
God damnit. I’m sorry, T-money.
Omnes Omnibus
My condolences.
Everyone else, wrap your pets in bubble wrap but leave space for them to breathe.
Anotherlurker
I am so sorry, TaMara. Losing a loved one is never easy. I still morn for my Bella, Ginger and Buddy. I am so grateful that my sweet Addie is next to me on the couch, now.
Smile when you think of Bixby. You were both very lucky to have known each other.
dmsilev
Oh no. So very sorry to hear that. Condolences to you, Scout, and the rest of the menagerie.
Delk
Ugh… so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you.
Bunter
I am so very sorry. I loved reading your stories.
raven
Oh TaMara, I wish I had a dog to hug. The Bohdi, Lil Bit, Rosie and Bixby are runnin free.
SWMBO
RIP Bixby. My heart breaks for you and your critters. He truly was a gentle giant with an enormous heart.
geg6
Oh my god, TaMara! My heart is absolutely broken for you. Bixby was the absolute best of dogs. So patient and loyal and loving. Know that I am thinking of you, my friend, and my most positive thoughts and love are with you, Scout and the whole menagerie. We will all miss him.
Jenny Howard
I’m so sorry you lost your beautiful friend.
hedgehog mobile
So sorry, TaMara. Off to hug my clowder now.
jackmac
God gifted us with the the company and devotion of dogs but didn’t want us to get too comfortable with anything approaching a long life. I grieve with you and Cole over the loss of your doggos. I’ll try to honor both Bixby and Rosie by giving my Bailey a extra hugs and treats today.
Mary G
I didn’t cry for Rosie; it was her time and John knew what was coming. But this coming out of the blue is just crushing. Bixby was a light in the world and helped me get over a fear of big dogs. Just seeing how gentle and kindhearted he was babysitting the ducklings. I’m so sorry.
sab
Danes have short lifespans, but God should reconsider that. I am so sorry. We had a St Bernard Dane rescue who was the love of my life. I only had her two years, but I loved her more than puppies I have raised. Sweet, sensible, kind. Also fun loving (aka mischief.) I am so sorry.
NickM
More bad news. RIP, Bixby. Condolences to TaMara and family.
p.a.
$#*+. Deepest sympathy. What a effed day.
SkyBluePink
What an extraordinary dogboy –
What a terrible loss –
Deepest condolences –
Di
So very sorry, TaMara.
What a crappy day.
jeffreyw
It’s a bad day. Condolences all around.
trollhattan
Oh, what a cruel blow. So sorry you’ve lost noble Bixby. :-(
J R in WV
So sorry for your loss.
I’m gonna go to bed and read escapist fiction, partly because CooCoo our big dog is asleep in there. I can be with the dogs in the bedroom.
What a shitty day. Will hug and pet all the furry babies right away.
Take care, everyone!
Middlelee
Oh god, I am so sorry. RIP Bixby.
R-Jud
Bixby and Rosie and my sister’s very good boy Luke, all on the same date. A bad day for good dogs.
Sorry, TaMara.
cckids
Oh Tamara, I’m so sorry. Bixby was a treasure, and he knew you loved him so. Take care of yourself and Scout.
Emma from Miami
This is definitely one of the worst days. I am so very sorry!
MazeDancer
Sobbing with you, TaMara.
Bixby was so beautiful inside and out.
So unfair he’s gone. But you gave him a perfect life. Including ducks!
Juliet
This is so sad. Please take care of yourself.
japa21
Damn. Damn. Damn.
J.
Oh, TaMara… How absolutely awful. I have so enjoyed reading about Bixby (and your menagerie) over the years, and my heart breaks for you — and Scout. Sending love and virtual hugs.
Ruckus
Tough day. Tamara, so very sorry to hear, they are such great additions to our lives and a great loss when they go.
Josie
Condolences, TaMara, to you, Scout, and the ducks. I know this will be so hard for all of you, but especially for you.
JPL
I’m so sorry. ???
martha
Big hugs from just south of you. Both you and John are making me think of our Ellie, gone 14 months now. They do rip out pieces of our heart, don’t they…
cckids
I’m terrified for my Hermione, my 19-year old empress tortie. This heat is just brutal for her.
Wag
First Rosie and now Bixby. What a sad day. My condolences to you.
E.
Weeping a bit right now, probably partly because I feel I am very close behind you with my kitty. So sorry.
