On Saturday our family lost a very important member. While on a walk with Jemesii, Jamie and her sister Kala, Olive was attacked by a large mixed breed dog who had broken free of a rope to which it was tethered. Although rushed to first a local vet and then, after being stabilized, Tufts Veterinary Hospital, Olive could not be saved. To have her gone, the victim of an unprovoked and vicious attack, is inconceivable.
David, Peter and I cannot be consoled, Jemesii and Jamie are heartbroken, Kala is left bewildered and confused. Olive had captured the affections of many in her short lifetime, and Jemesii’s wall on facebook is littered with stricken condolences.
Not merely a beloved pet, Olive filled the role of therapy dog. Two years ago, when Olive was yet a puppy, Jemesii was grappling with some insurmountable issues, not the least of which was an anxiety so profound she had become almost housebound. Olive immediately became Jemesii’s constant companion, and her intuitive responsiveness to Jem’s emotions was astounding. A wet nose, soft pink tongue and the most soulful eyes you could imagine provided solace and unconditional love when Jemesii needed it most. Caring for Olive, Jemesii learned how to care for herself again.
And so, when we heard what had happened, I feared this fresh trauma might be more than Jemesii could handle.
I should have known better. My daughter is a survivor through and through. Tinsel and steel she is; glittery and somewhat fragile on the outside, but tough as nails when push comes to shove. She knows the places a hurt like this could send her, but she is absolutely determined to not let that happen. Having come so far, Jemesii feels she owes a good deal of her recovery to what is now the sweetest memory ever: Olive Pimento Delande. Rest in peace, my little grand-dog.
(photos by the best dog mama ever: Jemesii Delande)
life and breath: outliving lung cancer 
Oh no Linnea…..my sincere condolences to all of you but especially Jem. No dog was ever loved more. How tragic! Linda
Thanks Linda. She was one doted on dog. Hope you are well.
Linnea
thank you so much for this mom. you said many of the things I am too devastated to say. she will be so deeply missed
❤
❤
Mom
a beautiful tribute to an amazing Olive – thinking of you all
Thanks Amy.
Linnea
so sorry…..
Thanks for thinking of us Roy.
Linnea
Wonderfully put, Linnea. Olive was so much more than a dog… she was a healer. Thank you for putting it so beautifully. My heart hurts at the loss of my little puppy niece but breaks for Jem and Jamie. She was their baby.
Hannah, I understand you were treated to a slumber party with the girls last week. I am glad you had that. Thanks for always being such a wonderful friend to Jemesii–you mean so very much to her.
Love, Linnea
What a beautiful little dog with an obviously big heart. I love her name, and the photos show such personality. I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. Animals are indeed such healers, and it sounds as if Olive took her job very seriously. My heart goes out to Jemesii & the rest of your family. sending lots of love ❤
Oh Lorraine, there are just so many ways in which are hearts can be broken. I’ve had some good talks with Peter (who is devastated) and have had to counsel Jem that there is only one way through grief and that is to wade right in. She and Jamie loved that little dog beyond all reason. They will continue to lavish Kala with affection and in time, perhaps yet another lucky pup will join their family. But we will never stop missing Olive.
Love, Linnea
Olive was my favorite pup from that litter & it baffled me that no one chose her … until Jemesii saw her pic on fb & had to have her. When I handed Olive to Jemesii, I knew immediately that though she was the last chosen, she was most definately the luckiest. And now I know how much they were truly meant for each other. Olive was little, but her purpose was incredibly huge!
Love & prayers to Jem & family.
Lori, I keep……. wanting to apologize that this happened to Olive, which I realize is silly. but you were her momma before me, and I’m sorry. I just… I hope you know she was loved so very very much and is going to be a part of me for ever and always. and as you can see from the blog, and from my facebook, she touched so many lives. and I owe that little body, full of such great kindness and intelligence and strength, so much ❤ so thank you for… allowing me the privilege of being her mom, even though it was far too short.
Jemesii, it is a sweet impulse to want to apologize, but nobody could have loved that little dog more than you did. You would have gone through fire for her and if there had been a way to get between the attacker and Olive, you would have. That is part of what hurts so much about this entire situation; you did everything right as a dog-parent (owner just doesn’t cut it when describing your relationship with Olive and Kala) and yet the unimaginable happened. I, as your mother, would give anything to have gotten between you and this experience, to have protected you, and I couldn’t do that either.
I love you so and you, like your little dog, have touched the lives of many and will continue to do so. Take good care of yourself today honey. I love you.
Mom
Lori, Jem had excellent taste. And Olive did end up having a spectacular if far too short life. But you are correct, in that brief time, she accomplished much. Thank you for your kind comments–and for having provided Jem and Jamie’s little love bug, Olive.
Linnea
My heart goes out to all of you- that is a very hard loss. The photos speak volumes about mistress and pup.
Love,
Joan
Thank you Joan.
Love, Linnea
My heart breaks for you all, especially Jemesii. Olive looks so absolutely precious and full of personality (love that oliveflower picture so much!). The bond will always be there and how special it is that you have experienced it. I’m a huge dog-lover and devastated at the way this tragedy occurred but admire your strength to continue to feel her strength for you.
The oliveflower picture was taken by Jemesii just over a week ago, when the girls won a grand prize for their costumes at a big dog festival. And we thank you for your kind comments.
Linnea
heartbroken for you and your family…unbelievable
Thanks Cathe.
Linnea
So very sad. Condolences to all.
We really appreciate it Cynthia.
Linnea
Dearest Linnea and Jemesii:
My heart is breaking for you. May you find peace and healing.
Blessings Always,
Tracy
Thank you Tracy.
Linnea
Dear Linnea – I am just back from England and have been catching up on your posts. The last three made me feel very emotional and I find it hard to express my thoughts to you. For now, all I can say is “so sorry”. Just know I am thinking of your and your daughter with much love.
Beryl
Beryl, good to have you back and Jemesii and I thank you. BTW, while you were gone an almost hurricane (tropical storm) was named Beryl. G would have liked that.
love, Linnea