The era of the Lambert Girls, a.k.a. The Red Collar Club, turned the Sutphin Girls, began 17 years ago. I was 32. Over the course of less than two years between 2001 and 2003, I adopted four dogs – one from Nassau, one from Maryland and two from Nairobi.
The Lambert Girls were my life when Don and I reunited at our 20th high school reunion. (If they hadn’t liked Don, he would’ve been history.) They weren’t a very well-behaved pack, especially with strangers. I was pretty nervous having Don meet the girls, and I’ll never forget the day he met them. He walked right into the backyard of my Maryland house and rolled over onto his back. The pack instantly fell in love with him, just as I had.
The Girls made the move with us to Albuquerque in April 2007, then made the move back east with us (us by that time was Don, me, the Girls, Whisky, seven donkeys and a goat) to Virginia in December 2013.
Kassie and Whisky died a week apart in 2014/2015, the day after Christmas and the day after New Year’s. Enzi and Suni died three days apart in May 2016.
Kike died Friday, July 6, 2018. Kike Kyote, Little Fart Squeaker (LFS), Hairy Hairy Kike (HHK), our African Queen, Deeker… our skittish girl. She eased the passing of the others for us. We’re positive that without Harper and Vivien, Kike wouldn’t have held on for so long.
With the death of each of my girls went a bit of my youth. With the death of each of them went a family member who had weathered so much by my side. With the death of each went a child I loved unconditionally and who loved me in return.
I’m thankful every day for Harper and Vivien (The Blue Collar Club) and the journey we’re beginning with them. A life without dogs – impossible to imagine. ♥♥♥♥♥♥
July 9, 2018 at 10:35 am
My condolences on your loss. It is heartbreaking to watch a pet pass to the next life. You can rest assured, however, that her sisters were waiting for her and they are all now reunited and joyous once more.
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July 9, 2018 at 10:44 am
Sorry for your loss, but happy the journey continues. We have been dogless for a year and a half, and it is tough.
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July 9, 2018 at 1:43 pm
What wonderful lives you gave to your girls, and such a beautiful send-off. Viva Vivian and Harper! xo
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July 9, 2018 at 2:10 pm
Oh Justina and Don, I simply cannot imagine how difficult it must be! Dogs really do tie us to places and events in our lives. Their unconditional love is a gift that can never be repaid, only learned from.
May the Blue Collar crew uphold you as you mourn the loss of the last of your original pack.
Much love!!! CeeCee
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July 9, 2018 at 5:46 pm
What a long and beautiful life. I am so sorry for your loss and for the end of a beautiful era. My heart aches for you.
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July 9, 2018 at 7:41 pm
Oh, goodness! One after the other! I’m sorry they were so close in age. It must have been hard.
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July 9, 2018 at 8:13 pm
Justina and Don,
Love goes out, and love comes in.
We can never predict either, and we’re better for both.
I hope you keep giving and receiving, and that you wallow in the anguish of losing Kike, and appreciate her presence in your life for the gifts she gave and the lessons learned.
Stacey & Richard Cost
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July 10, 2018 at 2:53 pm
I like that a new Club has started even before the other one ended, to form a continuous chain of doggie love. XXXX
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July 10, 2018 at 2:54 pm
oups! it’s me Brigitte, not anonymous
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July 10, 2018 at 3:54 pm
I understand only too well. You have expressed the feelings eloquently.
Dogs, cats, horses, etc. they are so close to us and fill our hearts like nothing else.
May you be healed and comforted.
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July 11, 2018 at 9:10 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. All of that pain, and yet, we continue to open our hearts to a new furry friend…
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July 12, 2018 at 1:12 pm
Justine, this is such a heart warming and yet heart breaking story. Prayers, hugs and love to you and Don on the loss of your baby. xo
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September 15, 2018 at 9:19 am
Thanks for sharing so generously all your thoughts and experiences with your loving animals/children. Your photos are also enjoyed and can be related to. Bless those who understand love across the human barrier. Deb Downer (not a joke — my name).
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