Wednesday, January 27, 2010

In Loving Memory


(photo: December 2009)

Mr. Puffy

1/17/1993-1/22/2010

It is with great sorrow that I let you know that Mr Puffy passed away last week. Steve has written the following tribute to Mr Puffy's memory that we have shared with family and friends and I am sharing with you.

Dear family and friends,

As you know, Mr. Puffy was on chemotherapy treatment as a result of his bladder cancer. His struggle ended last Thursday.

Puffy had a long and happy life until the very end. He was a source of joy to everyone he met.

There is much about Puffy that many of you don’t know.


Puffy was a rescue dog. He was unhappy in his early life and ran away from his first family in Indiana on a regular basis. He was shot by a farmer and had hundreds of pieces of buckshot in his body. Shortly after that we adopted him. We never knew about his injury until he had an x-ray that lit up with little luminescent areas from his head to his tail. We then called his first family and found out the whole story.


Puffy had an incredibly kind heart. Shortly after we got him he escaped from our housekeeper while we were at work. She chased after him, running through the woods until it became apparent that she couldn’t catch him (Puffy was fast). Out of desperation she lay down on the ground and started crying. Puffy heard her, stopped, came running back to her and licked her face. He was worried that she hurt herself.

Puffy had fans all over the world. As you know, he and Claudia shared a knitting blog and thousands of people enjoyed following his adventures and looking at the knitting. In just the single week from 1/21/2010 – 1/26/2010 he had multiple readers from the following countries visit his blog:


Brazil, Denmark, Poland, Netherlands, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lithuania, Latvia, Switzerland, Bulgaria, New Zealand, Turkey, Australia, Spain, Canada, Ukraine, Taiwan, Estonia, Kazan – Russian Federation, Slovakia, Nizhniy Novgorod – Russian Federation, Portugal, Italy, Finland, France, Norway, Kenya, Germany, Krasnodar – Russian Federation, England, India, Hungary, Romania, Moscow –Russian Federation, Romania, Iceland, Bosnia, Herzegovnia, Switzerland, Ireland, Indonesia, Croatia, Uruguay, and of course the United States.


He was also honored by the Orange County Register with a story and photos about two weeks before he died.


Sample quotes from his fans:


1/24/2010 from Katherine: Mr. Puffy is a hero in our house! We are praying that our Jack Russell Terrier Macy will get along as well for as long as he has! Go Puffy!


1/20/2010 from Michelle (Northernstar28): Hooray for Mr. Puffy! Man about town. Ever so newsworthy and ready to put a bright spot in everyone’s day. Thanks for sharing the story and recipe. Worldwide humanity rules.


1/11/2010 from Amanda: Mr. P. is looking happy and that makes everyone happy.

He got similar comments on a regular basis.

Puffy and Claudia enjoyed an English Tea every day from 1-2pm. Puffy waited for his little biscuits, enjoyed them and then lay down next to Claudia and watched BBC programs.

As Puffy’s veterinary office said, Puffy was a sweet, sweet boy who was loved by everyone he met. He is missed very much.

Steve and Claudia


Claudia's Postscript:


This blog was a journey that Mr Puffy and I began together and, at least for a time, I shall continue on in his honor. I think in my heart I'll always know what Mr Puffy would want to say.

75 comments:

Monika said...

I'm so sorry that Mr.Puffy lost his battle. I thought he was doing well. I always enjoyed Claudia's posts, but the ones with Mr.Puffy photos were extra special. I'm still smiling now, even with tears in my eyes, when I think of him sporting his Pufflings. Rest in peace, dear Puff, and say high to my Sam!

Knitterary said...

Oh, how sad! We grieve with you.

Theresa

Jules said...

My heart goes out to you, Claudia and Steve. He was such a sweetie and I loved seeing his face on your blog and hearing of his latest antics. Thank you for sharing so much of him with us. I'll remember him fondly.

Rainey Day Knitter said...

Such a sweet and loving tribute to Mr. Puffy. He was so lucky to have you as his family and you in turn were so lucky to have him as a loyal friend.

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Claudia,
My prayers, thoughts, wishes, and good feelings are with you and Steve. I am so sorry that Mr. Puffy passed and I hope you can somehow feel all the hugs and good wishes all of us in the blogging community are sending your way!!!!

Michelle said...

I'm sorry for your loss. I've only recently come here to start to get to know Mr Puffy but it's obvious that he was much loved and had a wonderful life with you.

Kristen Rettig said...

My heart is broken. I am so sorry that your little companion is gone, I know you'll miss him so much. What dear memories you will have.

Kathleen Kennedy said...

God bless you in your time of grief. May he bless you eternally with the rich, warm, abundant memories you have of your sweet angel. He will be with you in spririt forever.

