Bizou came into our lives around December of 2007. The fact that a three hour car drive turned into eight before we finally managed to take her home should have given me some inkling on what a trouble maker she was, but of course, back then, I was just thinking of her as a companion to our other dog. Nothing more.
It started a few days later when my Mom told me that she had seen “the little dog jump” on the table. “All dogs do that.” I told her. “No, I mean she jumped ON the table.” she said. “Impossible.” I had never seen, nor heard of a dog jumping on the table. I just thought it was my Mom exaggerating again until one night I heard whimpering coming from the kitchen. Sure enough, I went down the stairs to see Bizou, on top of the table, not quite sure how to get down.
A few weeks later my husband and I came home from work late one evening. I went straight upstairs to change while he let the dogs in from the garage. “Oh no!” I heard him scream. “Oh no… Bizou, what did you do!…Trissa, you have to come and see what Bizou ate.” he called out. My heart sank. The dogs had been by themselves the whole day and she could have eaten anything in the garage. I rushed down to see Bizou, wobbling towards me, her stomach had bloated to three times its normal size. Had she managed to accidentally eat a tennis balls that got stuck in her tummy? As I rushed to call the emergency vet hospital I heard my husband laughing. He walked in from the garage with five kilo bag of dog food which she had somehow managed to open and finish almost all the contents of!
And that was the story of Bizou. Always getting herself into some kind of trouble. I can’t count the number of times we had to rush her to the vet because she managed to get a hold of some chocolate. There was one week she went to the vet twice to have her stomach pumped because of it. It was almost ridiculous as the vet was always scolding me for keeping chocolate lying around. “I promise you,” I told him “I don’t keep it lying around. She knows how to pull down latches and open doors!” I told him. I once kept a box of Lindt chocolate in the guest room. The next morning I woke up to find the door open, little wrappers of Lindt chocolate lying on the floor, along with the empty box. I swear to you, I had shut the door. Had she actually managed to pull down the latch to open the door? My suspicions were confirmed months later when a house guest told me that late one night she had caught Bizou opening the door to the room. So despite the incredulous look the vet gave me, I knew this to be true.
Of course her appetite wasn’t limited to chocolate – she would eat anything and everything. I once left a block of butter out to soften overnight. The next morning the butter was missing from the table so I thought that someone had placed it back into the refrigerator. I only managed to put the pieces together after seeing an empty butter wrapper on the floor noticing Bizou’s bad tummy. Then there was the time she and Baci ate a whole bag of sugar… and flour (that happened twice actually). Flour?!?… seriously. I learned to keep everything locked up in the pantry after that.
Is it strange to think that I could learn something from this silly silly dog? She was certainly fearless. I remember the first time we took her by the water in Balmain. She jumped right in – no hesitation. She loved to swim, regardless of the weather, no matter how choppy the water. I used to throw sticks as far as I could and she would race with other dogs to get them. She would win every single time. But that was the kind of dog Bizou was – she would dive head first into the things she loved… and who cared about the consequences afterwards? Certainly not her. You know the saying, it is better to ask forgiveness than permission? That was Bizou.
When I learned that she was prone to ear infections, I tried to get her to stop swimming. I would try to steer her away from the water but no matter how far we were from it, she always managed to run away from me and jump in. I would scold her about it afterwards but she would always give me this look like – “whatever I did wrong, it was worth it!”
From Bizou I learned the meaning of unconditional love and devotion. Many times, when my husband was away for work, I would love nothing more than to sit on the lounge, in front of the TV, she would jump up on the couch and lay her head on my lap, look at me with her doleful eyes and quietly fall asleep. Then she would slowly turn so I could rub her tummy. She loved that.
My husband and I would love to take both dogs for a walk on the weekends. Towards the end of the walk, as we walked past the strip of stores on the main street, I’d ask my husband to take both dogs home so I could browse through the shops. A few minutes later, as I emerged from the stores, I would see my husband, only managing to walk a few meters away, waiting for me. “Why didn’t you go home?” I would ask. “Bizou didn’t want to leave without you.” he would say. She would plant herself on the ground, refusing to move until I was ready to walk with them home. You couldn’t get more loyal than that.
One of the things our dogs loved to do was to sleep on our bed with us. Bizou would always manage to sneak up on the bed when we weren’t looking. Some people would think she was stubborn, I like to think she was determined. Having said that, we never liked to encourage it and instead we preferred them to stay on the dog beds on the floor.
