Mona Smith, 2009-2023

~ Jenny

Mona Smith was a gift-with-purchase: We fostered her because she was the only other puppy Dachshund Rescue had when we got Lyle and then we couldn’t give her back, we loved her too much.

She was at Dachshund Rescue because some breeder had left her in a grocery bag at the gate to the rescue because she was the runt of the litter and had been born with no kneecaps in her back legs. That didn’t bother Mona much, she still ran wild with the other dogs and cuddled up at night, the sweetest dog that ever lived, and every time she looked at you she was smiling. She died in my arms Sunday night, and while I knew little poodles had a life span of thirteen to sixteen years, I did not see this coming. She looked at me, did this cute little howl twice, and went limp in my arms. It was devastating, but Mona was the best, and I’ll have her memory forever, and that’s some comfort.

Mona was a darling.

67 thoughts on “Mona Smith, 2009-2023”

  1. I am so sorry for your loss; I know this is a difficult time for you (I went through it a couple of months ago when I lost my 14 year old cat Lily so I have an idea of what you are going through). She had the best life possible with you and knew she was dearly loved. Hugs!

  4. Oh, so, so sorry to hear. Lucky Mona found you, though, and she had the best life she could have had. Sad for the empty spot on the bed now.

  10. Oh, just hell, Jenny. I think it’s especially hard for those of us living alone-with-pets to lose a fur friend, and you’ve been having a rough time anyway. Peace to you and to the other creatures who knew and loved Mona.

  11. So sorry to hear that news. The fact that she had 14 good years full of love and care means she led a happy life and that’s all we can hope for any of us. Big hugs for you and your family.

    I have a shed in the back of my lot with food, water and bedding for the neighborhood feral cats (and an occasional raccoon or possum witnessed on camera). One of my long-term residents had not been seen for a while. I discovered he had returned to the shed – where I assume he felt safe – and died. I was sad at his passing, but glad he knew he could come ‘home’.

  17. This part is always so hard. I think of it as the price we pay for the joy they give us while they’re still alive. I’m so glad she found you, and got the wonderful life she deserved. And that you were with her when she went.

    I’m so sorry for the empty space she leaves behind. May her memory be a blessing. I feel like we lost a member of the Argh family. Sending big hugs and love from the Wild Bunch.

  18. I’m so sorry for the loss of your furbaby. May your memories of her bring you comfort. I enjoyed hearing all the stories over the years about Mona and the rest of the pack. Hugs!

  19. This is sad, painful news. My heart hurts for you. She was your gift, and you were her gift. What a sweetie.

  20. Oh, I’m so, so sorry. This is such a painful thing to have to endure. But what a blessing that she had your love, and you hers, and that you were together.

  21. I’m so sorry. It’s cold comfort, but at least she died at home, in your arms instead of at the scary Vet’s office.

    I’m sitting at my desk with tears in my eyes because I’m reminded of all my lost fur children and how hard it is to lose them. My heart goes out to you, Jenny.

  22. Oh man, I’m sorry for your loss. May memories of her warm you on cold nights for years to come <3

  23. And the first thing I thought of was Mona and the lipstick. May all your memories of her be happy. Hugs from Texas.

  25. I am so sorry. It sounds like you have been having a hard time lately, and her loss is just so much more. Sending hugs and imaginary (bear proof) chocolate.

  28. I’m so sorry, Jenny. Mona was a Crusie heroine who met life on her terms.

    She was a Good Girl.

  29. I am so sorry you’ve lost her. She sounds wonderful. It seems like you were as much a gift to her as she was to you.

  30. Like many others, I was crying as I read about your loss. I agree with others, though, who have commented that she was in the safest spot possible to leave this life, and it was like she was saying goodbye to you, her most important human. And this way she will not have to go through the uprooting of a move — always hard for a very old animal. Very best to you and your remaining family!

  31. I am so sorry. We have enjoyed hearing about her all these years, and we’ll miss her presence in your life.

  33. It sounds like she had a wonderful life with you and was loved to the last moments of her life. I’m glad you have all the happy memories. It’s so hard when our companions die, but it is a comfort to remember all the silly and happy times, the big love they gave us, and to know that they felt loved through all of it, even to the end.

  34. I’m so very sorry, Jenny. Dogs are the absolute best! I am at about this stage with my Phoebe, and it is heartbreaking. Hugs to you and your furry family.

  36. Oh my. So sorry. What a joyous gift of spirit she has been.

    Each time I lose a fur baby, I’m reminded of that quote about dogs and hearts. I have no idea who said it, but it rings true for me because I’m sure by now my own heart carries bits of theirs, too. And I also know for sure that each one has made me a better person simply by sharing their light with me.

    The quote I believe is this:

    “It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.”

    May the light Mona brought to your life and family of fur babies shine on.

  42. My heart hurts for you. I made a donation in her memory to the Broward County Humane Society, so Mona will be among the loved pets remembered in the next newsletter. I wish peace and healing to you, Veronica, and Emily.

  44. I’m so sorry for your loss, Jenny. I’ve so enjoyed reading what she’d been up to and seeing the photos of her along the way. We will all miss her.

  45. Oh Jenny, that is the hardest thing. I’m so sorry. Rest in peace, Mona. Or maybe run in peace, with kneecaps at last and the sun ever shining on you.

  47. So, so sorry for your loss. Our furbabies leave such big holes when they leave us.

  48. Oh, Mona. So, so sorry. She did leave you with a certain grace, seems to me. Still, devastating, even to read about. We knew Mona through you, and we have known our own doggie losses. And that photo! Yes, Mona was a darling.

    (Is the fact that Mona is the image of my dear departed Shredder Dog the reason I’m having such a hard time with this? Probably.)

  53. Thank you for sharing bits of Mona’s life with us. She was clearly a charmer, right down to the last.
    I grieve for your loss.

  56. I’m so sorry you lost her but glad you had her and gave her a wonderful life.

  57. I’m so sorry. Seems like just yesterday when you adopted her, and even though it was much longer ago than that, it’s never long enough.

  58. What a cutie.
    Sorry for the end of that core of sweetness and cheerfulness.
    Glad you could be with her when her batteries ran out.
    Cheers to all the amazing memories she left behind.

  60. Oh, gosh, I’m so sorry. I lost my last furry friend a couple of years ago, and haven’t been able to get another just yet. I miss him too much. Thinking of you.

  64. I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed the stories and snippets you shared here about Mona and your other dogs through the years. I have had to say goodbye to my fur babies in the past and it left me depressed for weeks.

    I read this post and felt myself tearing up… but can’t imagine a better way to go then in the arms of the person that loved me best of all.

  65. My heart reaches to wrap around you. I know you’re sad, but what a lovely thing to have been there with and for her. She kept on being a gift.

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