Goodbye to our sweet dog, Sox
On Tuesday, our 15 1/2 year old pocket beagle, Sox passed away. In spite all efforts to get him to eat, Sox had other plans. He would replenish his thirst, but not his food. Our handsome fella had filled our lives with such joy and as much as we miss him, it was his time to join our big dog, Cooper. Cooper passed away unexpectedly last August and I know Sox is now in heaven with him.
The Puppy Years
Nearly 16 years is a long time for a devoted and loving companion to be in our lives. Our daughter, Elisabeth, now 22 picked Sox out of a large litter when she was 6 years old. She noticed the white “C” (our last name is Crozier) on his dark back coat and knew he was the dog for our family.
He loved rolling around on his back and did so his entire life.
When Sox enters our life, we have Lightning, our big white Anatolian shepherd; Tristen a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Ruby, a rescue Black Lab. Four dogs, 3 children and an abundance of joy and laughter.
Best Buddies
Two years after Sox’s arrival, Lightning passes away. However, in 2013 we are fortunate to get another big white dog, Cooper. Cooper and Sox are best of friends for the next 9 years.
Toward the end of both of their lives (Cooper died last August), these sweet boys are inseparable. As Sox’s hearing and sight diminishes, Cooper becomes very protective of him. They would roam the yard together and Cooper would not come in the house, unless Sox was with him.
Sox is one of those pets that everyone loves~even our cats.
Growing up with Sox
Even though Sox became associated as being Elisabeth’s dog, he becomes part of everyone’s life here.
Never missing a chance to snuggle into someone for a quick nap…
Or standing by in case someone drops a piece of food. His beagle nose and sense of smell works to the very end.
My shadow companion
Perhaps the hardest part right now, is missing my little shadow companion. Sox is always present~a quiet, supporting bundle of love. Whether I am gardening, entertaining, having my coffee, or taking photos, Sox is always there by my side.
He loves the car trip to our cabin and is the best navigator. We had our routine and stops along the way which I will miss dearly.
Our Last Days together
As you can see by these few pictures, Sox was a very important part of our lives and how lucky for us to have him for nearly 16 years. Last Saturday, we spent some time outside on the cool grass in the warm sunshine. Though he could not hear me, I hope he felt my love and gratitude. Sox unconditionally loved us and created so many happy memories for our family.
Sox passed away on Tuesday, March 7th in the loving company of my husband and daughter. I was out of town but Sox knew he was surrounded by those who adored him. Even though we know it was his time to go, it doesn’t make the heartache any less.
My husband buried Sox with Cooper’s ashes in our pet cemetery. The house feels so empty as this is the first time in 22 years where we haven’t had a dog. Our cat, Donovan remains but seems a bit lost without Sox as well.
Goodbye sweet friend, until we meet again. Say hi to Cooper for us.
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I have tears running down my face right now. This was beautifully written. I do not know your family but the pictures of your daughter with Sox are just so precious. She goes from a little girl to a young woman. Such a sweet tribute.
Marianne, thank you for your kind words. I wish dogs lived longer and even though I know this not to be true, it’s heartbreaking when you have to say goodbye. He was a big part of our lives and history.
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things we ever go through and I’m so sorry to read this because I know your heart hurts and mine hurts for you. It was so much fun to see all the pictures of how he blessed your lives. I know Sox was a treasured member of your family and I hope these memories and his love and devotion will bring you comfort as you navigate his passing. Sending you and your family tons of hugs, CoCo
Hi, as a dog lover I know how heart breaking this is. He had a wonderful life with you and your family. I also agree we will see our fur babies in heaven. Sending love and a warm hug.
Rebecca
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know it is very hard. He was so loved as your beautiful pictures
show. Thank you for such a lovely memorial.
I am very sorry for your loss. I’ve been there it is very hard. He was so precious and so loved as your beautiful pictures show. Hugs to your family.
My heart is breaking for you. Such a sweet dog. Hugs and blessings to you, my friend.
Hi Mary, what a lovely tribute to a beautiful dog Such wonderful pictures of your family.. We are so sorry for the loss of Sox. It is heartbreaking. God bless.
I’m so very sorry Mary, Sox was an amazing dog. Hugs to you friend.
Oh, Mary, I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. This is a lovely tribute to a wonderful dog. Almost makes me wish my I had a dog myself.
What wonderful memories!!!
What a sweet tribute to Sox and Cooper ! A beautiful family and a wonderful life. They must be happy being together again…… God Bless you for being such wonderful dog parents…
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
What a wonderful tribute to Sox, a dear sweet member of your family!
