those of you that have been following my recent posts on facebook know that our family recently lost our beloved chihuahua Paisley. it was sudden and very devastating...we were collectively an emotional wreck for the 48 hours following. i had never lost a pet before and had trouble trying to keep it together for the kids. this is the first time i have even allowed myself to look at her picture since she passed and even now it brings tears to my eyes.
as all 5 of us sat on the couch holding each other and sobbing, Payton turned to us and said through tears, "Everything happens for a reason mom, we are supposed to grow from this, Paisley would have wanted that."
out of my 10 year olds mouth came the most beautiful truth.
we buried Paisley in our back yard, said our goodbyes and marked her grave with 3 individual bricks signifying each year of her life. Somehow Payton's words changed the overall feeling from sorrow to peace...cant explain it but they did.
bill explained it best the next day when he said, "i just feel like there is a hole." he was so right, a big gaping hole in our hearts & in our family.
between games at mckenna's tournament saturday we started searching on our iphones for breeders and puppies...just looking mind you (at least thats what we were telling ourselves). Wouldnt you know it there was a chihuahua breeder only 3 miles down the road from where we were.
mckenna's team was eliminated from the tournament early (coincidence? destiny? the universe trying to tell us something?) and we gave that breeder a call...
meet Pixel
he's a 9 week old chihuahua and the newest member of our family.
he was at the studio with me most of yesterday afternoon,
i think he's going to fit right in!
Pixel will be making his first road trip this weekend to Scrapdoodles in VA (didnt want to leave grandma cookie with 3 kids and a brand new puppy) so he will get a chance to meet a few of you this weekend!
Big Hello to Pixel Downey!!
Posted by: Ilona | August 28, 2012 at 04:20 AM
Blessings to you and your whole family ~ for the loss you've journeyed together, for the compassionate wisdom of Payton, and for your new furry family member, Pixel.
Posted by: rose | August 28, 2012 at 05:18 AM
So sorry for your loss, you have a very wise child there. The pictures are adorable.
Jess x x
Posted by: Jess | August 28, 2012 at 05:38 AM
I thought I would have a little read of your blog in my lunch break at work, and ended up crying at my desk! So sad Donna. Little Pixel will fill your world with lots of giggles and happiness right now and that's really cool. He looks soooo cute I just wanna kiss his head. I hope we see him now and again on your video's. Michelle x
Posted by: Michelle Webb | August 28, 2012 at 07:54 AM
Aw, so sweet! Lucky lucky Scrapdoodleers!
Posted by: Holly Moon | August 28, 2012 at 08:19 AM
Aw, so sweet! Lucky lucky Scrapdoodleers!
Posted by: Holly Moon | August 28, 2012 at 08:19 AM
Nothing heals a heart like puppy kisses.
Posted by: Mary Walker | August 28, 2012 at 08:21 AM
Pixel is adorable, but I can't help wishing that, instead of going to a breeder, you'd adopted a rescue dog.
Posted by: Kirsten Alicia | August 28, 2012 at 08:27 AM
i totally understand your concern kirsten. Tango is a rescue and we saved him as much as he saved us. we knew we wanted a chihuahua puppy and once we saw him, there was just no return.
Posted by: donna downey | August 28, 2012 at 08:32 AM
Donna, so so sorry about your puppy loss. We lost our 11-year Golden suddenly also, and the grief was almost unbearable. My husband waited one month, and then we found a breeder of Newfoundlands, and drove 3 hours to meet the new addition to our family, and that was so amazing. The hole Jasmine left will never be filled, but the joy that Mocha brings daily, is absolutely life-changing. Enjoy Pixel! He is precious! Just perfect for all of you!
I almost made it to your Scrapdooles class, just couldn't get my schedule freed up! Bummer for me, but happy thoughts to all those there!!
Posted by: Lucie Hale | August 28, 2012 at 08:37 AM
Adorable. I love puppy breath.
Posted by: Judy Shea | August 28, 2012 at 08:40 AM
Pixel has a lot of white space. Needs some paint splatters!
Posted by: kre8tivekate | August 28, 2012 at 08:52 AM
What a total cutie !! Pixel is adorable. My heart goes out to you and your family, I've lost before and it is so hard. Payton is a wise soul .. I always say no more, I can't take the pain of losing them .. but I always have another one find their way to my heart. I just can't imagine life without my furry kids.
