Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Farewell to Sophie

The Kingfish had to say farewell to Sophie today.  Our tri-color King Charles Spaniel was ten years old when she left this world.  She will be missed.

Most, if not all, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are "Type B" personalities.  Not Sophie.  I must have had the only Alpha Cavalier.  She would lick you to death if she took a liking to you and had an uncanny ability to lick your lips if you weren't watching her.  She was rambunctious, loved to play rough, and was happy antagonizing another dog by sticking his toy in his face. No fetching a ball for her, she preferred to play tug of war and never quit. She loved to go riding in the buggies at Lowes and Home Depot and became quite the home repair expert. Her talents extended to wine as she was quite the connoisseur as she was a sommelier at Briarwood and Kats.   She went deaf at age five but no problem, she simply learned hand signals and learned them well. Her favorite toy was not a toy but one of those bones used in those bone marrow dishes at Parlor Market.  She tried to destroy it for six years without success and guarded it more fiercely than anything else she possessed.   

However, the dreaded Cavalier murmur developed.  She was diagnosed as having a Grade III murmur a year and a half ago.  It worsened to a Grade VI murmur at the beginning of the year.  Her life became a race against time that will eventually be lost.  Lasix, aspirations, medications, all prolonged her life until it couldn't be prolonged.  She enjoyed her last day and then her life went out, no pain was probably felt.  She was just as feisty this weekend as she was ten years ago. 


Puppy stage










She was the best little girl a daddy could ask for. 

47 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm torn between being buried in a family plot mausoleum with my dogs or being sent off in a Viking-style burning ship funeral. With my dogs, too. Either way, my dogs will be involved.

Anonymous said...

Very sorry, KF. She sounds like an awesome dog. Glad she had a long, happy run with a great family.

Marcel Ledbetter said...

There was a man in south Mississippi who was illiterate (he couldn't read or write). His only dream was to send his son W.L. to college. W.L. ran out of money and scammed his dad into sending his favorite dog Rover up to Ole Miss with some cash to get a professor to teach Rover how to read...well, Rover learned how to read and talk and the rest is history.

W.L. had to throw him off the back of the City of New Orleans train because he knew some damaging family secrets. RIP Rover.

Anonymous said...

@ 11:47 - thank you for defining "illiterate" for us on a web blog.

@ Kingfish - very sorry for your loss. Our dog is a member of the family and I dread the day he leaves us.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tribute to a faithful companion. I think Mark Twain said, "The more people I meet, the more I love my dog." I find that so very true these days. I'd rather stay home with my dogs than be around people some days. RIP Sophie......you were definitely loved!

Anonymous said...

My mother, raised on a farm, taught us that when a pet passes, we should remember that they are not going to outlive us. We outlive them and the best way we can come to terms with it is to realize that we gave them the best life and love that they could have had. In your family's mourning of your pet, I hope it will ease your pain to remember that you gave this dog love and a good life. That is all we can do.

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss. Beautiful dog that was obviously well loved.

Anonymous said...


My Dog (Capitalized Dog)will be 14 in about a month---she sleeps on the floor beside my bed, she goes everywhere with us in the backseat,
she is laying at my feet as I write this comment from my office. I don't know what kind of feelings I will have when she goes but I know I will be lost without my Australian Sheppard. What an incredible dog !!!!!!!

Kingfish, I am truly sorry for your loss.

Preston

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry :(

Anonymous said...

The only flaw in a dog is that they seldom outlive their humans. So sorry for your loss!

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss KF. I'm sure your love for Sophie was only surpassed by her love for you.

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss. Dogs are truly our best friend.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful dog. Sorry for your loss, KF.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful companion. It sounds like she had a great life and I'm sure she knew she was loved.

Anonymous said...

My condolences to you and to the families of the poor elderly folks who died in the nursing homes down in Florida!

Look Out said...

If neighbor does not keep dog off my yard, he will be doing same.

Anonymous said...