I am so sorry about Sox Mary. He was such a sweet boy and I’m so glad I got to meet him. This was such a beautiful tribute and it warms my heart that Cooper and Sox are together again. Sending you hugs and my love.
Oh Mary. I am so very sorry for this loss. Sometimes our furry family members are so much better than the human ones. Because they love with true unconditionality. I am crying for you.
I know Sox and Cooper are together now, just waiting in comfort for you on the Rainbow Bridge.
Oh Mary! All my love to all of you, my friend!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to your little love. Wishing you comfort and peace.
Mary,
My heart is with you at this sad time. You and your family gave Sox the best life. The joy he gave you in return will warm your hearts forever.
Mary, such sweet photos of your dogs Cooper and Sox. Our pups add so much richness and friendship to our lives. I’m so so sorry to hear of your loss but thank you for always sharing even if it is not good news. Love to you.
Harriet
Mrs. Mary and family, I am sorry to read about the loss of Sox. Prayers for you all during this time.
Oh it’s the most difficult gut wrenching time. Sox lived his best life and showed you his love everyday. So so sorry for his passing, his unique little personality will always be with you. It’s one of the hardest losses we endure, nothing ever makes it easier, lots of sadness and tears and time.
Big hugs to you!
I lost my wonderful companion hugs who was 13. He adopted me when
he 2as 11 and was the most faithful, loving companion. I am so lost
without him.. Always loved – always missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. Waiting for you at the rainbow bridge.
.
Mary amd family,
What a loss for all of you! Thank you for sharing his life in pictures, though he truly was well known to all who visited you. Healing will be a slow, long process. Praying for all of you!
I’m so very sorry – loosing a beloved pet is hard. They are truly members of the family and leave a very empty spot. Much love to all of you ❤️
I am so sorry that you had to say goodbye to sweet Sox, it is heartbreaking to lose these bundles of unconditional love. I hope mine met him at the Rainbow Bridge and are showing him the best places to wait to be reunited with us. Sending prayers for your comfort and peace.
Oh, Mary, the loss of a beautiful pet and companion is so difficult. Sending love to you and your whole family.
Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. Sox was loved and you can see that in all of your beautiful photos. That is the best gift you could give to a treasured member of the family. How wonderful that he was a part of your life and blog for 16 years! Treasure your memories and know that he is in your heart.
Mary, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet Sox. Losing a beloved pet is never easy, but two in less than a year is really hard. I hate the “quietness” of a home without a dog. I know you and your family will get through, but it takes time. Ha ha to you.
I’m so sorry! These losses are so hard! Our fur babies are so much a part of our families and lives. The loss is so hard, but they bring so much joy! I love all of the pictures!
Oh Mary–I’m so heartbroken. Sox was a North Central legend and celebrity! What a lovely tribute. I’m dripping tears into my coffee. Big love to all of you! Barb
I am so very sorry Mary, it is so hard to lose a beloved pet, he was adorable but he’s in good hands with his big brother Cooper. My heart hurts for you but you gave him a wonderful long life. Prayers to heaven for Sox. It was a lovely tribute you gave him ❤️
Mary, our hearts hurt for you and we know that feeling of emptiness after losing our sweet companions. Your photos made me smile and cry as you shared Sox’s story. He was a very fortunate pup to have had so much love and adventure during his 16 years. And it sounds like he gave it back twofold. Hugs to all of you.
My heart hurts for you. I’ve been there and it brings back my memories and hurt. Animals are UNCONDITIONAL . But we will meet again. Prayers and hugs.
Beautiful tribute to sweet Sox! Had been a honor knowing him for the last 6 years!!
What a wonderful life Sox had with your family! Losing a pet is heartbreaking. We lost our Lanie when our kids were leaving home. Talk about empty nest. It felt like a chapter in our lives ended. But we have so many fun memories of our precious Lanie. Now, Sox is reunited with his best friend, Cooper, and I’ll bet they are having a great time together again. You are all in my prayers.
Mary, I am so terribly sorry to hear of your sweet friend and the deep loss you feel right now. He was so special and such a delight to your soul. God bless you all.
I send my hugs of comfort to you and your family.
Oh, Mary, I’m so very sorry. I know how painful that is. What beautiful memories of Sox you shared here. He was so loved. Once the grief is less fresh, the memories will always be so sweet.
So sorry…we went thru that almost 3 years ago…. But only lasted 6months w/o a dog… now we have sweet Emmie an English cream retriever… I do recommend when you are ready to get another… so many dogs need homes
I am so very sorry for your loss of your sweet, precious Sox. He will forever live in your heart and memories. You and your family are in my prayers.