wow....I think your story generated more responses than some may have gotten on the date their D became final! Such is the strong bonds of unconditional love, and how all here recognize how special it really is.
I have something to copy here that helped me when my beloved Ernie passed while x was still trying to make me crazy:
Quote:
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
"My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand." Thich Nhat Hanh
M 43 W 43 S15 S 12 D 10 ILYBNILWY ( Dec 2009) Sleeping separate rooms April 8 2010. Sep as of 07/14/2010 W moving out 07/31/2010 No OM confirmed ( yet)
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
I should have never read that at work...Just beautiful. (((Hugs)))
May All Who Seek To Take My Life Be Put To Shame And Confusion; May All Who Desire My Ruin Be Turned Back In Disgrace. ~Psalm 40:14~
((((Gypsy)))) I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Tiggy was so lucky to have you there in her last moments and clearly she loved you. We are all so blessed to have an animal in our lives that truly becomes part of the family, clearly you did.
T
Last edited by talia; 02/08/1011:31 PM.
ME28,WAH30, M 5YRS, T 7YRS ,OW/ILYBNILY/SEP 9/09 Served with D papers 6/6/10 Current
Gosh... thank you so much for the outpouring of caring, sharing, prayers and tales. I'm crying good tears. There's a picture on the alt of the kids and Tiggy from 2 1/2 years ago.. what a kook.
I was the queen of cool waking up my daughter and gently ushering her into the family room. Tiggy was still snuggled in the blanket but her sweet face was covered. When we left the room, I shut the door.
Once in the family room, my daughter's friend woke up and we each sat on either side of my daughter. Tears were flowing. We told a few stories. I saw her friend and my daughter both get faraway looks in their eyes. It was group hug time where we all twisted and cuddled close. Lots of tears, lots of consoling. I was feeling pretty balanced, sad but there for the girls.
While the girls were getting ready for school, I found a very helpful article written from a man's point of view on dealing with your dog's death. I have to tell you, I do love men. My daughter stayed home from school. We cried, she went to sleep. I tried to figure out the next step.
I thought of donating Tiggy to science. I called the kennel where she usually boarded and started crying, unable to ask about what their recommendation would be. Once those tears started, the dam was no longer sound. Everyone was so kind and understanding. Losing a dog is losing a family member. In the end I decided to have her cremated through our vet. They make a clay paw print with her name set in it.
My daughter was too upset to help me get Tiggy downstairs to the car. Once again, I pulled her on her memory foam dog bed gently down the stairs. At the base of the stairs I picked up the whole thing and carried it to the garage door and into the minivan. She was still warm, not rigid. I wrapped her in a new blanket. Then it was off to the vet.
Up until I opened the hatch in the vet's parking lot I was doing okay. Once I lifted it up, I just started to cry and held her paw, uncovering her face to pet her. They came out with a stretcher and I followed them in. Tiggy was placed on a table while they filled out forms that I signed. A cup of hot chocolate was put in my hand along with a box of Kleenex.
When the paperwork was completed, the fees paid I went to leave, then stopped. Back I went to caress those velvet ears, kiss her cheek, and pet pet stroke down her body with each slowing step. Those motions reminded me of my Dad's funeral Mass when I kept touching his casket as I went by. I couldn't believe it.
Being close to her was easy, natural even though she was dying. Learning to live without her is difficult. So many activities in my life surround her. The first time I left, I wondered where her bed was, looked in her favorite sunny spot, secured the trash, pushed temptations away from the edge of the counter, wondered where she was and if she'd done her business.
Oops.... You never realize how much of a constant someone is until they're not there. We're going to have a little memorial this weekend with all of us together.
Anyway.. I'm spacey and rambling.. the kids are home and it's time to be together. Writing is good..
