return to top

Sad News

Buckie passed away on Saturday 23 July 2005.

She was 17 years old, and happy right through till the end. She had been ailing for some time; even though she was eating and getting around; it was clear something was wrong. At 17, we decided to let nature take it's course rather than intervene medically. On Friday night, she was not herself. On Saturday morning when we got up, she appeared to have had a stroke and lost the use of her back legs. When we took her to the vet, he said she had advanced leukemia, and that her systme was shutting itself down. She was actually pretty much in a coma. So we made the hard decision, and she did not come home.

Losing a dog is a sad thing. They become such a part of our lives and bring continual joy on a daily basis and when they go there are no words. The sad part is that as dog owners we must go through this a number of times in our own lives because of the disparity in longevity. But then, that's just the way things are.

We had seventeen wonderful years together. When we take on a dog it's at least a seven year responsibility. Anything more than that is a bonus. And, despite the heartache of losing a dog, I for one would never be without one.

It just reinforces how precious every moment of our lives is, and how we should treasure all our friends - two legged and four legged.



A friend sent me this today ....

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 the Rainbow Bridge together...