A Memorial for Mimi
2003 – 2020
Thursday, November 19th at 3:10 am Mimi’s heart stopped beating and my heart cracked and fractured into a thousand pieces.
The sadness I am feeling is overwhelming and my tears won’t stop as I write this. After my days work is done and I walk into my apartment in Raleigh or Philadelphia, Mimi is everywhere I look but, she’s nowhere, and for the first time I can remember…
I am lonely.
She lived a good life I’m told and this I know, it doesn’t blunt the trauma of an emergency euthansia of a helpless creature I have nurtured, protected and loved. It’s an experience that is dreadful and life changing no matter how many times we go through it.
I felt immediate guilt that somehow I should have known how to save her. That has morphed into regret that I sometimes resented having to go out in the cold at night for her bedtime walk or drag myself out of bed for her early morning walk in the snow or the sweltering heat. Now I would give anything to still be doing those walks. Why didn’t I know that, why did I ever complain.
My life with Mimi was different than with any other pet. It was just, Mimi and Me.
While I’ve been in the US filming Love it or List it for the last 6 years, she was by my side literally every day and every night. My constant companion.
Her intuitive, steadfast emotional support helped me through the worst times, and her love and joy amplified the best times. I’ve learned the beauty of being in the moment to bask in every moment of love Mimi had to offer me.
In the last few years, as Mimi grew older there were times when it seemed as though it was hopeless and she wouldn’t make it this time. But, her care by her devoted veterinarian Dr. Mendise in Raleigh, and the midnight runs to the team at NC State Veterinary Hospital pulled her from the brink so many times I thought she was invincible. I gave her nightly massages, dabbed vaseline on her old dry nose and it seemed as though I could outsmart the grim reaper and keep her with me forever. I made no plans for a vacation if she couldn’t come with me. No dinner over 2 hours long, she would panic without me for longer.
My life was as devoted to Mimi as hers was to mine.
I will grieve this loss and accept the pain. But I don’t want to be maudlin.
I want to celebrate Mimi’s life.
This video of some of the moments we’ve shared over the years as my Memorial to Mimi and my thanks to so many of you who loved Mimi from afar.
I know so many of you understand exactly what I’m going through.
Love and Loss is part of all our lives. Let’s celebrate Mimi remembering her with smiles and the kinship of fearless per owners willing to suffer the pain of the inevitable loss to luxuriate in the glorious years of bonding and love like no other.
XOXO,
Hilary
The lost if a pet is the lost of a child no one understands this more than pet parents. No matter where your backround you come from it hurts especially the day the pet passes its the longest day of your life and you wish it was over. I feel for you and the love ones Mimi touched in her life.
Thank you, Guillermo!
Hillary I’m sorry isn’t enough but it’s all I have. She was an adorable little girl and I know how much you loved her. She in turn loved you unconditionally. May your memories of Mimi.give you peace. We love you and Mimi.
I loved sweet Mimi from afar in Sonoma County, California. You are missing her as I still miss our sweet Peaches who passed under similar circumstances.
Be extra gentle with yourself (((Hilary))).
Much love xoxo…
Thanks Susan. So sorry for the loss of your sweet Peaches. Xx
She was a beautiful companion for you. And I know you have a great loss to come to terms with. I loved when you had her on the show with you. It’s a sweet and wonderful video.
I am so sorry to hear this. It was always a highlight to see her on set with you. What a joy. Hope you will bring another pooch into your life at some point.
Love sent your way…she is an amazingly beautiful dog….
Oh Hillary i am so sorry for your loss! I know MiMi was your best friend. I know how much your heart hurts as I lost my little one Baby a little over a year ago and she went everywhere with us just like Mimi.They are our family and the loss is indescribable! MiMi was a beautiful little soul and I hope your memories of her help to heal your heart Know that you were the best mommy she could have ever asked! Love and peace to you in this difficult time
So sorry for your loss. May Mimi Rest In Peace ❤️
My heartfelt condolences for your loss of Mimi.
So sorry to read this, Hillary.
Thank you for sharing.
My condolences to you Hillary.
Hi Hillary,
I can completely understand how you feel. I just lost my little girl, Jolly in November to cancer. Thirteen years ago I rescued her and she became my sassy little girl. Always full of love and energy and she too fought to the end. I really think she rescued me…..as I now feel lost without her. A pet’s love is unmatched…they love unconditionally and never judge. I have been focusing on the memories and the knowledge that even though I feel like she rescued me I did give her a life she wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Miss Farr,
So sorry for your loss of your beloved Mimi.
I love all the wonderful photos u shared w/your sweet little .
She will be with you in your heart forever.
God bless u sweet darlin
So enjoyed watching u with your momma on her show.
Rest in peace little darlin
I certainly feel your pain while your beloved pet crosses that inevitable “Rainbow Bridge”!
With deepest sympathy!
I’m sorry for your loss. I know that feeling. Your words we’re beautiful ❤️. Our animals don’t die, they are always in our hearts. God bless you Hilary. You bring me so much joy with the show.
