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.
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
"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)
Thank you for loving your Hickory so much and for giving her such a wonderful 17 years!
(((HUGS)))
xo Kris
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.
With sympathy,
Becky
Hugs yo you and your family
Annie v.
So sorry for your loss.
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.
Susannah
Penny
Blessings
Tonya