Rainbow Bridge
| April 13, 2012 | Posted by Jenn under Uncategorized |
Happy Friday 13th!
Normally, I don’t broadcast my business because I’m a pretty private person.
I especially don’t broadcast my business if it’s something sad.
Today is different.
Today I feel compelled to share something with you guys.
Not for me but in honor of a faithful and loyal companion that was with me for some of the best and worst times of my life.
Sadie was the best dog I’ve ever had.
She was a Blue Heeler that I rescued about 5 years ago.
The moment I met her, I just KNEW she was meant to be mine.
It may sound crazy but if you’re a fellow animal lover, you understand this feeling.
Needless to say, she and I were inseparable.
If she wasn’t allowed somewhere, I wouldn’t go.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I went to work and out to eat and stuff but I’m talking out of town trips and such.
Trips to families places, hotels etc.
Sadie was like my child and I wouldn’t leave my “kid”
( side note: no I didn’t dress her but I did buy her a wicked black leather spiked collar)
She was a wicked smart dog.
Seriously, Blue Heelers are known for their intelligence.
Sadie was also very protective of me and got in between me and some not so great situations.
She was fearless.
When my son was born, she did the same for him as a baby.
I could tell you tons of great stories about her but I don’t want to bore you and honestly, I’m still a little too raw.
Yesterday, was the day I’ve dreaded for a long time.
Yesterday morning, she had to be put to sleep.
Needless to say, I was a wreck, a driveling mess.
It really killed a part of my soul.
But it had to be done for her.
I’ve tried my best to be strong and not let on or tell anyone what’s going because I HATE crying.
Maybe I should’ve been a dude because I don’t want to appear weak.
So, if Im acting a little off in my emails and texts, if I’m a little off the radar for the next couple of days, you know why.
In closing, I wanted to share a poem by an unknown author many of you may have seen before.
It might seem cheesy to someone but if you’ve ever really loved and lost a pet, you might appreciate this.
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.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
R.I.P.
Sadie Marie
2001? – April 12, 2012
Losing a beloved pet is NOT just like losing a member of your family, it IS losing a member of your family! My sincere condolences.
Oh, Jenn, my heart is breaking for you. I agree with Fishducky. Definitely Family. Not having a pet, does not mean I cannot appreciate your pain. I have seen what the death of a pet means to someone, and fully empathize with you.
I posted a review last week on a book called "A Cat's Life: Dulcy's Story", as given to Dee Ready, you might really like it. http://thejoyofthewrittenword.com/2012/04/07/book-review-a-cats-life-dulcys-story-as-given-to-dee-ready/
Here's a link to Dee Ready's blog: http://www.cominghometomyself.blogspot.ca/
If you have already read this book, maybe now would be a good time to read through it again.
Thinking of you,
Patricia
Hey!! How come my links won't work?
Sorry, Jenn, guess you will have to cut and paste.
Patricia
P.S. I did not crazily space that one line! It 'did it' on its own!
PATRICIA's right–this would be a great time to read–or reread–Dee's book!
So sorry to hear about this
I had a Sadie, too – she was a blue heeler/cocker spaniel cross. My dad had gone to town for something and saw these puppies – they looked like blue tick hounds, which is why he looked at them to begin with, then he remembered I was currently sans dog, so he called my mom and got permission to bring a puppy home – it was a surprise for me! I think I was 14, I know I was at least a Freshman in high school. She was a great dog. After I went away to college and came back the first time, she took about a minute, then suddenly remembered who I was and was all over me! Hee. She understood English perfectly, too. She was not supposed to leave the porch, and there was a crack in the linoleum to mark that boundary, but she would "ooze" over it – lay there quietly then slowly stre t c h one leg over the limit, then the next… one day Mom and Dad were in the living room and didn't notice her until she was laying right by Mom's chair, at which point Mom said, quietly, not changing the tone of or raising her voice "Sadie, you're not supposed to be here" and Sadie immediately got up and went back to the porch. She passed away in 1998, so she would have been about 14; I had gotten married to my 2nd husband and moved to Minneapolis, but as it turned out, I was home that weekend, and spent her last minutes with her. It still makes me weepy to think about it, and I hadn't even been home where she was for a couple years by that point – she was more Mom and Dad's dog by then. I've never connected with a dog like that again. So, here's to your Sadie and my Sadie – may they run together at the Rainbow Bridge. *hugs*
Links NEVER work on my blog! I don't know why.