The Ladies of Beaglebratz Manor said...

(This is the mom) I am so saddened to read of Mr. Puffy's passing. I do believe in the Rainbow Bridge and that is where Mr. Puffy is now - frolicking in the lush green meadow, under a soft blue sky and he is now as he was as a young pup.
I know if the Beaglebratz could, they would send Mr. Puffy off in true Beagle fashion with a lound AROOOOOOOOOO!

Hilary said...

Oh, Claudia, I am so, so sorry. With every post on this blog, Mr. Puffy brightened my day, and I am so glad to have "known" him these past couple of years. This is a huge loss for the knit-blog world. :( Steve's tribute was beautiful and made me cry. How wonderful that Mr. Puffy was able to join your family and be loved so much. I will miss him. :(

old lady said...

May all your happy memories help get thru this painful time. He's over the Rainbow Bridge now.

jillian said...

Oh no. I feel like it can't be.

I'm so sorry, from the deepest part of my heart. I can't begin to imagine the weight of the loss you are feeling, but know that you and Steve are in my thoughts.

punkin said...

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Puffy's passing. He is a bright spot that has not dimmed.

kim said...

Such a lovely tribute. This post made me so sad. And yet, a life as well-lived as Mr. Puffy's should be celebrated. Best to you and Steve. xx

subliminalrabbit said...

claudia & steve - i am so, so sorry. you will be in our thoughts. much love from our family to yours.

luisa morais machado said...

I am really sorry but it should give us some joy to know that he was happy and made so many people happy.
In Portugal I've followed you too, thank you for sharing!
I see that he was a great companion. The only thing he didn't do was knitting! :)

Bubblesknits said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Sending healing thoughts your way.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry....Claudia, you and Steve gave Mr. Puffy a most wonderful life....I will miss seeing and hearing about him.

CelticCastOn said...

awwww Claudia so sorry for your loss.
Mr. Puffy may have had a rough start to life with his previous owners but he sure fell on his feet when he came to live with you, he couldn't have asked for anything more!
You'll see him again soon and he'll be beating it up and down the beaches of heaven I guarantee :)

beth02116 said...

Bless you, Puffy. I will miss you.

SissySees said...

What a beautiful tribute. Mr Puffy was quite a fellow, and I know he left pawprints all over your hearts.

Lee said...

I'm so sorry that you have lost your friend. Our dogs teach us so much, don't they? Hugs.

Ally Jay said...

Poor you, I really feel your sorrow at this time. Mr Puffy was a wonderful dog, even across the blogiverse it was clear he was a special character. He will be as much missed here as he will be in your home. Hugs heading your way.

Meg said...

I am so, so, so sorry for your loss. I just recently found your blog while searching for Kim Hargreaves project, and really enjoy your writing, esp. since you are in southern ca as well.

amanda said...

Oh, Claudia and Steve, I am so sorry. Though we've never met in person, I felt like I knew Mr. Puffy personally. I know this is a very difficult time for you. Mr. Puffy was blessed with 17 years, which for a dog is a long, great life. And, you enjoyed each day together. My thoughts are with you!

Petra said...

A big hug from Germany.

Kate (KnitsInClass) said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I never personally met Mr. Puffy, I did feel like I got to know him through your writing and pictures. He was blessed to have so many years with a loving family.

lily said...

Oh I am so sorry to hear this! I will miss his cuteness on your blog! Sorry again!

Donna said...

m so very sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with you.

Anonymous said...

What a great tribute to Mr. Puffy. He certainly found the very best home with you two and he sure lived a long and happy life. He'll be missed by many!

Lisa said...

Thank you for sharing Mr. Puffy with us.

Hugs.

Murielle Creative Knitting said...

So sorry to hear that, Claudia. He was a lovely, loving dog and I will miss petting him. I feel for you and Steve, I know you loved him so much.

Murielle Creative Knitting said...

So sorry to hear that, Claudia. He was a lovely, loving dog and I will miss petting him. I feel for you and Steve, I know you loved him so much.

Michelle (Northernstar28) said...

What a lovely tribute. Well done, Steve. Thank-you so much for including my comment. We learn so much from animals and if I could ever manage just a fraction of their unconditional love, I would be blessed indeed. Thank-you for sharing your adventures with Mr. Puffy as I enjoyed them immensely, probably almost as much as Mr. Puffy enjoyed his biscuit with you. Hugs to both of you and keep Mr. Puffy's love close to your hearts~

Bridget said...

Oh Claudia, I am beyond sad about this news - I felt like Mr Puffy was my very own dog the way you wrote about him, and the way he shared his ideas and philosophies with us.

