Love

So much of my time is spent caring for animals....
feeding, watering, cleaning, exercising, visiting, loving...
it's what most of my life is all about.


Even when I am home in the house, 
there is always a dog that wants in,
a dog that wants out,
a dog that needs a drink,
 a dog that wants to play...


And so my days are spent with two and four legged friends of all sizes and shapes.
I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Each and every one of my animals brings something special to my life.
I provide for them and love them, and they give me back so very much more.


And yet, each day I remind myself how temporary all of this...
this thing called life...
is.

We have spent the past day holding vigil with our dear Hickory,
our 17 year old Norfolk terrier.
We fear her time with us is ending.
She has stopped eating...
her breathing is labored...
she will not stand or sit up....
she sleeps...
for now.


My gut tells me that she will soon be leaving us.
We let our tears flow freely as we gently caress our friend...
we say our goodbyes and hope she passes easily.

To quote a poem by an anonymous author....
"Tis a fearful thing to love, that what death can touch."

For now, we wait....


***********************************************

Addendum:  Our precious Hickory passed peacefully this morning at 5:30...
we were all at her side.
There is so much we will miss about this tiny dog with an extraordinarily large heart
(that beat like an out-of-balance washing machine)


Dearest Hickory, you will forever be in our hearts.

Comments

Michle said…
So sorry to hear about your loss of Hickory! It is so hard to lose them. But better to have loved then to have not loved at all. I am dealing with the impeding death of our cat, not fun. God bless your family.

Michle
Patricia said…
I know how much this hurts. Sending virtual hugs to say "I'm sorry". Take care.
I can feel your heart ache. How deeply sorry I am for your loss. Losing her will be hard. How comforting for Hickory to have passed on surrounded by her family and to have felt safe and loved in her last moments. Take care, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Ginny said…
RIP Hickory from all your friends at Ginnysyard.
Margie said…
So, so very sorry ... it is so hard to lose these beloved little creatures. Rest easy in the fact that Hickory had the VERY best life with you that she ever could have had and she was so very fortunate to have that kind of life. I am crying with you and will miss seeing that precious little face. Big HUGS to you and your family.
Lisa said…
So sorry to read of Hickory's passing. Please take comfort in knowing that you and your family gave this little sweetheart a wonderful life in her later years. May God bless...
Suzan said…
Such a lucky Hickory to have your love, care and hearts!

"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans."
(James Herriot)


John said…
I am so sorry for your loss. I have been thinking about Hickory since you last wrote about her. She had a long life, and the happiest life she possibly could have because she lived with you. I wish peace for your family.
Gone Country said…
I'm so sorry. It's never easy losing a furry loved one that is so very much a part of the family.

Thank you for loving your Hickory so much and for giving her such a wonderful 17 years!

(((HUGS)))
Anke said…
Oh Bev, I'm so sorry.
Gayle said…
I am so sorry for your loss. She was so well loved and cared for in her senior years by you. Such a sweet puppy.
Lynne said…
Sad for you . . . very sad . . . my caring.
Junebug said…
Sweet, sweet Hickory, you were loved beyond word. I'm so sorry and wished I had better words. She had such a wonderful life with you and was so loved. RIP little guy!
I am so so sorry you had to say goodbye to sweet Hickory. It is the hard part about loving and caring for our animals. She could not have had a better life than with you at your beautiful farm. And her little spirit is still with you. She is running free and watching over all of you. Sending you a big hug.
Anonymous said…
My heart breaks for you...
Anonymous said…
I am sorry for Hickory, you guys gave her such a wonderful life in her senior years. Prayers for you all-marsha.kern@yahoo.com
Unknown said…
I am so saddened by your news about your little Hickory. There couldn't have been a better family than yours to have watched over and cared for her than yours. I have personally never known a dog to live this long,just more proof of your wonderful care and love.
Unknown said…
I am so sad for you, she was such a sweet little gal! I am tearful...I can't imagine how your heart could break any worse! So hard to get so attached, but they give us such unconditional love! So glad she found a home with you, for her last days.
Sheryl Lynn said…
Thank you for sharing her with us. I will miss her sweet face.
Kris said…
Oh Beveryly, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Hickory will forever remain in your hearts!
xo Kris
Anonymous said…
Nothing can make the hurt go away. You are very special to have provided Hickory with such a special home for her senior years.
Anonymous said…
I am so sorry to hear you've lost your dear friend. It's never easy when they pass, but those years of love and joy make it worth the pain.
Mary Ann said…
A loving tribute, and I'm so sorry for your loss.
Meghan Grace said…
My tears flow as I write. I am so sorry to hear of Hickory's passing. I am glad that you were there with her to help her to The Bridge. What a lucky dog and family to have shared a long life together! Hugs, Meghan
jaz@octoberfarm said…
i am so sorry to hear this and i know how deeply sad you all must be. you are so brave to share your heart with so many animals!
Dee said…
The Rainbows Bridge Poem

RainbowBridge.com
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....

