(#77) Thank You and Goodbye

It went by quickly. Almost eight years. That’s short even in pup years. But things happen that we can’t control.  And I have peacefully crossed The Rainbow Bridge.

Steve and I did a lot in that short period, and I know he planned for both of us to do much more for much longer. I met so many kind humans who brought me joy. Whether in the big buildings where we walked and greeted thousands (over the years) with smiles (and a few tears) or on the cool beach sand where we stood with friends to watch the sunrise, I never met one unkind soul. I was fortunate every day, from biscuits to belly rubs to hearing my name called.

The first photo of Steve and me. He called it Gotcha Day.
Photo courtesy of Donna Deegan.

A lot has happened in this short time. From Hoppi and Steve bringing me home to Steve and me working as a pet therapy team to doctors helping my hurt leg and belly to my morning beach walks. I wrote a book, an Instagram page, and a blog (Steve did the typing). And so much more. The friends I’ve made. The belly rubs I have received. The biscuits I’ve eaten. (OK, gobbled!) And the evening couch time.

Life has been good to me. Love plentiful. And my purpose of connecting with humans has grown.

Photo courtesy of Harriet Pruette.

The last few months have been tough for me as my health and energy continued to decline. I tried to keep a good face for my people as long as I could. It was time to move toward the Rainbow Bridge.

I think it has been tougher for Steve and Hoppi. They kept me comfortable. I tried to stay close to them, look at them, and nuzzle them. I’ll miss both of my humans more than biscuits…a lot more. We had a bond. A strong bond. Please give them a hug when you see them.

I have loved who I lived with, where I lived, and what I got to do.

What else can a pup ask for?

I am grateful.

Thank you and goodbye.

WOOF!

R.I.P. (April 17, 2015 – February 7, 2023)

____________

Thanks for coming back to my final blog post. You have always made me happy.

My book, Roxie Looks for Purpose Beyond the Biscuit, is still available. I shared stories and lessons about friends, family, and fun. And I wrote about purpose as well. (Steve always said for dogs we might just want to call it “furpose.” He makes words up, I think. I will miss him.) The book may hold a biscuit or two for you or a friend!

WOOF!

The Growth and Resilience Network®
Steve Piscitelli. 2023©

19 thoughts on “(#77) Thank You and Goodbye

  1. Thank you for being in our pet therapy program for Baptist Beaches. Thanks for being the highlight of our day, every week.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It was our pleasure. The program gave both Roxie and me a purpose to serve our community.

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  2. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures. You will be missed Roxie. Take care Steve and Hopi. Thank you ah much for sharing Roxie with us.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Run free Roxie, you were loved here on earth💔🐾
    I met you when you were just a pup, and a good pup you were…..

    Liked by 1 person

  4. My heart is breaking for Steve and Hoppi. It is always the most difficult part of being partners with our 4-legged friends. But something tells me Roxie let you know when it was time. I will miss the morning posts from the beach. I always looked forward to those.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Julie. The morning beach photos will continue (in a few days)–but unfortunately, I will not have my best buddy next to me.

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  5. Dogs are always searching for purpose, it is hardwired in their DNA. Good dog, Roxie! You will be missed so much by your humans. I will miss you dearly. Thank you for what you have taught me here and beyond!!! I will see you in the stars. My love to Steve and Hoppi (The Humans).

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Oh how I looked forward to Roxie coming to my drawer for her biscuits. She was the highlight to a lot of peoples days. She was so loved and cared for by everyone.

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    1. Thank you, Cheryl. ANd she loved the biscuits!

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  7. What a precious pooch she was! I love how much love she brought others and her humans! She will be missed around the McGraw Hospice Center for Caring for sure. Rest on dear Roxie. Much love to you as well Steve.

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  8. Anyone who ever had the pleasure to meet Roxie and Steve could see the bond and love the two of them shared. My heart aches for Steve and Hoppi but I know Roxie will still be watching over them. She will always be in their hearts and in the hearts of the many people she touched. She will be missed.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I just finished Roxie’s book and enjoyed seeing a different side of her and her family. I had the distinct pleasure to be part of her care team over the years, and I was there to help her cross that Rainbow Bridge. With tears in my eyes, I’m sending lots of lot to Steve and Laurie. Roxie will be missed!

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    1. You were (and are) an angel, Dr. Chupp. You provided patient guidance to us and always answered our many questions. We will miss your care, kindness, and smile. Thank you and love from us to you.

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