Buddy Sims was the #1 pick of the litter, and he has proven his #1 status every single day of his life. He was the sweetest and most cuddly dog we have ever known, and he had a heart of gold. Maybe it’s weird to say that about a dog, but I’m telling you, HEART OF GOLD.
We had to say goodbye to him on Wednesday, and our hearts are absolutely broken.
He was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer on Monday, and we let him go just two days later. His last days were spent with so many pets, cuddles, and kisses. He heard “we love you so much” hundreds of times, and he ate like a king (think ribeye steaks and Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream).
We will miss him forever, but we are so incredibly thankful he was ours. We would pick him all over again, even knowing that he would be gone much too soon. He was truly perfect for our family.
I’m going to do a longer post about Buddy with about a hundred more pictures (kidding. kind of) next week, but this is all I could muster today. Also, our Spring Break is next week, and we’re going to the ranch to be with friends. I think I’m going to take the week off of social media and just soak up time with all of my people. Chris, Carter, and Charlie all need some extra love… and I’m looking forward to giving it to them.
WE LOVE YOU, Buddy. You will always be a part of us.
Kris says
I’m so sorry. Take time to grieve this beautiful family member and take care of each other. Sending love your way.
Susan Jeffries says
I am so very sorry to hear about Buddy. I remember when you adopted your pups and I have loved watching them grow up with your son. We also have an only child and have always had 2 labs. They have been her siblings so I totally understand the depth of this loss for you. Buddy lived an amazing life and I hope you hold his precious memories in your heart forever.
Amanda says
My heart goes out to you Chris, Carter, and Charlie. Sending you lots of love. Buddy was well loved and I enjoyed seeing pictures of him and his brother here over the years. I still remember when you brought them both home. xoxo
arie B says
So very sorry to hear, dogs are family.
Marianne says
I am literally crying reading this. I am so incredibly sorry.
~B~ says
Sheaffer and family – I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Buddy. The unconditional love we receive from our beloved pet family members is truly like no other.
May you find comfort and peace in the coming days as you treasure your memories and take time as a family to remember your sweet boy. Thinking of you all.
Traci M says
sending so much love, hugs, and prayers. praying your spring break with your people is just what your heart needs. enjoy your time. hugs!
Maryanne says
Oh Sheaffer and family, I am so very heartbroken for you all. Sending love from North Carolina.
Evan says
Will be praying for your family and Charlie. Losing a family member is so incredibly hard. Sending you all love.
Amy Baker says
I am so very sorry for your loss of Buddy Sheaffer! It’s been so fun seeing your sweet pics of the dogs growing up together and their sweet story from the beginning. This is just devastating. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. Sending you a hug!
Alison Althouse says
My heart just breaks for you and your family, but am so sure that Buddy couldn’t have had a better family than you. May your memories of time spent with his sweet soul help you as you grieve. 💔🐾💔
Michelle Johnson says
I am so sorry to hear this. It’s devastating to lose a cherished family member. My thoughts are with you and your family. ❤️
Kris L says
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Yley Allen says
So sorry for your loss 😔 It’s so incredibly difficult to handle the pain from losing a beloved pet. I hope you guys are doing okay.
Betsy says
I’m so sorry! We lost a puppy several years ago when her Aorta ruptured, and we had to put her down. I still tear up talking about her ~ she had a heart of gold as well. Keeping you all in my thoughts!
Dana Siler says
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s amazing the connection we grow with our dogs! Losing them is heartbreaking! As an owner of two yellow labs who turned 4 last December, we know exactly how y’all feel!
In fact, I believe you encouraged us to get two dogs, instead of one, it was the best decision we could have made!
Again we are in the trenches with y’all navigating Buddy’s loss. Praying for y’all and for Charlie as he is grieving too!
Laura C says
Oh Sheaffer, I am so so sorry. Our pets are family and they do have a heart of gold. I will be thinking and praying for all of you including Charlie. He will sure miss his sidekick. I got a mini australian labradoodle 6 months after my husband very unexpectedly passed in 2020. She has been my best friend every since. And she senses my bad days so I know how they are a special part of our families. Soak up some much needed time with your family. Just know that I am thinking of you all.
Jeanne Cobianchi says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Fur babies are family.
Kristin says
Oh Sheaffer. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you and your family.
rachael says
Wow, I am so sorry, Sheaffer. Will say a prayer for your family! Enjoy your time away.
Mary Ellen Cook says
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet Buddy. It is always so hard to say good bye to our fur babies. Hopefully the memories will help console your broken hearts.
MaryinMaryland says
So sorry for your loss. If you don’t have it, track down a copy of Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant. It’s just a few minute read and it will make you cry, but in a “yup, that’s Buddy” cathartic kind of way and leave you feeling better.
Susan Fitzpatrick says
I’m so sorry about your sweet Buddy 😞❤️ Share all the pictures you want! ❤️
joanna says
I’m so very sorry about Buddy. We lost our sweet girl a year and a half ago and it is horrible to go through. Sending hugs XOXO
Shirley says
My thoughts & prayers go out to all of your family on the loss of your precious Buddy. We too lost a pet too early (also a sibling), so I know how that feels. May you find comfort & peace in knowing he was so very loved by all of you.
MICHELLE OKERLUND says
I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in my prayers. Extra love to Charlie!
Ali Patterson says
Awwww I am so sorry for your loss! It is so so hard. Love your blog and I wouldn’t care if you really did post 100 pics of him. I hope y’all can relax with your friends next week!
Paige E says
Oh Sheaffer I am so sorry! This is heartbreaking news. I’m so grateful Buddy had such a wonderful family and life – although too short. I pray you are able to grieve with your people next week and wish nothing but sweet memories and comfort. Our pups are a huge part of our families and the loss is always so heavy. Its ok to NOT be ok.