Reading Steve's tribute, I am so happy that all of you found each other - what a happy life he had, and how happy he made the two of you - and those of us who knew him through this blog.

Everyone at our house (furry and otherwise) will say a special prayer for you, Steve, and Mr Puffy. I hope you can take comfort in the fact that he knew you loved him and got to spend his last days with the people he wanted to be with all of the time.

And I do hope you will continue the blog - I for one would miss you terribly, and just because Mr P is not her physically, there's not reason to stop telling us about him, and what you have been up to.

Take care. God Bless Mr Puffy.

t does wool said...

oh,Claudia and Steve...
what a perfect,perfect tribute.
Mr Puffy could not have asked for a better home...or to be loved more.
xoxo

Debra in NC said...

Oh, I am so sorry for your loss of dear Mr. Puffy! He was an incredibly loved boy, and I'm sure he knows it very much. Please take good care of yourself, and know that we are here grieving with you.

(((((Hugs)))))

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful picture and tribute to your noble friend and companion. I am truly sorry for your loss.
carol

raining sheep said...

What an eloquent tribute to a most lovely and beloved Mr. Puffy. You are all in my hearts.

Anonymous said...

SO SORRY TO KNOW THIS NEWS.
CLAUDIA YOU WERE A GIFT TO HIM.THIS LITTLE DOG WAS CARE AND LOVED , EVERYONE SAW HIS HAPPINES PRINTED ON THE PICTURES.
MR. PUFFY BECOMES IN A REAL CHARACTER AND I ENJOYED TO KNOW ABOUT HIS HAPPY LIFE.
EN MEXICO TAMBIEN TE DISFRUTAMOS

Willow said...

Claudia and Steve, I am so very very sorry! My eyes are all filled with tears as I write that I know how you will miss our Mr. Puffy. He was quite a rascal in his youth but he mellowed into a wonderful middle age and sweet, kind elder age.

Be comforted by knowing that we all, his admirers, will miss reading of his escapades and seeing his photos. I'll remember him always as that dog about town who loved the beach as much as I do.

Willow

betty said...

Oh, I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Being an owner of dogs past and present, I know how it must feel. He did lead an amazingly long life. I hope that my current Large Dog will do as well. Please accept my condolences. :((((

Anonymous said...

I never thought it would happen. But then it did. I am so sorry, Claudia and Steve. He was the most wonderful dog. You were all so lucky to have each other.

Ursula

Pat K said...

So sorry to hear this! Mr Puffy will certainly be missed. He was so lucky to have you for his family.

Jackie F. said...

I just wanted to say how much I've always enjoyed reading about Mr. Puffy, his adventures and adorable pictures, and your beautiful knitting and wonderful recipes. May he rest in peace.

Allie said...

Claudia - my heart is breaking for you two. I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Puffy. My condolences, sweetheart.

Rebekah said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like everyone who knew him had their life enhanced.

You are in my thoughts.

Anita said...

What a lovely tribute. My heart is with you guys. And if it weren't for my curiosity about who this Mr. Puffy was I never would have met you. Both your family & Mr. Puffy were blessed when you found him, as were all of us when we found you. :)

Ginger said...

We're sad to hear about MrPuffy as we are fans of MrPuffy.

Tracy said...

Dear Claudia, how very sorry and saddened I am that Mr Puffy has left you & Steve, left this world...My heart breaks for what you are now going though--how I cry... Mr. Puffy was a brave boy. It was amazing to hear of his difficult life in his early years. What a blessing you & Steve took him on and how that turned his life around. What a sweet soul is Mr. Puffy! Personally, I believe we never truly lose those we love, that as long as we remember them in heart and mind, their spirit is ever with us. Steve's written such a lovely tribute. Thank you for sharing it with us. We are such big Mr. Puffy fans--always will be. :o) I am so glad you will keep blogging, Claudia. I think Mr. Puffy will be very glad you did. And so will we. Many you find much love and comfort from family & friends at this time. Thinking of you so much and sending ((LOVE & HUGS))

Anonymous said...

So sorry Claudia- Steve's tribute was lovely. Mr. P will be missed.

Miriam said...

I am so sorry for the loss of Mr Puffy. I was one of his many fans, and always looked forward to seeing his little face on this blog, often decorated in Claudia's beautiful knitting.

It's so hard losing a kind-hearted, loving friend like Mr Puffy. My thoughts are with you both.

Anonymous said...

Oh Claudia and Steve, I am so sorry and sad over your loss of Mr. Puffy. I and my three canine girls shall miss him and his charm and big heart. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Michele, Pia, Clare and Niamh

Robin V said...

