A couple of months ago, I wrote a Post requesting Prayers for Casanova and Me as my beloved friend was sick and we were in the midst of determining how sick he really was. In that post, I was struggling with the pain of knowing what was coming, looking for discernment and trying to come to terms with it all. Unfortunately, yesterday came the time to say good bye.
I have been fearful for this day, as I knew it was going to hit me hard and I couldn't imagine him not being by my side. But yesterday morning when I could see he wasn't feeling well and decided off to the vet we go, I stopped and prayed. Heavenly Father, please be merciful and help me be strong and trust what to do. As we went into the vet, I noticed Casanova was unusually calm. Normally he is shaking in my arms or putting the brakes on and pulling away from the door on his leash. I always thought he communicated well to me, but I never expected to see this in his eyes. As he looked back at me, it was as if he was saying, Mom I am ready and the answer was there in his calm loving eyes. The prayer was answered!
Do I feel OK today, of course not, I admit it I am a mess. The usual habits Casanova and I had are going to be hard to let go of. I look down for him, he is not there, but the memory is and that does bring a smile to my face. So I will focus on the many happy memories Casanova brought me.
I came across this today and it brought comfort to me, I hope it brings comfort to those of you who have lost your friend as well.
A DOG FOR JESUS
I wish someone had given Jesus a dog
As loyal and loving as mine
To sleep by His manger and gaze in His eyes
And adore Him for being divine.
As our Lord grew to manhood His faithful dog
Would have followed Him all through the day
While He preached to the crowds and made the sick well
And knelt in the garden to pray.
It is sad to remember that Christ went away
To face death alone and apart
With no tender dog following close behind
To comfort its Master's Heart.
And when Jesus rose on that Easter morn
How happy He would have been
As His dog kissed His hands and barked its delight
For The One who died for all men.
Well, the Lord has a dog now, I just sent Him mine
The old pal so dear to me
And I smile through my tears on this first day alone
Knowing they're in eternity.
Day after day, the whole day through
Wherever my road inclined
Four feet said, "I am coming with you!"
And trotted along behind.
Written By: Rudyard Kipling
Good-bye my friend, run, play and I look forward to the day we meet again!
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Kelly Turbeville is a South Orange County, California Real Estate Professional, specializing in helping clients realize their real estate goals with a simple motto - It's Possible!
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Kelly, isn't it amazing how they tell us when it's time? I went through this with an old horse a couple of years ago. My very wise vet said, he'll let you know when he's ready, and he did. It's hard, so hard, to let them go, but sometimes it's the most loving thing you can do.
You did the most loving thing you could do for him
Kelly, I'm sorry about your loss...I loved the poem above...it's not easy to give up our friends, they become a special part of our lives. We lost one also, years ago, and I remember my husband and I just hugging and crying together. One of our babies is now 12 and not in the best of health...but we're praying for a few more years.
ok, you made me cry. so sorry about Casanova. amazing how these pooches can be loved like a family member. that picture is so cute! Hope you feel better Kelly.
Thanks everyone for your warm wishes. As you can see see Casanova was a pretty special friend. I was truely blessed for 12 years.
Kelly.. I am so sorry. Animals are such a warm part of our lives. I know that Casanova is thankful to have been with you. You gave him a wonderful, loving life. Your poem says it all. His spirit will help give you strength and he may even pick out another animal for you to love. If another comes your way... it is his wish. Embrace his spirit... you will never replace him, but, in time, you have the abilty to open your heart to another and offer to them, the love that you gave to him.
I'm crying and a little blurry eyed as I type. I lost my dog Winston to cancer, and the void is so fresh once I read of anothers lost pet. What a great poem! I need to make copies. Thanks for sharing
Kelly,
So sorry, it is amazing how attached we get to our pets. We lost a cat some years ago, it is one of the few times I have ever seen my oldest son cry. Enjoy the memories and I hope you know there are many who feel for you and are praying for you through this hard time. Our pets are amazing and even at the last they comfort us, truly they give us a fine example of unconditional love.
Nick
Thanks Nick, Diane and Lori for your kind words and sharing in the tears. It is amazing that people we don't even know can touch your heart.
My condolences...
We had a mini poodle, Bengi, for 16 years...he'll always be missed!
I'm so sorry about your loss, thank you for a beautiful tribute for a beloved friend, be comforted that you did the most humane thing. God Bless You and comfort you...
Tears.....
We have been through this so many times and are not done with animals yet . They do let you know and you have to help them go.
He looked well loved.
Kelly,
Casanova was beautiful. He just smiled in that last picture. You did the right thing, but the decision is never easy. I can relate as you know.
Awwwwww Kelly I'm sorry to hear that. I've been there 9 times already. Its so hard. You will always have sweet memories of your dog. Those are something that can't be taken away.
Kelly, I'm so sorry for your loss. Our pooch is 13 and I dread the day. We had another dog for almost 13 years and when we had to let him go was the only time I have seen my husband cry. I'm glad you have your wonderful memories. He was truly a happy and well loved member of your family.
Kelly, I read your post the other day and I couldn't respond, it brought me to tears. I'm so sorry for your loss and I enjoy every day with my little guy I can't bear to think of life without him...I hope you draw comfort from the years of memories you have.
