Spice, Colorado 2017
It is with sad and heavy hearts Ron, and I must share that our beloved Spice left this world Wednesday night. Spice was Ron’s dog mainly, and along with her sister, Sugar, nursed Ron through bladder and prostate cancer. She was loyal and loving and will live in our hearts forever. Our lives were better because of her sweet soul. 
When Ron found her in her crate that morning, her tag had become lodged in the metal grate of the door. It appeared she couldn’t get it loose. She was diagnosed with a collapsed trachea many years ago and at 13 ½ years old, she had been having more problems. In dog years she was 91, spunky, yet frail. I can only hope and pray that her passing did not allow her to suffer.
Both dogs had been crate-trained for ‘sleeping only’ since they were born in Montana. For such an odd thing to occur breaks our hearts. Her sister, Sugar is lost without her. The dogs had only been separated twice for overnight stays at the vet. Sugar suffers from diabetes and is frail too. The first thing I did was take Sugar’s collar and tag off.
Sugar & Spice 2011, Montana
Our pain is inconsolable. We got these two magnificent girls in 2004 when they were 4 months old. Spice was the runt of the litter, and sugar was a roly-poly fluff ball. My husband had only months before undergone radical surgery for bladder and prostate cancer. He spent the days alone while I worked many long hours as a bookkeeper/estate paralegal. I knew the two dogs would require him to get up out of his chair and give him something to care for. It worked. The life came back into his eyes, and he was ready to experience life again.
How do you thank two little souls for giving you the most precious things in life: loyalty, unconditional love, and kindness? From the day we got them in May 2004, they have filled our lives with joy.
Sugar, Ron, and Spice, Florida 2015
I have struggled with the writing of The Meadow Fairy and wasn’t sure why. I am an empathic writer, and there has been so much unrest in the world. These things affect me deeply. It seemed that certain things had to happen in the universe and in my life in order for me to add them into Abby’s new story. I don’t question how or why this happens any longer. I just wait, and then, I write.
Yesterday, I knew that the only way I could pay tribute to our beloved girls was to write them into the story so they could remain immortal on paper. In this way, their personalities will shine and spread love and joy to others.
Spice’s ashes will come back to us so that we still have a bit of her with us. Her spirit has joined the collective, and I know we will see her again, in another place, and time.
Love,
Ron and Colleen
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful friend. I’m so sorry to hear of Spice’s passing and of her sister’s pain. Keeping you and Ron and Sugar in my prayers.
Thank you, Amy. We need all the help we can get right now. <3
I am sorry for your loss. Best wishes and that was a nice remembrance of Spice.
Thank you for your kind wishes, Frank. <3
So sorry for your loss. We just lost one, a sister to our remaining pup, so I really understand. The remaining pup was devastated.
Oh no. And, saying I’m sorry doesn’t even convey my heartfelt pain for your loss. Thank you for your kind words. <3
I am so sorry to hear of this Colleen, our furry family are so important to us all. I love that you will remember her in your book <3 <3
Thank you, Ritu. That means much to me. <3
❤❤❤
So sorry to hear about Spice’s passing. Big hugs to all of you and love to Sugar. ♥
Thank you, Olga for your kind thoughts. <3
My deepest condolences and sympath used on the lost of Spice. He took a piece of your heart and left a piece of his when he went to the Rainbow Bridge.He will meet Kato there and wait for Sugar.
Thanks, Betty Louise. I know she is waiting for us. <3
Sorry For your loss, Colleen 😞
Thank you for your kind thoughts. It always helps for me to get my feelings out. <3
I’m very sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much, Trent. <3
Surrounding everyone with light and love. <3
Thank you, Annette. I feel your vibrations and welcome your light. <3
So sad to hear of Spice’s passing, this truly brought a tear to my eye. But, it’s so lovely that Spice will be immortalised in your writing Colleen. Much love, hugs to you Sugar and Ron. Marje xx
Thank you, Marje. Sometimes I can deal with my feelings better if I write them down. Thanks for being there. <3
Yes I’m like that too, much better writing about my feelings than talking about them. <3
I am so sorry to hear about Spice and your own state of mind Colleen. My thoughts are also with the twin who bears the loss silently…I know you must be seeing it in her eyes… wish she could find some solace as we do with words…hollow though they may seem! Sugar and spice both are so much a part of our lives, both are needed…hugs dear friend.
Thank you, Balroop for your kind thoughts. <3
Please check your twitter account as I had sent you a direct message.
