Momo’s broken leg, February 2011
Last Thursday night, my princess died from what we believe was internal bleeding. Some of you may remember me briefly mentioning that she took a tumble, and although she checked out fine at the vet (minus her broken leg, pictured above), it seems she sustained some undetected internal injuries. Those who follow me on other social networking sites have no doubt heard the news, and for those who have offered their condolences/support/etc: thank you SO MUCH. My own recovery from this trauma would have been nigh impossible without your support, and I really feel so incredibly lucky to have such amazing friends, both online & offline.
Momo, February 2009
The first time I met “Mattie”, I knew I was taking her home. I had responded to an ad on Craigslist that took me through a labyrinth of suburban neighborhoods behind an abandoned Suzuki dealership on I-35. When her foster owners let me in the house, I could see her little face peeking out from around the foyer. She did this up until the day she died – peeked around corners until she was invited to come closer. Although incredibly shy, she allowed me to hold her for over two hours while I talked with her owners. The following evening, after getting consent from my sister & boyfriend, we took her home and renamed her “Momo”, which is Japanese for “Peach.”
December 2010
In just a few short weeks, Momo transformed from a timid puppy to a spoiled little girl who constantly sought out affection from others. She grew to love cuddling and rough-housing. Despite being incredibly small, she loved playing outdoors, and could even run faster than my parents’ border collie. During her last day, my sister and I let her lay out on a blanket out in the sun, and as much as it pains me to say it, I’m so glad that she was able to get some fresh air in her last few hours.
Just before she died, I drove my sister to her apartment, leaving my boyfriend with Momo and telling him to make her lay down. As soon as I left, Momo refused, and sat up waiting until I got home. As soon as I got back, Momo laid down just like I told her to, and I laid down next to her for a few minutes. It was here that she died, right next to her mommy, where she felt comfortable and loved. She had been waiting for me to get home to breathe her last breath.
For a Japanese Chin, Momo was quite vocal, and would talk to us when we told her to “use her words.” Coming home to a quiet apartment, where every squeak of furniture vaguely resembles her little voice, is so incredibly difficult. I would do anything to have my baby girl back, but when I see the little wooden box of her ashes sitting near my bed, I know that it’s completely impossible.
Momo and her Totoro toy, May 2010
The only way to prepare for such a loss is to make sure that you regret nothing in their lifetime – and I can say with certainty that Momo was never refused attention or love. Furthermore, very little of her life went undocumented in photos and videos, so it will be hard to forget any little detail of her personality. I’m working on uploading more photos to my Momo Flickr album, and I upload Photobooth, iPhone pictures, and animated gifs daily to my Tumblr. Also, I have a couple of really adorable videos of her uploaded to YouTube.
Mommy loves you, baby girl. You’ll never be forgotten. ♥
March 3, 2011 at 10:51 pm
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Momo’s mom sure is a strong lady!
March 15, 2011 at 1:32 am
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aw thank you so much! really, I’m not. I still cry all the time about it. But everyone’s support has made it so much easier – any strength I have comes from all of my wonderful friends and acquaintances!
March 3, 2011 at 11:01 pm
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I am so very sorry for your loss. Momo was a beautiful girl. I can’t imagine the pain you must be in. I have tears streaming down my face reading your post. Thank you for sharing this and reminding us that every second we have with our furry friends is precious.
March 3, 2011 at 11:06 pm
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I’m very sorry for your loss. It sounds like she lived a comfortable, happy life with you. I’ve followed your blog for awhile, and I always enjoyed seeing pictures of Momo.
March 3, 2011 at 11:26 pm
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aww that is so terrible! She was precious…it’s great that you have lots of photos of her
March 4, 2011 at 12:07 am
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I’m so sorry for your loss, Kaki. This post was a beautiful tribute. Rest in peace, Momo.
March 4, 2011 at 12:10 am
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how cute! lovely photos.
♥
claire
March 4, 2011 at 12:11 am
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how cute! lovely photos.
