Dog: Dax (Beaky) – Bonnybridge Scotland- (2000 – May 7, 2012)

Dax was my best friend and my “shadow”. We got her as a tiny pup and she was a blessing to us every since. She was hale and healthy for most of her life and we have wonderful memories of our lives together.

Unfortunately in December she had a tumor, which reoccurred in March – we found out on at the beginning of May that she had t-cell lymphoma and were planning treatment. But, the day after that she started to become ill and although she had a better day the next day by Monday she was very ill and in pain.

So we had to make the awful decision to let her go. I have some comfort that for all but a few days of the last five months she was well, happy and enjoying life.

The vets at the Small Animal Hospital in Edinburgh and at our own practice Grahams Road in Falkirk couldn’t have been kinder throughout her illness.

Free of pain, now you’re gracing heaven. Our loss is definitely their gain.

Will miss you always. You’re forever in our hearts and memories.

Love Fiona, Karen & your doggie pal Gabby xxx

Cat: Sweetie – Long-Haired American (May 23, 1999 – May 10, 2012)

Sweetie Pie, my black, long-haired American male cat, passed away at the animal clinic 5/10/2012.

He had kidney disease/failure for the past year and a-half. We stopped treatments in January and he seemed to be okay, but I misjudged his need for fluids and his decline was so gradual, it was too little too late by the time I rushed him to the clinic for help on 5/9/2012.

He was born approximately 5/23/1999.

He did so many things I’ll never forget. He helped me “tie my shoes”. He marked each shoe by scratching with both paws, one shoe at a time. He was scent marking them so wherever I went, others would know I belonged to him.

He would sit up on his hind legs and let me pat his head (the way dogs do!).

He learned to scratch at the door to be let out, or in.

He would tuck his head under my chin and wrap both arms around my neck while I held him and swayed back and forth until he would fall asleep and snore.

He loved being in the garden with me and was never more than 2 or 3 feet away.

I’ll miss his snoring.

My heart aches for his loss. I am the poorer for his loss.

It doesn’t help to hear the words “he’s better off” (which indeed he may be). Does anyone else feel this way? I’m going to try to attend a pet loss grief support thing. Having depression does not help my thinking process.

I’ve struggled with the idea of euthanasia for over a year and still had not reached a decision for it when his heart stopped while he was in the incubator receiving warmth and fluids. He was going to die no matter what, no matter whose decision, with or without treatment. That’s why it is so very sad.

God wanted him to come home. It seems He wants us never to forget that He is a jealous God and is to be our number one focus. Always. I begged God to perform a miracle of healing, all the while being thankful I had the past year and a-half with Sweetie Pie.

How long do you prolong treatment? Why is euthanasia the “kinder” thing to do, or more “fair” to the animal? I could not be responsible for taking his last breath. In the end, I guess I was anyway.

His sister Princess (short-hair tabby) misses him.

Sweetie Pie, remember when you and Princess used to chase after things I’d throw down the alley and you ran like dogs to fetch them? (Blackberries, specifically). Well, you run ahead now, just as fast as you can. Princess and I aren’t far behind…

All my love, my little sweetheart. Treats and snacky-snacks. Beefy beef, fishy fish, chickie chickie, sammy salmon.

Your mama

Dog: Pokus (Yorkshire Terrier) – (Mar 1, 2001 – May 4, 2012)

Our pet dog Pokemon was also beautifully known as ‘Pokus’ and a wonderful and loyal family member.

A beautiful personality with a sophisticated taste. An affectionate life with heart-melting eyes.

Loved you from the first moment we meet and love you dearly till the end.

You shall never ever be forgotten, my beautiful Pokus.

Always in my heart.
Love you and will miss you!

Dog: Mini Rea (Sheltie) – (Feb  1995 – Apr 25, 2012)

God sent me Mini to take care of and love way back in 1995. What a blessing it was and I am forever grateful. In the end I think back and realize that it was she who took care of me in so many ways.

17 years of loyal and devoted companionship Mini gave me. About the longest relationship I’ve had outside of my immediate family. Rarely did she leave my side or vice versa. Only towards the end was she too tired to give me the attention she once did. With understanding I let her rest; she deserved it after giving me so much.

The hardest decision I ever had to make was to let her rest for eternity, to send her back to God. But she returns with a full and happy life behind her. Mini was so loved and cherished while on this earth, God will be pleased.

