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RainbowBridge
AUTUMN
What do we do when our loving pets face the last leg of the race? We do all we can to help them finish well, of course. We take time to read the unspoken needs of the friends we've come to know so well. We give the simple reassurance of a loving touch when the old boy seems confused for no reason. We groom them faithfully, but more gently, as age brings muscle wasting, and the arthritic bones aren't so well padded. We learn to slow down for their sake, as they enjoy the scent of the wind, or track a visitors trail across their yard. We expect to be inconvenienced, and aren't angry when it happens. We watch for pain and treat it, watch for changes in vision and hearing and do what we can to help preserve those precious senses for as long as possible. We take care of their teeth, and make sure their food is a manageable texture for them. We remind them of the need for a potty walk when they seem to forget. We remember the little rewards. We scratch the graying ears and tummy, and go for car rides together. When the pet we love has an unexplained need for comfort, we give it freely. When infirmities bring a sense of vulnerability, we become our old guardian's protector. We watch their deepest slumbers, when dreams take them running across long-forgotten fields, and we remember those fields too. When they cannot stand alone, we lift them. When their steps are uncertain, we steady them. And if their health fails, it falls to us to make the choice that will gently put them to rest. But until that is absolutely necessary, we pause to let the autumn sun warm our old friend's bones. And we realize, autumn is not a bad time of year at all. Old age is not a disease or a reason to give up. It is a stage of life that brings its own changes. Autumn can be a beautiful time of harvest. And, sometimes, the harvest is love.
author-- Christy Caballero
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Nana
I just can't stop sobbing at THIS loss she was a very special dog. She came to the shelter with her puppies all of them got homes then a litter of puppies came in and she nursed them as well. She was always so selfless, but also didn't take too well to some people. Her final home was one with a family that loved her very much and they had 2 years with her before she left us with cancer. She will always be in my heart and my head.
Harriet
Harriet came to us about 3 years ago from a puppy mill bust on Puppy Love Kennels, she was is HORRIBLE shape. She had no hair was very thin and had the BEST personality, it didn't matter what we did to "make her look better" she was so happy. She always wanted to PLEASE anyone, she made her mom so happy and proud. There will never be another Harriet, that whole is everyone heart will always be there. Andrea I am so sorry for your loss and the empty hole in your heart.
Socks
Socks was picked up at a local shelter almost 3 years ago at the age of 12 years old...you know people don't want to adopt an older dog. He was with us for 3 years and we had to make the heartwrenching decision to put him down, he could no longer walk his arthritis was so bad his joints were twice their size...we loved him dearly and will miss him horribly....I would like to think he had a wonderful life here for 3 years.
Denise
Fairuza
It is with a heavy heart that we lost one of our own this week. Fairuza went to the bridge lying on her dads lap, just like she always liked. She lost her fight with osteosarcoma, but taught her mom and dad how much love one dog could have.
Bear
It is with a very sad heart the we have lost one of our own dogs...thankfully he made the decision on his own to leave us. His loving nature to me will never be replaced by any of my others. He had a "velcro" personality to me and I liked it that way...he was my best buddy. I will meet you on the other side.....
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