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I MISS YOU ARFIE

2 years

I was reading another dogsters journal entry. Her dog recently passed on to the rainbow bridge. She wrote about crying. Suddenly my own memory was vivid in my mind, of myself crying in the car on the way to the animal hospital, my Arfie's seizure-wracked body in my lap. I had really let out the wails when his seizures slowed, each one slower, rhythmically. Like his heart beat, slowing. He stopped moving right as the car pulled into the hopsital parking lot. What went through my mind? I wanted to save him, my old dog. It was purely a selfish instinct. I jumped out of the car, racing up the steps with him in my arms. "Not yet, we can lower your kidney enzymes yet, make them better" no, we couldn't have. And his body had suffered enough.

I usually don't think about that time anymore. When it first happened, I thought about it often. Two years later, when I think of Arfie it's never of his old, arthritic body. Or the hours I spent giving him sub-q fluids while he patiently sat for me. Or of him getting stuck somewhere or wandering, because of his dementia and loss of mobility and eyesight. Or the medications and weekly vet visits. My memories of him always go to the good times. His many long healthy years.

I'm taking my dogs to a beach today. Arfie has seen it. And I think he'll see it with us today.

In memory

It seems like the right time to make a tribute entry for Arfie. I've realized how stiff and old his joints were after I rescued the puppies. And I realized the signs he was giving me that it was time to go. But even though those are the most recent memories of him, they were just the end stage of his life and his life was composed of many more stages and alot of personality and love. True, he couldn't get along with any dog bigger than he was. But he was so tender and gentle to smaller dogs, animals and especially children. Being a mini poodle mix, most people don't think they're good with kids but Arfie was. He was my velcro like Jessie is now. I still feel like he's not far from me. Sure there was that period most pet owner's experience when their beloved pet dies and for a second you think you hear your dog's footsteps or see his shadow passing. I love the Rainbow Bridge poem and idea. Arfie is always part of me and part of nature so it's only the physical that I'll meet again at Rainbow bridge.

A dog's christmas wish

On Christmas Morning I wish for every animal searching trash cans for breakfast, A filled bowl with his name printed in bright letters.

For every dog who slept fitfully last night, chained in a frozen yard, A soft, warm bed with a person snoring gently nearby.

For every shelter animal spending Christmas morning in a soiled run, A forever home, filled with sounds and smells of family.

For every Christmas puppy given today, A tolerant, caring owner who won't abandon you as you grow into a real dog.

For every ailing pet, Enough money for your owner to pay the bill to make you well.

For every lost animal, A clear, safe road and well-marked path to lead you home.

For every old and tired friend, A warm fire and a soft bed to ease your aches and pains. And for every Heart Dog at the Bridge, A moment when you know that you are remembered today, missed again, and loved forever. --- Author unknown