Posted on 12/14/2001 9:49:45 AM PST by technochick99
Last night, EnnisExile posted here that:
My beloved 10-yr old Chow-Keeshund cross - Brunna - dropped dead in my back yard just after midnight this morning. I'd just let him out, as requested, of course, and went to bring him 10 minutes later. I couldn't believe my eyes. I found him lying by the back fence and immediately called the police. However, they (and later the Vet Hospital) found no signs of injury or other exterior trauma. The (un-autopsied) conclusion is 'natural causes,' probably massive heart attack.
I have not slept and I'm running on adrenaline. Knowing that when that subsides my heart will surely be ripped from my chest.
I am an older (59) woman who lives alone and has no family on the NA continent. I am bereft. I dread Christmas. I dread my birthday tomorrow.
Would appreciate prayers.
I would love to post a pic of my Brunna but don't know how. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
I started looking for a few nice poems to post, and the next thing I knew, it was hours later and my keyboard was slightly damp. It dawned on me that this will probably be a very tough Christmas for many people in our country.
This is my first 'pure' vanity, and since I'm an FR purist, I will post an animal related tribute to the 9/11 victims on here to tie it into the politics of the day.
EnnisExile, you might live alone, but with FR you are NEVER alone...
.
.
Letter From Your Pet In Heaven
To my dearest family,
some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know,
that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from the Bridge.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here there's no more tears of sadness
Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you
every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you
when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family,
They'll be here later on."
God gave me a list of things,
that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list,
was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night
the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you...
in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth,
and all those loving years,
because you are only human,
they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry:
it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers,
unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you
all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you,
you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain,
though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now,
than I ever was before.
There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it
by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world,
the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody
who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night...
"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...
that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along
I made somebody smile.
God says: "If you meet somebody
who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up,
as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street
with me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind."
"And when it's time for you to go...
from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...
you're coming here to me."
-Author Unknown
.
And for the victims of the WTC attack (the Rainbow Bridge is a place where animals who have died await their human companions):
WELCOME AT RAINBOW BRIDGE
by AlexanderTheodore, Bouvier, Fourth Year Resident
On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly. And, they were.
An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for?
We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.
Last Tuesday morning a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific persons to volunteer for special assignment... An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be.
They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, over 4,000 loving people had left Earth long before they were ready.
All the pups, as all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have one to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses forever."
One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming? I would be very comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the Firemen and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home.
Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss. Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love."
Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share - each tail wagging an American Flag.
So sorry to hear this my friend.
You were a great Guardian to your friend Justin.
Very sincerely,
Tom
He took retirement VERY seriously. If it wasn't easy chewing food, it wasn't worth getting out of bed for it.
He did once stalk a milkjug, three days in a row.
Greyhounds are great pets, but don't give them any IQ tests.
I reckon he is restored to his prime.
I really do.
In his prime, just after retiring early from the track, his muscles would ripple as he walked. A lady friend of ours when she first saw him stated "I could never own a dog like that". Shocked by her blunt outburst, we asked what she meant.
She said "I could never have a dog with better legs than myself".
His last rib also had a strange twist. Just as it came to its end, it turned out. There was this little nub that stuck out. Later, after converting our lean, mean, racing machine to a more wide body version, it was no big deal. But when in his prime, it was an uncomfortable jab to lay on his side. He over came this in his own way. For years, he slept on his back, with his legs straight up in the air.
A thread for dog grief.
FOR KATRINA
Come share my soul my furry friend
so I can scratch behind your ears
So I can kiss your head and hug your neck
when time runs dry of mortal years.
You won't need much my loving friend
with a heart so big and strong
I'll share my soul, not to miss a drop
when in eternity I lay so long
Come share my soul my precious dog
and we will share the timeless goal
and with me pass the shining gates
Since you are always in my soul.
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....
And for the victims of the WTC attack (the Rainbow Bridge is a place where animals who have died await their human companions):
WELCOME AT RAINBOW BRIDGE by AlexanderTheodore, Bouvier, Fourth Year Resident
On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly. And, they were.
An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for?
We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.
An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for?
Last Tuesday morning a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific persons to volunteer for special assignment... An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be.
They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, over 4,000 loving people had left Earth long before they were ready.
All the pups, as all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have one to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses forever."
One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming? I would be very comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the Firemen and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home.
Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss. Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love."
Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share - each tail wagging an American Flag.
Thanks for the ping. And thanks again for your kindness.
GB
Aw Eaker... we never forget, to we?
Bless your Phudd, and all our dearly departed pets.
