passing of a loved family member

[echotrail]

05/02/05 - Sadie, our beloved 9.5 yr German Shorthair died peacefully in her bed of a probable heartattack. So active and full of life, this came without warning. And, as all dog lovers know, devistating. My son brought her home in Aug of '99 (age 4)from the Golden Valley Humane Society where she was to be euthanized in 4 days. They warned us in writing she had been mistreated and beaten by an original owner and was capable of attack. Two families had previously adopted her and returned her within the past 3 weeks. She won our hearts on first site and we gave her the love and re-assurance she never had received. After 10 or 11 months she accepted us and gave the love back 100+ % for the rest of her life. We got so much in return for food, water, some playtime, ear scratching and a occassional trip to PetCo for a nail trim and a visit with the gerbils, hamsters and birds. The house is so empty now.

We will never have a better non-human friend. I both curse and thank that orignal owner. Because of them we became richer.

...Grieve not,

nor speak of me with tears,

but laugh and talk of me

as if I were beside you...

I loved you so...

'twas Heaven here with you.

Isla Paschal Richardson

[tealitup]

Most of us know what a trial it is to truely lose our best friend. You gave the dog more love then it had it its first 4 years - She passed in a happy home knowing she belonged. Can we ask for anything more for ourselves? My condolences... Steve

[Wayne Sieber]

Echo - My condolences as well. Not much else a fellow dog lover can say at a crappy time like this other than to truly believe the poem at the end of your post (which was very nice by the way)

Wayne.

[rappin jack]

I dread the day.

[SCUMFROG]

A DOGS PRAYER

Treat me kindly my beloved master...for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of mine....Do not break my spirit with a stick...for though I should lick your hand between the blows...your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do...Speak to me often...for your voice is the world's sweetest music...as you know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear...When it is cold and wet...please take me inside...for I am now a domesticated animal...no longer used to bitter elements...And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth....Though you had no home....I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land...for you are my god and I am your devoted worshipper...Keep my pan filled with fresh water ...for although I should not reproach you were it dry...I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst...Feed me clean food...that I may stay well...to romp and play and do your bidding...to walk by your side...and stay ready. Willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger....And....My beloved master...should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight....do not turn me away from you....Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest....and i will leave you knowing with the last breath i drew...my fate was ever safest in your hands............................DOGS DON’T HAVE SOULS?...DO THEY?........I remember bringing you home...You were so small with your tiny paws and soft fur...You bounced around the room with your eyes flashing and ears flopping...Once in awhile you'd let out a little yelp just to let me know this was your territory...Making a mess of the house and chewing everything in sight became a passion....and when i scolded you...you just put your head down and looked up at me with those innocent eyes as if to say....I’m sorry...but I’ll do it again as soon as you're not watching...As you got older....you protected me by looking out the window and barking at everyone who walked by...When i had a tough day at work...you would be waiting for me with your tail wagging just to say..."Welcome home...I missed you"...You never had a bad day and i could always count on you to be there for me...When i sat down to read the paper and watch TV...you would hop on my lap looking for attention...You never asked for anything more than to have me pat your head so you could go to sleep with your head over my leg...As you got older...you moved around more slowly...Then...one day...old age finally took its toll...and you couldn't stand on those wobbly legs anymore...I knelt down and patted you lying there...trying to make you young again...You just looked up at me as if to say... you were old and tired and after all these years of not asking for anything...you had to ask me for one last favor...With tears in my eyes...I drove you one last time to the vet...One last time...you were lying next to me...For some strange reason...you were able to stand up in the animal hospital...perhaps it was your sense of pride...As the vet led you away....you stopped for an instant...turned your head...and looked at me as if to say..."Thank you for taking care of me"....I thought...."NO , Thank you for taking care of me"...........

[Dan Thiem]

Echo, I feel sorry for you about your loss of your family memeber. I'm sure she will be missed dearly. Try to keep in mind that you gave her your love and in return she gave it back ten fold. Try to hold on to the memories and be sure that she is playing with all the other pets in pet heaven that have passed on.

I can't read the dogs prayer without having to walk away from the computer. Chokes a guy up. Same with the Rainbow Bridge.

[SCUMFROG]

Rainbow Bridge

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 and 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 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. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away 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 THE RAINBOW BRIDGE TOGETHER…

[Fish'n guy]

Well all I can say is that you really saved that dog not only because you accepted her into your home not knowing how long if ever she would recover from her past, but because you gave her a place to belong and be loved and that is all that you could have done.

My condolences,

Andy