Yesterday morning, for some reason, I gave in and got Bizou and Baci to stay on the bed with me. Bizou was so happy. She kept on trying to lick my face.
Little did I know that this would be the last time Bizou would get into the bed with me.
A few hours later, my husband called to say that there had been an accident. Bizou had bolted out of the gate and had been hit by a car.
At that time, I thought it wasn’t anything serious. After all, Bizou had been in many “accidents” before and had always managed to scrape by.
My husband rushed her to the animal hospital and I met them there. She must have been in shock but she seemed calm. I noticed she was breathing heavily and I held her as the vet started the examination. She had a cut above her eye and I whispered that it was going to be okay. She gave her a heavy dose of painkillers and oxygen to keep her breathing steady. Nothing really sank in until the vet said that she had suffered heavy internal bleeding and that she would have to be moved quickly to an emergency hospital.
And then her heart stopped. They were pushing on her chest and feeding her more oxygen… over and over… and over. I heard the vet say that they were going to try and give her a shock to her heart but it all happened so quickly… and then the doctor looked at me… and it was finally over.
Of all the posts I have written on this blog, this has certainly been the most painful to write… but I want to make sure that she is remembered for the beautiful and wonderful dog she was. She was meant to be a companion to our other dog Baci… and then she had to go charm her way into our hearts.
Of her almost four years with us, if there is anything sure, it’s that Bizou had a great life. She sure got into a lot of trouble, but she was always loved no matter what… and as hard as it was to be there watching her life slip away, I am glad that she knew we were with her until the end.
omg I didn’t know all this had happened. I’m in tears, as most people who read this post probably were. I did notice that you weren’t around though. I hope Pash helps the healing. x
Merry Christmas
ive followed her jounrey on this blog with you,im so sorry your dog had this happen and also to you too.dogs are the craziest part of us,the most lovable beings to us and often ye sthe most troublesome,but it makes them so special and so worth while.you must be heartbroken,i was too when it happen to me.when you see there last breathe,gosh it feel like your own.it will be hard,like a human lost one perhaps hard forever.i still miss my bess with pain in my heart literal pysical pain every single day,even thinking of her now makes me ahce.but also love and sile and laugh too when i think bout her paw on my hand,her head on my lip over diner.the scruff makrs in the carpet where she had her favourite lounging spots.all these things you miss but love and remeber so fondly too.
all the best.here if u need anyone hun.she was a beautiful one.he or she oops.xxtake care
Well written. I’m sure this story helped you appreciate the time you had and to stay positive. So sad yet heart warming too. Sorry for your loss. I am a dog lover. We have two, so I can understand, although ours don’t get into as much trouble. Just once in a while into the garbage.
Trissa, I know we haven’t heard from you in a while after the sad passing of Bizou. I just wanted to wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and hope it is filled with the fun of Bizou’s spirit. xxx
I have been out of touch with the food blogging world and actually came back here to find some inspiration for my bf who is wanting to make some Filo dishes for his family for Christmas. And then I read this… So sorry to hear of your loss, reading this bought tears to my eyes.
wow. It’s really strange to start getting familiarised with your stories again and then have to read something like this. My heart goes out to you, Trissa! There is no replacing the love and joy of the last 4 years and it’s great to have been able to experience that. Take care!
Trissa, I’m so sorry for your loss. I suppose I knew where your post was headed as I began to read it but along the way, I think I fell in love with Bizou, too. I grew up with dogs and still miss the ones I’ve lost terribly. I’m glad you have fun and loving memories of Bizou to look back on.
Your post brought tears to my eyes. Bizou was not just a pet but part of your little family. I am so very, very sorry for your loss – my heart goes out to you.
Ooooh dear Trissa, I am so sorry for your loss. Bizou looked like a happy & fun dog. What a beautiful tribute & write up!
Oh my goodness – I found this beautiful post via reading Doggie Rescue’s magazine this evening. You paint a beautiful picture of the mischievous Bizou. I hope her memory has helped you through an awful time. You were so brave to continue with your help for doggie rescue on that day!