Author unknown...

Hope this helps. I lost my furry child not long ago and never go a day without her crossing my mind. I feel your pain.
Mary said…
I'm so sorry for your loss. What a sweet dog with such loving eyes and heart. I can see the love especially in your last photo here. Each time my husband and i have lost one of our kitties, we think, it just hurts so much that we don't want to have animals share life with us. But that wouldn't be right. We love them so much, and they give us so much joy that we can't live without them. Ever. We learn so much from them. They're excellent teachers and friends. I'm sorry Hickory has left you, but she will live on in your heart forever. Many hugs..
Rebecca said…
Oh no, I am so sorry for your loss. I truly am. This is really odd, I know, because really, I don't know you or your animals, except from reading your blog. And, I live clear across the country from you as well. But, for some reason, all day yesterday, I was thinking of your HIckory. I don't know why, but I was just thinking about him and wondering how he was....I will be thinking of your tender hearts at this time...
Anonymous said…
So sorry for your loss. You will always have your memories of Hickory, and I hope you are comforted by knowing he had a great life, was well loved, and died at home with those he loved most around him. Perhaps that's the most we can ask for . . .
With sympathy,
Becky
Unknown said…
I know about this type of pain and when you are in these moments of mourning, know that people are thinking of you. It is so difficult to lose a pet, we have them for such a brief time in our lives.
Anonymous said…
so sorry to hear about Hickory's passing, you gave her a wonderful life, hopefully this will give you bit of consolation.

Hugs yo you and your family

Annie v.
Shar43 said…
Bev, Hickory has a new friend to play with. Our 11 year-old Oscar crossed the rainbow bridge at 2 am on 12/12/12. He was the smaller Bichon, brother of Felix. All 5 of our other rescues are missing him, looking for him, sniffing his favorite spots where he used to lay, then laying on his pillow or blankie. We have our own tearful moments. Every time I look at his spot on top of the back of the couch, where he kept watch for trespassers and gave his ferocious barking early warning..... I miss my Ozzie Baby. Tears, and it's only one day after he left.... Hugs to you and Jack. Sharon & Warren Weaver
Unknown said…
I'm so sorry for your loss. Big hugs to you and your family.
Anonymous said…

So sorry for your loss.
Casa de Carrens said…
I am so so sorry to read of Hickory's passing. I run my own little senior dog sanctuary and understand the pain of this type of loss all too well.

She must of had an amazing life with you all on that beautiful farm! What dog wouldn't? and 17 is a very long life!

Please know that i'll be thinking of your family and little Hickory girl today.
This N That said…
Such a sad post but I guess that's an inevitable ending..Hickory was happy and loved and I'm sure she loved you back..As painful as it is to lose a pet, I can't imagine my life without one.
Susannah said…
I am so sorry about Hickory .....such a sweet little doggie. I know how it hurts.

Susannah
I'm sitting here getting my hair done at the salon, relaxing, catching up on blogs when I read your post ... The tears are flowing, and my heart breaks for you & your family. Your little girl had a wonderful life, and I know she enriched yours. Take care, xo.
Michele said…
Aw. Bless her heart. She is in infinite peace now waiting patiently for you all to join her. ♥ Two of my little one passed a few months ago and am heart-broken, yet they are here with me every day too. All life is connected, beyond space and time. xox
Audrey said…
I am awed by the love you showed this precious girl. You gave her last years much love and comfort. Now you take comfort in knowing she loved you all deeply and was grateful to have spent her golden years as a member of your family.
Audrey said…
I am awed by the love you showed this precious girl. You gave her last years much love and comfort. Now you take comfort in knowing she loved you all deeply and was grateful to have spent her golden years as a member of your family.
Anonymous said…
I'm so sorry I missed this post yesterday.... Such a long and sweet life your little Hickory had. I know she is in peace and my heart lies with you and your sadness at losing her. Take care. {{HUG}}
Deb said…
I'm so sorry for your loss, Bev. What a wonderful home Hickory had and the memories of time spent together will soon heal your heart. Gods speed, Hickory. Hugs, Deb
Oh Bev, I am so very sorry about dear little Hickory.. Bless you my friend, for being such a loving caretaker to all your animal companions..
Penny
Anonymous said…
I am so sorry about the death of your dear friend and companion. I have the utmost respect for you for taking her into your life (adoption) even though she was older. God bless you. Thank you for the kindness that you show all of your (Gods) creatures. You are in my prayers. Todd
So sorry to hear of your loss - :-(

I'm sorry for your loss..May Hickory's memory forever be in your heart!

Blessings
Tonya