I have my own “Mimi”. She is my life, my family. She has gotten me through some of the worse times of loss in my life and helped me survive. No matter how bad it has gotten she has always made it better. She was never a pet but my family. I do not know how I will live when she is no longer with me. She is my Kasey Girl and she is 15 years young. You have my thoughts and prayers for your little forever fur baby.
Awwww,Hilarious,I truly feel for and loss .I lost my cocker spaniel Chloe about 7 years ago and I still think about her every day.For a long time I couldn’t bear to go in a pet store.As a professional wall coverings installer im wanting to get another spaniel soon as I had a career ending stroke a year ago.It will take awhile but you will look into the eyes of another pretty puppy girl’s eyes, love Michael
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing your heart pet is so painful. I love that you are celebrating Mimi’s life because she is at the Rainbow Bridge celebrating it too. Seek solace in your grief because great pain means you gave and received love greatly. Prayers.
Oh Hilary, my heart hurts for you. I enjoyed seeing Mimi along side you. It will take time to heal, but she will never be forgotten. It’s been a year and a half and I still miss my baby. I too would see him when I turned a corner. I still call for him. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I am sorry for your loss. For people that do not have pets do not understand the sadness one feels when they are gone.
Pets especially dogs are family members. It is a tremendous loss when they are gone.
Dogs are the true meaning of unconditional love.
My condolences on your loss. Pets are family with soft fur. They wiggle their love into our hearts and stay there forever. She’s not gone though. She’s with you still. My besutiful German Shepherd, Tasha died many decades ago. I have a painting of her which I look at every day. She’s with me. Again I am sorry for your loss.
So so sorry to hear of your looking your sweet Mimi. I’ve always believed that the more it hurts, the deeper the love was between to two of you. It’s a very difficult time! I will be thinking of you and your sweet companion. She may have been a little girl but it seems like she certainly had a big heart!
Nothing can replace a beloved pet passing. Our cat Kittee passed last month and I can’t seem to adjust. I feel if I do she will be lost to me forever. The love we feel for a pet is nothing to compare. Now we have Grey, who is Kittees brother and a sweeter cat is hard to find. Know that Mimi is still around and loves you. With sympathy.
Nothing can replace a beloved pet passing. Our cat Kittee passed last month and I can’t seem to adjust. I feel if I do she will be lost to me forever. The love we feel for a pet is nothing to compare. Now we have Grey, who is Kittees brother and a sweeter cat is hard to find. Know that Mimi is still around and loves you. With sympathy and prayers.
Dear Hilary,
I lost my beloved Lola this past summer. She could not be with me as much as Mimi was, but I still miss her. I understand how you feel. There is a void that can’t be filled. Hugs to you.
My heart is breaking for you. I have two small rescue pups and I am the same way with leaving them for any length of time. Just remember you gave Mimi the best life ever. And I’m sure when you are ready you will do the same for another pup. You are a good person and I know that by watching you with Mimi on Love it or list it and by following you on instagram. Prayers for you that you get thru this very difficult time.
Oh Hillary I am so sorry I am very shocked to read this, my heart just breaks for you… I keep saying oh no oh no oh no. I am so sad for you and there is nothing that can comfort someone who loses a pet, it is just something you have to go through and cry your way through. I pray that God will comfort you in this difficult difficult time and again I am so sorry.You will be in my prayers starting right now.
I totally understand what you are going through and how you feel. Your pet is part of your family. The loss is the same. So sorry for your loss.
I totally understand what you are going through and how you feel. Your pet is part of your family. So sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Lots of love and hugs. According to my 10 year old, Mimi is the best one of everyone on LIOLI and we have even become friends with Desta through IG. (I think she’s right.) The pure love and companionship of a pet is something that is so comforting and so hard to lose. I’m deeply saddened by this news and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Hilary,
I am so very sorry for your huge loss. I too have a beloved fur companion and I know it would kill me to loose him. You are in our prayers.
Love watching your show❤️
Dear Hilary, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved fur baby, Mimi. I enjoyed the scenes with you and Mimi, and it was so amazing and comforting watching the love that you and Mimi shared.
There is no more pure love than that. I understand the devastation and sense of loss that you’re experiencing. She is no longer in pain, and her love for you will be forever. Please accept my prayers, during this devastating loss.
Am so sorry for your loss as our pets love for us is unconditional and it is their gift to us.
Hillary,
I am overcome by your grief and know first hand of all you so beautifully express. Lost my beloved cat of 14 3/4 years in 2013 and grieve still. Alas if I could have gone with him! Can’t help it, he left a huge vaccum.
So sorry Hilary. I feel pets are the heartbeat of a home and you really miss them when that heart beat stops …home becomes something different. I hope in time you’ll get another dog, it won’t replace Mimi, but it will bring a new heart beat and love to your life.
My mom just died on Thursday December 19th 2020. She was 94. She died from complications from covid 19.
