Pinot
As some of you know, my beautiful Pinot passed away in my arms on Wednesday, February 19, 2020.
She’s been with me since 2006, when I was diagnosed with a rare tumor of the adrenal glands called pheochromocytoma. My blood pressure was through the roof, I couldn’t keep any weight on and had ended up in the hospital numerous times for dehydration. On a whim, I decided to get a dog and that’s when I found Pinot.
My doctor called Pinot a miracle dog. Because within a few weeks of bringing her home, all my symptoms disappeared. My blood pressure returned to normal, and when they prepped for surgery to remove the tumor, they couldn’t find any trace of it. It was gone. In short, Pinot saved my life.
This little hot dog became my constant companion. She named herself when she tried to drink my glass of Pinot Grigio. My family has never had a pet and at first, my parents told me not to bring that “dirty dog” into their home. But Pinot was soon sleeping in their bed (dirty dog, indeed!).
Pinot had my parents wrapped around her paws. They carried her everywhere, often prompting people to ask if she could walk. She went to work with me and she even chose my husband for me.
Two weeks after I got Pinot, I met Jim. I was doing online dating at the time, and Pinot did NOT like any of the guys she met. But the minute she saw Jim, she laid a paw on him and claimed him. MY boyfriend. What was I to do? The wiener had spoken. Jim was now OUR boyfriend.
She loved bags, and would jump into any open bag,
even the Coach bag someone gave me.
She was always by my side. When Jim and I got married, Pinot was right in the middle of the wedding.
She walked down the aisle with my mom. And was at the reception the whole night.
I think I kissed her more than Jim for our photos.
I named my Etsy shop after her. We adopted another dachshund, Lokie together.
It took Pinot six months to get used to Lokie.
But they were soon inseparable.
And when we adopted a human boy, she took him under her wings.
Pinot let him carry her around in baskets,
squeeze into her bed with her,
and snuggle together on the couch.
They became the Three Musketeers.
We’ve loved Pinot for 14 years.
The GrandPeople did too.
Our lives were full of joy and dachshund stubbornness.
She’s been with me through the good times, and some of the worst times of my life.
Pinot, I will always love you and I thank you for all the years I was honored to be your Person.
You are my heart and my heart broke when you got so sick this past month from IVDD and a severe case of pancreatitis. Your beloved vet Dr. Shane and I did everything we could to save you but in the end, it was just your time to go.
I stayed behind when I was supposed to leave for Kaua’i on a work trip/family vacation because you ended up in the ICU. But then you rallied, and I flew there to catch the work meetings I’d set up. Less than 48 hours after I got there, Dr. Shane called and told me to come home. I caught the first flight back, thanks to an animal loving ticket agent. I had a non-refundable or transferrable ticket and couldn’t even fly standby. But she changed my ticket at no charge and upgraded my seats. And I finally got home at 6:30am the next day and went right to you.
I held you in my arms and when everyone had left the room and it was just the two of us, you finally let go. I had no idea you had passed until they came to get you to do tests. You waited for me to come back to you and once you were safe in my arms, you passed peacefully, our hearts beating together one last time.
I held you for two hours after, loving you and remembering all the times we’ve spent together. My heart broken into a million pieces, I finally handed you to Dr. Shane.
I will never forget you, Pinot. You have affected my life in ways no human has and you carry a piece of my heart with you always. Run free now, in the outdoors you love so much.
You will live forever in my heart, in our Etsy shop we built together, and in the books you helped me write.
Rest in peace, my beautiful Pinot.
Lynn, so sorry you had to say goodbye – can’t help crying when reading this. My thoughts are with you – Sue G
Thank you, Sue. I’ve been crying since she passed.
My heart aches for you..Annabelle passed yesterday morning and I feel sure Pinot will greet her on the other side.
Oh, no, Annabelle! I’m sure Pinot is now running with her. Our babies. Sending a big hug.
Thank you for sharing the story of your life with Pinot, your miracle dachshund.
Your journey with him has been beautiful and your words are beautiful and moving.
Lyn, this is a beautiful story. I feel like I lost your little Pinot as well. I’m sorry he had to go ..its always too soon 😥
It’s been such a sad week. Pinot was a very special dog.
We were so lucky to have each other.
My Rhodesian Ridgeback passed away a few months ago. It’s the hardest thing to lose a best friend! I’m very sorry 😐!
It really is so hard when we lose them. I’m sorry for your loss too!
My heart breaks for you Lyn. I know how this feels and am sending you love and light.
Thank you, Alex. I need it!
I am so sorry Lyn. I am writing this through tears. I know how hard it is to say goodbye to our fur babies. I had to do it 3 times. May Pinot Rest In Peace. My heart is broken for you 💔😪
Thank you for understanding. It’s been such a sad week.
What a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing your special connection with sweet Pinot.
I am so sad and writing always helps. I wanted to remember her. Thank you!
Oh, Lyn!
My heart is breaking and tears are running down my face. Look what your words have done to me! Look what your love did for your beloved Pinot. You were both very lucky to have found each other. I hope someday the hurt is not quite as bad as it is today, much love and kindness, Barbara
Thank you so much Barbara. My heart hurts every time I remember she’s not here. I wanted to share what she’s meant to me.
I am so sad that Pinot has left the neighborhood in order to cross over the Rainbow Bridge. I hope that she meets my doxies Lily and Fanny and that they have a grand old time. I know it hurts. God bless.
Thank you, Susan. You know what it’s like to lose a beloved dog. I will miss walking Pinot in the neighborhood and running into you.
😂. Reading your tribute to Pinot brought tears to my eyes.
She truly was an amazing dog!! Sending hugs!!
Thank you for the real hug this weekend. And for understanding how hard it is to lose a beloved dog.
Lyn – You lost a special part of your life, and there will never be another Pinot. The magic, love, and curing comfort she gave you, however, lives on in her spirit. That will never die.
Yes. My special Pinot.
Lyn, what a beautiful tribute, first of all. If I had a dog, I would want to feel how you feel for Pinot. How remarkable the 2 of you found each other and took care of each other for over a decade. But, it’s never enough time! Sending positivity and loving thoughts, my friend.
Definitely not enough time. Thank you for your positivity and thoughts.
This is such a beautiful way to say goodbye to your beloved companion.
Thank you. I still can’t believe she is gone.
Oh, Lyn, I’m so sorry about Pinot. What a beautifully moving tribute you wrote. Tears. Love to you…
Thank you, Whitney.
Lyn- I am so sorry to hear of Pinot’s passing. Your memorial is beautiful! Xo Missy
Thank you, Missy xoxo
[…] was at the vet with my first baby, Pinot (who passed away in Feb 2020) when I got the email asking for The Call. What is The Call? […]