Grieving the death of a pet during vacation

Hawaii-Maui-Lahaina-Grieving-Loss-Pet-Vacation-What-Would-V-Wear_Vanessa-Lambert

While on vacation in Hawaii my family and I found out that our beloved fur baby Bodhi has passed away. And as I’m writing this (covered in tears) it still feels surreal…Our hearts are completely shattered. We’ve loved and still love Bodhi unconditionally and it hurts so bad knowing that he won’t be there when we return home. He was part of our family, our soulmate dog. We were lucky enough to share our lives with him even though it came to an end abruptly, at the worst possible way.

Bodhi-Grieving-Loss-Pet-Vacation-What-Would-V-Wear_Vanessa-Lambert

Rest in Peace, Bodhi. August 4, 2013 – November 15, 2017.

A million words could not bring you back, I know because I’ve tried. Neither would a million tears, I know because I’ve cried. I miss you, my sweet, little rascal. We love you, Bodhi. Always and forever.

Hawaii-Maui-Bodhi-Grieving-Loss-Pet-Vacation-What-Would-V-Wear_Vanessa-Lambert

This is truly the hardest post I’ve ever written. In fact, I’m having a very hard time typing this…I’ve been crying non-stop ever since we’ve heard the news from our sitter that Bodhi had gone missing. We’ve been in Hawaii for a day when we received a text on Monday morning, November 13. My world came crushing down immediately. I couldn’t make sense of it all at first, my heart was racing, tears were flowing—and yet I had to keep myself together. My husband and I didn’t want to share the news with our oldest son Kingston just yet. We shared our loss on social media and the responses have been unbelievable. Our whole community and neighborhood came together to help find Bodhi. Words cannot describe how grateful we are. From friends, neighbors to strangers—all of them tried their very best to find and rescue our little fur baby. We stayed connected on social media to find out more information on any sightings, which at first, have been a few. It gave us so much hope. We prayed so hard for his safe return…, and we know that so many of you were praying for him also. Volunteers, neighbors and friends went out day and night to look for Bodhi, volunteers printed and hung up flyers…it was heartwarming and comforting. I’m crying again as I’m writing this because it shows that Bodhi not only touched my heart, but of so many others as well, even though they have never met our fur baby in person.

And while we had high hopes that Bodhi will be found…it unfortunately didn’t happen. We received a phone call that someone has found a deceased Yorkie near the location he was last seen in. It was believed that he died of hypothermia. I broke down. I’m crying hysterically at the beach with everybody watching me thinking I’ve gone crazy.

I was in sheer pain and agony.

 This whole vacation I was in pain. I never fell asleep for fear of reliving the horror. Thinking of little Bodhi, all alone in the cold. I cried until my eyes dried up, then cried again.

Bodhi’s death is a tragedy. Forever my family and I will live in a state of pain. Forever we will be praying for him, hoping that our furry child is watching, guarding us from Heaven. We pray for strength to carry on and live despite our tragedy.

And last but not least…a special thank you to all who helped day & night to find our beloved pup, Bodhi.

Cari, Tina, Amber, Karolyn, Cayce, Karleen, Michelle and COUNTLESS others:  You are in our hearts. Words cannot express how blessed we are—we are forever grateful. Thank you for your time and energy in the search of our beloved Bodhi.
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42 Comments

  1. November 20, 2017 / 2:28 AM

    Vanessa, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have been thinking and praying for you and your family that Bodhi would be okay and find his way home. I feel for you so much… what pain and sadness. I’m so sorry to you and your family for your loss. You are in my thoughts.

    Jennifer
    http://www.publicistinpearls.com

  2. November 20, 2017 / 2:51 AM

    Darling Vanessa, such a sad ending…we were all hoping Bodhi would be found and returned to safety. Life sure has its senseless moments…and you’re right Bodhi did really touch our hearts. I mean, I have a dog phobia because I grew up with German Alsatians and saw too many violent incidents, so I’ve always grown up not quite understanding the connection people have with their dogs.
    But as I grow older, I can empathise more, I never met Bodhi but tears did come to my eyes when I found out not only he had passed but how, personally, it’s so much harder to bear when you know there was pain or sufferering involved…but he is not suffering anymore, he is now at peace.
    I was also moved by the efforts of your friends, family and community, it was beautiful to see…sending big hugs to you and your family hon. Xx

