A Heartbreaking Week and Sunday Morning Coffee

This week, we said goodbye to our sweet white Labrador, Sport, and our hearts are heavy with grief and gratitude.

He was twelve and a half years old, and in that time, he filled our home and hearts with more love, loyalty, and joy than we could have ever imagined. Losing him has been incredibly emotional, and while we knew this day would come, nothing truly prepares you for the moment you have to let go of such a cherished companion.

Yellow Labrador retriever lying on the floor next to a stack of wrapped gifts with red ribbons.
Season 5 Volume 15

Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, and dream.

Order my book, A HOME to SHARE, here!

About Me

A white Labrador puppy sits on a person's lap in a car, wrapped in a colorful striped blanket.
Sport’s first car ride with our family

Remembering Sport: Our Beloved White Labrador

Sport came into our lives on Christmas Eve, thanks to our son Michael, who encouraged us to meet a litter of puppies he had found online. We hadn’t been seriously looking for a dog at the time, but Michael’s excitement was contagious, and the moment we saw this sweet, wiggly, wide-eyed puppy, we just knew.

He wasn’t just a dog—he was instantly and completely a part of our family. We named him Sport, because during that chapter of our lives, our three boys—Andrew, Matt, and Michael—were completely immersed in sports. It felt like the perfect name for a pup growing up alongside them.

Three side-by-side images show a Labrador puppy, increasing in size from left to right, sitting indoors on a wooden floor.

From the beginning, Sport was a great dog—gentle, thoughtful, and endlessly patient with the chaos of a busy, active household. He loved his brothers fiercely and was always right in the middle of whatever game, gathering, or celebration.

But as much as he loved everyone in our family, Sport was always by my side. He followed me from room to room, laid at my feet while I worked, and quietly waited for me at the door if I left. He was my shadow, my comfort, and my constant companion.

Yellow Labrador retriever lying on a sandy beach with an orange ball, ocean waves in the background.

Sport’s favorite place in the world was our beach house in Ventura, where he’d romp in the sand, sniff the salty air, and greet every passerby with his signature friendly tail wag. He also loved our backyard, especially when he got to chase a squirrel or two—he never caught one, but the thrill of the chase was more than enough for him.

And if you’ve ever been in a house with Sport during nap time or bedtime, you’ll know he was a world-class snorer—louder than anyone else in the family, without a doubt!

Three smiling people and a Labrador sitting together inside a car. The dog is in the center, looking at the camera with its tongue slightly out.

As we walk through the house now, everything reminds us of him. His leash hanging on the lockers, his bed in the corner, the quiet where his snoring used to be. It’s been a week of tears, memories, and tender moments shared with our boys, who grew up with Sport as their gentle, loving sidekick.

Sport, we love you so much. You were the best dog, the best friend, and a faithful family member. We miss you more than words can say, and we’ll carry you in our hearts always.

Love you forever, Sport. 🐾

A happy Labrador retriever stands in a lush, green grassy area, mouth open and tongue out.


On this blog, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

Green sweatshirt featuring a simple line drawing of a dog. A small patch with a photo of a dog's face is attached below the design. One sleeve has a white "I ❤️ D" print.
Personalized Pet Photo Embroidered Sweatshirt
Framed portrait of a brown dog with a white chest and a black collar. The name "Apollo" is written above. A plant is nearby on the left.
Pet Portrait from Your Photos
Three metallic keychains, each with engraved pet faces and names: one silver with "Lucky," one gold with "Noel," "Dodge," and "Austin," and one bronze with "Eddie" and "Kitty.
Personalized Pet Portrait Keychain
Two round clay paw print ornaments with red and gray ribbons. One features an imprint of a paw with "MARLY 2019," and the other reads "JACKSON 12.22" with a green stencil set nearby.
Ultimate Pawprint Keepsake Kit
Person hanging a framed picture of a dog labeled "Sadie" on a white wall.
Furrlio Pet Portrait from Your Photos
Gray blanket with a pattern of white paw prints and the name "Baylie" repeated across the fabric.
Custom Dog Blanket
Gray fleece blanket with the word "Charlie" and three paw prints. Below are icons of a heart, paw print, and bone, plus two color swatches: beige and gray.
Custom Catch Personalized Dog Blanket
A framed display features two black paw prints on either side of a photo of a dog in the snow, labeled "TERRY" with a red heart. Below are ink pads, paper, and adhesive letters.
Paw Print Frame & Ink Pads Kit
Gold bracelet with an adjustable chain and paw-shaped pendant engraved with "Ava.
Personalized Pet Paw 1-5 Names Bracelet
My Latest Project

My Latest Project

Five people smiling in a restaurant setting with modern decor and pendant lights.

