When tomorrow starts without me,
Don’t think we’re far apart.
For everytime you think of me,
I’m right here inside your heart.
May’s comment: The morning after we said goodbye, I went for a walk in Kensington Gardens with Katja – talking about Darcy as well as all sorts of things. Katja works in social media and she asked the inevitable – what was I going to do with this blog.
I’ve been thinking about it, I told her. The blog isn’t just about our adventures but provides a source of information about dog-friendly places in London, around the UK and sharing our travels to encourage others to do the same with their dogs. And I want to continue her legacy. It was obvious that George should step in and take over Darcy’s to champion the cause.
Should I change Miss Darcy’s Adventures to another name? How do I incorporate George? So many questions. So much to think about.
Just at that moment, I spotted in the distance an apricot cockapoo running across my path, and then a small black dog was chasing it.
“Look!” I said to Katja, “that’s exactly how Darcy and George would run!” Though George was faster than that little black dog. My eyes tracked their running …
and then they ran towards us.
By then the cockapoo owner was about ten steps away. She saw me looking at her dog and she smiled. I asked, “Is that a cockapoo? Is she yours?”
“Yes,” she replied.
“And is that little black dog yours too?”
“Oh, no. They just started playing back there.”
As the owner walked away, Katja said, “There’s your answer. She’s telling you that – I am still very much here. Don’t change the name of the blog.”
Later that day when I got home, I received a text message from Anita, who’s Golden Retriever, Claude passed at the end of December 2020. This is what she wrote:
The morning after we lost Claude a robin suddenly appeared in our garden – we hadn’t seen one in awhile. Now in the mornings when I walk Elmo in a certain place, I almost always see a robin sitting on the path very close to us. He then flies around us.
This morning he was on the fence and when he flew there was a smaller robin following him.
Who knows but in my mind he was telling me that Darcy is safe and happy and flying free.
Two weekends ago, we had taken Sasha for his Sherborne school exam and interview. That was the last trip we took together.
We saw a rainbow on the way.
One of the things they had to bring was an object or photo that meant something to them. Sasha chose this photo of the two of them taken when he was three.
After this trip, Darcy started limping on her front leg.
On Wednesday, we received a letter of offer. We were very pleased and proud of Sasha but we took note that it had specifically mentioned in the letter that –
Sasha performed well in the assessments and, at interview, Mr. Allen enjoyed hearing about Sasha’s close bond with his godmother’s dog and seeing the photograph that Sasha brought along to the interview.
She is still keeping watch over her BFF aka Little Tyke aka Sasha.
These were just a few little reminders from above … I am not gone. I am still with you. Many other little things changed because of her passing – she continued to work her magic on us, our fraught human relationships.
When I was asked how I was feeling, my answer has been – I am at peace. Because I had let her go when she wanted to. I know she is in a better place and she is safe. I imagine her running once again like a lunatic, bouncing through the fields or clouds, rushing ahead of the pack because she always needed to be in the front. Most of all, she is free and no longer bound by her cancer-ridden body.
We were inseparable in life and one in spirit. She was my dog and I was hers. We were walking along life’s path in tandem till last Saturday. And while her body was laid to rest, her spirit still lives on within me. And I know she will be sending me “hugs from heaven” – a phrase that Margaret McSweeney had come up with while she encountered encouragement and unexpected discoveries during her own time of grief.
21 Responses
After my cat passed, I often had dreams about her giving me a cuddle. It’s more than fifteen years later and when I got Tammy, I had a pretty nice dream of them together. Maybe it’s our brains comforting us but I prefer to believe that some part of their spirit stays where they were loved. Tammy and I donated to harbin, Hungary hearts and animal cancer research in memory of Miss Darcy. We look forward to your blog in whatever form you choose to continue it and send you and George many huggles from Luxembourg.
Reading this I was feeling sad and quite upset but then Archie came up and sat between my legs and looked up at me with his big, brown eyes! It’s amazing how they feel our emotions – one spirit indeed!
