Eight years ago I packed up two children, our pug and a plant named Maxine. (a plant I received from friends in 1992 when my grandmother passed away) We moved from Texas to Nebraska in the middle of a divorce. We had nothing. Nothing. Later, finding out even the car I was left to drive away with by my ex-husband no longer had insurance – unbeknownst to me until after we arrived. So when I say nothing, I mean it.
I thought I’d hit rock bottom.
We lived with my brother and his family for 5 months as we waited for a rental property to become available. Until the divorce was final – we had to rent. Sadly, this home we finally found didn’t allow dogs.
My heart broke. The kids’ hearts broke.
My mother, who lived three hours from us, took Prince Oscar the pug into her home. He brightened her world right up as ours darkened even further.
Grateful Oscar had my mom and my mom him. I continue to feel as though I let him down by giving him away and not fighting harder to find a place for him too.
Today, Prince Oscar went to heaven.
I don’t know that I deserve to grieve.
Yet, I do.
I love you, Oscar. My Pug Prince.
2024
Oldest Daughter & Red Headed Sister 
Oh, the name ‘tater’ would have been so cute. They are little taters, aren’t they. Spuds with cinnamon roll tails. And such comical little spuds.
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Yes!! You get me! Little barrels of fun, as they say.
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Weirdly coincidences, really. My Dad’s name was Oscar. My pugs name is JackPot. I grieve Dad, and Jackpot does not understand grieving. He just likes to go for walks. So grieve or not, we go for walks. Pugs tend to win any battle of wills.
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Pugs are a fantastic source of entertainment. I sure loved mine. Oscar is a strong name. I wanted to name him tater, cause he was the perfect shade of tan/amber. Kids won out with their choice.
I’m sorry you lost your father. I like knowing you have Jackpot to keep you company on your walks. Thank you for the lovely comment. Quite comforting.
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A beautiful look back at a time when there was chaos and disappointment, but moreso, uncertainty for you and your children… and a shining light was Prince Oscar 🐾🐾. Thinking back on all the dogs I’ve had/my family has had, and one thought immediately mirrors yours: “He brightened her world right up as ours darkened even further…” Leaving my dog with my parents as I began my work overseas was heartbreaking, but it was offset by the love and happiness she gave to my parents. I love the memories and find myself thinking a lot about the happiness all our dogs give both in life and memories when they are gone. Beautifully written post, Aud. Wishing you sunshine as spring moves ever closer 🙂
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Your sensitivity towards this post is such a gift, Randall, thank you. Leaving Texas seems like a lifetime ago now, and I’d be lying if losing Oscar didn’t stir up a little sadness for multiple reasons in the end. Truly feels like a completely different lifetime. So much joy in the here and now to celebrate, so I didn’t allow the past too much time in my brain. I’m so grateful my children had a friend in Oscar. He taught them so much about love and compassion, as well as duty and responsibility. I thanked Oscar with many pats and snuggles the weekend before he passed. Its nice to have you here again so soon. Praying you are well and enjoying your 2024. It has been unseasonably warm in Nebraska the last few weeks. Makes Spring seem just around the bend. Can’t wait to get outside and find some verdant inspiration. Take care of you, my Photographer Philosopher Extraordinaire – wherever life has you at the moment. ♡
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Our job is to do the best we can for our dogs. In exchange, they love us. I’ve had to give up dogs, and I’ve had to help them make their final journey. We have a right to grieve. You gave Oscar someone to love, and someone who would love him. I know how hard that was – I think Oscar did, too. I am sorry for your loss, Audrey.
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Thank you, Dan. There’s a lot of comfort in knowing Oscar is no longer in pain. My mom seems to be doing well with the change, too. Grateful for both of those facts. I appreciate your kind words. ♡
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Those are the things to remember. 🤗
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♡
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Of course, you deserve to grieve. it was your loss, to begin with, and I’m sure Oscar and your mom were very happy together. So, Oscar really didn’t do without love. Unfortunately, you were the one who did. I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope the feelings you have are displaced soon by the good memories you had of Oscar while he was with you.
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, John. He was 10 weeks old when we got him. A precious little hot pocket nestled on my shoulder. We really enjoyed his personality.
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