Mike in NC
Man, this is just too much. Again sending out condolences.
tandem
I am so sorry. Tom said it better than I ever could: “Bixby was such a special creature, so clearly evident in your posts. I wish you joy in his memory, the more so when the immediate wretchedness of his loss does not dominate.” And now I go to play with Bootstrap and Inspector Sliderule and focus on how special each of them is, in his own way.
zhena gogolia
I am so sorry, TaMara. What a day.
I will always remember beautiful Bixby and the duckteens, and how gentle he was with them.
mrmoshpotato
@currants:
My thought too.
Sorry for your loss, TaMara. Hugs to you all.
Laura Too
No words are adequate. I am so sorry!
cain
I’m so sorry about Bixby – he was a sweet doggo – loved the videos of him and the ducklings. My condolences to you and the rest of the pack on this sad day – losing two pets for the FPers.. a terrible loss.
Nyrobbin
I’m so sorry TaMara. Bixby was such a special boy ? just know that you gave him his best life. ???
la caterina
Too soon. This is terrible news. What a gentle giant Bixby was. Condolences to you Tamara and all those who loved him.
OzarkHillbilly
So sorry, TaMara.
mvr
My condolences.
HeleninEire
Oh no. So sorry. What a good, beautiful boy. RIP Bixby.
SiubhanDuinne
Oh TaMara, this is heartbreaking. I’m just more sorry than I can say.
Have to stop typing. Can’t see the keyboard through the tears.
RIP Bixby, you wonderful, funny, gorgeous boy.
dp
What they all said. So sad, and I’m so sorry.
Tony Jay
So sorry, TaMara.
Run fast and free, Bixby, you big handsome boy.
Miss Bianca
Oh, no, not Bixby too!
One woe doth tread another’s heel…
So sorry to hear it, TaMara. The big ones, like the Danes, never seem to last as long as the littler guys, it’s so unfair. RIP, Bixby.
Amir Khalid
Rest in peace, Bixby. You weren’t merely a big dog; you were a great dog. Tamara, it wasn’t so long ago that we lost Penelope, and this must be hard. My condolences.
PJ
So sorry for your loss, Tamara.
Odie Hugh Manatee
Sending my condolences to you and yours, TaMara. Rest in peace you big, beautiful doggie.
As usual, Mondays continue to suck eggs.
MoCaAce
Oh No… what a sad shitty day!
I got a little choked up with John’s post, then yours pushed me over the edge. I need to go for a walk so my coworkers won’t wonder why I’m crying at my computer.
light and blessings to both you and John.
Ohio Mom
Oh dear, so sorry to hear this! What a horrible shock it must have been when you went to see why he wasn’t stirring.
Hoping you find much comfort in your memories of Bixby, and solace in knowing he had a wonderful life with you.
Leto
I’m so sorry, TaMara.
Bex
So hard to say goodbye to a brave doggie who fought his way back and stayed two more years with you. RIP Bixby.
LeftCoastYankee
Sorry news Tamara.
Your tales of him were a treat, with love and humor shining through. He was a big sweet patient duck herder.
HumboldtBlue
Bye, Bixby.
Linda M
I’m so sorry, Tamara.
Origuy
Very sorry, Tamara.
Martin
Christ what a shitty weekend. Hugs to TaMara and Cole. Also learned that an online acquaintance was harassed into suicide this weekend.
It was actually a really nice weekend that suddenly collapsed this morning. I should be sad, but I’m furious. There are a lot of people in this world who shouldn’t be able to project their voices farther than their street corner.
Cheryl from Maryland
Oh noes. TaMara, I’m so sorry.
Madeleine
I’m so sorry, Tamara. Your posts about Bixby’s determination to recover so touched me. I’m sad that he couldn’t stay with all of you longer.
satby
Deepest condolences TaMara. Truly sad news, he was the bestest good boy ever, and he felt your deep love every day. That’s their version of heaven, and you gave him that.
Barbara
I am so sorry about Bixby. What a sad day.
Sebastian
RIP Bixby. You were a good boy.
Mingobat (f/k/a Karen in GA)
Not Bixby too! He was such a fighter. I’m so sorry!
Sure Lurkalot
Oh no! I loved reading about Bixby and friends. He was such a beautiful dog and fine pet. I’m so sorry.
tinare
So sorry, Tamara. I live vicariously through you with the ducks and the Danes. I have a very soft spot for Great Danes and always wanted one, but once I could get a dog, I was too old to handle one that large on my own. Bixby was a great example of his breed and had a wonderful life with you. My heart breaks for you. I hate that their lives are so short. They are too good for this world.
Steeplejack
@R-Jud:
Sorry to hear about your sister’s dog. Condolences to her and you.
AliceBlue
Oh no! So sorry–he was such a special, sweet boy.