So many things have happened and I felt so out of touch. Sorry for your loss, I think how I found your blog was because of your dogs, I still remember the post where they ate a whole bag of sugar ended up everywhere in your lounge room. Bizou will be missed, but I hope time will heal and looking forward to see you start blogging again. X
Your Mom told me about your beloved Bizou over lunch yesterday, Trissa and I am so very sad, I feel your pain and loss.
I hope the calamansis I sent you can cheer you up a bit.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
haven’t been to your site since manila. I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and Dan.
I’m so sorry. It sounds like Bizou had a great life, what a crazy dog. Vets should know that plenty of dogs can open doors. I have one that is so smart, he can open cabinets and sliding doors. His back legs aren’t strong enough to get up to turn a knob.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to read about Bizou. She will be deeply missed by you but she will be happy in another heavenly realm. God Bless you. Maybe reading this blog.www.animalcare.org will help you over the loss.
Trissa,
I´m a spanish girl and I want to send you allllllll my love .
I understand how are you feeling . I have 2 dogs and all I can tell you is that we are going to pray for your Bizou.
Take care of Baci , please He is going to miss his friend a lot
Lots of kisses,
dolores
I can’t tell you how sorry I am that you’ve lost your beautiful dog. You’ve got me crying as I’ve been where you are and know how devastating it can be. No-one greets you better when you walk through the door than your best mate. I wish you all the best moving forward. xxx
sorry for you loss, a wonderful post filled with love in every sentence. sending you warm hugs!
sorry to hear Trissa,*hugs*
Oh that’s a beautiful post about a loyal and true friend. I’m sure that she’ll be very sadly missed, even though her time here was extremely short, it sounds like she enriched your lives in a wonderful way. R.I.P. Bizou, XO
That blog is a lovely way to remember her Triss. I hope you believe that dogs go to heaven, I do. xxoo from Jenni
I am so, so sorry to read about Bizou’s passing. Your pain in losing such a beloved part of the family is familiar to me and my husband, and we wish you, your husband and Baci all the comfort that your memories of her will surely bring. Such a beautiful, loving companion will never be forgotten.
I’m so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a beautiful dog who loved getting in to mischief. She will always be with you both.
I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a lucky dog to have people love her so much!
So sorry to hear about your loss…I’m around if you need me. Hugs x
Saddened to hear of your loss. For those who have not lost a much-loved dog, it is extremely difficult to understand the grief, however it is indeed very real. I trust that the raw emotions will gradually subside.
Warm regards from Brisbane, Angela
Oh I’m so sorry to hear about your dog and I literally cried while reading the post, especially towards the end. I have a dog, too. His name is Hachiko (yep, just like the dog in the movie Hachiko). He’s my first dog, oh well, he’s the pet that I can actually call mine.
He’s stubborn, too and he usually does all the things that are not allowed for him to do. My boyfriend would sometimes tell me that I have spoiled Hachiko too much but I just love him, you know. He is a special dog and no matter how many times he would chop off the wire of my laptop, eat my shoes and slippers, and bring all dirt inside the house, I would always take care of him because I know that he’s the only thing that would stay loyal to me.
Gosh, I’m being sentimental here. I’m sorry but I can’t help it. I just suddenly had a lot of emotions after reading your post here! 🙂
Bizou was a beautiful dog. I sit here, crying and sad for your loss. I’m mourning a friend lost to cancer, Saturday, but your beloved Bizou touches me more. Did you take the picture shown here? It is perfect. I did have the funny thought that when you found your Lindt chocolate gone with the wrappers on the floor, the culprit might have been your husband and he made it look like Bizou did it. No offense to your husband intended, as it is meant in jest.
Thank you for sharing your story of Bizou. it’s not easy to share such a story without having to stop and cry in between sentences, so I understand that it took something out of you to do. I still miss all of the dogs and cats who have been a part of my life, and I see them in my dreams, sometimes. Those dreams hurt….Will you be getting another dog right away?
I wish you an excellent week ahead. xxx
So sorry to hear about your loss Trissa. My heart goes out to you. Bizou will surely be missed.
Hi Tris,
Am truly sorry about Bizou. We were in Sydney when you got her, I think. Is that accurate? How is Baci taking the loss of Bizou? Hope you and Dan don’t feel so badly but I know you will always miss her.
Miissing you. Take care, T. Lou
Your story has taught me not to complain about my 8 month old dog who drives me insane sometimes. My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
I am in tears… Thank you for writing so beautifully about Bizou, those cherished memories of her will live on.
