First Person
Dog Sweater, Never Worn
”For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” Until I looked it up just now, I always thought this memorable 6-word novel was by Ernest Hemingway, but Wikipedia informs that that is a misattribution.
That’s the sad fate of the striped Lucky Dog sweater I made in a fever a few weeks ago.
Our little Olive the terrier got very sick last week. She left us on Monday, in my arms and in the care of her beloved (more honest adjective: tolerated) vet, Kim, with one of her human siblings by her side and the other attending from far away, via FaceTime. May we all be mourned as heartily when our time comes.
Kind readers of MDK have been laughing at Olive’s antics and following her career as a sweater muse and model ever since she came to us in 2009, at 8 weeks old. In photos she always came across as dainty and cute, which she was—but she was also short-tempered and snappish, with a shrieking bark that froze the spine of many a startled tourist in Central Park. Taking a page from the Chicks, she was not ready to make nice—ever.
We are reeling at the abrupt end of her iron-pawed reign, but she certainly had a great run, literally and by any measure. The turkeys and deer of Eastern Long Island can rest easier now that she’s gone. She never let them get away with anything. One toe over the perimeter, and she was ON IT. As the kids would say, Olive stood on business.
We will be telling Olive’s tales as long as we live. For all her anxiety and biteyness, she understood the assignment: distracting us in the aftermath of Peter’s death, bringing silly joy to kids who were still kids and giving me plenty to do in my long, ineffectual quest to potty train her. She fascinated us, and she foiled us. She ruined textiles without mercy, until I finally conceded that rugs are not that big of a deal.
When in the company of good-natured, easy-going dogs, we felt a little disappointed that it was so easy to match wits with them. We relished our girl’s spice. Olive made us play on her level—and lose. She convinced us of many ridiculous things. In her triumphant dowager years, she had everything her way, from her preferred Kirkland organic ground beef, gently warmed, broken into tiny terrier morsels and served directly on the kitchen floor (bowls worried her) to her absolute veto power over any handyman the building sent to our apartment. A hissing steampipe or slow drain could wait until Ali’s lunch break—or day off—was over; he was the only Olive-approved carrier of tools, and that was final.
Here she is in August 2024, at age 15, as we will remember her.
Semper feisty, sweet girl. It may have been entirely against your will, but you were a good dog.
I’m so sorry Kay. As the owner of a crotchety but beloved old dog, I feel your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My all four legged friends be as well loved and understood. She lived her best life, thanks to you.
Blessings on the spicy spirit of Olive. No dog wore a sweater like she did. And kindness and condolences to her humans. What a gift you had for understanding her and loving her just exactly for her very self.
So sorry for your loss. Our canine friends become the rhythm of our lives and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Oh Kay, I’m sorry she’s gone, but so grateful for the smiles and laughs your tales of her antics and misdemeanours brought. Sending love xxx
Oh, Kay—I send my heartfelt sympathies. Though not a pet person, I have suffered other grievous losses in my life. Sit with it. Knit ( obviously). And it sounds like you have many funny and bristle-y memories to comfort you. Sending hugs, Elizabeth
That was a brilliant remembrance, Thank You. I had a good dog too for 12 years, and I raise my coffee this morning to all the pups before and to come: laughter, distraction, and beating heart that is On It!
I was recently thinking I hadn’t read anything about her for awhile. I’m so sorry.
I will always treasure the time that Olive forgot herself and accidentally sat next to me for longer than a minute. Allowing me to think that maybe, just maybe I was a member of an elite club. I never made it in, but I never stopped hoping.
Sending cashmere wrapped hugs to all who loved her. ♥️
What a beautiful remembrance of a life well-lived, and on her own terms. Thank you for the reminder of how precious these companions are, warts and all. Especially the warts. Much love to you!
What a lovely tribute. So sorry. She had the best dog life ever.
So sorry for your loss. This was a lovely tribute. As one who has loved and lost a beloved pet I feel your sorrow. There will never be another one like her.
Sweet Olive,
I had the privilege of being mostly tolerated by her, and in return loved her endlessly.
Her memory will always make me smile.
I am so sorry dear Kay.
Good girl! Sending love to you all. My good girl left us too, but they’re still with us , don’t you think?
Oh, what a loss. She will be missed
Many blogyears ago I “narrated” Olive in a comment, and Belinda replied, “It’s as if you KNOW her!” She was right, it was as if I did.
A fond farewell to Olive, and a hug for all who loved her. You gave her such a long and lovely life.
Oh, Kay, such sad news about your spicy girl. The pups are a big chunk of our hearts and memories. She wore her sweaters so well.
