Dear Friends,
This morning, we said goodbye to our beloved dog, Vida, who has been with us for more than 14 years. Her name means “life” in Portuguese, and that is what she gave us in abundance. Found on the street as a frail puppy near death, she grew into a loyal companion who marked every stage of our family’s journey, including welcoming Mavie, our other rescue dog, walking down the aisle as a ring bearer at our wedding, to sitting faithfully with a dying relative at their request, playing the role of a therapy dog. And she somehow knew how to be both fiercely protective and endlessly patient with our newborn children, tolerating all the poking, prodding, and even the babies sitting on her head, something she would never allow an adult to do.
Yesterday, on what I suspected would be our last walk with Vida, my seven-year-old daughter turned to me and asked if I would go to work after saying goodbye to Vida this morning. I told her I wasn’t sure. She thought for a moment and then said, with the wisdom children often have: “It will be hard for you Daddy, because you’ll be distracted.” She was right, but that distraction was what I needed today, and I am so very grateful to work with such thoughtful and caring colleagues who somehow found a way to ease the pain of this day.
I said farewell to Vida today, holding her in my arms, hoping that she would feel the same devotion, love, and trust that she had given us. I whispered words of gratitude and reassurance, looking into her eyes as she took her last breath, holding tightly to both love and sorrow. I have been told that the ache of a broken heart I now feel is the price paid for so many years of joy, loving this four-legged bundle of fur.
Vida entered our lives, teaching us about unconditional love, and leaves us, teaching us about profound loss. She has taught me more about being human than I could have imagined: to strive to live in the moment, greet each day with joy, and love without judgment. I will continue to strive to be the person she believed I am, as a means to honour her.
Borrowing the wisdom of Winnie the Pooh, “How lucky I am to have had something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” How lucky we have been to have had Vida in our lives. While her leash now hangs empty, her presence is everywhere, and her unconditional love will always be a part of us, woven into our routines, memories, and hearts.
In gratitude for Vida’s life,
Barry
Vida, 2011-2025
10 responses to “Fourteen Years of Life, Love, and Lessons”
There is a reason they are our best friends. Thinking of you and your family.
Very sad, indeed! I too lost Princesa, that was atacked by other animal, in the woods! I think of her almost everyday, after 3 y. But she made you good! It’s what is important! My sentiments!!!
So sorry to hear Barry. Our four legged furry friends leave an unforgettable imprint in our hearts. Thinking of you in this sad time. X
Hi Barry,
Thanks for sending me your blog post. My Coco and Brutus and I send our condolences for Vida to you and your family. May she rest in peace. I cannot even imagine when that day comes for my little pups.
They are a big part of our lives and they add so much that it is hard to imagine being without them. I think why we miss them so much is because they teach us how to wake up happy every day and how to love every minute of what we have. I hope that you can still feel that from Vida. She will always be a part of your life.
Take care my friend.
Mark
Beautifully written tribute to your beloved Vida. How lucky you were indeed to have had her in your lives.
I’m sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing the special moments you’ve shared with Vida and the beautiful photos. May God comfort you and your family during this time as Vida rest in peace.
Barry,
This was heartbreaking to see that you lost a dear furry family member! Our animals are family – so I share much love and sadness.
Sending Love and Healing to you and your family! Wendy
Dr. Wendy Muhlhauser-Tingblad
Dear Matthew; thank you for sent the blog’s post of Vida’s life… It’s an unforgettable tribute and makes me feel emotional on remembering how fragile she was as a left puppy, frightened to anyone who could approach to her but rescued with care, looked after with love and got your kitchen area in fears but safe after vet’s visit… You both fell in love when you arrived and seen that special little one… No doubts you would be best friends soon and there was her following you anywhere you would go… and you supported each other on the difficult times… the caring she received all life from you made her strong, confident and a happy friend… also she gave it back to you… every time you returned from work, there was her anxious, waiting to be treated and to give love… You really made her a beautiful dog and part of your life as that love was in your heart, later in your family… and now, she couldn’t cope to carry on but love never ends, she is still in your life, always present in your heart forevermore… Thank you for sharing the lovely photos and her last walking with elegance on that beautiful garden… eternal memory… In sorrow, I’m sending you my love… gratitude for all you done…🙌❤️🙌
Dear Barry,
What a beautiful tribute you wrote for Vida. It must be so hard to say goodbye to such an important friend. I wish I had met her! A big hug and thank you for sharing a little bit about her with us! Faraday
What a beautifully written tribute, Barry. Your words capture the depth of love, loyalty, and quiet companionship that only a beloved dog can give. Reading this brought back memories of my own dog, Summar, who was exactly like Vida — gentle, intuitive, and always knowing how to comfort without saying a word. These extraordinary souls enter our lives and change us in ways we never expect.
Thank you for sharing something so deeply personal. It reminds us how deeply our pets stitch themselves into our routines and our hearts. May Vida’s memory continue to hold your family with warmth, just as Summar’s still does for mine. Their love never truly leaves us; it simply settles into a softer, cherished place within us.
Mushfiqua Zabeen