I have many memories of our time together, that I will be comforted during this time of grief. Oh how she hated to be away from me. So much so she would howl the minute I left our house, and she did that up until her last day.

I remember too when we were in Dallas at my sister’s pool, she had to be on a floater near me. If I didn’t put her on one, she would run back and forth in the heat. Once on the floater, Mini was content.

Mini is also survived by her husband, Major. He is my male Sheltie whom I married her to not long ago. Major adored her, as she did him. I see the sadness in his eyes now, but with time he will move on as she would want him to.

Thank you Ms Mini for being such a wonderful companion, you enriched my life more than you will ever know. I hope you can look back and feel you made the right choice when picking out your “person.” I know I could not have picked a better pet.

Love you and miss you always

Jean

Cat: Pumpkin (DSH/Calico) – Virginia Beach, VA (May 13, 1996 – Apr 5, 2012)

Pumpkin was a one of a kind cat. She loved the water. When my children were small she even got in the bath with them. And in her last years she would come in my bathroom every day and yell until I turned the shower on for her to get in.

She gave us an amazing 16 years. Pumpkin was also a world traveler; she was born in Japan, lived in Arizona, Florida, Connecticut, Wisconsin, and Virginia.

Rest in peace my dear friend. No one will ever take your place.

Cat: Spike (Domestic Short Haired) – Woodlawn, MD
(Jun 10, 1999 – Apr 18, 2012)

Spike, we know you are still here, though we do not see you. You will be in our hearts forever!

Spike was adopted on August 16, 1999 from The Humane Society of Baltimore County, Inc. He was nine weeks old when we brought him to his new home in Woodlawn, Maryland.

Spike was a wonderful laid back family cat that enjoyed being close and brush by family members.

Spike is gone but not forgotten.

We love you Spike!

Dog: Kayaos (Pitbull) – MD (Dec 12, 2001 – Apr 13, 2012)

Kayaos was my pride and joy for 10 years. He was always a rambunctious dog and never slowed down and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

I love you Kayaos more than you will ever know.

Mommy loves you Kaos e poo !!!

Dog: Baily (Schnauzer Mix) – Plainfield, IL (Mar 1, 1997 – Mar 23, 2012)

Bailey wasn’t just a dog she was my baby and best friend! I got her when she was 8 weeks old and had a wonderful 15 years with her.

She was the easiest dog to train and just loved life! We found out she had osteosarcoma and had fractured her leg so we had to make the hardest decision ever and end her pain.

We miss her so much, the house feels so empty without her here. We know she is in a better place and able to run again and we have 15 years of treasured memories.

She will forever be in our hearts.

We love you Bailey!!

Love, Mommy and Daddy

Emmy came into our lives when she was about 4 months old. I remember seeing her for the first time and when I looked into that little face, all I could do was say Oh My God, look how cute she is!

Along with her cuteness came a cute personality, full of spunk, and also very loving. My husband said in his lifetime, he’s never seen a dog that loved to cuddle like our Emmy. I’d hold her in my arms and talk to her and tell her how I loved her.

She was a great companion to me, my little baby girl. Her grandparents loved her, too, and would watch her from time to time.

She contracted Lyme’s disease in 2008 and stayed strong and fought the disease until the disease caused her to have kidney complications. She was not “just a dog”, she was our baby and we will always have a special place in our hearts!

Rest in peace, my Emmy and we will see you again!

Mommy and daddy love you very much! xoxox

Dog: Blue Boy (Chow Chow) – Swansboro, NC (Mar 24, 1999 – Mar 10, 2012)

Blue Boy was the runt of nine and was feisty enough to find his place at feeding time. He was so small he could fit in the palm of one hand. He was the only pup we kept out of 3 litters.

His Mama came from NC and his Daddy came from SC and they both had the best temperaments and he was no exception. In his younger days he was a protector and loved to be close by.

As he grew older he preferred to spend time outside exploring and chasing squirrels back up the pecan trees. Then he became ill with kidney disease and so began frequent Dr. visits, meds, changes in diet and everyday life.

He was very easy to work with and so graceful with the changes he went through. I am so thankful that I have my own business and was able to help him 24/7 since I soon realized everyday was a gift. I miss him everyday and always will, for there is no love like the love of our little companions.

Run and play in the sunshine as you did in your younger days at Rainbow Bridge, till the day comes you see me there and we are reunited and cross Rainbow Bridge together.

Till we meet again my little buddy! We love you, Mommy and Daddy.