Posted by: CIm Allen | August 28, 2012 at 08:53 AM
Im so glad you got another dog. They fill our hearts with hope and happiness, and make the grey skies blue. Pixel came to you, not as a puppy but as an angel sent from Paisley to help you heal, to help you love, to help you understand....that a dogs love is eternal and never ending. Hugs to you Donna and the family.
Posted by: Tammy Whitley | August 28, 2012 at 09:37 AM
So sorry for Paisley... I'd lost my cat, Yosy, eight years ago and remember him like it was yesterday... But now, I have Luna, another cat and she is so lovely!! I think it's the best you could do, taking another one! Hugs for all of you, specially for Pixel!! It's so cute!!!!!!!
Posted by: Montse Gómez | August 28, 2012 at 09:41 AM
It is beautiful when you can keep your heart open. Welcome Pixel!
Posted by: Nina W. | August 28, 2012 at 09:44 AM
What encouraging words from Payton! Loosing a furry friend is so hard and I have been thru it so many times but keep going back for more! They just fill our lives with unconditional Love ! Pixel is adoreable. How everything fell into place, it was meant to be
Posted by: Lisa Ciaravino | August 28, 2012 at 09:46 AM
Heart puppy smell.. enjoy bonding....
Sorry for the loss.. in your heart as always.
Hugs
Posted by: jennifer Camplin | August 28, 2012 at 10:39 AM
Sorry for your loss, they do leave such a gap in your life! But pixel looks super cute and I'm sure is keeping you all VERY busy! X
Posted by: Clare | August 28, 2012 at 11:12 AM
I'm so sorry for your loss. I's amazing
how pets become such an important part
of your family.
Enjoy Pixel, he is adorable.
Posted by: Carol Mc | August 28, 2012 at 11:39 AM
I know the sorrow of losing a pet. It's gut wrenching. So glad you had eah other.
Now that may be the cutest puppy I've ever seen! Welcome to a loving home you lucky thing Pixel -- great name.
In sympathy and joy.
Posted by: Kia | August 28, 2012 at 12:19 PM
Pixel is adorable! If you want a book to read with the kids, look for Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant. Your library should have it. (elementary teacher for 20+ years)
Posted by: Toni Hinchcliffe | August 28, 2012 at 12:37 PM
Oh Donna...I'm so very sorry about Paisley!!! We just went through the trauma and heartbreak of having to send a beloved pet to heaven...sweet Danny...a blue-eyed orange-red kitty cat on Saturday. Your post brought tears to my eyes...for you and your family...as well as mine.
Congratulations, also, for your new addition... sweet Pixel...LOVE the name!!! A real cutie!!
Posted by: Barbara Albrecht | August 28, 2012 at 12:58 PM
He's a real cutie!!! Love the name too!!! Who came up with it?
Posted by: Robynn McFerren | August 28, 2012 at 01:12 PM
So sorry about your loss I couldn't imagine. Glad Pixel found his way to a wonderful loving family
P.s. I bawled my eyes out at the vet when they told me my dog was a hemophiliac at 8 months old. and many put them to sleep bc of expense of medical bills. I think they thought I was crazy bc it was the ugly cry. But thanks goodness I didn't listen so a few plasma tranfusions later...he is going on 5 years :). And no he is not black :)
Posted by: Ali Gitt | August 28, 2012 at 01:20 PM
:)
Posted by: donna downey | August 28, 2012 at 01:51 PM
Sorry to hear about your loss, yep, pets are family members!
Glad you've been blessed with a new member ... cute name "Pixel" ... adorable dog!
Posted by: Rosann | August 28, 2012 at 02:03 PM
Kids just get it don't they!!! Pixel is prescious...love the name:)
Posted by: Jean McNulty | August 28, 2012 at 02:34 PM
So sorry to hear about Paisley. Losing a canine family member is really tough, but the cure is definitely a new puppy. It is not that the new fur baby will ever replace the old one because more often than not there are personality differences as well as appearance differences but they sure can take your mind off of the loss. Pixel is just adorable. Glad you were there for her!!