Hugs, hugs and hugs
So sorry. I remember when she came into your life. Seems like you gave her a happy one. ❤️
Oh Kay I’m so sorry! I’ve so loved hearing about her adventures over the years. Grief pets are extra special – they take on the role with such vigorous responsibility. Sending extra love and giving my pup extra pats in Olive’s honor tonight.
❤️
Beautifully written, so sorry for your huge loss xxx
Safe passage, Olive; good dog.
Oh Kay! I’m so sorry for all of you! What a gift she was.
Many condolences to you and your family. I remember when Olive burst on the scene and enjoyed following her escapades. She will be missed.
Everyone who has ever loved a pet, shares in the grief of those who have lost a beloved and faithful companion. So sorry for your loss.
Oh, Kay and family…. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your memories with us so that we can also shed tears and feel your pain. What a mighty tribute you’ve penned for Olive. Hugs.
Terriers always rule, as you know Kay, and Olive was among the very best. ❤️
So sorry for your loss.
Oh Kay, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Olive with us. I loved logging in to see what she had done this time.
So very sorry for your loss. She was lucky to have been a part of your family, as you were lucky to have been a part of hers.
Godspeed Olive
Semper feisty indeed. A beautiful tribute for a gal who had a wonderful & cozy life. It’s been a joy seeing her antics over the years. I’m so sorry.
I’m so sorry to hear about Olive’s passing. Your words are a loving tribute to a great friend. Those who are remembered with love never truly pass away. Sending hugs.
Such sad news. I always enjoyed her appearance in your writing and social media. This is an exquisite homage to her. Thank you for sharing her with us.
What sad news! I am so sorry for your loss. Olive was adorable and Ialways loved whenever you wrote about her.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing such a moving tribute to Olive. That last portrait you included is especially beautiful.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Sending a beloved pet to their next stop is the worst, best decision one has to make. The worst for us and the best for them. Sending love!
No Rainbow Bridge for Olive. Only Valhalla will do for her.
What a beautiful tribute to pup of such spirit. She was, through your words, part of the MDK family for years. She will be missed.
I feel your loss, Kay. I have had a lifetime of multiple dogs, all loved to the very best. Olive was like two dogs. The charming, smiling one modeling sweaters in all of your pictures. And the one you describe, only you knowing her best. I will miss all of her for you, she really must have been Miss Personality, in person. May her memory memory be for a blessing.
What fun and special memories of a beloved pet. It is so hard to say goodbye to them. May Olive yap her way over the rainbow bridge.
I’m so sorry! She was a delight! And such a good knitwear model!
So sorry for your loss of a great companion. Nothing wrong with a little spice.
So very sorry for your loss
Oh dear Olive…I like to think she and Luna are again on their walks together in Central Park, with Olive happily trotting along atop “her” special wall.
She was one of a kind, and will be dearly missed by multitudes.
I am so sorry for your loss Kay. Olive really wore her knits well.
I am gutted by this. And the fact that we too have an anxiety ridden, barky girl named Olive (or Ollie). She tolerates few people and has a few friends in nearby dogs but she is territorial to our house and is indignant when someone breaks her perimeter. Everything you wrote about your sweet girl sounds familiar so maybe you can take solace in the fact that another feisty Olive lives on and will continue her legacy. And thanks to your Olive, my Olive lives in her Lucky Dog Sweaters. I’m currently knitting her third – a striped one based on yours. Sleep well, sweet Olive
So sorry for your loss. Dogs are such a gift in our lives. May memories of her feisty personality keep you smiling.
Oh dear. This special girl will be missed. She made her mark as an individual. I’m sure you are known throughout the neighborhood as “ Olive’s mom”
So sweet! Loving a dog, feisty or not, is one of life’s greatest gifts.
A day that always comes too soon.
Farewell, Olive.
So sorry for your loss of Olive, Kay. All dogs leave an impression, and the bad ones seem to leave double. Losing my own good bad dog a decade ago took a piece of my soul that I didn’t know existed. Thinking of you and all of Oliver’s family and friends.
“Though she be but little, she [was] fierce.” RIP Olive.
I’m so sorry Kay. Olive was a character who provided us with smiles and laughs as she stood her ground on whatever issue she took on. I never met her but I’m teary at her loss. Hugs to you.
I’m so sorry, Kay! Our pets are our little buddies and best friends. You gave her a good life and she in turn gave you her friendship and devotion and unconditional love. There’s a reason dog is spelled God backwards. He knew we needed these faithful companions. Enjoy the memories
So sorry for your loss, we do love our animals.
