March 9th, 2010

Checking in

Hi all,

As you know it’s been a rough couple weeks for us here because of the loss of our dog Chase. We had to put him to sleep on Thursday because he was starting to go downhill pretty quickly because of both his skin cancer, and his age (almost 16!). It was the hardest thing we ever had to do making that decision, but of course we didn’t want him to suffer or be in pain.

We took off the next day to the desert for a few days to get some solace and peace, and it was really nice.

I want to thank all of you for your nice emails, comments and Tweets during this time. It was really great to read the nice things you guys said. :)

I’m not sure when I’ll be back to nail polish blogging because A. not really feeling it still, B. my nails are stumps because I cut them all off and C. I won’t have time until this weekend to swatch anything anyway, but I am going to post some pics of our trip to Death Valley soon.

-VV

26 comments

  • March 11
    2010
    Kasey says:

    Ahhhh my heart goes out to you, I know many people don’t truly understand how a dog can bring up those types of emotions and bonds but I know they do, he was like any other member of your family. In the past year and a half both of my parents have been diagnosed with cancer, and both have pulled through I remained strong and brave and I can’t really remember sheading a tear. About 3 weeks ago our dog had a seizure and I lost it, I couldn’t imagine him being in pain or worse not being here. I wish you well and I hope you are feeling better soon. Just be glad that chase live a full and happy life and is at peace.
    Kasey´s last blog ..Beauty Beat: Shu Uemura at the SF Asian American Film Festival My ComLuv Profile

    • March 11
      2010
      VV says:

      Hi Kasey,

      Thanks so much. I am sorry you are going through a hard time with your parents, that must be incredibly difficult. You seem to be a very strong person! Hope they and your family dog are all doing well.

  • March 11
    2010
    Rosered says:

    Sending much love and hugs. Take all the time you need. RIP Chase. What a gorgeous dog. I cried watching the slideshow, sharing your sorrow, it was so beautiful and showed how much you loved each other. You were very blessed to have each other for 16 years. I’m so sorry you had to go through cancer and releasing him from suffering. Our beloved Malamute Cody had bone cancer at 7 years old and it was so heartbreaking to lose him that way. But I would not have missed having him for the world. “They leave their pawprints on our hearts and we are never the same.” It’s going to hurt for a long long time, but all those special 16 years of cherished, happy, fun-filled memories will comfort you and make you smile through the tears. (((HUGS)))

  • March 10
    2010
    Solveig says:

    Hope you’re feeling better soon. It’s really hard to lose a pet. Don’t worry about blogging, we’ll be here when you’re ready. :)
    Solveig´s last blog ..M&S Nail Colour Dark Magenta My ComLuv Profile

  • March 9
    2010
    Jules says:

    Hi there…I have been reading your blog daily now for only a short time but I had to write and let you know that strangers out here in the world are thinking of you :) I am a HUGE doggie lover and am actually in training to be a dog trainer (!). My husband, son, and I have a 12-year-old rescue Whippet/Chihuahua mix…we love her to pieces and are grateful for everyday with her. I cried after seeing your pictures and hearing Sia and I’m getting teary just writing this to you! I’ve heard that doggies don’t live as long as we’d like because they don’t have as much to learn as we do while here on earth. I think that’s a nice way to see things. Also, they have shorter lives so that we have a chance to parent more than just one over the course of our own lives! Anyway, sending good thoughts of peace to you and your husband…julie :)

  • March 9
    2010
    Judy says:

    So sorry for your loss Kelly. What a beautiful slide show – I am finally catching up with what’s going on after seeing something on your FB. You really loved him and I bet he really knew it :) It is nice that you are drawing comfort from the kind words of the folks here. I’m sure your pics of your trip are beautiful and I echo all those who say they want to see! I may not always comment but I try to always read! Stay strong!!
    Judy´s last blog ..Phew! My ComLuv Profile

  • March 9
    2010
    Virginia says:

    We’re all wishing you and your family the best. Take care! In the meantime, we will be eagerly awaiting your return to the varnish world :)

  • March 9
    2010
    Sky says:

    Take all the time you need, VV. We’ll be here. Again, I’m so very sorry for your loss. My best to you and your husband.

  • March 9
    2010
    Kate & Zena says:

    Take the time you need to grieve, Kelly.

    I don’t remember if I told you this, but we gave up our greyhound, Porsche, to Doggy Heaven (i.e. we put her to sleep) for the same reasons. It was heartbreaking, but it was the best thing for her. It’s hard to let go of a dog you’ve owned for years and years. Both Porsche and Chase are in a better place, where they can have as many bones and chewies as they want.

  • March 9
    2010
    thedogismine says:

    Take all the time ya need. I know the feeling all too well….
    (((VV)))

  • March 9
    2010
    aaminahs mom says:

    peace go with you sister and stay encouraged. i’ll still be here

  • March 9
    2010
    amanda says:

    very tough, our pets are our children. i hope the kitties are taking good care of you, be thankful chase is not in pain anymore. XOXO, we all love you!