Posted by: Laurie Hunt | August 28, 2012 at 02:41 PM
Oh Donna...I'm so very sorry about your loss of Paisley! It is so hard to be strong for the kids but parents feel the same heartfelt loss. Your post brought tears to my eyes for your family and the many pets that have went to heaven in my life.
Congratulations on the new sweet puppy Pixel. Adorable...just want to snuggle him!!
Posted by: Erin | August 28, 2012 at 02:44 PM
Donna, Your story touched me. I am absolutely crazy for my two dogs and can only imagine what you went through. Pixel is adorable. And by the way, I'm trying to start a campaign to get the Downey family to move to Alpharetta. Even though I own a store, we want your studio HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Mary Harrell/Altered Angel | August 28, 2012 at 02:49 PM
Donna, I know it hurts to loss a beautiful member of your family. Our pets love us so unconditionally and bring such joy to us. Paisley will always live in your hearts. Pixel looks adoreble and will bring his own brand of love and mischief. I'm happy you and your family have found more puppy love!
Posted by: Susan | August 28, 2012 at 02:49 PM
I've lost my share of furry family members over the years, and it never gets easier. They truly become family, they love us unconditionally, and they give us so much joy. Not only were your 10 year old's words prophetic, but I am a big believer that Paisley sent you pixel. I am sure Paisley is looking down and smiling knowing she has a good puppy looking over "her" family. One animal never can replace the other, but each one can bring us lots of happiness!! I am praying for healing for your family from your loss, and lots of love and joy ahead with your precious new "baby".
Posted by: Maureen | August 28, 2012 at 03:00 PM
What more can I say than ((hugs)).
Rest in peace sweet Paisley.
Posted by: Gloria | August 28, 2012 at 03:05 PM
Can't wait for the classes and can't wait to meet Pixel.
Posted by: Courtney | August 28, 2012 at 03:26 PM
Sorry to hear the about the loss of Paisley - it breaks my heart. What an intuitive 10 yearold you have - and such wise and appropriate words! So glad you got another baby - its what all of you need to do to heal! So love the new little guys name.
Enjoy your weekend away - so sad I can go to that class - sigh!
Posted by: Diane | August 28, 2012 at 03:36 PM
As one who knows the love of a sweet little chihuahua, I feel your loss. I'm so glad you are sharing your puppy love with another little sweetie, it's the best way to heal your hurting hearts. Pixel looks like a frisky little one....enjoy!
Posted by: nancyk | August 28, 2012 at 04:49 PM
What a sweet addition to your family.
Now I don't know which I'm more excited about - my Sunday class at Scrapdoodles or the chance to meet Pixel:)
Posted by: Janice | August 28, 2012 at 04:54 PM
Oh I'm so sorry about Paisley. Pixel looks just like my little guy, Poncho :) enjoy your new pup!
Posted by: Cherie | August 28, 2012 at 07:59 PM
I'm so shocked and sad about Paisley. I remember when you first got him. My condolences to you and your family. Pixel is adorable and I'm sure he will be a wonderful addition to your family.
Posted by: Linda Barutha | August 28, 2012 at 08:39 PM
I absolutely agree. Breeders cause shelter animals to be put down. And they commonly abuse female dogs by forcing them to have litter after litter. While Pixel is adorable, Chihuahuas are fairly common in shelters. I commend you Donna, for owning one rescue, but as long as people keep putting money into breeders hands, they will keep abusing animals for profit. And poor babies in shelters will die. But anyway, we all have different opinions on things and I know Pixel will have a happy, loving home with your family.
Posted by: Paula | August 28, 2012 at 10:25 PM
Paula - I've known many breeders and they love and treat their animals like family. Not all breeders are as you describe.
You really should not make Donna feel guilty about getting a chihuahua!
Enjoy your sweet sweet puppy, Donna
Posted by: NT | August 29, 2012 at 10:33 AM
Pixel is totally adorable. I hope you will enjoy each other for many many years to come. Yeah to pet love !
Posted by: Sylvie | August 29, 2012 at 11:27 AM
Adorable. Just an FYI, there are always many chihuahuas in just about any shelter. People tend to buy without knowing anything about the breed and then get rid of them. A very popular shelter breed.
