She is gone


You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived


Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared


You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday


You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on


You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

That poem written by David Harkins was read at the Queen Mother’s funeral in 2002.
Our own queen, Margot, turned three that year. She was beginning to mature but had a lot of mischief in her yet.


She was patient with all the photographing. The occasional costuming.


She loved her sister Guinness above all else. She loved ear rubs and belly rubs. She loved cornbread.

Today she got the first piece cut from a fresh skillet of cornbread. Then later, she slipped from our lives with a queen’s grace and dignity, going to the Rainbow Bridge to find her old friends River, Sugar, Greta, Sparky, Maggie, Dauber, and Bailey, and to plan her next skirmish with her old nemesis Rex. May they all run free of pain and be forever young.

We love you, Margot. Thank you for sharing fifteen wonderful years with us.

35 thoughts on “She is gone”

    1. Can you believe this happened right after Phoebe? I know your heart is aching for your friends. Thank you for all the compassion and love you offer us.

    1. She has been such a wonderful part of our lives. I always said she rescued me.

      I think it’s starting to sink in with Guinness that Margot’s gone. She’s staying close, so maybe she and I are filling that empty space for each other for a while.

  1. I am so sorry. I got home shortly after you called. My heart breaks for all of you. Margot was such a special girl. You guys gave her so much love and happiness, and I know she returned it tenfold. We love you.

    1. Thank you. I can’t believe I left out Sugar from Margot’s list of friends–fixed that! I think it’s because I still can’t quite take in that Sugar is gone. They were two grand dames together, so they’ll have a lot to talk about. If Rex lets them. 😉

  2. I didn’t know Margot but I am sure she was an amazing doggie. You will always carry her in your heart. Know that you will ever be in her heart as well. I’m so sorry for your loss.

    1. Thank you, Teresa. There is no doubt that anyone who’s loved a dog understands the love of them far exceeds the pain of loss, however sharp it is.

  3. What a beautiful poem for a beautiful doggie who lived a beautiful life. We never have enough time with our beloved pets but they live on in our hearts forever. Sympathies to you and the family.

    1. Thank you so much, Debby, I appreciate your kindness. I’m glad “my” Debby is here, too. She and our friend Lynne were with Tom, Tim, and me when we said goodbye.

    1. They will be great companions. My heart is aching for you–somehow it’s a little easier thinking Phoebe may teach Margot FINALLY how to pose for photos.

  4. I am so sorry, Becky. I know all too well the pain of the loss of a pet, and am thinking of you as you miss Margot’s presence in your life. So glad you were able to enjoy so many wonderful years with your lovely girl. *hugs*

    1. Thank you, Laurel. Even though we’re far apart, we’ve shared our losses and challenges along with all the happy times our dogs and cats have brought us. It helps to know you’re there.

  5. I wish those cherished four-legged members of our families hung around, loving life, and treats for so much longer. I had a popcorn loving mutt that was mine for 17 years. She died while I was away at Emory during grad school. Sorry for your loss. We know how real a loss it is.

    1. Thank you.

      Whenever we had cornbread, Tom would always take a slice with him to his recliner after dinner. Margot would jump on the foot part of the chair and glare at him until she got the last bite. She hasn’t been able to do that for a while, so the cornbread came to her.

      They are worth every bit of spoiling we give them.

    1. Thank you.

      She started out a girl of the streets and ended up the Queen of The Compound and Houndstooth Hall. She was loved every minute and returned that love many times over.

  6. Ms. Renee was sitting next to me as I read your post and she didn’t know why I was sad.
    But in that knowing way that only our four-legged friends have she put her paw on my leg and looked into my eyes as if to say “She’ll be OK.” We both send our love to cheer you up.

  7. I am so sorry to read this news – and so sorry to be so behind.

    Bless Margot. I can just imagine her gamboling about the Elysian Fields (streetcars not included) with her friends. I’ll send a note to Pip to say hello.

    *big hug*

    I will catch up soon! I haven’t forgotten any of you.

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