Sister Machine Gun of Quiet Harmony
Ouch. I am so sorry.
Jane2
Condolences…he was always such a good boy.
Juju
I’m so sorry about Bixby. He was such a good boy and a joy to read about and look at the pictures you posted. I’m glad you have Scout to help you with your grief. Again, I am so sorry to hear about Bixby.
Dan B
Bixby looked like a big Dane. They’re so regal in their manner and then they galumph around and are the goofiest louts around. What’s not to love?
I worry about our two kittehs, Wobbles and Ba Boo in this heat – 106 and windy – but they were just inside flat on the wood floor in our AC for about an hour.
Give extra hugs to Scout. It gets you hugs back in return.
cliosfanboy
Today sucks. I am so sorry.
krackenJack
TaMara: Through you Bixby brought joy to so many people here. We will all miss him and and his memory will be a blessing.
Ken
My sympathies.
Jay C
So sorry, TaMara: sincerest condolences.
dexwood
Wag on, Bixby, wag on. Truly sorry for you, Tamara.
JeanneT
Oh no! My sympathies to your whole household, Tamara.
Tazj
I’m so sorry for the loss of a beautiful and gentle good dog.
Mai Naem mobile
I am so sorry Tamara. You gave Bixby a wonderful life.
Alison Rose
So so sorry <3 Giving my kitty extra hugs today. I was a bit sad because yesterday would’ve been my previous cat’s birthday, the first since she passed, so I’d already been smothering her with snuggles. Now she gets even more.
Miki
Oh, TaMara …. Not Bixby, too? Ugly crying has commenced.
{{{{{{{{TaMara & Scout & The Feathered Family}}}}}}}}
Rest in peace, Bixby.
Quiltingfool
Oh, I am sorry. Such sadness today. Blessings be upon you, my Sister.
stinger
Oh my god no. Deepest condolences to you and Scout.
jnfr
This is so unfair. I am so sorry for you and yours, TaMara. Peace to Bixby.
worn
TaMara –
Reading about the passing of Bixby is just a double gut punch. I am so very sorry for your loss. But he did have a wonderful life with you, one filled with love and comfort (this I know from your sharing glimpses of your life together with the menagerie over the years). And that’s really the important thing.
It is at times like these that words fall short. All the best and take care.
Sandia Blanca
Another heart broken here. So sad for you, TaMara.
O. Felix Culpa
Bixby was a noble beast and he will be greatly missed. Hugs to you and Scout.
Ben Cisco
OH NO!!
So sorry TaMara. Take the time you need to heal.
Everybody else go hug your pet – please no more loss today…
Gregory
Aw, no. I am so sorry. May you always take comfort in the memory of your good dog.
banditqueen
So so sorry about your beloved Bixby. We are all so lucky to have the best animals in the world in our lives — thank you for sharing your Bixby with us.
Just One More Canuck
I’m so very sorry
Old School
My condolences, TaMara.
Sister Golden Bear
I’m so sorry. Hugs, if hugs are OK.
errg
Oh no, poor sweet thing. I’m very sorry for you, I enjoyed seeing pictures of Bixby over the years…
cbear
I am so very sorry for your loss, TaMara.
Bixby was a beautiful boy and a VERY GOOD DOG, and I have always loved seeing his kind and expressive face in your posts.
Peace.
schrodingers_cat
RIP noble Bixby.
bookdragon
So sorry. my heart is breaking for you and John.
I’m going home now to hug my fur kids
Grover Gardner
Oh no. Our whole family is going to miss him, we so loved to read about his adventures. I’m so sorry.
Wanderer
So sorry for your loss… I too had a Bixby and miss him terribly. He was a Cairn. Every mention of your Bixby brought my Bixby to mind. Your Bixby was valiant in his recovery to stay with you. I am sorry for your loss and will miss him.
alhutch
Thank you for sharing Bixby (and your entire crew) with the blog. Very sorry for your loss.
Rob
RIP Bixby. I’m sorry, Tamara.
Ghost of Joe Liebling*s Dog
Deepest sympathies. What a sad day; I’m so sorry.
grandmaBear
oh no, I’m so sorry. My own Mac is going into surgery tomorrow to remove a cancerous growth. The oncologist thinks it looks good and he’s not suffering now, but he’s 9 1/2 and a large golden, so I know I’m facing the end before too long however things turn out. This diagnosis just forced me to confront that. I’ve been sad ever since and today’s double bad news has just felt like a heavy weight. I feel like I’ve known these puppies too.
arrieve
I am so so sorry TaMara. He was such a good dog — I loved his face.