A beautiful post May and it brought me to tears again. Beautiful little Darcy was so special but I’m glad you will continue the blog with little George
Beautifully written May though I read it through my tears. Darcy will be in so many of our hearts
I haven’t stopped thinking about Darcy all week and how you must be feeling – I have followed your adventures over the years, and Darcy was the reason we took a road trip across Europe with Miley – thinking of you and George xx
Beautifully written. Bella and I will always think of darcey and contine to read your blog love to George
May, I am glad you will continue Darcy’s blog. I would miss it and you and George so much. And, I’m sure Darcy would want you to. Your own journey is inspirational and it’s been wonderful to read all that you done in your life. I think my favorite recent post (about you personally) was about your decision to let the dog clothing line go. You didn’t see it as a failure but just that you had taken it as far as you could and now was the time to pivot to something else. At least, that’s how I read it. I, too, have those questions, pivot points in my life, and you’ve given me courage to move forward. Thank you. Hugs and licks to you and George. Always thinking of Darcy.
What an amazing tribute to an amazing doggy . Have loved Miss D and her adventures for many years. So glad little George is going to be taking us on adventures in his sisters name along with the gorgeous soul that is May or Mum .
Once again my eyes are leaking . Loved D and love George and Mummy May . ❤ xxxxx
May and George,
Thank you for continuing on with the blog. Darcy has been a pioneer that opened so many doors for pet owners!
I look forward to watching how Darcy guides George from above.
All our love,
Sian, Pippa and Harvey
This is such a positive, heart warming post, May. I love the tale and video of the two little robins. Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do, to bring joy, friendship and experiences to us followers, through Darcy and Georgie, whilst not ducking out on tougher subjects. Fly free little robins, and all those you represent.
PS… We have had some wonderful crisp, starlit nights. Charlie and I have gazed up, and seen Miss D twinkling brightly. x
It is so good to hear that she is shining brightly.
Our nights have been clouded over and also city lights mar the constellations.
I’m so happy that the heavenly postal service is so speedy & efficient (and how fabulous that the treats up there are as spectacular as we all knew they would be!)… loads of love to you & George xxx
Forever Miss Darcy
Everyone who’s ever been owned by a dog knows how you feel, May.
You’ll never stop missing Darcy but it does get better, the pain gradually fades and the wonderful memories still live on in your heart. I want to believe the Rainbow Bridge is a real thing and we will see our beloved besties again.
Hugs for you and Georgie as you recalibrate your days.
Warmest hugs to you as l read this and l am crying.
May, I meet Darcy in person at the Vogels in NYC. She was so personable and adorable and I have followed her blog adventures ever since. I read your blog on her cancer and on her death through tears. I know she will always be in your heart ❤️. So glad you and George will continue with your adventures.
Dearest darling Miss Darcy, we will miss you sooo much. Your bright sunshine and mischief will light up the Rainbow Bridge and beyond. I am crying as I write this.
Maggie and Sealea Blue
So pleased you and George will continue with the blog. Darcy will always be with you and a great big slice of your heart will always be hers. How is George coping without his big sister? Dogs grieve too. I keep kissing and hugging Elsie, I actually think she’s getting a bit cheesed off with it to be honest!😂. Lots of hugs to you and George.🐶❤️❤️❤️❤️
Words still fail me, I can’t type properly cos I am crying. I am sooo sorry for your loss May. But u are right. Miss Darcy with live on in this blog, with George and in your heart. Always with you. We love our pets so much, and when we have to let them go, the grief is overwhelmingly terrible. But You did the right thing for Darcy. God bless you both. And he will. Take care please. Maggie
Just sitting here crying. A friend lost their dog two weeks ago, also to cancer. He has been posting similarly beautiful and emotional sentiments, along with photo memories, of his dog. It’s all so sad. I wish you all the best. And George too. Hugs.
Like others that have posted a comment, I am in tears. Darcy was spectacular. I have enjoyed your blog about Darcy and George for awhile now. I read them out loud to my pups sometimes. I will keep you in prayer, May and George.