I actually have a copy of Dee's book but work has kept me from reading it. That and a toddler that thinks ALL paper MUST be destroyed!
Thinking I'll be reading it this weekend after the monkey man goes to bed.
Thanks so much for your kind words, thoughts and the reminder.
Thanks for your lovely words and advice Fishducky.
I'm gonna listen to you!
Awww!!!!! Damn it, ya made me tear up again!
Thanks so much for sharing that AWESOME story with me. It was so GREAT to hear.
Heelers are so smart and your Sadie sounds just like mine.
Hugs to you too, girl!!!!!!!
You wanna be a dude so don't appear weak? Well it's obviously a different type of dude than me, because I've lost three dogs in my life and the tears have rolled each time. I don't even want to think about losing Petey, my current canine bud. You can read about him on my website:
http://www.markkoning.com/stories_petey.html (sorry for the link)
I'm so sorry about Sadie. All the best to you in this dark time. I am a huge fan of the four legged canine companion, so if you ever want to ramble about your stories with Sadie you know how to reach me.
Mark
I'm so sorry Jenn.
Pets are TOTALLY family members. Do you remember my post (http://wp.me/s1DZPc-epitaph) about my family's dog that had to be put down? I bawled so hard just writing it, you might not want to read it.
*hugs*
Thanks for the link Mark!
Love the pics and posts.
I meant no offense about the guy crying thing
Damn. Now I gotta read it. Misery loves company.
Sorry to hear it. I feel your pain.
I've missed my beloved German Shepherd for 30+ years. For Christmas this year, my BF wrote a story for me – and it was about us being reunited one day. I NEVER cry, but I cried when I read that. I feel for you. Both of your lives were enriched by each other, and losing a furry companion is indeed losing a family member. Warm thoughts and my condolences.
Thanks. I get terribly attached to my furry friends, so you can imagine the mess I was during the years when I had rats (2-3 year lifespan). Now I have my kitties, who are almost 4 (Erasmus) and almost 2 (Tiger and Fluff) and the terrier mutt, Fritz, who just turned 7 this week. So, I (fortunately) have a few years (hopefully) before I have to go through this again, and I try not to think about it… The pain gets better, just remember all the good times. *hugs*
Wow, so sorry to hear about your dog, Jenn. What an awful thing to happen. I can't imagine how you feel. Take a few days to be sad and be off the radar. You can disregard that email I sent last night too, lol.
I think that Sadie is at peace where she is now and hopefully that will give you some comfort. I'm sure she looking down on you and smiling. You took great care of her and gave her a great life so that is something to be proud of.
Jenn, I'm sorry to hear about your loss of Sadie. I am always a complete mess when I lose one of my furkids. My love and warm furry hugs from me, Sophy, Puppy, Henry, Gray and Paddy.
I understand.
Love,
Janie Junebug
Dee's book is lovely. She's such a sensitive person.
I missed this Jenn and am sorry to hear it. Btw, a man is allowed to cry when he loses his dog. I've lost a few and it happens every time. Even when I talk about the loyalty and unconditional love they bring into our lives it happens. They trult are gifts given to us to make our lives better.
I had a really bad day yesterday and while the wife understood, our pup understood too and acted like it.
Hang in there girl.
Splitter
I just saw this! Wow…so sorry to hear about Sadie, although it sounds like you two had quite a special relationship. That is something you'll always treasure. We have two little dogs, as precious as can be, so I can only imagine how you feel. Hang in there. Big hugs!