“Hippity Hoppity” are well-known lyrics from Peter Cottontail and in this case, a term of endearment my mom gave our Hopsie dog. After nearly 16 years of life, this week we had to say goodbye to our lhasa apso pup.
This is a very difficult blog post for me to write, but I wanted to share Hopsie’s story. In 2001, we officially adopted Hopsie at 3 years old, from my aunt. Although, I considered her part of the family long before that.
In the summer of 1999, my mom and I “babysat” Hopsie and her partner in crime, Harley. We spent a few weeks watching them at my aunt’s house while they went on vacation. During that short time, I remember wishing Hopsie was mine; I cried when it was over.
So, it’s no wonder that when we were finally given the opportunity to take Hopsie and Harley into our homes, we couldn’t say no.
I have a number of great memories with Hopsie – too many to list off. But I can tell you, I remember her waiting for me to come home from school. I always saw her peeking out the front door, wagging her tail and getting ready to celebrate my return – that was every day, without fail.
My mom has taken such good care of all our pets. And that statement rings especially true with Hopsie. My mom gave up her own time, skipped parties, and pulled all-nighters for Hopsie – making sure she wasn’t left alone in her elderly age. My mom kept her comfortable, full and content until her final days on earth. It is because of my mother that Hopsie got to live out her life to the fullest. So for that, I thank you Mom.
I am told Hopsie is in the arms of an angel. And one day we will be reunited. I can’t wait to see you again, Hippity Hoppity Hopsie Dog.
Ohhhhh. What a beautiful tribute to love and faithfulness, Emily. Thanks for sharing this beautiful story of Hopsie. Yes, one day you will indeed be reunited!
Aww Ginnie, thank you. Your comments are always so sweet.
This is so sad. We were just talking about this yesterday about our oldest Border Collie, Max. He’s only 8 but he moves slower and sleeps a lot more and it’s just hard to think about losing him one day. We got him when I was a sophomore in high school. He’s my little baby. We still have Rascal, the puppy (he’s 3 but will always look like a puppy to me). They’re like family. I love them.
That was like our Hopsie. She used to jump around all the time (hence the name, HOPsie). But I bet your doggy has many more years Hopsie was almost 16. And I can’t agree with you more, pets are family. Sometimes closer than real blood family, I find. 🙂
I’m sorry for you loss, I know what it’s like. Hopsie was really cute!
She was super cute! You should have seen her when her hair was really long, Mats.
I’m sorry for you Emily! Dogs allways give so much love to our people….many people can learn a lot of these animals…
Thanks for sharing your memorys and take care dear!!
You took beautiful photos!!!!
That is so true, Richard. Animals can teach the human race so much, so much kindness.
Great post and thanks for sharing. I know it can be very hard to lose a pet, they do in fact become family members. These are great shots of her!
lovely little dog,,,, so delicate
Em, I am so sorry that I can’t be with you or visit you during this hard time, I know how special are pets are in our lives. I am thinking about you and keeping you in my prayers. Love you, miss you and in February I will make up for all our lost time right now, and for your birthday! xoxo
Amanda, your comment almost made me cry. I know you are also a pet person, and it’s hard. I love you, and miss you too. I can’t wait to see you in the new year … we will totally plan something. I hope you’re having fun touring Europe with Perry! <3
Very beautiful dog and series ! I’m so sorry for you !
i’m sorry. it’s so difficult to let go.
Loved the tribute. I had a cat many years ago and I like to think we saved each other. The ending of our time together is not a happy one, and I have wanted to write a blog post about it, but it is very difficult for me to go back to that time and relieve those memories. Your post inspires me and I am thinking I should try harder to write about it.
I understand how difficult it is to write about these things … I actually had to keep stopping because it is a really emotional thing. But it also made me happy to share her story, and I would love to read yours one day.
In life the firmest friend
The first to welcome,
Foremost to defend
God rest your soul
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