We celebrated with family this weekend in Vegas and enjoyed seeing The Eagles at the Sphere. Wow, what a fantastic night. This was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. Seeing the sphere is a must! It is amazing.

Concert stage with a large "Eagles" sign above. A band performs to a packed audience in a dimly lit venue with star-like lights.
An audience sits before a stage in a theater, with a large, curved backdrop displaying various colorful billboards and signs.
Large indoor concert in a futuristic venue with blue lighting. The stage features musicians playing guitars, with their images displayed on overhead screens. A large audience is seated below.

We head home tonight, and it’s time for me to buckle down and take care of some household projects.

Foldable wireless charging station with three charging pads and a plug-in adapter. Pads designed for charging different devices in a compact layout.
Charging Station for Apple Multiple Devices
Cream and brown leather duffel bag with a shoulder strap and dual zippered compartments.
Leather Weekender Bags for Women
Cream-colored travel bag with multiple straps shown worn and carried in different ways, including hand-held and over the shoulder.
3-in-1 Duffle
A light pink backpack with multiple compartments, adjustable straps, and side buckles.
Travel Backpack
Clear toiletry bag with four silicone travel bottles, four small jars, and a spray bottle, all in pastel colors.
16 Pack Travel Bottles Set
Open tan makeup bag with multiple compartments, containing cosmetics like powders, bottles, and compacts.
Travel Makeup Bag
Summer Kitchen Refresh Again

We need to install a new dishwasher. It was a freebie that came with our new stove, but the plumbing needs to be altered before it is installed. So much for the “freebie.”

Four white storage canisters with wooden lids, various sizes, one filled with coffee beans. Includes labeling stickers and pen. Additional canister color options shown below: black, grey, light green.
Kitchen Canisters for Countertop
A bottle with text on a wooden tray next to a small vase holding green leaves.
Small Kitchen Sink Soap Tray
A tall, off-white ceramic vase with a flared rim and rounded base, set against a plain background.
Modern Farmhouse Decorative Ceramic Vase

Tapered Apothecary Jar

Round Apothecary Jar

Short Round Apothecary Jar

We are about ready to re-landscape the front of our 100 year old home. It is desperately needed, and I can’t wait. But I still have some final decisions to make.

how to grow lettuce in vegetable beds

My kitchen garden just got some new additions. I had some areas to fill, so I stopped at my favorite nursery on the way home from Ventura. (We went to Ventura for a few days this past week to try to heal our hearts. It was a well-deserved retreat.) I now need to stake all of my tomato plants and can’t wait to share what I am using!

Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil

Kitchen Garden Revival by Nicole Johnsey Burke 

A rectangular, light gray metal planter is perfect for a kitchen garden, with various leafy green and flowering plants arranged elegantly along its length.

Vego garden Raised Garden Bed Kit

Garden Tools Stainless Steel 8-Piece

Ten packets of Sereniseed organic seeds including cucumber, broccoli, carrot, bean, lettuce, basil, pepper, tomato, snap pea, and zucchini, each with illustrations of the plants.

Sereniseed Certified Organic Vegetable Seeds

Gardening Gloves

If you enjoy my blog, you can sign up to receive my updates here.

    .

    My Biggest Challenge This Week

    A yellow Labrador is lying down on a floral-patterned sofa, appearing relaxed and content.

    You already know what my biggest challenge was this week.

    My heart is broken, and it will take some time to heal.

    This week's to do list.
    • Add the new tomato cages to our kitchen garden. I have eight to put together and install!
    • Begin front yard landscaping project.

     Outdoor Garden Arch 

    A green metal watering can with a long spout and copper handles.

    1 Gallon Metal Watering Can

    Raised Garden Bed Planter

    Bag of Wonder Soil premium organic potting soil mix, featuring benefits like nutrient-rich content, fast draining, aeration, and sustainable resources, suitable for up to six months use.

    WONDER SOIL Organic Potting Soil

    Vegetable & Flower Wicker Basket

    A wooden pyramid-shaped plant stand with multiple tiers and four legs.

    Classic Home and Garden, 3-Rung Acacia Wood Obelisk

    A wooden gardening bench featuring tools, a watering can, potted plants, and shears is perfect for your kitchen garden. With wheels and shelves for convenient storage, it's the ideal setup to cultivate your green thumb right at home.

    Garden Potting Bench

    Gardening Apron

    Two metal garden trellises are shown: the left one adorned with climbing rose vines and pink flowers, while the right is a perfect example of how to grow tomatoes, supporting a vibrant plant laden with ripe red tomatoes.