  3. November 20, 2017 / 5:01 AM

    I am so sorry that this has happened to your family. I have been praying and will continue to pray for peace in your heart. Just know that Bodhi is in a better place and is going to be an angel to all of you. God is so big and He has such amazing plans for Bodhi and your family so stay strong and keep the faith. Sending my love to you and safe travels back my friend. XO The love that was shown by the community surrounding you was such a gift to witness. XO

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

  4. November 20, 2017 / 6:37 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a puppy is painful, I’ve experienced that two years ago.
    I am happy that this tragic event has shown you how receptive the people around you are. You lost Bodhi and it hurts, I know, but you gained faith!

    xo Corina
    http://www.unbouquetdamour.com

  5. November 20, 2017 / 8:08 AM

    I am so so so sorry for your loss Vanessa. I was being hopeful and I am shocked to hear this news. So glad that Bodhi had an amazing family that cared and loved him. Sending so much love to you and your family.

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

  6. November 20, 2017 / 8:58 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss, Vanessa. Losing a pet is devastating and I shed a few tears when I read about this tragic event
    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
    Julia x
    http://www.thevelvetrunway.com

  7. Daniel
    November 20, 2017 / 9:59 AM

    I am really sorry to hear about your loss, Vanessa! Take your time and Stay strong! I am sure Bodhi is now in heaven lives well!

    Best regards,
    Daniel

  8. November 20, 2017 / 10:14 AM

    Oh Vanessa, I’m so sorry this happened to your family. I know how devastating losing a dog can be. They’re a part of your family and having to move on without them is hard. Bodhi touched so many people lives and he will always be watching over you and your family. Stay strong. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with your family 💗

    xo, Jackie
    stylemydreams.com

  9. Simone
    November 20, 2017 / 10:28 AM

    There are no words to describe how sorry I am for your loss Vanessa. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

    xx Simone
    Little Glittery Box

  10. November 20, 2017 / 11:20 AM

    I cry every time I see his picture, or yours as I know you are completely broken. My yorkies are my children, just like Bodhi was to you, and I cannot imagine your pain in my wildest dreams. I know dogs and especially yorkies are the most loyal and loving creatures on Earth, and Bodhi was so lucky to spend his time on this Earth with your family. I hope you find peace and comfort somehow, at the very least you have closure, vs never knowing what happened and always wondering. I hope to meet you in person one day, where I will give you the biggest hug ever, rip sweet Bodhi ❤

  11. jenniferpickering22gmailcom
    November 20, 2017 / 11:26 AM

    Vanessa, my heart is absolutely shattered for you. I’m crying just reading your post. When Bodhi first went missing, I kept praying for his safe return and I really thought he would’ve been found. What happened is an absolute tragedy and nothing I nor anyone else says will make you feel any better. Your heart will eventually heal with time. It could be months or it could be years, but when the time comes and you think of Bodhi, you will only think of happy memories. I will continue to pray for you and your family, and especially Bodhi. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. I’m here if you want to talk too.

    xoxo,
    Jennifer
    Effortlessly Sophisticated

  12. November 20, 2017 / 11:28 AM

    This breaks my heart to read and I’m so so sorry for your loss love. Can’t imagine what it must feel like to have someone that young be taken away in that way too. So incredibly tragical, sending so much love, light and strength! /Mia, Xx

    http://www.thefashionfolks.com

  13. November 20, 2017 / 11:34 AM

    Mama. I’m so sorry that this tragedy touched your family. I don’t understand why this happened to sweet Bodhi, but I do know that he lived the very best life in his short time here on Earth. He was loved, he was cherished, and he was so happy with Kingston. Take comfort in knowing that you made every day in his life count. Bodhi was part of your family in the fullest sense of the word, which makes his passing so much harder for you to bear. We are praying for you and sending love and hugs from afar. We love you all so much- xx Michelle

  14. November 20, 2017 / 11:53 AM

    My heart broke when I first learned that Bodhi went missing. I shared on my Insta Stories to help spread the word to any of my followers and friends that live in the area. I can only imagine the pain and hurt you’re feeling. They’re more than animals, they’re family. I had to put my cat down years ago, after having him since I was a little girl (he slept in the crib with me). It was the hardest thing I had to do and my mom and I still can’t talk about him without crying. They leave a lasting imprint on your heart and soul. Though the words I write may not take the pain away, I want you to know that I’m thinking of you very much, as well as your family, especially Kingston. My prayers are with you. Sending so much love your way, my friend.

