Lilly’s Fund Final Report
I've been meaning to do this Lily's Fund Final Report FOREVER. Here is where the money we raised in Lilly's memory went. Thank you, again, for your support of the fund during our time of…
Category Archives: Adverse Rabies Vaccine Reaction
How a Hospice Veterinarian May Have Prevented My Pet Loss Regrets
Right around the time our Old Man, Ginko, died in January 2016, I was working on an article for a veterinary trade magazine about the growing field of pet hospice. Not the easiest thing to…
The State of My Heart
Thursday, December 17, 2015, marks two years since Lilly's death. I remain devastated. It isn't the all day, every day, kind of grief, but when it bubbles up, it feels just as fresh and raw…
Quick News Items – Lilly’s Fund Grant, Canine Soul Mate Grief Book
There is so much I’d like to write and ask, but it has been a silly-silly week of work and other excitement, so just 2 quick updates about a Lilly’s Fund Grant and my soon-to-be-published…
1 Year Ago Today
Exactly one year ago today, we made the painful-but-necessary decision to let Lilly go after a 693-day fight for her life. Our grief is better and totally NOT at the same time. Adding a puppy…
A New Option for Dog Memorial Necklaces
Cruising the local farmer's market a few Saturdays ago, I stumbled upon a booth selling Origami Owl custom jewelry. Among other things, they sell see-through lockets and a variety of doo-dads / charms to go…
Dog Adoption Fantasy – What it Really Meant
A few weeks ago, a 3-month-old puppy appeared in my Facebook newsfeed. Cue instant yearning -- even though I'm nowhere near ready and she was about 900 miles away. I squealed. I shared her pix.…
Pet Loss and The Anniversary Effect
Tuesday, June 17, marked 6 months since we lost Lilly. It's a rough week for other reasons as well. Another dog writer friend of mine calls it "The Anniversary Effect."
First Grant from Lilly’s Fund to CHIP Fund
It's official. We made the first $500 grant from Lilly's Fund into the CHIP Fund at our primary veterinary hospital. We don't know yet which dogs and families will benefit, but here is how the…
Lilly’s Fund 100 Percent of Goal – Thank You!
The Lilly's Fund campaign ended Tuesday, May 13, which would have been Lilly's 10th birthday. We are humbled and happy to report that we reached our last-minute goal of raising an additional $500 in the…
Final 5 Days of Lilly’s Fund – Increased the Goal by $500
We reached our original goal in our memorial fundraising campaign in just 17 days. I let the campaign continue without much fanfare. Out of the blue we started getting donations again this week, so I…
Lilly’s Fund – An Update on the Memorial Fundraiser
I am honored, humbled, and grateful to say that Lilly's Fund reached 100% of our $3,343 goal in just 17 days. Thanks to the help of 36 donors (on top of the $693 we chipped…
Learn More! Share! Give to Lilly’s Fund
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Lilly’s Fund, our memorial fundraising campaign. Here are the details on how you can give, how much we want to raise, and where the money will go.
Dog Blog Survey: Grieving the Loss of Your Heart Dog (Canine Soul Mate)
In the time since Lilly's death, I've taken some time to think about the future of the blog and my writing projects, in general. I'm currently doing the groundwork for several possible books -- based…
1-Question Poll – Canine Memorial Fundraising Options
It turns out setting up Lilly's Fund -- a memorial fundraising campaign to do something useful with our grief -- is more complicated than we thought. Unless, one of my veterinary industry contacts comes through…
10 Must-Have Dog Photos and Videos
It took me close to two solid days to gather and officially archive 9 years of photos and video of Lilly. I’m so grateful – now that she is gone – to have countless images…
The Right Time to Get Another Dog, After One Dies
I’m sure people wonder about our timeline on getting another puppy or dog. We’re not even thinking about looking until spring 2015. I’m announcing this in part to keep well-meaning folks from sending me links…
5 Biggest Lessons From a Canine Adverse Vaccine Reaction
Grieving continues. Amid walking that sad road, I’ve tried to distill the most important lessons – not just for me, but things most likely to transfer into your lives with your pets.
Veterinary Cost Case Study – How I Afforded Staggering Bills for 23 Months
Once I got over the medical, emotional, and financial shock of Lilly’s vaccine-induced meningoencephalomyelitis, I created a spreadsheet to track every doggone dollar spent in the fight for Lilly’s life. I'm curious if the actual…
Lilly’s Last Days
It has only been a little more than 3 weeks since we lost Lilly – our incredible, miraculous canine heroine. It feels impossible, like forever, and like yesterday all at the same time. Here are…
Champion of My Heart Obituary
Here is the long version of Lilly's obituary, including some of the last photos ever taken of her and a few details about her final days.
Champion of My Heart Tribute Video
Sharing a lifetime of photos and video of Lilly, our dearly departed canine heroine. Approximately 5-minute tribute video for my Heart Dog -- my canine soul mate -- Lilly Elizabeth Hawn.
Rest in Peace Champion of My Heart
Today, Lilly Elizabeth Hawn earned the angel’s wings we always knew she had. She was my Heart Dog – my canine soul mate. Gone from this life, she lives forever in my heart. Goodbye, beautiful…
Just for Fun An Allergic Reaction, Puffy Faced Dog
This hasn't been our best week at Chez Champion of My Heart. Lengthy nosebleeds. Sudden allergic reaction. BUT, we also got some good news after Lilly's recheck date with our veterinary internal medicine and veterinary…
Juggling a Cascade of Canine Side-Effects
Lilly's case is getting increasingly complicated. Every decision we make in consultation with our growing team of veterinary specialists has consequences. Each time we prioritize medical concerns, each time we add / increase / remove…