    Deaunbr Tomato Cage 6FT

    3 Tier Raised Garden Bed

    Giraffe Tools Garden Hose 25FT 5/8”

    3 Pack Garden Pruning Shears

    A small, round basket with a handle, made of white and yellow yarn, sits on a surface with crafting supplies nearby. A framed artwork is in the background.

    This DIY Easter Basket from Scratch is adorable!

    A stack of pancakes topped with banana slices is drizzled with syrup from a white pitcher. A mug and fork are nearby on a white tiled background.

    These banana pancakes are a delicious, easy weekend breakfast. Yum!

    Person in overalls and gloves plants succulents in pots at a table surrounded by foliage.

    I love these 16 Outdoor Hobbies to Try Now That It’s Nice Out Again.

    A plate with chicken fajitas, bell peppers, onions, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and tortillas, accompanied by a fork.

    These Easy Chicken Fajitas look so good!

    A hand pours coffee from a French press into one of four glass cups on a metal tray. A bowl with three teaspoons is also on the tray, all placed on a light-colored table.

    I love Chai tea and I think you might love Two Ways to Chai.

    Five white ceramic plates with concentric circle designs, one standing upright and the others stacked horizontally.
    Portmeirion Sophie Conran White Dinner Plates, Set of 4
    A large clear glass mug filled with frothy coffee is surrounded by five empty identical mugs on a white background.
    Glass Coffee Mugs

    Women Work Gloves, 3-Pairs

    And what a week it was!

    • A wicker basket containing rolls of decorative wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift-wrapping supplies arranged neatly on a light-colored surface.
      Why I Love Vintage Wrapping Paper
      There’s something undeniably charming about vintage wrapping paper. And if you’re looking for a creative Mother’s Day gift idea, why not give the gift of wrapping itself? The colors, illustrations, and nostalgic patterns evoke a warmth and thoughtfulness that modern designs…
    • Morning Coffee with Nana
      The Best Mother’s Day Gifts Amazon Style
      It’s less than a month until Mother’s Day, and I thought I would share some fun Amazon-style Mother’s Day gifts. I have gathered a list of our favorite gifts for Mom. I know how different moms are, so we have categorized…
    • Cozy patio with two armchairs, a wooden trunk table, and a lush garden view, under a ceiling fan and white pergola.
      Back Porch Ideas for Spring
      Our back porch has been a cozy retreat for as long as I can remember. The sofa faced the fireplace, offering warmth and comfort on cool evenings. And then everything changed a few weeks ago when we filmed a commercial at…
    • A cozy nursery with a white crib on the right, a rustic wooden table with baskets underneath by a window, and soft green walls.
      Creating a Grandkids Retreat
      A year ago, I converted our home’s old weight room/sleeping porch into a dedicated space for our grandkids. Our home has always been a place of gathering, laughter, and cherished memories. Everything we have done in our home has been for…
    • Summer Fun Dinner Party
      My Favorite Potluck Recipes
      We hosted our dinner club, and to make it easy, I served a potluck. Here are some of my favorite potluck recipes. How do you serve a potluck for a dinner party? Since most of my time was spent setting up…
    • How to Dye Easter Eggs
      A Happy Easter, Crafting, and Sunday Morning Coffee
      I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a heartfelt Happy Easter. We hope this holiday brings you joy, peace, and the opportunity to celebrate with your loved ones. I also wanted to share my love for crafting. How…
    A bouquet of pink tulips with green stems and leaves, tied together with a string, resembles an array of vibrant Easter eggs.

    Mandy’s 20pcs Light Pink Artificial Tulip

    Two ceramic bakeware dishes with lids, one gray and one white, perfectly pair with elegant spring cocktail napkins. Each dish comes with a matching wooden spatula resting on top, adding a touch of charm to your kitchen ensemble.

    Stoneware Brie Bakers with Wood Spreaders

    A string of three illuminated outdoor light bulbs with black sockets hangs gracefully along a cable, casting a warm glow over the outdoor cooking station. An unplugged electrical plug is visible on the left, ready to bring life to this inviting setting.

    Waterproof LED
    Outdoor String Lights

    Toy projector with a yellow handle, red dial, and blue base. Displays book covers: "The Saggy Baggy Elephant," "The Poky Little Puppy," and "Tawny Scrawny Lion," alongside a dog figurine.

    Little Tikes Story Dream Machine Starter Set

    A white ceramic pitcher with a handle, featuring a rustic, distressed finish with brown patches, pairs perfectly with spring cocktail napkins to create an inviting and charming tablescape.