    XO,

    Jalisa
    THE STYLE CONTOUR

  15. Danielle
    November 20, 2017 / 3:33 PM

    Vanessa – I am so sorry for your loss. A pet is family and this is so tragic. I thought and prayed for him every day since I saw your first instastories. Now I am thinking and praying for you and your family during this time. I pray your hearts will heal. Bohdi is warm and happy now waiting to be reunited with you one day.

    Danielle

  16. November 20, 2017 / 4:06 PM

    Vanessa, I was so sad to see that Bodhi passed. I can’t imagine your pain. I pray that God gives you the strength to keep going. So sorry for your loss hun. Keep strong.

    Mich x

  17. November 20, 2017 / 5:50 PM

    Saddened we (the community) couldn’t find him sooner… So sorry for your loss….

  18. Gina SHROUT
    November 21, 2017 / 6:33 AM

    I too was devastated when I saw the updated information about sweet Bohdi. I had been following the post from day one and told Cari to let me know if she needed help out there as I live down the road. I’m just so sorry.💜 for the heartbreak you and your family are going through. But he’s not cold anymore, he’s not lost and afraid anymore..he’s waiting ..waiting for the day he sees his family again. I volunteer at a shelter and have such a soft heart for animals..but I have to tell you ..Bohdi touched us all . Every once in a while there comes a furbaby who ,for some reason resonates with people on a different level and touches people…Bohdi was thst one for me and many others. It sounds like you had a wonderful life with him.💜. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  19. November 21, 2017 / 7:20 AM

    Oh my god, now I am crying too. I feel so said for you. O know how it hurts to loose a pet. And also when you are not around. So sorry…..

  20. November 21, 2017 / 8:50 AM

    Oh no, dear V… I am so sorry for you… I am really sorry for your family 🙁 One of my brothers has pets and one has passed away and I know how much it hurt him and his wife… I am sending you all my friendship, love and good thoughts, dear V. 🙁 Really really sorry for that 🙁
    DenisesPlanet.com

  21. November 21, 2017 / 3:52 PM

    My heart goes out to you and yours, V! I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Pets are such an important part of the family and mean so much. Sending you big hugs <3

    Blessings,
    Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.com

  22. November 22, 2017 / 4:38 AM

    Lo lamento tantísimo, que pena más grande. Nosotros tenemos animales en nuestra casa y sé la angustía que se vive si desaparecen, lamentablemente hay veces que uno no vuelve y ha pasado lo peor. Al final son seres vivos que comparten todo con nosotros y parte de la familia. Madre mía me estoy emocionando y solo he visto una foto de Bodhi, pero tus palabras son tan tristes y como tengo animales sé lo que es el dolor de perderles. Fuerza y valor cielo, nunca lo olvidareis pero algún día no os dolerá el corazón al pensar en él.

    http://www.simplysory.com/

  23. November 22, 2017 / 12:34 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss, Vanessa. I can’t imagine the emotional rollercoster you’re on. I also lost a pet, but it was his time –he was 14years old, I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye to Bodhi so soon. My heart goes out to you and your family.

  24. photosbycris
    November 23, 2017 / 2:30 AM

    I am sorry to hear about it. I know how you feel. I have been through this and there was nothing I could do either. Time will heal and the beautiful memories will always be with you. Take care sweetie. xoxo Cris

  25. November 23, 2017 / 7:02 AM

    I am so deeply sorry to hear this, I know the pain you are going through, animals are family and it hurts when they pass.. I have lost my dad and 2 cats in the span of 6 months, so I know.. sending you lots of love and hugs babe xx

  26. November 23, 2017 / 8:47 AM

    Vanessa I am so sorry to learn about your loss! I can sense the pain you and your family must be going through right now through this post. Stay strong love! Sending you lots of love and hugs. Bodhi is in a happy place now, he too will want you all to heal soon.
    xx
    Ankita
    http://realgirltalks.com/

  27. November 23, 2017 / 2:28 PM

    sorry to read about such a sad news. My heart goes out to you. I can feel your loss and pain. Hoping that you are feeling better now. Lots of hugs to you
    -Neha
    LovePlayingDressup

  28. November 26, 2017 / 4:15 AM

    I’m sorry for your loss,stay strong ! Beautiful photos <3

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