I will Balroop. Than you. ❤️
Oh, Colleen, I know how loved the two sweethearts and I always loved your posts about them. I am so sorry also for sweet sugar. I know there is nothing that can be done to take that pain. I wish I could simply embrace you and Ron and hope you are feeling it. Lots of love to both of you 💖💖
Thank you, Erika. I do feel your hugs. It is such a hard time. <3
I can only imagine, my dear. It is not only losing a member of the family but also feeling the pain for sugar. Lots of love in these difficult days 💖
Thank you so much, Erika. Your kind words mean so much. <3
💖💖 I am feeling with you and embracing you strongly 💖💖
Thanks, Erika. ❤️
When these little souls enter our own, they live with us forever, Colleen. But it is so hard not to be able to cuddle them.My thoughts are with you. x
Thank you for your kind words, Judith. You totally understand what we are going though. <3
I do. Take care of yourselves.x
Thank you, Judith. We will. <3
I’m so sorry.
Thank you for your kindness. <3
So sorry x
Thank you, Samantha. <3
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Colleen and Ron. Pets are family members, and their loss is as devastating as any other. I’ve been through it. Sending you virtual hugs.
Thank you, Merril. Your kind words are much appreciated. <3
Terribly sorry to hear this sad news, Colleen. Condolences.
Thanks, JP. Appreciate your kindness. ❤️
My heart breaks for you both. Poor Sugar is bound to be heartbroken. I feel your pain, I’ve been there. One of mine is getting older and the very thought of losing her brings tears to my eyes. You wrote a beautiful tribute for your beautiful Spice xx
Thank you, Lisa. Somehow sharing my pain helped. Appreciate your kind thoughts. ❤️
I’m so sorry, Colleen. I know how much losing a much-loved pet hurts. Her sister must be missing her, too, as well as you and Ron. Lovely idea to incoporate her in your next story. Sending virtual hugs.
Many thanks, Mary. Somehow it feels right for them to be stars in the next story. ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss Colleen & Ron. I know my little dog is my baby. They become our children! I hope you can find peace. My thoughts & Prayers are with you.
Thank you, Penny. They are like our babies. 😘❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss Colleen. Your tribute to both dogs is wonderful.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Thank you, David. I appreciate your kindness. 😘❤️
Such a precious tribute to include them in your story, Colleen. Love and light to your family.
Many thanks for your kind comments, Felicia. ❤️
My condolences are with you, Ron, Sugar and the rest of your family. Our Baby Doll passed in 2011 after 16 years with us. I keep a picture of her on my dresser and send love her way often. I know what you’re going through.
Thank you, Gina. We have a picture of the girls in our bedroom too. Hugs for your kind understanding. ❤️
You have my deepest sympathy, Colleen. They are indeed family, and the pain of loss is so real. Many hugs to you all, and thanks for sharing such a lovely memorial piece with us here.
Thank you, Van. Sometimes it helps to get the hurt out. ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss, Colleen. I really can feel your pain since we had to say good-by to our feisty lady ten days ago – she was 17 and also frail. It is never easy – they are your family, and they give you unconditional love. What a lovely memorial – it made me cry all over again. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Noelle, thank you for kind words. I’m so sorry for the passing of your baby. We’ll draw comfort from each other. ❤️
Hugs, Colleen. We lost our dog three months ago. He was about the same age as Spice.
I’m so sorry, Traci. It’s just so hard. ❤️
Yes, it’s haunting sometimes.
I am so sorry to hear of this terrible accident that took your beautiful Spice. My heart is with you and Ron and Sugar. <3
Thank you for your kinds thoughts. We are still struggling with the whole thing. ❤️
I am so sad for you both and Sugar for she will miss her as much as you..But I am sure now Spice has passed over that rainbow bridge and is whole again..no pain. Not much consolation for you as pets are an intricate part of our families and we owe them so much for their unfailing love and loyalty. My thoughts are with you at this sad time..Much love <3
Thank you, Carol for your kind thoughts. It is so hard right now. ❤️❤️❤️
Of course, it is Colleen all you can do is take one day at a time… x
A beautiful tribute! So sorry about your loss. Pets leave pawprints on our hearts that last forever! Give yourselves time to grieve, there is nothing like the special love of a dog.
I feel sorry for Sugar too. I know how lonely our dog was when her companion died. She would cry if we left the house. It was heartbreaking to hear her.
Sending my thoughts and hugs!
Thank you, Joy. Sugar is having a hard time. She’s grieving too. ❤️
I am so sorry, Colleen. The loss of a beloved animal is huge. It really pleases me that you are writing Spice and Sugar into your new book. I look forward to getting to know them through your book.
Thanks, Robbie. That means so much. ❤️❤️❤️
My heart goes out to you and your husband, Colleen. So many happy memories and so much love. My thoughts and prayers are with you both and Sugar. xxx
Thank you, Adele. This has been so difficult. ❤️
-huge hugs- <3
Colleen, I am so sorry for your loss. You include Spice and Sugar often in your posts and I have felt how inseparable they are to your and Ron’s life. Writing them into your book is a beautiful living tribute. <3
Thank you, Viva. This has been a difficult time. We are all having a hard time coping with the loss of Spice. Sugar is despondent and not eating much. That tears at my heart too. The story needs them and it feels so right. <3
Most Gracious Tribute.🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
Thank you, Dorna. <3
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I am so sorry for your loss, Colleen. So many happy memories of such a wonderful member of your family will always remain once the pain goes away. Sending you the warmest hugs and wish I could give you one in person. I will look forward to reading about Spice (and of course Sugar) in your next book. What a beautiful way to immortalise them. 💗💗
Thank you for your kindness, Eloise. <3
I’m so sorry. We love our pets so much. They are wonderful, they love us unconditionally. My heart goes out to you.