Posted by: Janie | August 29, 2012 at 02:36 PM
I'm sorry your family lost their little buddie. Know what that is like. I'm glad you found a new family member! I'm glad you all have each other to grieve and celebrate with! Blessings to all!
Posted by: Sue | August 29, 2012 at 05:07 PM
Hi Donna,
I am taking your Big 40 Class this Sat. at Scrapdoodles. I am so excited about the class and can't wait to meet Pixel! My partner is coming (but not taking the class) and she says she MUST meet Pixel too! :)
Posted by: Mary Dean | August 29, 2012 at 07:33 PM
Donna- my deepest sympathies on the loss of you sweet Paisley. 5 weeks ago I lost my beloved Pepper. He dies suddenly as well at 7years old. I too was distraught and overwhelmed with grief. Pepper was also the 1st pet I had ever lost. 3 weeks ago my darling Trixie came into my life. She has helped me mend my broken heart. She is a little poodle rescue mix and when she looks at me I know she needed me as much as I needed her.
Pixel is going to do the same with you and your family. He is an adorable little guy who looks like the perfect addition to your studio. Congrats and enjoy new little man
Posted by: Karen | August 29, 2012 at 08:05 PM
I am so sorry for your loss and welcome to pixel. He is so freaking adorable.
We have had an office puppy, a chihuahua/dachshund mix, for 2 weeks now turning me into a dog person.
Posted by: Katie B | August 30, 2012 at 02:09 AM
Payton is my new Muse. WHAT A GREAT KID! Welcome Pixel! What a sweet sweet little puppy. I commend your family for pulling together, feeling it and now taking a deep breath and moving forward. It's things like this that make your family so amazing. Hugs x 5!
Posted by: Lisa Baker | August 30, 2012 at 11:42 AM
You made me cry, it's only a little more than a month that I had to say good bye to my little yorkie. You guys hit the nail on the head...losing a pet leaves a hole. Crying for a couple days...I knew when I walked back into my house, after the vet...another dog would be in my life. When my little boy knew the time was right, he would send me a sign. When I found my breeder, of golden retrievers, I went and met my future puppy's momma. Our little boy was born two weeks ago and we are excited beyond belief. But...I took a little flack also, for not going with a rescue animal. I always thought I would, but I didn't like what I was researching and reading about the adoption process. I could fall in love with a dog and get turned down because I don't have a fenced yard, they don't like my working hours and another family is more desirable than mine? Someone was looking down on you guys on that Saturday and I think these personal choices are not for anyone else to judge us over. Crying over...enjoy the hell outta that sweet new Pixel....ADORABLE!! Love from Michigan...
Posted by: Paula | August 30, 2012 at 09:28 PM
Pixel is the cutest puppy I've ever seen!
Posted by: Lisa Barrie | August 31, 2012 at 10:33 AM
I am a true believer that it's hard to be sad with a puppy licking your face! Enjoy your new bundle of joy and remember your beloved dog would not want you to be sad!
Posted by: kat | August 31, 2012 at 05:06 PM
I'm sorry that your family suffered the loss of your beloved Paisley. I've been there, it hurts.
However, I'm so glad that little Pixel has come into your lives to help you heal. Enjoy that precious little baby and love him freely and fully! God bless you.
Posted by: Audrey | September 04, 2012 at 03:04 PM
They are really lovely.Puppy for me is something that's really cute.In Finland i always seen many people in veterinarian with their puppy which i seen that they give the best love for their i ever seen in my own life into pet.
Posted by: Toni Myllylä | November 29, 2012 at 05:34 AM
DAMN social media. I have to grieve the loss of everybody's pet. Seriously, I HATE reading about people's pets dying. It causes me to have more compassion than I want to, because it HURTS! Your precious dog was so adorable. I remember seeing her on a few of your videos, thinking how fun she was to have in your studio, and how I love when mine comes into the craft room and lays down behind my chair.
I'm truly sorry for your loss.
And I'm happy for you that you have a new member of the family.
I dread losing mine, but am making every effort to snuggle and love her while I have her. Fondly, Tami
Posted by: Tami Howse | May 23, 2014 at 01:07 AM