Thanks everyone for your comforting words. Sorry if it made you sad, but know I appreciate your thoughts..
Hi Kelly - so sorry to hear of your loss. I have two 12 year old goldens and I can only imagine what you are going through. It is good to know that our animal friends have a way of telling us that it is their time to go.
Stephanie
Kelly, I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Casanova. My heart breaks for you.
My tears are flowing as your story brings me back to the day we had to let our sweet Dessie go after 15 ½ years with us. That was 20 years ago and I still feel the pain. I was afraid to get another dog it hurt so bad. My late husband Chuck and I just laid in bed and cried till there were no more tears, just numbness.
Roger had been talking about getting a dog and Divine intervention put Bella in our path last year. Bella( our Dog Lovers Group Mascot) is such a blessing We are crazy about her. She is so much like Dessie, just a great dog with a really sweet and fun personality. We take her everywhere with us. She is 6 now, and it kills me to think of losing her all too soon. I hope and pray every day that she will be blessed with a long healthy life like our Dessie.
The poem is so perfect...I have never seen it before...
I am sending you a big hug......
Ginger
Hi Ginger & Stephanie
Thanks for the commnet and understanding. It has been a rough couple of weeks but as they say time heals. I have moments where I want to run out and get another puppy but then think, Casanova would hate that he use to get so jealous. In time!
Sorry to hear about your loss, Kelly. Dogs are indeed our best friend.
Hello Kelly,
I was just scanning through various blogs and noticed your post. I feel your pain Kelly. I had to make the most difficult decision in my life recently when I put my cat and best friend "Tommy" to sleep. He was 21 years old. I still think about him everday, but the thoughts are now pleasant with vivid memories of the great times together. You will get better.
Cordially,
Erol Kartal
Home Inspector Chicago Suburbs
What a cutie your pup was. I'm glad you two had each other while he was here. I know it is so sad. Thanks for sharing. It is nice to have a place like this to write about him and how important he was to you.
Thanks again,
Kelly-I am so sorry for your loss! She was a very pretty dog. I have tears in my eyes. Only a true dog lover understands your pain. I have a Jack Russell Terrier who is 8 and is my best friend. I never thought I would say that about a dog. We got her 3 years ago and she was abused, so we had a lot of issues, but we got through it and she is just great. She had to have a tumor removed this past Jan. which turned out to be cancer but I hope they got it all and she will be with us a long time. You are in our thoughts.
Thanks Erol, Karen and Roberta - your comments are all appreciated.
Erol - it is getting better though I admit it I still feel that pain in my tummy when I think of him not being around. What also helps, which I was going to hold off on is the new little fellow. Pinot!
Roberta you are in my thoughts as well.
I know exactly how you feel. I just lost one of my dogs in May. I've had several dogs, but for whatever reason, I was spared the tough decision of whether or not to put them down. Five dogs - but the decision was always made FOR me by the dog's condition. This time it was different. Harley went into a slow decline over a seven month period. It was an agonizing decision. For a Doberman/shepherd/Newfoundland mix, she was ancient - nearly 16 years old. Finally, I needed a friend to "watch her" because I couldn't get back to check on her several hours - and she (my friend) brought me to my senses. It was time, past time. Harley went peacefully in the vet's office the next day. But it is a very difficult decision to make because it is so final. You made the right decision for your dog. Dogs don't understand illness, they only know they hurt, feel sick etc. If it is chronic with no recovery in sight, we can do for them what we can't do for ourselves or our human loved ones.
What a touching post Kelly..it's so hard when a pet passes..that's a beautiful poem (I've bookmarked your post).
Take Care
Grace Safrin
Kelly- I am so sorry for your loss. You've stirred up some very recent emotions as my husband and I have lost two cats this year, a 13 year old who had a massive stroke in my arms (I'm glad I was there with her) and a nine year old who had feline AIDS and was going through kidney failure that we had to put to sleep. Like your Casanova, she was very brave when we took her to the vet, like she knew it was her time and she went very peacefully in my arms. My mother also lost two cats and a dog this year, all due to old age. It's been a very hard year on us. When I think of them I feel an emptiness in my heart. We love our babies so much. They truly are family. You are in my thoughts. ~Danielle
Such a sad story, you brought tears to my eyes... I can imagine how hard this was on you.
Dora Baycroft, Realtor Prince George, BC, Canada
Kelly, I can't tell you how sorry I am. I feel terrible for you. I too look for my babies (Lingz and People) every time I turn around. When I see the basement door closed I think 'oh, the dogs are in the basement...they must want up' and expect to hear them falling over each other to get up the stairs. I think I hear them all the time.
They really do become an integral part of our lives and homes.
Kelly
Thank you for posting this. I lost my "Best Boy" yesterday. Grieving too hard to write anything else.
I am so sorry and I feel your pain
Allison I am sooo sorry about your lost. I know it hurts but time does help and I have to say so did another puppy! Hang in there!
Kelly: As someone who has been there, I feel your loss. Until it happens, no one really knows the extreme pain. But, your little angel knew he had the best Mom and was loved beyond belief. God bless you. You will see him again some day. Thank you so much for sharing the poem.