A Little Heartache
As some of my Facebook friends and Twitter followers may have seen earlier today, I have some sad news. After 17.5 years of spunk and fun, my beloved Ted passed away this morning.
To be completely honest, I burst into tears the moment I got the call from my parents….and then several times throughout the day. I really don’t know life without Ted—we brought him home when I was in kindergarten! It was always a family joke to see how long he’d last:
“Let’s hope Ted makes it to see Caroline’s high school graduation.” (2006 came and went).
“You think Ted can survive ‘til Caroline finishes college?” (Check. Graduated in 2010).
Ted was a feisty terrier who loved to dig holes and chase squirrels…but we girls brought out a softer side too. He tolerated dress-up quite well (once put in a cape and three-pointed hat, he had a striking resemblance to Johnny Tremain); he listened to me sob over boys; he licked my face when I felt angry and alone in the world. Words cannot describe how much I love that scruffy little pooch.
On a lighter note, tonight is my 2-year anniversary with another man in my life. Seth and I will be celebrating at Irregardless Cafe again tonight. I’ll check in tomorrow with the full details.
Give your pets a hug for me tonight
Filed under: Uncategorized


Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.



Oh no.
I just got a pup and have had him for a few months now. I am so in love with him and how he has enriched my life, I can only imagine your heartache after 17 years!
I’m so sorry.
Ted reminds me of my familys first Jack Russel , Lady. She was 9 when she died of bone cancer but even in the end she still dug for moles and chased some squirrels out of “her” backyard. It’s like loosing a member of the family. I’m thinking of you and your family
BroccoliHut Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 11:31 am
Thanks, Claye. JRTs really are a special breed (as are beagles!). In just a few more hours, we’ll be free from MNT for a whole month YAY!
I’m terribly sorry for your loss Caroline. About 3 years ago my family had to put our cat to sleep because she was very sick and she had been with our family since I was 6 and was 16 years old! Pets that are around for so long really become part of the family. I hope you feel better and hopefully going out to celebrate with Seth tonight will take your mind off of it.
Nicole G
Aww. I’m so sorry for your loss. We lost ours at 16 and 17, and even though it’s not a surprise, it’s still sad. May you take comfort in your furry memories!
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.
Losing pets is seriously one of the toughest things ever, especially when they’ve been around forever. They truly are part of the family.
We’re all sending warm thoughts your way. <3
That pic of him with Baby is Greta is fabulous! Love you forever Ted. See you on the other side, and tell Charlotte we still miss her too!
BroccoliHut Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 11:30 am
Your comment got me a little verklempt again. Oy.
PS I bet he and Charlotte are partying it up right now–reunited at last!
Caroline, sorry to hear about your loss
many many bear hugs to you…..
i’m so sorry caroline! i will say it looked like he lived a very full and happy life!
I am sorry for your loss. It sounds like he had a great life with a loving family.
I am so sorry to hear about Ted! It is sooooooo hard to say goodbye to a dog. They are the best, most loving companions and they are completely devoted to you no matter what you do. I am sure that was so sad for you and your family! So sorry!
I’m so sorry, Caroline. I just lost my little dog a couple of weeks ago. Pets are part of the family, and it’s never easy to say goodbye. I’m sending lots of positive energy your way.
Happy Anniversary to you two.
I’m so very sorry for you, Caroline! I always thought what a cute dog he was whenever you posted pictures of him. Hugs to you and your family!
I am so sorry, Caroline. But happy anniversary!! I hope you had a wonderful evening with Seth.
Oh I am so terribly sorry to hear about this. It’s a kind of heartache I wish nobody had to go through. However, the amount of love and joy they bring to our lives is completely worth it. It sounds like Ted was an incredible dog who knew he was very loved. I wish I could give you a big teary hug right now…losing a pet is like losing family.
I’ll be thinking of you.
Ohhh!! I am so sorry!
Of course I feel the pain of losing Ted, but I also think that the loss you feel is commensurate with the love you had…and even tho’ his antics could drive me to my limits, I sure loved him. What a character–we sure were lucky to have had him in our lives…and for such a long time. I already miss the click-click of his nails on the wood floors as he continuously inspected every corner of the house.
So sorry about Ted, Caroline.