I had to put my long haired black chihuahua down a couple of months ago and I cried like a little girl. My wife went out a couple of weeks later and bought a Toy Aussie. I love dogs. Sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

I'm very sorry to hear this. She was a very sweet dog.

Anonymous said...

Old dogs.. and children... and watermelon wine.

Condolences-

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss, KF.

Anonymous said...

I know you're hurting. Sophie was a beautiful dog. I know she was greatly loved, and she loved you. Prayers for you, K.F. So truly sorry.

Darryl Hamilton said...

Sad news, indeed.

Anonymous said...

Winnie the Pooh said "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." Oh how they bless us while we have them. I am so sorry Kingfish...........

StarRider said...

Sorry for your loss KF.

Anonymous said...

So sorry, people that don't have a dog OR cat, can't understand, it hurts!

Anonymous said...

I lost my dog about 2 years ago. Just can't make myself get another one. She was one in a million.

Anonymous said...

My deepest condolences to you. I have walked this path three times before and the heartbreak in nearly unbearable. I would rather be with my dogs than most people. Prayers for you and your Sophie Angel.

Anonymous said...

Gave mine opids I didn't want, created at tree stump Ian trying to get out of yard.

Anonymous said...

Good dog, Sophie.

SD

Anonymous said...

Our fourteen year Boston Terrier Butch, died last August. We got Ruby Louise Labor Day a year ago. She has filled the void. Find your new companion quickly. The same but different.

Anonymous said...

So sorry we have a CKC ourselves and she's just like one of our kids!!

Anonymous said...

For a moment, I thought I was on Facebook.

Anonymous said...

Thoughts and prayers in the loss of your four legged family member. May she rest in peace.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to see this KF. I buried my last dog (yellow lab) twelve years ago and when I finished I told my wife, Never again. Was just too painful.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry. I am glad that she was able to move on on good terms.

Anonymous said...

2:56 is quite the sensitive type. More likely to beat or shoot a dog than feed or pet one.

Condolences KF.

Johnny Weir said...

Me and you and a dog named boo
Travelin' and livin' off the land
Me and you and a dog named boo
How I love being a free man

I remember to this day
The bright red Georgia clay
And how it stuck to the tires
After the summer rain
Will power made that old car go
A woman's mind told me that so
Oh how I wish
We were back on the road again

Anonymous said...

One can surmise from the photos that she was more human than dog. And what a lucky one she was to have obviously been so loved. All dogs go to heaven...

Anonymous said...

Amazing how much a dog can give. Just put my 15 year old fella down a week ago. He and I spent every hour together through those years. I have always said, dogs are the most loyal beings on earth and sure was hoping I would pass before him. If there is another side of this life, I'm fairly certain we shall meet again. So sorry for your loss Kingfish....

Anonymous said...

May all the happy memories with Sophie quickly ease the pain of her loss for you and your family. All us dog lovers understand what a tough time this is for you all and you have our deepest sympathy.

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear of the loss of your fur baby kingfish

Anonymous said...

She was beautiful. I'm sorry for your loss. Pets are like family.

Anonymous said...

Long time lurker; first time to comment. I'm sorry for your loss. I agree with the poster who encouraged you to get another one. We lost two last year, a Lab mix in February, and a terrier mix in October; in between we acquired a Border Collie mix. We miss the other two but our new dog has certainly eased the pain.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. They definitely become members of the family. :(

Ben said...

So, so sorry for your loss. They just grab your heart and never let go.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear this sad news. I know Sophie had a wonderful life and I hope the memories she gave you outweigh the grief you feel at her loss. There is nothing like losing a pet to make you aware of every minute detail of your day and how empty it feels without them there to share it. When you feel ready, I hope you'll show another dog the same love you showed Sophie. There could be no better tribute to her.
Marlo Kirkpatrick

Anonymous said...

Sophie was one of a kind. You are a great dog dad, and she knew she was loved. I'm so sorry for your loss!


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.