Sunday, our beloved dogger Malachi passed away. He was 14. This April would have been his 11th Maliversary with us. These things happen. Circle of life, and all that. Regardless of the logic and science and pure reason, we are heartbroken. The wees are too young to understand. I’m grateful for that. Dahlia had taken to sitting next to him wherever he was and petting him, stroking his ears and his ruff, which he seemed to enjoy or maybe he just tolerated it with dignity. Finn mentioned to me today that Malachi wasn’t here because he was at the animal hospital, so I know he understands some of this but not all of it.
There is a horrible tinge of guilt in our sadness – guilt that we didn’t realize there was something wrong sooner, that we didn’t take him for more walks once the wees came, that we didn’t play more fetch on sunny days (even in his old age and with his arthritis, Mali could not resist a tennis ball), that we didn’t brush him as often as we once did. I’m trying to move past this and remember the good times we had with him. There were many. He went everywhere with us. He was the ringbearer at our wedding; he came bounding over to us when we called him as if we had rehearsed it a million times. So many beautiful hikes, so many road trips, so many lovely walks, so many silly photoshoots. He was always good for a laugh. And he was an excellent snuggler. He was part of our little family. And we loved him so so dearly.
I’ve always said that the day I found him was the luckiest day of my life. It truly was. It’s not every day that the ideal dog for you walks up to you in front of a laundromat in Long Island City. We’ll miss our Mali-Malster. He was a fine dog and a great friend.
sotosewn 
So sorry for the loss of your sweet friend.
aw, sweet pup. i didn't know he was so old. {{hugs}}
Sorry for your loss, Maritza. It's so hard to lose a pet. They give so much in their short lives and make our lives so much richer.
Oh m I'm sorry. He was a good pup and you gave him a great life. And he got love from your babies so no guilt.
so sorry to hear about this. it's always hard to lose a friend. dwell on only the good times he had a lovely life, i'm sure of it.
He was such a gorgeous pup (I loved the photos). I'm so sorry for your loss.
Such heartbreak. I know what you mean by guilt, but hope that having wee playmates around made up for some of the neglect. Hugs to you and yours.
oh, what a sweet boy! I'm glad you had so many wonderful years together
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am glad he found you and had such a full and wonderful life.
I'm so sorry to hear about Malachi. I always enjoyed hearing about him and seeing photos of him over the years. I know how hard it is to lose a pet and my heart is breaking for you. How lucky for all of you that he found you that day!
M – i'm so sorry for your loss. lots of love and hugs to you
I'm very sorry for your loss. I had to put my Benja-buddy to sleep in January, he was 14 also. I know exactly how you feel. I'm sure your Mali had a great life and was better off for knowing you.