34 Comments

😢 to learn Mr. Loki has transitioned onto the 🌈 Bridge. And envisioning dancing on the Bridge with all four-leggeds who have arrived before him. Joining you in this deep loss. Have followed Loki closely as you shared his journey to Portugal. Will always remember his transatlantic adventure. Will miss him. Thank you for letting us know. 🙏🏽🙇🏽‍♀️🫶🏽

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Aug 26Liked by Janelle Holden

I’m so sorry to hear about Loki. We had to put our big dog to sleep a couple of years ago. He would mope around when I was gone too.

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Thanks Pam - it’s nice to hear from you about your experience. Makes me feel less alone with it .

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So sorry. Loki was such a wonderful dog, and he was always very mannerly at our house. Love and hugs.

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Sending you a big hug

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Thank you so much Gillian! Hug received and appreciated. :)

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I am so sorry for your loss. Loki was a beloved family member and intrepid traveler. Having taken that decision with 3 cats and 4 dogs, I understand the heartache and deep grief surrounding doing the right and compassionate thing for them. Take care of yourself and indulge in doing whatever makes you feel comforted. You are in my prayers.

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Thank you so much Maria - it means a lot to me to hear from people who have been through it. I will take good care of myself.

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Aug 19Liked by Janelle Holden

Oh no! I am so sorry for your loss Janelle. I am sending you a big hug and am also a place for you to share any story about Loki any time it comes to mind. Dogs bring us so much joy, we’re lucky for the time with them.

And also so sorry you had those scary moments in Paris. Living in big cities nearly all of my life I’ve learned to kick the “polite” instinct and instead turn all of the attention on them and do my best to make them uncomfortable!

Here’s a good trick if you’re in this situation again. She is a former dominatrix that teaches women how to take the power back in any situation! https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-nSs1Jv_xF/

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Thank you Joanna! You always share such amazing resources! I loved the woman you recommended. Really brilliant for sales conversations too.

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So very sad you have lost poor Loki. I hope you are able to take comfort in the wonderful memories you have of him and knowing you gave him a wonderful home and the ultimate gift to not prolong his suffering. Holding you in my heart.

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Thank you Amy - that means a lot. 🥲 Everyone has been so kind.

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Aug 19Liked by Janelle Holden

Oh my gosh, when I read your title, I instantly thought: dog. Though, not gonna lie, you had me on tinder hooks for a bit there starting with the Paris metro story.

I am so sorry to read about Loki. Dogs are truly amazing and I often wonder what humans ever did to deserve them. They are the best therapists and protectors of our hearts. I remember reading in a Lonely Planet guidebook once (China? Nepal? Can’t remember.) a story about how different animals got their lifespans. As “the creator” was assigning lifespans, Cat received 20 years, Elephant got 70 years, insects got weeks, etc. and Dog ended up with a lifespan of 75 years. Well, Man was snoozing through all of this and ended up getting a lifespan of 13 years. When he awoke, he was not happy to hear the news and went around asking to trade for a longer lifespan. Every animal said no, except Dog, because he loved Man so much. And that is why Dog ended up with the shorter life and Man gets to live so long.

I’m glad Loki had a full doggie life with a little international adventure at the end. Virtual hugs to you, Janelle, and a good bone for Loki.

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Oh Larissa! Virtual hug received and appreciated! That Lonely Planet story is right on point. Dogs will do just about anything for us except come on command when there is something good smelling in the grass. :)

A friend sent a video of Jimmy Stewart reading a poem about his dog on Johnny Carson: https://youtu.be/mwGnCIdHQH0?si=-JmofQFeRoyE12ZG. It’s a tear jerker but it’s so good.

Your comments and thoughts make a big difference to me. I appreciate them so much. It may be a Lonely Planet but there are so many good people on it who care.

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We're glad that you had the awesome opportunity to travel to Paris for the Olympics! But also sad to hear about Loki's passing. Paul and I feel grateful to have met your beautiful dog in person! Letting go is hard. Your selfless love spared him pain. Sending peaceful thoughts to you and Doug.

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Thank you so much Carol. Your experience caring for your dogs really helped us. It’s very tough to go through. I’m so glad you met him. He was a beautiful soul as are you and Paul. Much love! ❤️

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Aug 18Liked by Janelle Holden

Sorry for your loss of Mr. Loki. Our pets are family. Your Paris adventures were amazing.

Thanks for sharing.

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Thank you so much Brenda! Appreciate your love and support. Hope you and all of yours are well!

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Being at the Olympic Games must have been marvellous. But on the other hand, Paris is a dangerous city, as we've seen from the news over the last two years. In Portugal you can walk alone at night, at least in most of the country. But I still remember when I was a kid (I'm 50 now), we'd go out of the house and leave the door open without any problems. Now we're living in difficult times, danger is lurking, and even if it isn't, we feel it is. That's the consequence of the current social tension, which unfortunately, probably sooner or later, will also reach major sporting events. And sorry for your loss

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Thank you Rolando. Yes, it’s part of living in the modern world. I long for peace for everyone. Which starts in my own heart. 💜 I hope for days when everyone feels safe to walk at night.

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Aug 18Liked by Janelle Holden

My mom’s advice when I told her I was heading to NYC for the first time on business (in my mid-20’s): don’t make eye contact and don’t smile when walking down the street. It’s not the same as Montana.

We obviously can’t let fear control us from doing what we love to do but we certainly can be smart and cautious on how to go about doing them. Happy and relieved that it all worked out well for you, considering the last-minute decision to make the trip!

On another note in addressing your loss of Loki- my heart breaks for you and Doug. No matter how prepared you think you are for “when it’s time”, you are never prepared. Letting them go is twofold- we want them to be with us forever. They would too if they could. What incredible adventures you took Loki on! Memories that will live on in your heart and will bring you comfort and peace, laughter and tears. Big hugs.

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Emily - thank you so much! Your mom had wise advice. Hard to transition from a place where everyone waves at each other to no one looking at each other. But good survival skills. Loki’s memories will last forever in my heart. Grief comes in waves. It’s going to take a while but peace will come.

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What a wonderful companion! Our pups are the BEST❤️ So sad for you all.

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Thank you Tonya!

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Oh, Loki. I am sitting here with 3 big dogs remembering my time with you with such love. Janelle, I am so very sorry. You are so fortunate to have him by your side for so long just as he was so blessed to have you two. Much love,

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Thank you Dawn - so much. I keep singing “Loki in the sky with diamonds” - he loved you. We were all lucky to have each other. So glad you’re with some big dogs and feeling the love. Miss you! 😘

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Aug 18Liked by Janelle Holden

My condolences on your loss. Dogs have a special place in our hearts.

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Indeed Scott - they do. Thank you!

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Aug 18Liked by Janelle Holden

I am so very sorry about Loki.

Glad your Paris trip was a success. And I definitely agree with you about researching neighborhoods. There were a few areas of the city I know to avoid now that I’ve been there. Not sure I’d want to walk alone in those spots late at night.

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Yes! From one spontaneous planner to another there are some downsides to it but ultimately I’m glad the perfect didn’t get in the way of the good. So glad you’re teaching your kids to just go for it!

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