So sorry for your loss.
Oh Trissa, I have tears in my eyes 😦 So sorry to hear about this. You are right though, she did live a great live…I know a lot of humans that could learn from her ways of going after her happiness. Hugs!
Oh, I’m so sad for you. Bizou sounds like such a wonderful dog and a great friend. And only 4 years old. Since we have been married (23 years) we have lost two dogs. The first, Castrol, was only a year old when he was hit by a speeding motorbike. Our second and probably biggest loss was Jesse. She was with us for 7 years though she as 9 when she died of breast cancer. That was 5 years ago and still we think of her fondly. She was like a second mother to our children. Always with them, protecting them. Molly has since joined our family. Bizou will live in your heart forever.
Our pets bring so much love and laughter to our lives and we grieve them deeply when they become lost to us. I am so very sorry for your loss.
What a wonderful story and what a terrible ending Trissa. I was actually crying by the end of your post. I hate it when beloved pets slip away and it’s even harder when this happens due to an accident. My heart is with you guys and wishing you strength to cope with the loss.
Oh Trissa, I’m so so sorry for your loss… It is hard to put into words how pets weave themsleves into the fabric of one’s family. As a dog owner myself, I can only imagine the how you are feeling right now… my condolences…
May Bizou rest in peace, and may she be having a ball of a time in K9 heaven, jumping onto tables, eating Lindt chocolate, baking supplies and copious amounts of dog food!
I can’t seem to type without my hand shaking. I’m in tears. Aww. I feel your pain Trissa. She was loved and she knows that. Here is the biggest hug ever. I wish I could be there with you.
Oh, Trissa, I am SO sorry….I know there are no words that I can say to make the pain go away, but please know that you are in my heart. I’m glad you were there with her at the end and I’m sure she knows how much she was loved…
Oh my god, Trissa, I am so so sorry to read about this. I was really looking forward to see both your dogs again. I am not an animal person and for the longest time, have been terrified of cats and dogs.. Other than my girl friend’s little shizu, yours are the only ones I felt really comfortable with. I knew she was playful but didn’t know that Bizou had such a fiesty personality. I am deeply saddened….
Trissa, sorry to hear about Bizou. I lost my dearest dog about 6 years ago too. I loved him very much. Up until today, I still get teary when I talk about him.Dogs are the best. Always up to mischief but they definitely always get our forgiveness no matter what. They are kind, loyal and so very loving. They are always there when you need them. They take away your pain and sadness. I hope you’ll feel better soon. And I’m sure Bizou would want you guys to be happy again.
How can I read this entry and not have tears in my eyes. Having lost my doggie of 12 years last year I know how hard it is when they go, gosh especially after tragic circumstances. Gosh she sounds hilarious though, what a life!! I’m glad she got to live it with you guys, perfect family xx
So sad. Hugs to you and your husband and Baci. Bizou will be remembered very fondly.
Dear Trissa,
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful tribute to dear Bizou. She truly had a mind of her own and such a big heart!
xxx Heidi
I’m so sorry for your lose. big hugs.
Trissa my heart is broken for you, Dan and Baci. Bizou was a beautiful dog who lived life to the fullest. Its so sad. I am here for you always…
My thoughts are with you. I am in a similar position today – our dog has to be put to sleep this week. It was to be today – but I just cannot bear to do it. He suffered a stroke 2 weeks ago, and I just keep hoping he will pull through. It is so hard to say goodbye to your little friend. They are always there, wagging their tail every time they see you – and just offering unconditional love all who pat them.
As time goes on they all continue to “live” in our memories. xx
So sorry for your loss. She was well loved.
Humans can be cruel and mean and judgmental and nasty. A dog just wants a cuddle. thinking of you. I would be devestated if anything happened to Leon and I can only imagine what you are going to. Shes chasing bones now.
T x
I have read your blog and never replied until now your have been blessed to have had a bundle of love in your life. I’m sorry for your loss and no she will always be a part of you.
Lury
Aw. I knew this was going to be a sad post from the start, but you wrote it in such a sweet way that I am kind of happy in addition to being sad. Although I am terribly sorry for what happened, you gave Bizou an amazing life. I think you were both lucky to have each other.
Lots of hugs your way, sweetie!