♥
claire
caelinyc.com
March 4, 2011 at 12:36 am
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can’t tell you how sorry i am.
March 4, 2011 at 12:54 am
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I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m tearing up reading this. I hope you are doing okay.
March 4, 2011 at 1:30 am
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aww poor momo. I have an old photo of my cat with the same totoro toy! how cute! http://www.flickr.com/photos/36391561@N08/4047301189/in/set-72157623213610488/
March 15, 2011 at 1:35 am
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oh my gosh, what an adorable picture! <3
March 4, 2011 at 6:04 am
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This was so beautiful and heartbreaking to read. The fact that she waited for you just shows the bond you two had x
March 4, 2011 at 6:08 am
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such a lovely tribute post. i did hear via twitter. hope you’re all ok xx
March 4, 2011 at 7:39 am
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oh, i’m so so sorry. i can only imagine how hard this must be for you; my 11 year old pekingese was very sick earlier this year and i just about lost my mind. momo was a gorgeous pup, and it’s obvious how much you loved her.
March 4, 2011 at 9:10 am
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I can’t stop crying over Momo :( This was a lovely tribute to that darling little girl.
March 4, 2011 at 10:20 am
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I can’t say it enough, I’m so incredibly sorry this happened to you. The loss was so sudden, it’s going to hurt more, because there was absolutely no way for you to prepare for this. But this is a beautiful tribute and it’s great that you can be sure you gave her all the attention and love in the world. Momo was a very very lucky girl. I’m sure she knows that and she’ll continue to live on in your heart.
March 4, 2011 at 8:03 pm
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awww how sad! at least the purple looks good!
March 4, 2011 at 10:25 pm
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I am so sorry for your loss, but she must have had a wonderful life with a loving owner like you. :) This made me tear up a little bit. Lost the cat I grew up with very suddenly 2 years ago. My greatest comfort was knowing that he was provided with love, companionship, and everything he could have possibly needed after we gave him a home. Much love & happiness to you. ♥
March 5, 2011 at 9:33 am
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oh sweetie<33
March 5, 2011 at 6:03 pm
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I’m so sorry for your loss.
March 6, 2011 at 7:16 pm
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This just breaks my heart. Sorry for your loss.
March 8, 2011 at 11:35 pm
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So sorry for your loss Catherine. This post brought a lot of tears to my eyes. I am currently spending the last few days/or weeks with my kitty who has severe kidney failure. I’m glad Momo got to spend the last few moments of her life by your side. Rest in peace cute little pup.
March 15, 2011 at 1:46 am
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My thoughts are with you and your kitty as well <3
March 11, 2011 at 3:44 pm
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ADORABLE POST.
March 12, 2011 at 6:11 am
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Momo was so so cute! I really hope you are feeling better. :)
March 13, 2011 at 11:36 am
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omg, poor dog<3
March 15, 2011 at 9:01 am
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sc
im sorry for your loss.
try not to dwell on what might have been and don t even use the word if only.
remember the happy times because i can tell how much you love the lil one.Im positive what you received from him changed you in so many good ways.Don t think of him as gone because He ll always be in your heart.
franny
March 15, 2011 at 3:34 pm
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As a fellow dog lover (&sister to 2 wonderful boxers) this really strikes a chord with me. I’ve read your blog/tumblr for awhile &I am so sorry for your loss. I’m glad that you two have had such great memories together, I hope you can find peace!
April 30, 2011 at 1:07 pm
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awwww beautiful puppy!!:) from a fellow redhead: you are gorgeous!! keep up the good work.
June 20, 2011 at 10:42 pm
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I’m so sorry for your loss :(. I’ve fallen in love with your blog! Keep up the good work!
November 30, 2011 at 10:41 pm
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I know this happened a while ago, but I stumbled upon your blog and I really enjoy it. I lost a beloved pet not too long ago too, and it still hurts. So with that being said, I am truly sorry about Momo, and I’m sending some love your way.
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