Wednesday, October 31, 2012

See you at the Rainbow Bridge...

It is always hard to say goodbye to our beloved animal friends...
We recently put my 14 year old dog Toby to rest.  He is my dog, but really he became my mom's dog.  I had always wanted a little Yorkshire Terrier.  They are the cutest little dogs.  So, the summer between my Junior and Senior year at Baylor when I was living alone, she brought the most precious puppy to Waco to live with me.  I'll never forget how tiny and cute he was.  He would sleep on my pillow at night right by my head.  He didn't like to be left alone.  It made him feel insecure.  We would go on walks together and play with his toys and I would find his little baby teeth every now and then when it was time for his big teeth to come in.

When it was time for school to start again, he went back to Austin to live with my mom. Even though he lived with her, every time he saw me he knew I was his mama.  I feel like even until the end, he knew I was his mama. 

My mom had grown so close to sweet Toby.  They had a special bond.  A few weeks ago he started to limp and wouldn't go up the stairs.  My mom took him in and they suspected either a back injury or possibly a stroke.  They gave him a steroid shot which made him feel like a puppy again, but only lasted for a short while.  Then, he got worse... he was delirious, couldn't use his back right leg and quit eating.  It was definitely more than a back injury.  The vet confirmed it was probably a stroke and he wasn't going to get better.  At that point, we had to make the tough decision as to whether it was time to say goodbye and let him go with dignity or try to keep him a bit longer.

The vet was so sweet and helpful and on Monday, October 22nd we let our little guy go.  I am so thankful he no longer suffers.  He had a good life and we will miss him.

See you at the Rainbow Bridge sweet boy...

The Story of 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, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals that 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
 

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