  • March 9
    2010
    MarciaF says:

    Sending you lots of healing vibes. Our fur babies are so important and it takes a chunk of our heart when we have to let them go.

  • March 9
    2010
    Niki says:

    Well, I’d love to see your pictures – and I can certainly understand how you wouldn’t feel up to getting in the swatching mood yet. Of course you should take ALL the time you need! I’m so glad you checked in though. You are missed, and thought of often. Many hugs!
    Niki´s last blog ..Hard Candy Sweet P My ComLuv Profile

  • March 9
    2010
    MissDeeCanada says:

    Well I miss your posts, but obviously family and pets/friends should always come first :)

    It is a hard decision for sure! You are very strong for making it! We, your loving fans are all here for you!

    Rest up and enjoy the sun!

  • March 9
    2010
    emma says:

    Hugs. Take care and try to think of all the fun times you had, not just the last difficult few weeks or months. xx

  • March 9
    2010
    Coffeebug says:

    It’s the only kind thing to do when they’re that poorly isn’t it. Knowing it’s the right thing doesn’t make it one scrap easier though does it, unfortunately. It was a good plan getting away for a few days though. I’m glad you posted cos I was wondering how you were doing.

    Take care x

  • March 9
    2010
    Sassyjeni says:

    Im so sorry Kelly. ((hugs)) Chase was very lucky to have such a loving mommy. Im sure his long life was filled with happiness. My heart goes out to you and your family right now.

  • March 9
    2010
    Skulda says:

    Come back when you feel up to it. And hey, short nails can be cute too!
    *hugs* be well.
    Skulda´s last blog ..Polished Serenity My ComLuv Profile

  • March 9
    2010
    Valerie C. says:

    Please accept my condolences on the passing of your beloved Chase. We went through this with our beautiful seven year old LilyBiscuit. I will keep you, your family and Chase in my prayers. Take all the time you need. I love your blog! Take care :)

  • March 9
    2010
    SB_Sweetie says:

    Kelly-
    Hugs to you during this difficult time. It is just so hard to lose a pet, especially one that you have shared so much with. We all understand. The pain of loss won’t go away, but it will get easier with time.

    I read this wonderful quotation while taking a walk up in my husband’s hometown of Davis, CA. It’s inscribed on a plaque on a bench on the greenbelt there. The plaque is in honor of someone who died.

    It says, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

    I’m hoping you can smile soon. We all miss the swatching & your posts, but it is important to do what’s right for you now. Hugs.

    -SB_Sweetie

  • March 9
    2010
    melli says:

    Take all the time you need, Kelly! No need to apologize to us, as we are all just happy to share your love of polish, girly things, and life in general.

    My theory about losing a pet is that, the more time you have spent with them, the more time you need to grieve. Sixteen years is a long time to love someone who has loved you unconditionally. I hope that with time it won’t hurt as much, and the memories will become wistful, rather than painful. I have been there too…

    Hugs,
    Melli

  • March 9
    2010
    nihrida says:

    (((hugs)))
    nihrida´s last blog ..Sally Hansen – Pacific Blue My ComLuv Profile

  • March 9
    2010
    Sarah says:

    Kelly,

    Take all the time in the world you need. I am sure we will all be here when you return. I am glad you are taking time for yourself now. Too many people downplay the impact of having a pet leave you. They are family members (at least to me). Best wishes to you and your family.

    And by the way, if you ever want to complain about stumpy nails I’m all ears. Stumpy nails are my life! I am hoping Qtica can fix that. :)

    -Styrch
    Sarah´s last blog ..Look – Playing with MAC Blue Brown Pigment My ComLuv Profile

  • March 9
    2010
    LEIGH-ANN says:

    Wow, what a difficult time this is…….I know all too well, too. A couple of years ago my love pitbull Ruby died unexpectedly. And it was one of the most difficult times–in my life!! I couldnt function for weeks. Still to this day I well up just thinking about her. Kelly, time will heal. Although I am a relatively new fan, I check in with VV everyday now and will continue to do so. Please post those Death Valley pics….whenever you are ready. Don’t feel pressured to post blogs about swatching, your fans will be here today and years from now. But don’t let toooooo much time pass, as the swatching and blogging is obviously something you are passionate about and enjoy, and happen to have knack for. It’s good to have some distraction during difficult times.

  • March 9
    2010

    Take all the time you need Kelly. You have such fantastic fans as for me, I know what it is to lose a family member, our dog Brownie, he lived for about the same age as Chase, and died from stomach cancer. We didn’t know why he was sick until the Vet told us it was cancer.

    Would love to see your pictures of your trip to Death Valley whenever you want to show us them.

    ((((Love Kelly))))

    Mc Huggs :)
    Mc Huggs:)´s last blog ..Project Runway Season Six: Episode Eight My ComLuv Profile