We are saddened to report to our readers and community that our beloved yellow laborador, Lola, was laid to rest yesterday at her home in Ancramdale. She was surrounded by her loved ones at the time of her passing.
Anyone who frequents the Barn in Pine Plains is familiar with Lola. She will be missed dearly by many, but most especially the Barn staff, her human family, and, of course, her doggy sisters Abby & Widgeon. Her stoic, even aloof demeanor masked a very affectionate and loving companion who provided warmth and humor to all who knew her. Even as she aged and walking became harder and harder, Lola insisted on going to work at the Barn, providing her comforting energy to our back office and regularly doing the rounds through the downstairs showrooms, always at her own pace, always on her own terms. She showed us all how to walk your own path, as she never limited herself to straight lines, much preferring long arcs. She was her own dog and we loved her for that.
Early in her life, Lola became well known as Hammertown’s signature furniture model, coming of age at the beginning of Hammertown’s foray into Mitchell Gold furniture. She was a natural. Her gravitas only grew with age and she continued to model well into her 90s (in dog years). Few dogs are able to convey her level of comfort and ease while maintaining an austere, seemingly unattainable dignity. She simply belonged on beautiful furniture. And she knew it. She was the first Osofsky dog to break the furniture barrier, acquiring her own chair (a Vivian) in late 2000 and another in 2003 (an Alexa, Mitchell Gold’s dog bed simply would not do).
Her quiet elegance also masked a passionate retriever. She was captivated by tennis balls her whole life and in their presence, was a completely transformed dog. She was the first dog to successfully dive off our neighbor’s 2 meter diving board and made use of her excellent diving ability to beat out younger, faster swimmers in The Chase. She always returned the ball quickly (unlike some little sister doggies).
Lola maintained her dignity and strength of character even over the past few months as her body began to weaken dramatically. Until the end, she would go as far as she could on our morning walk, even if it was only 10 feet. Until the end, she would let you know when she needed something. Until the end, her eyes would light up at the first glimpse of a yellow tennis ball.
Dogs hold a special place in the hearts of their owners. Their consistency, their presence, their love, their loyalty are all things we seek in ourselves and in our connections with others. Lola provided all of these things to her family and to Hammertown for more than 15 years. We will miss her dearly.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:53 am
I always felt fortunate when I had a few quiet moments alone with Lola. She would relax and appreciate affection. At moments like that, I knew her gentle elegance and felt lucky to be with her.
Just recently, when I visited with her, she seemed reserved yet content to be talked to and touched despite her weakness. She had a regal quality that I admire.
May 21st, 2008 at 2:51 pm
So sad. She was always the grand dame of Hammertown and such a great hostess. I will always miss her sweet face and affectionate snuggle. But who’s going to manage the store now!!!
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I will miss Lola, my favorite old gentle dog
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Dear Joan& friends at Hammertown,
Ms. Lola was a gem just like Hammertown Barn
I met Lola when I moved north in 1995 and found my new favorite store and still is today, I called Lola doll face when I saw her, when she stood her ground on the first floor I knew she was trying to tell me I needed to seek out Joans discounted items which many fill my homes today.
thank you Ms.Lola for your doll face and years of devotion, you will me missed by many.
Candice BJ destefano
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Having been a co-worker of Lola’s for over twenty years-I too shall miss our Miss Lola. I cried after reading the blog that Gregg so eloquently wrote. We are a family here at Hammertown, I remember the day Lola became a family member like it was yesterday, my two boys were (much younger) and part of the celebration. To be a Hammertown Dog is a wonderful life, they are loved by so many and get the very best life. I have been with the company so long I can go back a couple of generations of Hammertown dogs…so I can remember how special each one was. I used to love how slowly Lola would return from the paddock in front of the barn when called…she always had her own time schedule. I will not think of the loss of her, but rather celebrate her magical life and what she brought us…a smile.
Rest easy Lola-Rhonda
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Sorry to hear of your loss.. I also am a dog lover and can relate to your connection with Lola. She was a family member and it is always difficult to let go.
My best to you all,
Deb
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I am so, so sorry to hear of Lola’s death. She was such a lovely creature and a very special part of each visit to The Barn. What a courageous, gentle and beautiful lady she was. She touched many hearts and will be greatly missed.
Brenda
May 22nd, 2008 at 5:22 pm
My deepest condolances to all at Hammertown, I’ll miss Lola’s persistant efforts for headscratching…while I try to record Joan’s radio ads!
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:52 pm
A beautiful life has left its mark. We should always celebrate the lessons learned from those of our beloved animals friends.
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:18 am
Our Lab, Charley , is particularly fond of her
Mitchell Gold Sofa but not our MG chairs. She’s 12 yrs. old and loves her comfort. Like Lola, she’s been a great companion and has lots of human and dog friends. Aren’t dogs amazing ?
May 23rd, 2008 at 11:05 am
Part of the charm of Hammertown Barn was your wonderful Lola. Your loving tribute to her rings true for all of us whose pets share our everyday lives.
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:44 pm
What a lovely tribute to Lola!! I will always remember her unusual way of coming down the stairs!
She will be missed by all.
Beautifully written Gregg.
xo
JenR
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Oh, dear….how sad is the loss of one’s best friend? no words can convey the aching, or the space that is so unfillable..
we loved Lola, and she will remain in our hearty, and so will you….God bless you for giving her such a good life….and God bless her for giving the same to all of us!!!
arf arf
May 24th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
We loved Lola. She was such a sweet and beautiful dog. A memory we have is taking walks with her through the corn fields and Thompson Pond. We remember her taking short dips in the pool in the hot of summer to cool down. We’re all going to miss her and send Gregg, Joan and the Hammertown family big hugs and lots of love. May she rest in peace.
May 24th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
That is is beautiful Gregg. That is her exactly. It was a good day if Lola chose to spend time with you and I loved her very much. There is no one like Lola and I will miss the beautiful poochaloo.
xo
Priya
May 27th, 2008 at 8:32 am
We were so sad to hear of Lola’s passing. What a lucky girl she was to have had you all as her family. To have shared such a lovely companionship for so long is so difficult to have end. However, the memories you all have of Lola are a wonderful tribute to her life and to her friendship. Bless her sweet heart!
June 15th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I just wanted to let you know this was read in New Zealand! I have friends in Michigan who sent it to me as I have a dog homestay business and am currently looking after their dogs.
I am really sorry you have lost Lola and know there will be a big gap in your lives and that she will be missed by the people of Hammertown. You obviously have many lovely memories of Lola and I enjoyed reading your tribute to her and seeing the lovely photos of her. She obviously had a wonderful life with you.
Kind regards,
Anna
June 19th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
My Dearest Friend Lola, I didn’t have a chance to tell you the last time we saw each other how much I appreciated your friendship and loving company. I always looked forward to seeing Hammertown Barn on my stop list for the day. You were so galliant until the end. I could see you in the distance slowly getting up because you heard my truck approaching. Upon arrival, you had greeted me like you had a couple years left in you. I thought that we would meet again Monday for the pet on the head in exchange for a lick on my face. You, with the help of your sister Abby, made life so simple. A common bond that made all your pain disappear, even for just a moment and all the stess of my day just float away. Thank you Lola for making it all better. I wish you were there on Monday. Even more, I should have given you that extra cookie. O.K., I did. But Gregg didn’t know. Don’t tell him. I miss you Lola. May the tree planted in your memory forever hold your love over Hammertown.
Love You Lola,
Kerry