396 Comments

As a Texan would say to Miss Fig, "Rest easy, girl."

Expand full comment
Oct 14Liked by Joyce Vance

So sorry for the loss of your dear Miss Fig 💝

Expand full comment

RIP Miss Fig. Such a sweet face. Having had to say goodbye to quite a few pups (and kitties) in the past 20 years, I console myself that it is the last, best thing we can do for them at the end. They give us such joy and love. Be well; stay safe and VOTE!

Expand full comment

I’m sorry you lost your fur baby. Expecting something doesn’t make it hurt less and I am sorry for your sadness.

Expand full comment

“I am sorry for your sadness”. Ginni, that’s an incredibly kind way to express sympathy to someone who has lost a loved one. Would you mind if I used it?

Expand full comment

Of course, I don’t mind.

Expand full comment
Oct 14Liked by Joyce Vance

Joyce, you really should write a children's book! Use photos of your precious animals. 🥰

Expand full comment
author

I would love to do this. My husband is actually a pretty decent cartoonist and used to draw cute little line drawings of our animals.

Expand full comment

Great idea, but an artist's rendering of the animals would be more interesting to me...resembling Joyce's menagerie.

Expand full comment

Do a mix of photos and husband's art.

Expand full comment

Liz, you have a great idea here! Wouldn't it be great to have a children's book that shows the various chickens and pups and their personalities, particularly the wonderful generous hen and the beloved dog. I would buy it for my nephews and niece.

Expand full comment

And shows how different species get along peacefully and the bigger, stronger ones share the things they love with the smaller, weaker ones! Seems like there’s an object lesson in there somewhere…

Expand full comment

Paula, I love it because often kids learn lessons better from animals and their actions than from humans. I am not sure why, but it seems to be true.

Expand full comment

Because animals are real... no ulterior motives.

Expand full comment

I love that idea. They are all so unique in their special relationships with the others. It would be such fun to read and for children to understand how amazing animals are.

Expand full comment
Oct 15Liked by Joyce Vance

As if she already doesn’t do enough, asking her for a book. However, I too would read it to my great granddaughter.

Expand full comment

Fran, I know Joyce is beyond busy, but this could be a true labor of love, sharing the beauty and wonder of her animal family with children, particularly those who don't have the pleasure of having a variety of animal pets.

Expand full comment

I concur! Get off the stick, Joyce! A children's book about her brood — all different types living the Civil Discourse life! I can already see the book beside my Civil Discourse coffee mug on the hotel room table, warming myself before walking to Kamala Harris' inauguration.

Expand full comment

Maybe after this election. Would be a great way to chillax.

Expand full comment

A children's book - for us adults.

Expand full comment

Great idea! Plus you have so much spare time to do so?

Expand full comment

I was having that same thought reading tonight’s post.

Expand full comment

I was thinking the exact same thing!

Expand full comment
Oct 14Liked by Joyce Vance

In Memory of Miss Fig: ~~~~~ "We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle; easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan." ~ Irving Townsend

Expand full comment

Joyce, you write on and analyze such monumental issues in these dangerous times. Yet when you write about and show pictures of your animals, it softens my heart and I am absorbed into your gentle world of dogs, cats and chickens. Thank you for the beautiful respite. 🙏🏽❤️

I mourn with you the passing of Miss Fig - Thank you for sharing with us your gentle private world. Blessings 🙏🏽❤️

Expand full comment

Lisa, I was in danger of crying already, but that Irving Townsend quote put me way over the edge.

Grieving along with everyone else who has lost a loved one, of any shape and size.

Expand full comment

And that says it all. Thanks Lisa

Expand full comment

So darn hard to lose a furry member of the family. Thoughts to you all

Expand full comment
Oct 15Liked by Joyce Vance

please accept my condolences…a (very) wise rabbi once told me that dogs teach us three very important life lessons: first, they teach us how to receive unconditional love, second, they teach us how to give unconditional love, and lastly, they teach us about grief

Expand full comment

So true Michael, so true. 🙏

Expand full comment

I love this. Thank you for sharing it.

Expand full comment

I now aspire to be like Pepper and believe in myself earnestly :-)

I am so so sorry about Miss Fig. Our animal friends hold a piece of our heart. Please accept a warm virtual hug. I know.

And Bella...I think I am in love. Thank you for brightening my day.

Expand full comment

So sad and sorry to hear that Miss Fig crossed the rainbow bridge and indeed knowing its coming doesnt blunt the sorrow🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾💔❤️‍🩹💜

Expand full comment
author

Thank you all so much for your sweet comments about Figgy!

Expand full comment

I am sorry for your loss. It's very sad to lose a beloved pet. Pets lives are too swift, like comets in our life. When they are gone, they leave a hole, no less than a person. We have lost quite a few cats and remember each one often one way or another.. each so different and lovable. We put so much of ourselves, our love, into them and they reward us overwhelmingly, and teach us a lot.

Expand full comment

So sorry for your loss. Miss Fig has a beautiful face and deep eyes.

Expand full comment

I'm not walking like I used to but I always had a treat for Fig. We were buddies. I'm sorry for your loss.

Expand full comment

Condolences on your loss, Joyce. It's never easy.

But, your chickens & GSD brought a smile.

Expand full comment
Oct 14Liked by Joyce Vance

We lost our Bibi last December. Never easy.

Expand full comment
author

I'm sorry for your loss.

Expand full comment