And now for this important DOGGIEPING Announcement!
I've lost my list! I did a deep clean of my computer and I guess inadvertently deleted the folder I kept the ping list in.
If you were previously on my ping list and would still like to be on the list now, please let me know... I am re-building the list from scratch!
I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better.
They fight for honor at the first challenge, make love without moral restraint and they do not for all their instincts appear to foresee or dwell on their own death. Being such wonderfully uncomplicated beings, they need us to do their worrying.
There will be an occasional clash of intents if not of wills, and you must work this out without loss of intimacy.
~George Bird Evans, Troubles With Bird Dogs
Nobody, except the tiniest of children, loves you like your dog does. That deep, unjudging affection is something that can't be bought.
I've had assorted sages and preachermen and priests explain to me why they think there are no dogs in Heaven, and my response has always been very simple, and to the point:
"If there aren't, then I'm not goin' there..."
A time-honored theme, as in The Hunt.
Mr. Phudderson was a fine fellow.
I’m proud to have been his friend.
The rabbits in Menard County to this day huddle in fear and whisper his dread name.
Condolences on the lost of your beloved Brunna. =^..^=
I always liked this one by Kipling.
Dinah in Heaven
She did not know that she was dead,
But, when the pang was o’er,
Sat down to wait her Master’s tread
Upon the Golden Floor,
With ears full-cock and anxious eye
Impatiently resigned;
But ignorant that Paradise
Did not admit her kind.
Persons with Haloes, Harps, and Wings
Assembled and reproved;
Or talked to her of Heavenly things,
But Dinah never moved.
There was one step along the Stair
That led to Heaven’s Gate;
And, till she heard it, her affair
Was—she explained—to wait.
And she explained with flattened ear,
Bared lip and milky tooth—
Storming against Ithuriel’s Spear
That only proved her truth!
Sudden—far down the Bridge of Ghosts
That anxious spirits clomb—
She caught that step in all the hosts,
And knew that he had come.
She left them wondering what to do,
But not a doubt had she.
Swifter than her own squeal she flew
Across the Glassy Sea;
Flushing the Cherubs every where,
And skidding as she ran,
She refuged under Peter’s Chair
And waited for her man.
. . . . . . .
There spoke a Spirit out of the press,
‘Said:—”Have you any here
That saved a fool from drunkenness,
And a coward from his fear?
“That turned a soul from dark to day
When other help was vain;
That snatched it from Wanhope and made
A cur a man again?”
“Enter and look,” said Peter then,
And set The Gate ajar.
“If know aught of women and men
I trow she is not far.”
“Neither by virtue, speech nor art
Nor hope of grace to win;
But godless innocence of heart
That never heard of sin:
“Neither by beauty nor belief
Nor white example shown.
Something a wanton—more a thief—
But—most of all—mine own.”
“Enter and look,” said Peter then,
“And send you well to speed;
But, for all that I know of women and men
Your riddle is hard to read.”
Then flew Dinah from under the Chair,
Into his arms she flew—
And licked his face from chin to hair
And Peter passed them through!
I have lost Randy in that time. He was with me through thick and thin for 12 years. He's buried in the yard, near the garden.
I kept my daughter's dog(elephant/hog mix) for a year and a half, and she(the dog) was a pain in the arse. But I loved her anyway.
I may need to get another dog(NOT an elephant), but I'll wait a while, and see what the Lord provides.
/johnny
That is a beautiful poem, Rudyard Kipling must have been a huge dog lover. I have another one by him that makes me cry.
THE POWER OF THE DOG
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie—
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Never the less, it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumor, or fits,
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns.
Then you will find it’s your own affair
But... you have given your heart to a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will,
With it’s whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone—where ever it goes—for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.
We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ‘em the more we do grieve.
For when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short time loan is as bad as a long—
So why in Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
Eaker,
I lost both of my beloved pups this year. One to kidney failure and the other had to be put to sleep because of horrible arthritis that made every waking hour excruciating for him. Even with pretty strong meds, he could no longer walk.
Our Australian shepherd, Lucky was 15 and our dalmation, Spot, was 12. It was especially hard on the kids as their passing was only about a month apart. We have burried them here at home and marked the spot. I still feel a void and feel like there is someone I am forgetting to take care of. They were our babies before we thought we could have the human ones.
I know you miss Phudd as I miss my two darlings.
Thanks for the post.
My dog, Spot!
Self-ping for later read....
Very awesome poems, but I can’t get through too many of them without tearing up! I have to pace myself.
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