This morning I'm taking my old "heart" dog for her final walk. She is now in the final stages of renal failure and there is nothing more that can be done for her. Her weight has dropped by 20 lbs. and she is no longer eating or drinking.
Although I am deeply saddened by this, I have so much gratitude for the time that we shared. We have had an amazing 14 years together. She opened doors for me in so many ways. I met new friends through her, enjoyed time together, and have seen her legacy be passed on. But it is time for her spirit to fly now. She has told me in ways that only a dog can.
I have a feeling that one day our spirits will be reunited. God speed, old girl.
So sad for you. Dogs are one of God's special gifts and it seems they come to us perfectly matched.
ReplyDeleteWhen my dog of 15 years left me, I could see that she was with me through an era of my life and that time had passed. It was like she came to be with me for that and then her time was through, her job complete.There's so much grace.
My thoughts are with you today. jeNN
Oh Syd.....what a heart wrenching post. Im sorry for your pain, but happy for your ability to handle with love and grace. Bless you both in this time of transition. How lucky she is to have your to love her goodbye.
ReplyDeleteoh syd, my heart bleeds for you, my tears mingle with your sadness. but she knows when its her time to fly...
ReplyDeleteso sorry to read this...{hugs}
ReplyDeleteWith thoughts of understanding for how you feel today.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss - really and truly. I know 1st hand of all that you talk and I just feel really, really sad for you.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I'm grateful, for your dog's sake, that you don't selfishly keep him in misery.
Blessings and aloha...
That you are so willing and open to acepting her leave shows such deep devotion and love Syd. But I understand its not easy, this letting go in order that we hold on.
ReplyDeleteSyd, I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteSyd,
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for you. I have tears, sitting here.
I wish you peace.
Love, SB.
Dearest Syd, I can assure there are at least two characters waiting for her at the gate. They go by the names of Jazzygirl or Pumpkin Head & Boodlebugs or Little man. They will show her the way to take place near God's easy chair for daily pats on the head and nose scribbies. I know the pain you feel all to well. It was only a year ago & a couple months we lost both 4 months apart. I didn't think I would breath again let alone open my heart again. I guess they had the last laugh. They sent me 5 more rescues! I will lift your spirit in Prayer friend. Take care. Tammy
ReplyDeleteOh Syd, I'm so sorry to hear this. It is heartbreaking to lose a beloved dog. I hope she flys high and soars for awhile before her flight to the next beautiful life.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear this, Syd. My thoughts are with you today.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those love gifts which is agonising to give - a peaceful death for an old companion dog. She had a good life with you, and knew that she was deeply loved - the best life a dog can have. God bless you, Syd.
ReplyDeleteSyd, I started crying when I read this post. As you may know from reading my blog, I am in a HUGE dog lover (In fact, I just put up a guest post for Dec. 4th that's an ode to pets.) and losing a pet is such a hard, hard thing to go through. We are so incredibly lucky to have them in our lives and I hope you get through this difficult time knowing that you have shared in and enhanced the life an amazing creature. My thoughts are with you and your dog. I KNOW one day your spirits will be reunited.
ReplyDeleteYour photo tells it all, Syd. I'm sure she was very lucky to have been in your life. I hope you can have a Happy Thanksgiving regardless of your loss. It is surely what she would have wanted for you.
ReplyDeleteSyd, my thoughts are with you sending you love and care through the blogs. You will meet her again, she will always be in your heart!
ReplyDeleteTake care and know we're here!
God Speed Sweet spirit!
xo Gabi
I am so sorry. So many people seem to be losing furry friends right now. I don't know you but I do sympathize. Be well...
ReplyDeleteReally sorry. Thinking of you.
ReplyDelete(((Syd))) I'm crying now too. You seem very strong but its got to hurt. My boy was 14 when he let me know it was his time to go home. There have been lots of dogs in my life but he was "the one" and although it was 20 years ago, he's never far from my thoughts. If there is a heaven it will contain LOTS of dogs reunited with their people.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, Syd. (please send a thought or prayer to my blog friend Susan who is also saying goodbye to a dog soon)
How very sad Syd. She will always be walking with you and you have so many memories to help you heal. I hope you and your family have a lovely holiday.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to read your sad news today, Syd. It's hard to say goodbye to those special pets who seem more like family to us. Sending you a compassionate hug...
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss. Hope the joy of your many years together transcends all and lives in your memory.
ReplyDeleteThis blog brought tears to my eyes. I understand where you are as I've been there as well. Dogs are gifts from God. God bless her spirit. God bless you.
ReplyDeletePG
Syd, so sorry you have to say goodbye. :(
ReplyDeleteSo sorry Syd. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you Syd, and hoping your heart is granted peace as you give her the gift of release. She has been loved well, and had a wonderful life with you. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteI feel for you my friend. It was not all too long ago I was having my long time companion put down, there was nothing anyone could do. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. Peace to you... and her.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to read this -- your companion for so long. Take care
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this, Syd. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your beautiful post brought up memories of my own someone's last walk. I'm so glad you're out there writing.
ReplyDeleteDogs can be bodhisattvas too. They are certainly great teachers. I am glad you gave your dog safe passage during her lifetime.
ReplyDeleteSome of the finest people I know own dogs and love them, so you are in good company.
my heart cries with you. It's a bittersweet journey at the end of a life, so many good memories are all there for the experience, but the thought of losing the physical is very difficult!
ReplyDeleteGod be with you and I know is with your wonderful four-legged friend!
I am sorry , sad when they have to leave us, I know she will be following your footsteps and you will meet again. HUGS
ReplyDeleteSyd, Your old girl and your blog readers have something in common - we are touched by you in a way that matters. Thinking of you and hoping I have such grace when it is our time (my pup and me).
ReplyDeletesunny
I cannot even bare the thought of saying goodbye to Molly. I am so sorry for your loss. The idea of spirits reunited is a wonderful thought to hold on to. Hugs to you Syd.
ReplyDeleteYou gave her her wings. That is the best gift we can give them.
ReplyDeleteI have sent Chester and his posse to the Rainbow Bridge to welcome her over.
Prayers are with you in your grief.
Syd,
ReplyDeleteI didn't see a place to comment at the end of your Thanksgiving post, but I want to say your writing, as always, is beautiful and inspirational.
You really opened up again in this post about your dog's last walk. How beautiful.
awww dang Syd, God Bless... that is just plain sad and tough, even with all the gratitude!
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you hon. I know this is a hard loss to contemplate. I fear the day I have to face this with Pickles. Knowing your heart this sweet dear old pup of yours has known a great love and tenderness in it's life. In the end that's all you can ask for. (Hugs)Indigo
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss..
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your baby girl (or as you said, your "old heart") passing on. This was a beautiful post about what she was to you. I'm glad to have read it.
ReplyDelete