I am so sorry about your loss. Bizou’s short life must have been filled with a lot adventures and she must have lived life to the fullest.
wow, it made me cry to hear about your dog, so sorry about your loss.I don’t have any pets.
I meant to say ” I am very sorry”
thanks..
I am very about losing Bizou, Trissa.
~ ray ~
Oh, Trissa, I am so sorry. I was reading about the happy adventures of your mischievous pet when I realized halfway through that you were honoring her. You’ve done her great justice. Bizou lived large, and through your words, we will remember her. Hugs to you, your husband, and your other doggie.
Oh I am so sorry to hear this. It never ceases to be any easier as time gets by. Pets are a large part of your family and I understand how you feel about losing a member of your family before you expect to. You are right – Bizou knew you were there for you even right at the end. Her spirit will find some way of getting back to you … x
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Sounds like Bizou had a great life getting up to mischief but loving everthing she did. Sending hugs over your way xo
Bizou was like Lupa’s older sister, she was kind and indulgent. She let Lupa crawl all over and boss her around even if she was the older and bigger dog. She never minded Lupa’s bossiness. The highlight of every visit to Trissa’s house was a crazy romp at full pelt through the house. Oh Bizou, you will be missed terribly…
I’m so sorry for your loss of Bizou. We’ve had Labs as pets all of our married life. Since we never had kids, they are like our kids. 2 have lived out their long lives and we’ve lost 2 to cancer. We have a chocolate girl now and she is my constant shadow, sleeps in the bed with us and loves us unconditionally. Bizou was a lucky baby….
http://www.petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm
deb in Georgia
I’m so sorry for your loss, wishing you, your husband and baci all the best.
A beautiful but sad post. Very sorry to hear about Bizou!
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Trissa. Sounds like she did have a beautiful life.
Oh Trissa. My heart goes out to you in every way. I remember my dog, Peanuts, dying after being hit by a car when I was seven, sixteen years ago now, we had only had him for two years and it still makes me cry to think about it.
Our pets become our family so easily. They are our constant friends and companions, they give us joy, they cheer us up, they motivate us and they love us. They wiggle their way into our hearts and remain there, beautiful and fiesty and loving and when they are gone, where that constant companion was there is nothing and it hurts so awfully and so badly and so many just expect the owner to recover fast.
This is a real grief. Do mourn, do grieve, do cry, do remember all of her brightness, her character and her love. Do not ever feel silly for mourning a dog, that dog was your family, that dog would have loved you through anything, that dog gave you so many memories.
I know my cats are now getting on, being fifteen and sixteen now and I know when they go I will not be the same. The knowledge that they won’t be here forever frightens me so much. There will be such a space in my life when they pass. Peanuts still has his empty space in my life guarded with the gratitude I had for him for being a childhood friend when I was moving countries and starting schools and learning new languages and being my escape and my first real friend.
Bizou will always be with you in these fond memories, hilarious tales, beautiful photographs and the parts of her that encouraged parts of you.
Take care Trissa. You have all my love and sympathies.
Oh, Trissa! I, as one of your many readers, have come to know Bizou through your blog, through the times where she has eaten what she shouldn’t have, and just through photos where she cocks her head to one side and looks up in that adorable way or sits in the front seat of your car along with Baci.
I’m so, so sorry for you loss *hugs*
I’m so, so sorry to hear about Bizou 😦 I had tears in my eyes as I was reading this. She sounded like a real character. My thoughts are with you xx
I am so sorry. What a heart renching story. RIP dear Bizou x
Hi Trissa
I feel sorry for your and husband’s loss. It must be sad for you to lose her so soon. I hope that you heal soon with memories of good times with her. Take care, jen
Oh hun, very sorry to hear of the passing of Bizou. Such fond memories and what a character to boot. We lost our doggie Monty a couple of weeks ago and it still hurts. Never knew just how ingrained he was in our hearts and lives until we lost him. Our thoughts are with you and your family. xx
I’m reading this while hugging my dog and tears are welling up. I know how much you love Baci and Bizou and I’ve always enjoyed hearing about their antics. Many hugs to you, hubby and Baci ❤
I love you Bizou. you brought so much joy and happiness and not to mention excitement.
Oh Trissa, Bizou’s such a beautiful dog. Just very lively and energetic. I remember the times she’d ask me, or James to rub her belly during our most recent visit. I read this entry with a heavy heart. She’ll be missed. Take care!!!!