In
February 2009 our beloved Abby suddenly developed hard lumps and swelling
on her breasts which turned out to be a fast growing form of breast-cancer.
We hoped that immediate surgery would heal the cancer and she was quite
well after the surgery...for a couple of weeks...
But
then she became listless and refused to eat even her favorite snacks.
She became weaker and weaker and had a difficult time to even walk outside.
It was heartbreaking to watch her in her suffering...While she still managed
to go out and take care of her needs, we could see that the day would come
when she just couldn't get up anymore...
This
terrible day came on Sunday, March the 15th.
The veterinarian had told Kristen that she would know when the dreaded time
would come when the unthinkable final act of mercy had to be faced...
and we knew that this was the day.
Abby
is tired and weary of life. She can not even move her body...
Kristen called me and I went to see her and Abby. The vet had
told her to meet her at the office at 4:45 pm.
Abby
is surrounded by her friends and favorite toy
while we feel so helpless and hopeless...
just
waiting for the inevitable...
while our beloved companion and friend has already
disconnected from her surroundings...
She
is at peace...
She
seems to already look into the other dimension as we cry our hearts out...
The
Time Has Come, it is 4:15 pm and Kristen
carries her gently to the car...
We
have to wait for more than two hours in the car because the emergency
vet's office is very busy.
Choking with unbearable sadness and holding back my tears,
Abby attempts faintly to give me a reassuring look, as if to say:
"It's okay Grandpa, I love and trust you and I must leave you now"...
She
even attempts to muster a brave smile!
Her
left eye is already blind as she seems to be transcending gradually to
the other side and her waiting friends just across the Rainbow Bridge...
Her face seems to reflect the wisdom of the ages as only animals
can still perceive it.
Another soulful, loving look from our beloved Abby...
Abby
is so very tired...
She
had a good and full life with Kristen who rescued her from horrible abuse
and certain death from a ghetto street in Savannah in 1998
and nursed her back to health with much love and medicine.
She grew up to become an incredibly loving dog, pampered
and cared for like few dogs in this world...
and she absolutely deserved it, because
she is a Great Soul.
My
last view of my beloved Abby
a picture I shall carry in my heart and soul forever...
This
is my last moment in time with our beloved friend Abby,
minutes later the veterinary attendant came out to the car
to gently lift her and take her inside to administer
the gift of mercy.
Kristen held her while she took her last breath
passing away peacefully into a new life, free from pain,
located on the other side of the Rainbow with Donna, Barky,
Lilly, Toby, Medusa, Lady and Misty
Sunday March 15 at 7:25 pm.
Fare well, beloved friend, for almost eleven years you have
given us more selfless love than we could ever give you!
We shall all be together again
on the other side of the Rainbow...
Nevertheless, "There Is A Heartache Following Us..."
Kristen and Holger
In The Arms Of
An Angel
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 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.
I rescued Sadie from a
Savannah Street
after a heavy thunderstorm in 2001
She is still with me and my two
other dogs
Sadie again with Benny
and me in 2002.
Benny now is a huge dog whom we picked up on "adoption day"
from Petsmart in Savannah. He weighs more than 100 pounds now
and is my constant "guardian angel" and best friend.
This is what Benny
looks like now
Toby Tyler our
favorite cat in Vermont.
This is "Lady" a
Doberman we had in Vermont around 1988
BEAUTIFUL STORY:
THE OLD MAN AND THE DOG
...This one is for YOU, Michael Vick,
and all your black admirers and apologists.
-If only you had a soul to comprehend it!