I only recently stumbled across Mr Puffy's blog, but was immediately hooked. Who doesn't love a sweet beagle face?!? My hubby and I, and our beagle Bonnie, send our deepest sympathy. We are sad that your dear friend is gone.

Denise said...

Oh Claudia, I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Puffy, I thought he was doing much better? My heart is breaking for you my dear friend. Our pets are family, losing them is never easy. I am praying you will find comfort in knowing that Mr Puffy brought so much joy to so many lives.
Sending big hugs and much love.
xxxx
Denise

Unknown said...

My tears for your loss. As a longtime dogowner, I know he was a good and loving friend you will miss fiercely. I wish with all my heart they could have a longer lifespan - we get a lot of rescues and neigborhood rejects. You bond and they go on without you, waiting for us to learn the lessons they had to share so we can catch up to them later. Please consider another rescue or shelter dog when you are ready, my best fur-friends come from there. Never can be a replacement for, just another addition to your life, that will time enlighten your life. Best Wishes to your family.

Renee said...

Rest well, Mr. Puffy. You brought joy to everyone's lives you touched. Thank you for sharing your adventures and hardships and family with us all. Claudia and Steve, his memory will always be honoured and cherished. Dogs are amazing creatures. He'll be waiting and wagging his tail for you at the Golden Bridge.
Hugs and love,
Renee and family

A South Park Republican said...

Oh Claudia, I am so very sorry. The loss of our pets leaves a huge fuzzy hole in our hearts. My thoughts are with you.

Unknown said...

I've never posted a comment to a blog before. This is my first, motivated by the need to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of Mr. Puffy. I have only followed your blog for less than a year, being new to knitting, but I have very much enjoyed your thoughtful posts and, of course, the adventures of Mr. Puffy. I've owned dogs my entire life, so I know the love they bring into our lives, and the heartbreak when they go.

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Lesley from Toronto, Canada

Katherine said...

I'm so sorry! Mr. Puffy will be missed by so many. My heart is aching. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. The knitting and blogging world is diminished by Mr. Puffy's passing!

Ioana said...

I grieve with you, Claudia and Steve, although I am sure Mr. Puffy is now in Heaven, where he belongs, after his meaningful life.

Anonymous said...

So Sorry to here of Mr. Puffy's passing. His kind heart will be remembered.
Lynne

Larissa said...

What a beautiful tribute to Mr. Puffy. He was such a spunky and joyous guy and so lucky to have joined your family when he did. Sending you warm wishes and hugs and hoping your hearts mend soon. I won't forget Mr. Puff.

Teddy Rose said...

That was such a wonderful tribute to a wonderful boy. I am sorry. I know first hand how hard it is to loss a pet.

KnittySue said...

My heart is broken for you, I pray for comfort for you both.

Knitting Out Loud said...

You have all my sympathy for this sad loss.

Lana said...

So sorry to hear of Mr. Puffy's passing!! A beautiful tribute to a wonderful and dear friend!

amanda said...

Oh I am so, so sad that you have lost your companion Claudia. He will be truly missed here - thanks for sharing him with us.

amanda x

Sue said...

Claudia I am so sorry about Mr. Puffy. How did I miss this post I dont knot but saw your later one and then realised he had gone. I feel as though a little bit of Mr. Puffy was shared through your blog and I will miss his updates and getting to know his adventures. I do hope he is now on a new adventure somewhere lovely where he can run and play. Take care xx

Windyridge said...

I have been remiss in my blog reading and finally came back for a visit today. I was so sad to hear of Mr Puffy's passing. He will be missed. I felt as though I had met him in real life. You can be happy in knowing that he had a great life with you both. We recently got a rescue dog of our own, a little mixed breed Lhasa/terrier mix...our first small dog. She gets along with the big dog and the cats famously. It's fun to watch them all interact.
Rest in Peace Dear Puffy...

Kathy said...

Oh Claudia. I'm so very sorry. With tears in my eyes. I hope that you can find joy in the memories of your time together to help you through the difficult times. My thoughts are with you.

monica said...

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Puffy. I will miss seeing his beautiful face.

knittingdragonflies said...

I'm so sorry about Mr. Puffy. Dogs are so sweet and innocent. Mr. Puffy was a wise soul, both in life and especially in knitwear. I have found the best dogs I have owned have been rescue dogs. Thanks for the history on Mr. Puffy.
Take care
Vicki

SNOWBIRD said...

I am so sorry that I am late and just now reading about Mr. Puffy. You were the family he needed in his life. Please keep writing in his memory.

gMarie said...

Claudia I'm very late to the game, but I wanted to let you know that I am very sorry for your loss. I love the tea cozy in Mr. Puffy's memory and I'm thrilled that you are so quickly able to see the joy his life brought you.

It's never long enough though - is it? g