Kay, I am so sorry for your loss. It’s so very hard to lose a pet (member of the family). She lived her best life with a family that loved her very much.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing the four legged ones is always so hard. May her memory always be a blessing.
Sorry for your loss. She will go down in the books as a queen among dog models.
My heart goes out to all of you♥️ who were inner members of Olive’s clan. May she live on in your laughter and tears as you all continue to share tales of her shenanigans and her unique way of loving you.
So sorry ❤️
So sorry for the loss of such a good friend. All of her quirks just made her more special….and eternally knit worthy.
Oh, I am so sad for your loss. I know what it is to lose a so-loved and feisty, furry-faced family member. I will miss news of Olive. Thank you for the wonderful obituary. Please accept my deepest condolences.
What a lovely eulogy to Olive. I always thought it was a great name for a dog and loved hearing of her outsized personality all these years. My condolences to you and your children.
I am so so so sorry! I know how our dogs take a chunk of our hearts with them wherever they go. deepest condolences!
So sorry to hear this and the account reminds me of how much I loved the blog when it was only your letters and many accounts of individual and canine doings. It was a different thing and I still enjoy it but did love that sense of personal connection.
I am so sorry to read this, Kay. Poor Olive. What a wonderful family you were, for her
She will be missed.
So very sorry for your loss. May you find peace and solace in her memory.
This is the best eulogy I’ve ever read. Godspeed, Olive.
Such heartfelt memories that only grace those who live with a special dog. Condolences.
I’m so sorry. We were also ruled by a tiny tyrant who was almost 17 when she left us, almost a year ago.
Beautifully written. You will always miss her… ❤️
It is NEVER easy to say goodbye. She, and you had a good life. And shared that with so many. Thank you for that. Her sweaters are a lovely legacy.
Oh no. I am so sorry, Kay. It is so hard to say goodbye to our beloved fur friends. I loved your posts about her and felt that I knew her. May her memory be a blessing.
Oh Kay, she will be sorely missed by all of us. I am so sorry.
My heart goes out to you during this sorrowful time. May your memories last a lifetime.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am caring for an old, but lovely and demanding, cat at the moment. He too gets whatever he wants, whenever he wants it. I am sure that you have a huge hole in your heart at the moment; hoping it gets filled with warm memories over time.
Oh, Kay. I’m so sorry! I love that you have so many great memories of Olive — and photos! Peace & love to you all.
I’m so so sorry. Olive was a good girl, in the best terrier way possible, and an excellent sweater model and muse!
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute. Thank you so much for sharing her with us over these years.
My heart breaks for you, Kay, and all of your family. Olive brought joy to all of us.
awww RIP Olive. She was one of a kind .xoxoxox to you all
Wishing peace and comfort to you and your family as you remember Olive’s intelligence and feistiness. I remember her from the start of the blog! And I’ll miss her.
So sad to hear of your loss. People who have never owned a really terrific dog have no idea how much it hurts when they pass.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Olive. Pets are so special and will forever be in our hearts. Sending love and comfort.
This is a perfect remembrance of her.
Oh..I am so sorry. This tribute was beautiful and you will have happy memories after awhile. I lost both my oldies over the summer and I am now thinking of opening my heart again to a couple more.
So sorry for your loss Kay. Furbabies are the best. RIP Olive. ❤️
Sweet and sour little Olive. Kay gave you the best life. I am sad for all who loved and feared you.
I saw the post title in my email and let out an involuntary “No!” I’m normally good with words, but have none at the moment. So sorry, Kay. Sending hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Aww, sorry for your (“semper feisty”!) loss, Kay! What a personality it sounds like that pup had!
My deepest condolences to you all. I am the servant to feline that mirrors Olive’s personality. Thank you for all the Olive content over the years. She was an absolute Icon of Doggiedom.
I love the stars in her eyes in that last photo. She knew stuff! Very sorry to hear of her passing, I know the pain of that.
ohhhhhh…. olive!
rest with the angels and run with the deer!
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. She was widely known and loved. It is a beautiful thing to have such a creature in your life, and a horrible but inevitable thing to lose them.
I remember my fascination with her sweaters. It fueled inspiration. I loved every Olive post. I am for you. My pups, kitties and I send you and your family love. I thank you for memories and inspiration of a fashion dynamo
I am so sorry for your loss. Olive was quite the character. Sending love sand hugs your way.❤️
It’s so hard to say goodbye to one who knew your kids when they were young. I remember when she joined the family. Condolences to you all –
Dear Kay,
May “Little Olive” rest in peace. Dogs are our lovely companions. I am sorry for your loss.
Barbara (owner of 10 LB Tilly”