    Modern Farmhouse Ceramic Pitcher

    30″ Charcuterie Board

    Tomatoes filled with a creamy mixture, topped with basil leaves, arranged on a white surface.

    Martha shared 33 No-Cook Appetizers. If you are short on time, these are the best!

    I have three new crafts to share this week, two of which are Easter crafts that you should try to make! This week is going to be fun!

    • How to Style a Bar Cart
    • Colorful Mercury Easter Egg Ornaments DIY
    • Shiny Clay Easter Eggs
    • New Spring Paper Craft
    • Pizza Night on the Porch and Patio
    • My Favorite Restaurant Copycat Recipe

    VASAGLE Bar Cart Gold

    14″x7-1/2″ Rectangle Wood Charcuterie Board with Handle

    Four white ceramic egg trays, with one holding five brown eggs, create a perfect setting for your Easter eggs display.

    4 Pack Porcelain Egg Container

    You Might Also Need…

    Pink Linen/Cotton Napkins, 12

    Ceramic berry baskets with strawberry patterns hold strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. An empty basket is in the background.

    Farmhouse Ceramic Berry Basket

    Cream Melamine 11″ Dinner Plates

    Four intricately designed pink glass tumblers with ornate patterns sit elegantly beside spring cocktail napkins, casting soft shadows on a white background.

    Pink Water Glasses, 4

    A white, ribbed, round ceramic bowl on a pedestal base, perfect for displaying colorful Easter eggs.

    Ceramic Footed Bowl Approx 8″

    Four green embossed drinking glasses are arranged in a staggered formation, perfectly paired with vibrant spring cocktail napkins for a touch of seasonal elegance.

    Bormioli Rocco Water Glass Green, Set of 4

    A clear glass vase holds a bouquet of light pink and white flowers with green stems, reminiscent of the freshness found on spring cocktail napkins, all set against a pristine white background.

    Faux Calliopsis Flowers, 24″, 6 Pieces

    Three stacked round wicker baskets with tight weave patterns, perfect for holding colorful Easter eggs, featuring slightly raised edges and a natural brown color.

    Rattan Bread Basket

    Four white ceramic bunny figurines are grouped together, each with different poses, set against a plain background.

    Creative Co-op Whitewashed Polyresin Bunny Rabbit Quartet

    Shop My Home
    Amazon Best Sellers

    This Week’s Top Sellers

    We shared many of our favorite home items this week, and here are the top sellers!

    Kitchen Garden Revival by Nicole Johnsey Burke 

    Blue Speckled Ceramic Robin Eggs

     Outdoor Garden Arch 

    11 Pcs Doll Garment Rack with Wooden Dolls Clothes Hanger

    A stylish blue countertop oven featuring three control dials and a glass front door, labeled "Our Place," perfect for crafting dishes like baked parmesan crusted chicken to perfection.

    6-in-1Our Place Wonder Ove

    Yellow Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink, 8-Ounce

    Samsung "The Frame" TV, available on Amazon Prime, displays stunning floral art with a close-up of its elegant wooden edge design.

    SAMSUNG 4K The Frame 65” TV with Teak Bezel

    Ninja coffee maker with brewed coffee, tea, and iced coffee around it. Includes a carafe, filter, measuring scoop, and coffee pods.
    Ninja Hot and Iced Coffee Maker
    Beige woven bath mat on a light wood floor next to a white bathtub. A potted plant and a wooden shelf with towels are nearby.
    Super Absorbent Non Slip Bath Mat

    You can pin the image below to your boards on Pinterest (click the Pin button in the top left corner) or follow me on Pinterest!

    A yellow Labrador retriever lying on the floor next to wrapped gifts with red ribbons.

    For more real-time updates, follow me on Instagram @My100YearOldHome

    Similar Posts

    35th Wedding Anniversary Memories
    |

    Celebrating Our 35th Wedding Anniversary – Sunday Morning Coffee

    ByLeslie

    Today I am not going to talk about fall decor or crafts or recipes. Instead, I am going to talk about the most important thing happening this week … our 35th wedding anniversary! Can you believe it, 35 years married? The family that we have built together is my absolute pride and joy. My heart…

    Film crew set up outside a house with large trees. Equipment and trailers are visible, along with red umbrellas. Road cones indicate a filming location.

