Saturday, May 21, 2011

Finn 1997 - 2011

Finn was our dog. A 14 year old Australian Shepherd/Border Collie cross - smart, loyal and full of energy. Everything you could ever want in a dog. He wanted to be where we were. Every piece of art I have done in the last 14 years has had his spirit in it in some way.

I am lucky enough to live on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment in Southern Ontario, which means it was my privilege to walk Finn over those steep, wooded hill sides every day. Our walks through the woods in all weather and all seasons filled my imagination with the wonders of the natural world and inspired many of my drawings and paintings.

We lost Finn a few days ago. He was an amazing animal and a spectacular companion.

So long Buddy Boy. You have left a big hole in our lives and will be greatly missed.



Peace be with you.
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20 comments:

  1. Thomas Haller BuchananMay 21, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    Larry, my deep sympathy to you and yours. A great dog is a great buddy and is a great blessing. How wonderful that you guys shared in the enchanted lands.

    Peace to you as well.

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  2. Oya's DaughterMay 21, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    Oh no....

    My empathy.

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  3. Matt StewartMay 21, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    My deepest sympathies. All the time you have with them is a privilege. All the Best to you and Pat.

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  4. Leslie HawesMay 21, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    Sorry. Very difficult.

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  5. Medieval MuseMay 21, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved furry friend.

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  6. The Art of Kim KincaidMay 21, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    Peace to your sad heart, Larry. He'll be there...waiting for you.

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  7. mattMay 21, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    Sorry for your loss, saying goodbye to a member of your family can be very trying. Just know he is running through the bright forest, waiting for the day he can run besides you again. Last year we lost a member of our family of 16 years, it was certainly hard, but remembering all the moments of joy and love we shared always makes me feel better.

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  8. Irene La ZiaMay 22, 2011 at 3:51 AM

    I'm very sorry for your loss. My sympathy to you and your wife.

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  9. UnknownMay 22, 2011 at 4:11 AM

    Have a nutty dog. She is only 4 but we have a bond that only other dog owners can understand. So I feel your pain. All the best mate.

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  10. Larry MacDougallMay 22, 2011 at 4:35 AM

    Thanks everyone for the kind and understanding comments. It means a lot. We're taking his loss pretty hard but positive energy like this really helps.

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  11. Wings of InspirationMay 22, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    So sorry about your loss. Peace be with you and your family. I am sure that he is still with you in a way - peace be with him.

    Tricia

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  12. Jay PennMay 22, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    There is nothing more sad than losing a companion as faithful and loving as a dog. Especially one that obviously enjoyed many long walks with you.
    My thoughts are with you.

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  13. Pat AnnMay 22, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    Sweetheart,

    Your eulogy for our beloved member of our little family calls from my heart as well. I Love you and my mourning is bearable because of you.

    -And thank you from the bottom of my heart to all our online friends for your comments.

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  14. WOLMay 22, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  15. WOLMay 22, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    In addition to everything else they teach us about life, and love, and living, our animal companions teach us how to say Goodbye. Such a hard, hard lesson. It always amazes me how, when they go on ahead, they leave such a huge crater in our lives all out of proportion to their size. But, when it is our turn to cross the bridge, they will be waiting for us, and we'll continue our journey in a goodly company of friends to where ever the road goes next.

    What better legacy can we give them than to bequeath their happy home to a homeless animal in need?

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  16. Larry MacDougallMay 23, 2011 at 5:27 AM

    WOL - thank-you so much and thanks everyone for the beautiful words. This has been a tough time for us and your messages of sympathy and encouragement have been very comforting.

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  17. UnknownMay 25, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    I'm sorry for your loss.

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  18. Larry MacDougallMay 26, 2011 at 6:05 AM

    Thanks Emma - much appreciated.

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  19. dragonladychMay 31, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    So sorry to read that.
    Our pets are friends just as precious as human friends and it sure hurts when they leave.

    I know another Finn who is now in doggie heaven, I bet they are playing together

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  20. Larry MacDougallJune 5, 2011 at 4:52 AM

    Thank-you Dragonlady.

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