Thank you for your kind words. It means much to me. <3
I know what it is like to go through this! Sending many hugs! <3
Thank you. It is so difficult. I appreciate your concern. <3
I will so miss Spicy cuddles when I come down to see you. My heart is full of you all right now. Holding you tight.
Thanks my dear friend. I know you all recently went through the loss of beloved dogs, too. It’s just hard to get past the sorrow. Hugs and love to you, too. <3
Colleen, I’m so sorry to hear the news about Spice…I can imagine how you’re all feeling, including Sugar. Sending warm hugs your way…lots of ❤️!
Thank you so much, Lia. It just breaks our hearts. Sugar is despondent and not doing well. I feel so bad I can’t take the hurt away from her sweet soul. <3
Oh, I feel sure that she has always felt and known your love. May she be at peace now and may you always keep her memory within you. 💜
Thank you so much for your kind words. <3
xo We lost our Henry (golden) three year ago and STILL feel him around us. Truly. xo
We had Spice cremated so that she would still be with us. Her soul is free but I feel her presence everywhere. Hugs to you and the kindness you’ve shown. <3
We did the same. We buried our first dog’s ashes between two trees we bought to anchor either side – Roses of Sharon. But we called the trees Roses of Tory, after her. <3
A beautiful tribute. We will keep Spice’s ashes with us. Eventually the four of us will be spread to the cosmos together. Thank you for your kindness. It’s helped to hear how others have coped. <3
Dear Colleen, I know your heart was breaking as you wrote this post. I’m crying with you.
Know that she is fine now and happily watching over those she loves.
Great big hugs, my friend.
Thank you my sweet friend. It’s been hard the last few days. Sugar is lost without her, as we are too, but she is starting to cope. My heart just aches. <3
I was worried about Crystal when I lost Aspen 2 years ago. She grieved for a while, but gradually she picked back up. She gets as much quality time as I can give her, working. I think that helped. (But I’m sure Sugar is being lavished with love.)
Yes. She had a totally different personality. Spice was always engaging and active. Sugar is laid back (not a cuddler). At over 13 years old and suffering from diabetes (2 shots a day) all we can do is love her. Thanks for being here, Teagan. It means much. <3
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Thanks for sharing our love of Spice. She is so missed. <3
Sorry to hear of the loss of Spice, Colleen. It is lovely that you will pay tribute to this joyful member of the family within a story in your book xx
Thank you, Christy. I know I can get Sugar and Spice’s personalities in this story. The highest honor I can pay them, other than our love. <3
Oh Colleen, my heart is with you and Ron and Sugar. I know that inconsolable isn’t even enough to express what you’re feeling. When my first cat died ~ my baby ~ I couldn’t eat, sleep, or work for more than a week. Then one day, as I lay on my bed sobbing, little Fei came to me. The gift box filled with tissue paper and ribbon that I had made for her was on the bed next to me. (She jumped into an opened gift box one Christmas and rolled around in it, kicking and biting the ribbon. So I dubbed that her box and kept it in the bedroom for her.) Suddenly the tissue paper rustled and the ribbon moved playfully. As I stared at the paper to make sure I’d actually seen what I thought I saw, the paper rustled and moved again. She came to tell me she was fine and happy and not to worry about her. Because she had died at the vet’s when I wasn’t there, my grief was impenetrable ~ until that moment. I hope your grief eases quickly as you feel your little one’s spirit joyful and at peace. Sending hugs and much love to all of you 💚💚💚
Tina, thank you so much for sharing your love of Fei. My cat was Molly. I wasn’t with her at the vets office either. I connected with that little soul much the same as I did with Spice. Molly came to me one night too. I heard her purring and felt her cuddle up to me like she always did. I reached for her and said, “Molly, you’re back.” Then she was gone. That was when I knew she would live in my heart forever. My husband and Spice had a connection that was deep. He grieves terribly for her. Sugar has always been more my dog. She is fragile and now so sad. I can’t imagine her pain at the loss of her sister. All we can do is move forward and love Sugar for who she is. I appreciate your kindness and love. I feel it reach across the miles. <3
I feel yours as well, Colleen. I have for some time now. We have traveled this earthwalk together many times as sisters. We are blessed to have found each other once more … ❤
I got goose bumps when I read this, Tina. Wow. The connection was electric!!! Hugs my sister. <3
Sending hugs back, dear sis ❤
Cute little dogs though, sorry for your loss.
Thank you for your kind thoughts. <3
The dogs are so fluffy and cute!!!!!!!