Monday, June 22, 2015

Rainbow Bridge


Saying goodbye is never easy. Today was one of those days when it was necessary to bid farewell to a good friend.

Probably tougher than it was on us, it was harder for Tony who has watched the recent decline in his constant companion.

She's been with him since the day he arrived as a nine-week old puppy who wanted nothing more than to play with and lie next to his big sister for the past five years.

His surrogate mother, nursemaid, friend, playmate and bunny- chasing pal left for Heaven today.

For a couple of weeks she's been unable to walk after a few months of needing help to get up and get outside. We've been dragging her around on a comforter to whatever room we happen to be occupying. Otherwise, she let us know with her constant barking that she was not happy to be left behind.

Over the past week, she's lost interest in food. That and her whimpering and heavy panting, gives us indication that she's not at all comfortable. As the last of the fearsome foursome - Slick, Dolly, Buddy and Cookie - it was a tough decision to let go. It's not one for the feint of heart, probably the worst phase of pet ownership, this responsibility.

Our veterinarian is a kind, compassionate man who has cared for Cookie for the past fifteen years. I do not envy his task in this part of his practice. But it is done and as we made our way back home with reddened eyes and sore noses, we did not look forward to breaking the news to Tony.
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12 comments:

  1. RasmaSandraJune 23, 2015 at 12:08 AM

    So sorry for your loss. Losing a family member is so hard. We never think of them as pets. It will take awhile but I'm sure that Tony will understand. As for Cookie well she is so much better now chasing those butterflies up in heaven. My cat Sid extends an understanding paw to Tony and a sincere meow.

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    1. Peg ColeJune 23, 2015 at 5:23 AM

      Hello and thank you Rasma Raisters for your kind thoughts and sentiments about butterflies. What a sweet image that is. Thanks to Sid for me, please.
      Warm regards.

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  2. Rebecca MealeyJune 23, 2015 at 3:43 AM

    I had to do this in 2007 just a few days before Christmas. I'll have to do it again, probably a couple of my times. I know your pain. My sympathies.

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    1. Peg ColeJune 23, 2015 at 5:29 AM

      Hi Rebecca, Our last loss was the day after Christmas in 2009. It makes the holidays really hard to celebrate. I'm sorry about your loss knowing that despite the number of days that have passed, we are never really the same again. Thank you for your kind words and sympathies. All the best.

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  3. J R MooreJune 23, 2015 at 4:55 AM

    While we know that no condolences could ease your pain, I offer them anyway knowing that another cycle of the circle of life has turned. Your touching words have captured some of the hardest part of our lives with our loved ones. I know you will take some solace in recalling all the good times that she brought for us all.

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    1. Peg ColeJune 23, 2015 at 5:31 AM

      Hello my dear brother, Thank you for understanding and for your kind words of condolences. As a friend to my furry barky girl, you know she was well loved and enjoyed a good life, as short as it seemed. Love you.

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  4. mcjmusingsJune 23, 2015 at 8:27 AM

    Aw, Peg, I have no words but I surely have a bucket load of hugs...Andy sends a wise 'high five' to Tony...and you KNOW Alvin and Aunt Baby are in the receiving line over the Rainbow Bridge to greet their new pal. You loved your Cookie and will play fetch with her again...Be gentle with you and all you love, Maria

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    1. Peg ColeJune 24, 2015 at 8:18 AM

      Hi Mar, Thanks so much for the bucket load of hugs and high five from your little Andy. I have faith that Cookie is well received and now able once again to run and play with her friends. Love you and your sweet thoughts. Peg

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  5. mckbirdbksJune 23, 2015 at 8:36 AM

    Oh Peg. I am sending the biggest hug Texas ever saw. It is impossible when we loss our friends like this. You offered Cookie a wonderful life and he is bragging right now about how good he had it there with you.

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    1. Peg ColeJune 24, 2015 at 8:24 AM

      Hi Mckbirdbks, Your Texas hug is welcomed and much needed. Thank you for thinking of me and I know you understand. Cookie did have a wonderful life and she was always grateful. I remember her first meal after she came to us. She was so surprised at having her own food with no one to try and take it from her that she dove into her kibble so hard it splashed all around her bowl.

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  6. MartieCoetserJune 23, 2015 at 2:41 PM

    Dear Peg, I am so sorry about your loss. I can so relate, as we were recently in that same awful boat. I'm sending you tons of hugs xoxoxo

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    1. Peg ColeJune 24, 2015 at 8:27 AM

      Oh Martie, I do remember you saying that you needed a dog sling for one of your babies recently. So very sorry that you have recently been through this. The only comfort is knowing that time will change the pain into wonderful memories of her life. Thank you for the much appreciated hugs.

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