It’s been a while since I posted anything and honestly August is shaping up to be the worst month we had since starting the Great Loop Adventure… possible the most epically bad month I can remember.
As you know, we have been hanging out at Bluewater Yachting Center in Hampton Virginia waiting to get parts to repair our port transmission. Annoying yes but definitely not the worst par of the month.
The last ten days have been consumed with end of life issues with our sweet boy Bentley. We knew he was slowing down, we knew 12 years old was getting on for a Boxer and we knew the inevitable would happen someday. But it just happened so quickly and we are reeling from it.
He was fine one day and really sick a couple of days later. A trip to the veterinarian revealed some serious heart issues. We left the vet with a bag of meds, a referral to a cardiologist and we were somewhat hopeful. Less than a week later we were were back at the vets office saying good bye to him.
After we said our goodbyes, I couldn’t breathe and went outside and just wailed. 12 plus years with him, our hearts ache and it’s hard to see the joy he brought us through the grief right now. I know this too shall pass and his bright light and the joy of him being a part of our lives will return, just like it did with Gus, Bob, Lacy and Chauncey before him.
He was such a big part of our lives and so many of our adventures, especially since we have been retired. Such a silly, goofy sensitive soul who loved to play ball, chase butterflies and lay in the sun. When I was still working he went to work with me almost everyday, he loved going to the beach with us, he cruised the San Juan Islands and all the way to Desolation Sound British Columbia with us. He traveled thousands of miles with us in the coach through out the US and Canada. I know he had a wonderful life but damn it we just were not ready for his passing.
It’s painful to go through his things, remove his beds from the boat, clean out his food and treat cupboard… it’s like I am erasing his presence. We have never not had a dog and we’ll see how long we last before another four legged fur baby enters our life. But for now, our Kitty Sucia is trying to fill the void. Extra headbutts and lap time, but she too is missing him. He was her pack.
And if all that that isn’t bad enough… we both have COVID! Two days after Bentley passed we both felt tired and rundown and the symptoms have just gotten worse from there. So while I wallow in my self pity, I also know this too shall pass and we actually have a lot to be grateful for. That said, we are both ready for this month to be over and looking forward to a better September.
I’ve been looking at photos and videos of our sweet boy and will share a few with you. Rest in peace baby Bentie, we are blessed to have had you as part of our family.
That boy loved the beach… and with those long legs he could fly like the wind! He wasn’t much of a swimmer but wading was big fun!
Bentie on Patos Island…
Bentie on Matia Island…
Bentie at Kwatsi Bay in the Broughton Islands British Columbia…
Bentie on the boat…
Bentie in Santa Fe New Mexico…
Bentie in the desert… The Lemon Dog was his nickname. He discovered lemons at our RV Resort in Palm Springs and loved playing with them and chewing on them. Lemony fresh breathe!!!
All good things got to come to an end
Rolling ’till it ends in the sea
Our pleasure grows
Rolling ’till it ends in you and me
Rolling ’till it ends in you and me
Here where the angels
Have appeared and are gone
Your face like an ember
Glows in the dawn
But I want you to remember
All wild deeds live on
All good times, all good friends
our38ft^pluslife 
I am so sorry for the loss of sweet Bentley. Of course he scored big time when y’all took him in as family. Hugs to you all.❤️
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Thank you Barb…. I need that hug!!
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Beautiful photos, so sorry.
It’s hard.
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Thank you Katie.
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Aww Brenda, our hearts go out to you both. We have felt your same pain. Cherish the memories.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. Corinne & Robert
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Thanks Corrine.. those boxers really are characters aren’t they! Bentley was quite a guy.
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Oh, I’m so, so sorry to hear this. 😢 Bentley was obviously such a sweet, special guy. I’m glad you shared so many photos of him living life to the fullest…he really was the tetherball champ! I know you miss him terribly. Sending you both hugs, and to Sucia, too. ❤️
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Thanks Laurel… so many picture and memories. Looking back at all our adventures with him makes me feel less guilty that he never had a big grassy back yard to run around in.
He definitely was one of a kind!
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We’ve been through this too many times and it never gets easier and I never know what to say when anyone else goes through it. Sorry just doesn’t seem sufficient. They are our family and we know them as well as they know us. They provide endless entertainment, joy, and comfort. And whether they go slowly or quickly, they always leave us heartbroken. They’re just the best and I am so, so sad for you guys right now. I’ll be thinking of you.
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Thanks Laura.. he was such a good boy. I guess the heartbreak is the price we pay for all the things they give us. 💔
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What a sweet tribute to Bentley. It’s like loosing a child. Wishing you better times in September! Much love.
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Thank you Joyce.. we are sure missing that sweet guy.
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What a sweet tribute to Bentley. It’s like loosing a child. Wishing you better times in September! Much love.
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Brenda and Wally, we are so sorry to hear this devastating news. Bentley was such a sweet boy and your best friend. Getting Covid at the same time is just the depth of misery.
You are in our thoughts. We know there is another doggie waiting for you down the line, who needs your loving home ❤️
Jane and Patrick
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Thank you Jane. My lemon dog was one of a kind for sure!
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If only we could all be loved as much as Bentley the world would be a beautiful place …my heart breaks just thinking about the loss!! ❤️🩹😞love you 🙅♀️
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Thank you my sweet friend… we know the day we bring them into our lives that they will also break our hearts one day. But the joy they bring us and the unconditional love is worth the heartache. He was such a sweet boy and we will really miss him.
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My sincere condolences for your loss. It’s never easy. After my sweet Bear passed, we decided to wait until we moved into a house before getting another dog. He was the best traveler and companion as was your Bentley.
Hope you start feeling better soon, and over time, the hole in your heart will mend as well.
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Thank you Ingrid…time will definitely heal our hearts. ❤️
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