Her name is Angel … “Of course it is”. A response we heard more than once from the many people across North America when introduced to our wonderful dog Angel. Her sweet face and mellow disposition would draw them in. Especially the kids. So fluffy.
Today Angel is gone. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge, her last journey in a well travelled life. We are beyond heartbroken. Many readers of this blog know she made it through some serious scrapes over the years but in the end, at the age of 15, she simply and quietly let us know it was time.
She came into our lives in the spring of 2009 at the age of 7 along with her “brother” Rags. Two wonderful furballs to enrich our lives. We dreamt of our walkabout including them both but sadly Rags passed away too soon. But Angel accompanied us faithfully all across North America for almost four years.
Angel made it to the four corners of the continent. When hiking with her in the touristy areas, especially in Canada, several different Asian groups asked if they could take a photo with her. We joked that she had become a sensation throughout Asia.
Dad, can i drive?
On the beach at St George Island
Boating in Everglades National Park
Being serenaded in Key West. “Angel, sweet Angel” was the refrain of the song
The Vermont farm animals were very interesting. Her first piglets!
First mate on a whale watching boat off the north coast of Nova Scotia.
Chasing fallen leaves on the Buffalo River
She loved the car.
At the beach in San Diego
Autumn leaves in Portland
Hiking outside of Sedona
Its raining!
Trying on hats in Mexico
High in the Canadian Rockies
On the Alaska Highway
Hiking in the Yukon
Visiting her Husky cousins in Alaska
Deep in Denali National Park
Only sled dogs allowed here. Denali in the background.
Latitude 66.33 The Arctic Circle
Photographer’s assistant
At home in New Mexico
She was fierce until the very end.
We love you Angel, rest in peace.
My heart breaks for you! Aside from reading your blogs about Angel, I always had a soft spot in my heart for her. I had a keeshound as a child growing up and I miss her so much, she had such fun personality. Through your blogs I always felt that kindred spirt with Angel. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Keesies are the best – Angel had a husky side which was her fierce independent spirit but she had the sweetness of a Keesie too. We will never forget her.
What an absolutely fabulous tribute to your sweet Angel!! She was a lucky dog indeed!! I loved following your travels. My heart goes out to you💕
Thank you!
My heart breaks for you both. She is surely an angle in heaven.
Thanks, Becky.
Ohh, so sad 🙁 but glad we had the opportunity to met Angel. Indeed she was such an angel. Our hearts goes out to both of you, Hector and Brenda. I know your house will be empty without her but she will always be in your heart.
Thanks, MonaLiza. We see her in every corner of the house.
Shedding tears over the loss of your wonderful Angel. Having known her for so many years, we especially know the battles for quality of life that you fought together with her. But we all know that they are merely battles, and that the war is always lost eventually. Be comforted knowing that you gave her a life that few canine companions could ever even dream about or hope for. Although you will feel the loss forever, she is waiting for you both at the Rainbow Bridge, and you will be reunited with both her and Rags someday.
She was so fierce. Her best last day was the one when you were here with Gracie. I think we owe thanks to Gracie for that. She had other so/so days but none that good since.
May she Rest In Peace and my condolences to you.
Thank you.
Very sorry to hear this. She had the best “doggy” life with you!
Todd, Frances and I loved Angel and are so glad we got to meet her. Our thoughts are with you and Hector and we are so sorry for your loss. I know you have so many good memories of her but that photo of her and Frances frolicking on the beach in San Diego reminds me of that wonderful day spent with the three of you. xoxo
I’m so sorry for your loss. I never met Angel except through your blog, but she seemed to be such a sweet girl… She had a wonderful and well-traveled life. You’ll always have those memories!
Your memorial to Angel brought tears to my eyes. Our pets aren’t just animals, they are an integral part of our families. They bring us joy, comfort, entertainment, the occasional fright, and they enrich our lives. I’m sad for your loss but, happy to know that Angel was your partner in adventure for many wonderful years.
We are so sad to hear about Angel. Our dog, Ryder, crossed the Rainbow Bridge earlier this year. He loved the water and loved to roam. Maybe Angel and Ryder have met and will continuie their adventures together. Take care, Sandra & Mark
Such a sweet girl. I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved her. She’s in a good place now, looking down thanking you both for such a wonderful life. All dogs go to heaven. All our best K&M
Thanks, Karen. We are thankful for what she gave us too.
So, so very sad, may all your memories provide you comfort.
Thank you.
It’s so hard, she had such a great life with you and gave you memories forever.
Thank you.
Love and Light to you both. You will see her again, your Angel will be waiting for you!
Thank you.
She was so loved and had a life well lived. I’m so sad she gone.
Thank you. We are so heartbroken.