K
This spring I so looked forward to the videos of your ducklings with Bixby. I’m so sorry for your loss, which we all share today.
Quantumman
There are no words that suffice. So very saddened to hear this. I have loved your Great Dane posts.
Hazmat
I’m so, so sorry. What a love he was. And well-loved.
columbusqueen
God bless Bixby. He was such a wonderful dog.
SectionH
I’m so,so sorry, Tamara. My deepest condolences.
Slwalczak
My heart goes out to you. Loved Bixby
planetjanet
I am so very sorry for your loss. Bixby was an amazing dog. I love how gentle and kind he was with the little ducklings.
leeleeFL
TaMara, I am so sad at your loss, there are only the words I’m sorry. I will hug my Daughter’s pups when I go over to her later. They’re the closest I have to my pests these days, but they love the Gramma Lee. Hugs to you and Scout.
JoyceCB
Oh God I’m sorry, Tamara. Bixby was one of my favourite Balloon Juice pets!
opiejeanne
Tamara, I am so sorry to read this about Bixby.
He was a good boy. .
Ann Marie
I’m so sorry, Tamara. Bixby was a good boy. My condolences to your (human and other) family, especially Scout, who must be missing him terribly.
CatHairEverywhere
I’m so sorry. Bixby was a good boy, and I loved reading stories about him.
Heidi Mom
I’m so very sorry for your loss, TaMara.
Zelma
What a sad day for our community. Two of our favorites gone at the same time.
My deepest sympathy TaMara. Bixby was much loved.
Darby'sMom
What a beautiful creature you had in your life! I’ve read every post and just reveled in the joy that was obvious in every sentence you posted. I am so sorry for your loss.
TomatoQueen
Our embrace expands to bring them close and our arms are empty in the end. We do our best to care for them and love them and it is in the end never enough when they are called.
Beloved Bixby on the Bridge.
Albatrossity
“Sadness is plural, but grief is singular.” Victoria Chang.
We are all with you, thinking of you, and knowing that it will not be enough.
Debbie(Aussie)
TaMara I am so very sorry.
debit
I am so sorry, TaMara. He was such a kind, sweet and gentle boy. They stay with us for too short a time.
Rileys Enabler
I’m so very sorry, Tamara. I loved reading all about Bixby and your little zoo of amazing critters. He seemed such a dear soul. Extra love to you and Scout tonight. I’m so sorry.
Earl
My condolences to you and yours, TaMara.
Avalune
:(
Coming out of hiding to offer condolences. Doggo losses are so tough.
moonbat
I am so very sorry that Bixby is gone. He had the best luck in Dog Moms though. Lots of virtual hugs to you, Scout, and the ducks.
StringOnAStick
Every time I see a Dane I think of you and Bixby and Scout; I’m so sorry for your loss.
Pauline
I am so very sorry. I always loved reading about Bixby, a very good dog.
Adam C
I’m sorry, Tamara. These days come, but they’re never easy.
MaryRC
I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved reading about and seeing photos of Bixby, such a beautiful, loving creature. My heart goes out to poor Scout and the cats and the ducks who will miss him too.
dww44
@Pauline: I too enjoyed the Bixby stories and pics. So very sorry he’s gone.
SFAW
Oh, no! Oh, TaMara, I’m so sorry. I’m more of a cat person, but I always enjoyed seeing Bixby’s smiling (so to speak) face. Deepest condolences.
Benw
I’m so sorry Tamara. He was a beautiful soul.
NotoriousJRT
My heart belatedly but sincerely and absolutely goes out to you. I could tell Bixby was a special boy. I am so sorry for your loss.
suilebhan
I’ve never met Bixby, but I know him from your wonderful posts. He is missed, and I’m terribly sorry for your loss.
Embra
We’re holding you in our hearts…broken as they are to hear this sad news.
Starfish
I did not see this until John mentioned it this morning. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jennie
Longtime lurker stopping by to say how very sorry I am about Bixby. I’ve so loved seeing his photos and hearing about his adventures over the years. He was a very fine dog indeed. The best boy.
Vidya
Much love and hugs. I’m just a lurker here, but as a dog person who had to say goodbye to my 8 year old Korra last August due to heart failure, I know how much it hurts. Give Scout an extra hug from me.
biff murphy
So sorry for your loss Tamara and that I missed this yesterday. Our animals truly are family.
best biff
Nutmeg again
Oh, God. I missed this. I can’t begin to say how sorry I am. I know how the big guys get into your heart and soul. All the love in world to you right now.