It is profoundly comforting that she and Mimi might have run into each other…
Mourning is odd. It has been 3 days. Some moments I am fine. Not great, fine. Others moments, I am in tears, as if I just heard the Emergency room nurse tell me the news.
I know I am lonely, too. And I, too, am surrounded by people. I am profoundly sorry for your loss.
Hilary,
My heart breaks for you, for your loss of your beloved Mimi. I truly understand the heartbreak. I have always loved dogs for as long as I can remember. I believe we got our first dog, and believe I was around age 8 or so. Fritz was devoted to my Mom, would bite my shoe, bit my lip on school photo day in grade 6, but I loved him still with my whole heart.
As an adult, I have been overjoyed to own many beloved pets, and my Tootsie is currently my beloved Chihuahua. I don’t know what I would do without her. She will be 9 year’s old this year. Tootsie is loved by my 7 grandchildren, by my 3 sisters, and their hubbies, and especially by my husband, Joe and me. I have been very ill the past 5 years and Tootsie has been my unofficial nurse dog, and champion. She knows exactly when I am feeling horrible and comes right over to me to comfort and kiss me – and boy do I feel better with her comfort.
So, I do understand and I am so very sorry for your loss. I am happy you had 17 years with her, but wish she was still healthy and still with you. I wish you the very best. Take care. (P.S. Love your show, and your talent.)
Jodi and Joe Temple
Hello Hilary
I read your tribute to Mimi and wanted to respond. I could write and go on about my pets but want to keep it short and not vary from my message but let you know I have been where you are many times. My eyes fill with tears even trying to type this to you.
I had my kids pets, 4 cats & 1 dog left to my care when they moved out. This was no change as I cared for them from day one! Each had their own personalities and each differed in our interactions together. Pets are a commitment and not everyone takes on the responsibility the same. Obviously you did to the maximum which is why it hurts so deeply. Be consoled that Mimi loved you the same and she is in pet heaven. (I am not trying to be a crazy religious person btw).
I cried every time I opened the door and all was silent inside the house and cried myself to sleep each night. I swore when they were gone I would be free to do as I pleased but I was miserable. My sister & my BFF pushed me to get another dog. I was not at all interested but went many times to the shelter after looking online at what was available. Then I found my new commitment which is what technically is the term but to me she is my new companion, never a replacement but a new chapter in both our lives.
It may not be what you finally decide but just consider. You will know when you meet that it was meant to be.
Sorry so long. My heart is with you in you loss and I wish you less sadness each day.
With sympathy,
Patty
You have my sympathy Hillary. We lost our 16 yr. old dog recently. It is a pain like no other. It was 16 wonderful years though. Take care.
We are so sad for your loss, Mimi seemed loving wonderful and cute. I know this is a devastating loss for you and for the rest of us that will no longer see her on your show.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know this pain you talk about after losing my fur babies in 2016. I was blessed to have them in my life for 15 and 17 years but losing them both 6 months apart almost proved to be too much.
All of my friends told me to get a new dog and it would help with my broken heart. I remember feeling guilty of the times I complained about early morning and late night walks in the cold and heat. It took me a long time and I cried a lot and found myself feeling silly about crying over an animal. We know they are more than just animals they are our family.
After three years I decided it was time for a new fur baby. At the time I had no idea how much I was going to need this new dog. Not long after getting my Benji I suffered the loss of my 89 year old grandmother then loss my father two weeks later. I was sitting right next to my father holding my new little puppy when my dad passed. I’m not sure how I would have made it through the past year and a half without my #sweetbenji.
I always enjoyed seeing clips of you and Mimi. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Dear Hilary,
Thinking of you. Thank you for sharing the memorial video and your beautiful post in remembrance of Mimi. Our pets have significant meaning for us.
Such a love is rare. But rest assured it was most certainly God given. He knows our wants and gives us accordingly. My hope is for your heart to heal. Be happy in her journey. Because it’s in love we live. And because of love the greatest gift of all he gave us. So smile, remember, and know you had a true love that loved you too.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing the lovely video.
Our fur babies have a special place in our hearts. May your heart find peace during this hard time ❤️
❤️
I know exactly how you feel. My Addy was so much comfort to me after my husband’s death. She was my rescue and did not realize that while I gave her a forever home she gave me so much more. She will always have that special place in my heart. I now have Sadie and she is a rescue too and is so funny. Our pets give us so much but unfortunately they pass away too soon. I wish you to cherish the good memories. Regards, G
Dear Hilary,
Loss is never easy & words can not truly portrait how you feel inside, do know your beloved Mimi is always with you! My deepest condolences.
Oh my. I’m new to your website but love watching Love It or List It. I enjoyed seeing Mimi or hearing you speak about her. This is such sad news. I’m so so sorry for your loss. There’s nothing like losing an animal soul-mate. Warm regards.
My sympathies.
Oh no! I just saw this now, after watching the episode of Love It or List It, with your own place, and saw the memorial at the end. I’m so very sorry for your loss. I lost my Jack in February of 2020 also, and the way you described your heart breaking…I felt the same pain. Sending you love.