I’m crying. This is heart wrenching news. You’ve written a beautiful tribute to sweet Angel. I know you will greatly miss her and my heart aches for you. Hugs.
Thank you. We miss her so much.
So sorry to hear. Having had this happen in our home a few years back we know what she meant to you both. We were all blessed to have met her. You two took such good care of her, she was well loved and loved you back. Take care and remember the good times.
Jim & Barb
Thank you. We are kind of lost without her right now. I hope you are doing well.
what a lovely tribute to a sweet, sweet girl. Your faces in the last picture say it all. We’re so sorry.
Thanks. Yes, it was difficult to smile, but Hector wanted a last photo before she was gone.
Hello: Sorry to hear about Angel’s final journey; she was a beautiful spirit.
Anna & Derek
Thank you. She was truly special.
What a beautiful creation of heaven was Angel. So glad we got to meet and love her. Hope to see you after mid-October in the southwest. Love to you both –
Bill and Nancy
Thank you. I’m sure we will see you guys this winter.
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your sweet girl and longtime companion. Having recently lost the canine love of our lives, we can empathize with the emotional loss and grief that you are going through at this time. Angel was a great and wonderful dog and we are grateful that we got to spend some time with her this spring. As one of our friends put in when we lost Mattie, Angel hit the jackpot when she found you. She couldn’t of had a better life after you rescued her and Rags. And I’m sure she gave back to you many times over. You have so many wonderful memories of Angel at your side that you can embrace to help you through this difficult time.
Love and sympathy…
Thank you and I know you went through many of the same things. We were lucky she found us and we will never forget her.
So sad to hear about Angel. What adventures she had with you! I am so glad you had each other.
Thank you, we were so lucky to have her.
Loving as deeply as you two do, leaves you vulnerable to loss for sure. What a tribute to your best friend and what memories of such a mutual love. May your healing come quickly. We love you, Sharon
Thank you, we are so heartbroken and lost right now. Receiving love from friends helps though. Love you too.
Brenda and Hector,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Angel. Having known her and Rags I can only imagine how much you miss her. Rarely do people care as deeply about their “family” as you. Countless stops during your 4 years of travel to ensure her health, expensive medications/treatments and strong doses of love and support made her life journey fortunate and filled with adventure, hope and optimism. Angel and Rags won the dog lottery when you provided them with a home and fresh start. No matter how long they graced your home and lives it would never be enough. With that said, “they” know when it’s take to take a different path.
I hope memories, photos, support from others will bring you some comfort during this difficult and painful time. Angel brought smiles, laughter and love to many people….strangers became friends and with a simple tail wag she reminded all of us to love, respect and protect all creatures. Quite a legacy.
Thinking of you.
Joyce
Thank you, yes we jokingly called her the Lexus dog. Hector says a puppy is a tragedy waiting to happen. But the sorrow is worth it for all of the joy that they bring. Miss you.
Dear Brenda and Hector, I’m so thankful I was able to meet your Angel girl. My heart goes out to you, my friends. Sending love and light to you and Angel, always and forever. ~Rebecca
It was quite a ride (literally) with her. We are feeling a bit empty right now. Thank you for your love and friendship.
This is such a beautiful tribute to your adorable Angel. We are heartsick for you both. Sending you both much love and lots of hugs.
Thank you!
Oh, oh, oh… such heavy hearts in casalopez. We are sorry for your loss. Our pets are family and we feel their loss deeply. The routines, the memories, the plans… We are sorry for the holes in your hearts! This blog was an angelic tribute to a gift indeed sent from heaven. RIP, Angel. Condolences and hugs, Friends – Joe and Jean
Thank you. Miss you guys.
What a perfect post and memorial to Angel. After reading it, your tears became ours. We truly know the loss of family…the furry and non furry kind. We hope our girls can mirror the adventures of Angel. May your memories always bring smiles and joy to you both.
Thank you so much, you are so sweet. Safe and fun travels to both of you and your girls!
I know no words can make the heartbreak go away but I just wanted you to know that my heart is sad for your loss. We also had an Angel, cocker spaniel, for 16 years and her last adventure was January, 2017. We still miss her. Only time will heal the pain. Hugs, Debra
How lovely to have had your Angel for 16 years, and how painful to lose them. Hugs to you.
So sad for me to hear about Angel. What a lucky girl she was, though, to have you two on her journey. She is a truly special soul. Lot’s of love and hugs to you both!
Thanks, Vince. Where will you be this winter?
Brenda and Hector, I don’t know how I missed this post, but so sorry to read this news. What a lot of joy you brought to each other’s lives. She sure had some incredible adventures. What a lovely compilation of memories…may they stay with you always.
Suzanne
Thank you, Suzanne. The walkabout would not have been the same without her.