Monday, February 27, 2012


Thanks everyone the nice comments about my recent cleaning product paintings, kind of a funny subject matter, I know, but what the hey. I was working on another painting last night, at about 2 am when I noticed my dog was breathing strange. I kinda freaked out and made an emergency call/trip to the vet. Long story short, blood tests and xrays reveals that she has cancer, with a few days to live. 12 years ago my husband (boyfriend at the time) and I were on our way to a friend's wedding in Long Island and stopped off at an animal shelter on the way. We saw a little week-old puppy, surrounded by a crowd of admirers. We edged into the crowd and when she passed our way we took ahold and never let go. She has been an inextricable, joyous part of our everyday life since, our best buddy, our constant companion and playmate, our "only child", as we have no kids. I fear the dark inevitable void coming my way, and know I can't paint my way out of it. Hopefully painting will help me around it, tho, it is my loyal buddy too. It has calmed and soothed me thru the darkest of times, always helped me cope.  For now, I had an impulse to share this with to you, my fellow painters and art supporters. Please don't feel obliged to respond, that wasn't my intention... I just appreciate your listening. Her name is Mimi,  a loyal loving friend for what seems like a lifetime. Death is a part of life, and life goes on. Sharing helps. Thanks for letting me do that.


Mimi and The Girls (our 3 polish chickens)

12 comments:

Kathy Cousart said...

Patti- My heart goes out to you. I went through a similar thing with our bichon last Feb...she had epilepsy and had complications from that. It was so sad but we knew in those 6 short years that she had an incredible well loved life and was such a gift to us. I bet your dog is the same way. It was heartwrenching to lose her and with some time we moved forward. We just got a new puppy a few weeks ago. It is bittersweet as we know our first dog would have loved this one. I found painting to be an escape and a good place to go to just be at peace. I hope the same for you. Thoughts and prayers for you at this time.

Jacki Newell said...

So sorry for your bad news about your sweet Mimi. I know it's so hard to lose such a dear friend and family member.

louise said...

She's so lovely. I'm sorry to hear about her illness. I've been through it myself and I know how hard it is. Wishing you strength in the coming days.

Sally Dean said...

I lost my beloved corgi Oliver last summer-he was 14 and also had cancer.
When we put him down by my vet it was in my back yard- I had flowers and sweet music and wrapped him up in a pink blanket and buried him in the woods behind my house.
It was strangely beautiful. I miss him so much, but I have Winnie, who fills the void.Dogs are an essential part of being for me.
Sending best wishes and strength for you and your husband.
Thanks for sharing .

Susan Gal said...

Oh Patti, I'm so sorry to hear about your beloved Mimi.
I've loved and lost dear pets, and I know what you are going through. It does help to share.
Please remember that you and your husband have given Mimi an amazing life and she will always be in your heart.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and dear Mimi.

Bruce Bingham said...

Patti,
I'm so sad about Mimi for you and Mark. My buddy Robi has kept me going through foreign countries and lonely times. I know you'll never be able to replace her but also know your great times together will live in your heart forever. With a big hug and tears,
Bruce

Jerry Stocks said...

Patti, what can I say that hasn't already been said. My corgi has been sick for four days, and I have been so worried about her. Happy to say she's improving. Dogs are such a special part of our lives, and I know you will miss Mimi greatly. Be brave dear one and paint on.

angie Brooksby-Arcangioli said...

I'm sorry about your dog Patti.
Angie

Denise Rose said...

I have not been reading my blogs I follow because I have been too busy, so I am sorry I missed this friend. Like so many others, I also lost my dog to cancer and we had him as long as we had our youngest son! It was not easy as you know, and my heart goes out to you! And hugs too!

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

I'm so sorry about your baby. I lost my dearest love, Wendell on 10/25/10. He was a 14 year old brown Himalayan Tabby and he also developed a cancerous growth near his ribs. I adopted two little sister kittens from Standish Humane and they are 1 1/2 now but Wendell was my boyfriend, my love and my baby and my husband's as well. I still dream about him and we miss him very much. He was one in a million.
It's great to be able to share this kind of life experience on our blogs. Most everyone understands this pain.

Patti Mollica said...

Hi Mary
thanks for sharing. we still are not at the point yet where we can look at our zillions of photos of her and feel happy, i look forward to that day. We are actually still shocked, there were no clues that this was coming. Thanks for sharing your story about Wendell, I'm sorry for your loss too, and send you a big hug.

Marilyn Flanegan said...

Your MiMi and my Jack could have been littermates: http://www.flanegansmuse.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-muse.html
So sorry to hear of her passing. Peace and prayers to MiMi and your family, Patti.