One week ago from today…

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry

Copper crossed over the rainbow bridge, and I don’t know how we made it through from last Monday, a very sad and emotional day, to today. It’s been tough. Loss is Loss. He wasn’t just a dog, he was family, and for thirteen years he was in our lives. So, it takes more than a day or two, or even a week to move forward without a broken heart. Truth is, I don’t know how long it will take. But in between the tearful moments from missing him beyond words – from not being able to pet him, kiss him on the top of his soft head, feel his silky ears, or bury our faces in his fur, we find joy in the life we had with him, how he enriched our lives with his unconditional love. It’s serendipitous to know that he came into our lives in March 2012 and left our earthly world in March 2025. All we can do is give ourselves grace (my daughter’s advice), and continue to take one day at a time.

I’ve been writing a lot, as my good friend, Resa from https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/, advised me to do. Her words, “Fall on your pen!” So I share this poem with you today; it’s still new with possible editing in the future, but it fits for today from my heart to yours:

Loss is Loss

Death comes in many forms
Death can be tragic
Death can be anticipated
Regardless, when a loved one passes
whether human or pet
loss is loss
hearts still break open
tears fall until
there are no more
stages of grief
call us and we answer
submitting to erratic emotions
to heaviness in heart and limbs
to wondering if the sun will rise again
and no matter what triggers the pain
we must offer ourselves grace…
to grieve as we should
to mourn as days unfold
Loss is loss shattering us
into tiny pieces of uncertainty
until the healing of time
brings those pieces back together.

© Lauren Scott

Sister love
Brother love
Copper loved getting outdoors, whether
for a walk in the neighborhood, or on
the trail.
Young Copper soon after adopting him.

© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Thank you for ‘being there’ for me and my family, and I look forward to reading your wonderful posts again. And if you have a dog or cat, give them a hug for me. ❤️

168 thoughts on “One week ago from today…”

    1. Thanks so much, and I haven’t seen you in a long time. Takes me back over a decade. Yes, Copper is no longer suffering, so he is in a better place. But we miss him so much. 😢 Thanks again for your comforting words and it’s good to see you. ❤️

      Reply

  8. Aww, Lauren!

    This is a wonderful tribute to the beautiful Copper, who I fell in love with after reading one of your poems.

    It brings me joy to know that my few words in your time of grief have been of some comfort.

    You write predominantly from the heart. Love flows from your heart, to your hands (that you took care of your family with). I could only think how powerful and cathartic your words would be if your hands held a pen, at this time.

    Sending you a lots of love, and hugs.

    Resa xoxoxoxoxo

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Resa. Your words always bring a smile or lift my spirits. I’ve been writing a lot which turned into compiling a book: All About Copper: Poems about a lovable dog’s life well-lived (hopefully would include photos). My family are reading through the draft, so we shall see. It’s therapy for me. Below is a poem in tanka form:

      a dog barks in the
      distance, causing me to pause
      it sounds like Copper’s
      a wild imagination
      longing for one more moment
      ❤️💔

      Sending hugs and love to you, my friend xoxoxo

      Reply

      1. Love the tanka, Lauren.
        I look forward to the book. Hope I find some dog art for the review!!!
        I will take all of your love and hugs, happily!
        Back to you!
        xoxoxoxoxo
        PS… It could be another teaching book for children, as well as adults!?!?

      2. Thanks, Resa. As to the book, it’s going to be more of a tribute to Copper, which in the latter section, will include poems on grieving and loss. It’ll start out on a happy note, how he came into our family, but then segue into his passing. But I’m trying to lift it up at the end also. So, it won’t be for children. More for anyone who has lost a pet. I’m sending more love and hugs your way! We just watched the news, and each time I think things can’t become more appalling, they do! And it’s only been 2 months. Sigh. xoxoxoxo

      3. Ahhh!
        That’s a great idea. Many are at a loss when they lose a pet. It will be a helpful book!

        The news! Canadians are literally getting ready for a military invasion, if 🟠💩 can’t break us with an economic strangle hold.

        I feel our 2 countries have become the modern version of the Montagues and Capulets.
        Those of us in each country, who are friends, are the Romeo and Juliets.
        xoxoxoxo

  9. Aww dearest Lauren…. BIG Hugs my friend.. as I get back in touch here with you..
    Losing a beloved friend such as Copper I know from experience is a heart wrenching time for all the family.. For they become part of the family with their own little characters.

    The poem you wrote brought tears…
    This was a most beautiful tribute to Copper, who I know is wagging his tail still in doggy heaven.. That bond of love between our animal friends will never be broken.. And it will be that bond that will keep him forever alive in your hearts..

    Sending you lots of hugs dearest Lauren… and so sorry for your sad loss of your dear companion and friend ❤ ❤ ❤

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Sue, for your comforting words and hugs. They’re greatly appreciated. Copper was our family for 13 years, and it’s been 2 weeks now, but the tears still find their freedom. He was my 3rd child, so it’s going to take time. How much? I don’t know. I can look at photos of him to remember the good times, without crying, but I lose it with videos. One day at a time. Thanks again, my friend xoxoxoxoxo

      Reply

  10. I’m very late in responding to this post, Lauren. I truly hope things are better for you and your family. The photos are beautiful, such wonderful memories for you. And your poem expresses grief perfectly. I don’t believe we “get over” such things, but rather we find a way to accept them, live with them, and carry them with us in a different form as we continue down our own personal paths. All my beloved animal friends are still part of me, still there in a different way, and I’m glad for that. Copper was lucky to have all of you as his family. All the best to you, my friend. Hugs from Colorado. 😊🐾

    Reply

    1. Hi Mike, thanks for your comforting comment. I appreciate it very much. We still get emotional each day from missing Copper, but maybe not as wild as in the beginning with the shock of his passing. Monday will be 3 weeks and it still feels unreal at times. I think I’ll see him walking down the hallway. But he isn’t going to walk down the hallway again. 😢 Thank you about the photos and my poem. And I agree, we don’t ‘get over’ them, and sliding through phases of grief happens slowly, especially when they’re in our lives for so long. Sigh. I’m glad you understand how we feel, since you have your beloved animal friends in your heart too. Did I tell you that I’m working on a book? It’s called All about Copper: Poems about a lovable dog’s life well-lived. It begins with poetry I wrote when he was still with us, then segues into his passing and poems about grief. But I lift the tone up at the end. Working on the book has been therapy for me, and maybe it could help others who are in similar situations. Anyway, long reply. Hope you have a good weekend. Sending hugs from CA back to you. 🤗🐶

      Reply

      1. I’m glad to hear things are sort of settling down a bit. It really does take time as grief works at its own pace. I’m so excited to hear about your book project. This really must be therapeutic for you, Lauren. Writing always is. What a wonderful tribute to Copper. It’s a beautiful gesture, and I’m rooting for you, sending good vibes so the words flow freely. A grand idea, my friend.

        Happy Saturday! 😊

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  13. Willie Torres Jr.'s avatar Willie Torres Jr.

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Lauren. Copper was truly a special part of your life, and I can’t imagine the pain you’re going through. Sending you love, strength, and grace as you heal. He will always be in your heart. 💔🐾

    Reply

  14. A beautiful poem Lauren, the pain is unbearable, I know. I had that happen when I lost my Nitro over 2 years ago, and, it does get easier, but there is a huge hole in your heart forever, after their passing! Xx

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Carol Anne, and you said it so well. I’m almost finished with my poetry book in honor of Copper. So working on this project has been cathartic for me. Sorry to hear about Nitro too. xoxoxo

      Reply

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