Dear Ones,

It was August 15, 1990 that a little ball of energetic fluff chose to live with us at Dogwood Cottage.  On August 1, 2001, almost twelve wonderful years later, our beloved companion returned to her home in the heavens.  Many of you knew her as the spirited and spunky Tibetan Terrier we named Llyandra.  All of you knew her as our email address (and so many wondered how we ever came up with that unusual name!).  She was a challenging, rewarding and frequently entertaining little girl.  However, for us, she never wavered from providing unconditional love and constant companionship--a difficult act to follow.  Together we were a most happy and contented family.

Her 12th birthday was in June, marked by a special barbequed chicken dinner--her favorite!  At that time we remarked at how beautifully she was doing and we KNEW she would grace our lives for many years to come.  But the time moves quickly in a dog's life and during the second week of July, we knew that suddenly, something was not quite right with our little girl.  After all of the tests, examinations, and numerous opinions by different vets, the consensus pointed to the same conclusion, and we knew that there was really no option.  We brought her back to her home and let her enjoy her remaining days in familiar surroundings, with the people she loved, and who loved her with all their heart.

I am reminded of the power of her companionship when Joe (my dad) was traveling his last days with us.  She would play "a game of tag" with him.  He would send her kisses across the room and she would jump onto his bed and run right into his face, nose to nose.  He would kiss her nose and off she would run down the hall.  They would do this time and time again, until they were both exhausted from the fun. Then she would curl up beside him and together, they would rest for most of the afternoon.  What a solace and a gleam she was during that difficult time...My dad's last days were made so much easier because of her joyful presence and unconditional love.  Teachers come in many forms...

She was also a lady filled with dignity.  No matter how weak she became during these last days, she would still find the energy to go into her yard for "walks".  And she still managed the stairs to David's office to keep him company while he drew. Often, she would opt to sit with Mom in the den or out in the "big room" while she read. At night, she still wanted to sleep under our bed.  Wherever we were, she wanted to be there, no matter what.  To her, that was as it should be!  Oh the lessons we learn... We knew the day was coming when we would be asked to "assist her over" I dreaded it with all my being.  But we dreaded more the thought that she was in any way suffering.  One day she stopped eating and then her energy began to ebb.

We knew it was time...

The princess that she was, never faded.  When we entered the vet's office she perked up like royalty and put on one last, grand show.  She looked quite regal, all brushed and clean wearing her favorite pink satin collar.  I gently held her face in my hands while the medication was delivered.    She let out a huge sigh of relief, looked into my eyes and--I believe--she smiled up at us.  David and I, too, let out a sigh of relief, but then, we wept.

Our little bundle of joy was carried in my arms back to Dogwood Cottage. A special site had been prepared that morning for her arrival.  (Some of you may remember our beloved Old English Sheepdog, Panda, who preceded Llyandra by ten years. We were never able to decide what to do with her ashes, but now we knew).  Wrapped in her favorite blanket, her front paws gently holding the only toy she ever played with, we laid her now peaceful white essence in the fresh, sweet smelling earth.  Then, we spread the ashes of our faithful Panda around her; our two glorious companions for over twenty years were sharing their resting place  together.  It was almost fitting.   They both loved to run and play in our tranquil gardens, and now , in a sense, they always will...A young, vibrant dogwood tree that was growing in Llyandra's pen was transplanted to this new site.  White impatiens were planted to add the finishing touch to their new resting place. Candles were lit and placed among the blooms as a reflection of the shining lights that had graced our lives for so long. (The votives lasted well into the night and when I looked out my window, just before going to bed, the dogwood we had planted was warmly aglow from their light.)

Lastly, a bottle of Champagne was popped and a toast was given to celebrate the end of a beautiful chapter--and the start of a new and exciting one for all of us.  Our ward for twelve years has returned to her rightful place in the heavens.  Her soul is shining brighter than ever.

We are humbly thankful that she chose to share her earthly life with us these many years.  And indeed, her spirit will continue to do so, forevermore.

Oh how she will be missed.  And this, too, is good...

Peace and long life for us all,
Llyandra's companions at Dogwood Cottage.
Adie, David and Jimmy XX

 

Submitted by:  Susan Carr

Some of the most poignant moments I spend as a veterinarian are those spent with my clients assisting the transition of my animal patients from this world to the next.  When living becomes a burden, whether from a pain or loss of normal functions, I can help a family by ensuring that their beloved pet has an easy passing.  Making this decision is painful, and I have often felt powerless to comfort the grieving owners. That was before I met Shane.
I had been called to examine a ten year old blue heeler named Belker, who had developed a serious health problem. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane were all very attached to Bleker and they were hoping for a miracle.  I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer, I told the family there were no miracles left for  Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. 
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four year old Shane to observe the procedure.  They felt Shane could learn something from the experience. The next day  I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him.  Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time that I wondered if he understood what was going on.  Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belkers transition without any difficulty or confusion.  We sat together for awhile after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.  Shane who had been listening quietly piped up. "I know why."  Startled. we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me.  I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.  He said, "Everybody is born so they can learn how to live a good life , like loving everybody, and being nice, right?" The four year old continued, "Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Author unknown...
 

In Memory of...
 

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 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 have 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 in 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~