Painful Goodbyes

Today I said my final goodbyes to my baby boy. The appetite stimulant wasn't working anymore. He just decided it was time and so he stopped eating. Except the bugger decided to be strong through a week of not eating. Today though, he could barely get up. So for the afternoon, we treated him to some of his favorite things before he left this world. We let him sleep in the sun in the backyard so he could get a full dose of fresh air. Our vet is very kind and offers the option that someone come out so he could die at home instead of in the cold office of a clinic. He was able to die in peace surrounded by his family.

For those of you that have pets or have lost pets, there is a poem which our vet gave us for our first lost cat. It's called "The Rainbow Bridge". I don't know if other vets have this poem in their clinics, but it's one that my family reads every time we have a pet memorial.

"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...."

It's not much, but at least for my family it provides somewhat of a sense of comfort.  I hope for others who have pets or have lost pets that you might find some comfort or happiness from this poem too.

For my sweet Silky, our ten years of friendship will not be forgotten. Nobody: cat, human, or any other creature, deserves cancer. Nobody deserves to have to watch loved ones slowly fade away. You will be buried under an agapanthus with a path leading straight to you. You will be wrapped in the same blanket you were once wrapped in before, albeit to clip your nails, and place in your favorite sleeping place: the napkin basket. I will miss you forever. I love you, baby boy.