    We are Filming This Week and Sunday Morning Coffee

    ByLeslie

    This week, we’re excited to be filming another commercial at our home, this time for a major retailer. Over the past twenty years, we’ve hosted numerous film crews as they created movies, television shows, commercials, and even music videos at our home. Each experience has been unique, filled with excitement, a little chaos, and endless…

    20 Comments

      1. Leslie, so sorry for your loss of Sport recently. You all loved each other and did so much together, every step of the way. From his puppyhood throughout his entire life, you know he had the best family and home possible, and he loved you all dearly, as you did him. You’ll have the memories to last a lifetime.
        Watch for butterflies. I’ve heard when loved ones die, they often visit us sometimes. Watch for a butterfly; it may be him, watching over you all. A good life is always too short because we don’t want it to end. I hope he helps you find another puppy or elder.
        Take care.

        Reply

    3. I’m so sorry about the loss of your beloved Sport. How lucky you are to have loved such a good boy and to have received his love in return. Sending you a BIG hug….

      Reply

    4. Losing a family member as sweet as our pups is never easy. It is coming up on one year since I had to make the heartbreaking decision to have my sweet fellow, Half-pint, go over the rainbow bridge. He is missed every day, as like your Sport he was my shadow too. So, so sorry for your loss and sending hugs! Cherish all of your wonderful memories you have of him.

      Reply

    5. I am so sorry to hear foulest your beautiful Sport. As I am annoyed at my two furry corgis at my feet this morning for barking at raccoons at 4 am and getting up way too early…I am reminded of how special each day with them is-and how lucky we are to get to have them in our lives. Thank you always for gentle reminders.
      And as I read your posts-I am brought back to my wonderful childhood home in San Marino and how much Pasadena is in my heart. There is no place like home…

      Reply

    6. So, so sorry for your loss! It is so hard to loose our fur babies, but remember……

      I was just a pup when we first met, I loved you from the start.
      You picked me up and took me home, and placed me in your heart.
      Good times we had together, we shared all life could throw.
      But years passed all too quickly, my time has come to go.
      I know how much you miss me, I know your heart is sore.
      I see the tears that fall, when I’m not waiting at the door.
      You always did your best for me, Your love was plain to see.
      For even though it broke your heart, You set my spirit free.
      So please be brave without me, one day we’ll meet once more.
      For when you’re called to heaven, I’ll be waiting at the door.

      God bless you

      Reply

    8. So very sorry to hear your beloved pup has passed. The only hard part with having a pet is the end…the rest is pure joy. We recently had to say goodbye to our dog and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Breaks your heart but wouldn’t trade it for anything. Thinking of you and your family.

      Reply

    9. I am so very sorry for your loss of your precious Sport. My heart hurts for you and your family. Sending hugs from FL!
      Paula L

      Reply

    10. My heart goes out to you! We had to have our Toby put down last fall. He was a 16 year old schnauzer-mix that we rescued when he was 3. My husband has mentioned a couple of times about welcoming a new pet to our lives but I just cannot embrace the idea. I grew up on a farm and have always acknowledged the differences between the people we love and the animals we care for. Yet, that was truly a tough loss for us and Toby genuinely left a paw print on our lives.

      Reply

    11. I am so very sorry, and I feel your heartbreak. Tomorrow I have to say goodbye to my sweet little girl Wren. My beautiful loving little Shiba. My heart goes out to all of you.

      Reply

    12. I wish you peace as you walk this mournful time. When beautiful things must leave it is sorrowful because it was beautiful. I am glad you had what you had with this lovely spirit.

      Reply

    13. So sorry for your family at this time of grief and sorrow. Sport is perfectly healed and will be waiting for you one day. May God continue to give your family strength and comfort at this time and in the days ahead. Bless you all, Heidi M.

      Reply

    15. My heart goes out to you and your family. Losing a family member is the hardest thing in the world and our sweet pets are a family member. We lost our 11 year old Maltese last year in March and then in September we lost his twin brother. Our hearts are forever broken. Then this year we decided to become foster parents for dogs who have been abandoned or mistreated. It helps the hole in our hearts and the dogs hearts who think no one wants them. Sport is up in heaven and will be waiting to greet you when your time comes.

      Reply

    16. So sorry for the loss of your beloved
      Sport…Such a sweet sweet boy🥰
      Always a joy to see him in pictures ♥️
      Hugs to you and your family…

      Reply

    17. Leslie, I hope it’s some comfort to know how many of us understand. With our fur baby losses I tried to focus on the love shared, and how much more special they made our lives…and vice versa. Your family and Sport were so blessed. I’m sure you know this pain will ease some, and the tears will be replaced with smiles from memories of his happy life. He’ll always be with you.

      Reply

    18. Oh Leslie (and family). Such a very sad time. Been through it a few times myself and every time is extremely hard. They become such a part of the family. They will always be our ‘Furever’. Thinking about you. Take care.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *