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Some of you may remember me posting about the dog that came into our lives a few years ago. Missie was her name and she was such a sweet pet. She followed us home from school one day and never left. We initially couldn't locate her owners. She had heartworm and we treated her and she settled into our family. Two years after she came to us her owner recognized her when we were walking. She graciously let us keep Missie (they called her Misty) because they knew she had found a loving home. They would come to visit on occasion. Missie was older than we initially thought but she was very healthy, especially after we took gluten out of her diet.
Last Saturday she died unexpectedly. At 6:45 am we heard her yelping in pain. She couldn't move and she had explosive diarrhea. We took her into the vet and while they were assessing the situaiton she died. They beleive she had a liver abscess that ruptured and she became septic and died very quickly.
It happened so quickly that my head was spinning. Even though she was old we had no indication she was sick, so it was still quite a shock. She was such a sweet girl, very affectionate and calming. My heart feels like there is a hole in it . . . I'm a missing her.
Luckily it didn't cause a flare of symptoms. I am doing lots of journaling, which always helps me in times like this.
Love,
Mary Beth
"If you believe it will work out, you'll see opportunities. If you believe it won't you will see obstacles." - Dr. Wayne Dyer
Oh, Mary Beth, I'm so sorry for your loss. There is no easy way - but sudden and unexpected does add to the difficulty of the early stages of grieving. We were really devastated for a long time, when our first dog passed away after a very brief illness. That hole in the heart has a very particular shape, for the love of a wonderful dog.
The journaling sounds like a lovely and graceful way to help yourself through this. (I wonder whether part of our MC success stories relates to the 'journalish' nature of contributing to this forum... though of course a true journal of your heart is more intimate, private, and un-proofread. The way we can be utterly ourselves with our dogs.)
We are sending condolences from all of species here, to your whole family.
What sad news. And what a lovely dog, with soulful eyes. I am thinking of you during this most difficult time. Losing a beloved pet is truly one of life's biggest downers. She sounds like a special dog and I know she will be missed terribly.
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
AAWW. Sweet looking dog. I'm sure she knew she was well-loved, which hopefully will comfort you.
I'm a big believer in the power of writing. Keep
up that journal.....
Mary Beth,
So sorry for your loss, I know how hard it can be losing a pet. They become part of the family and very difficult when we lose them. My thoughts are with you and your family..
Jenny
So sorry for your loss. She does look like a sweet dog. Sounds like she died quickly & hopefully not in too much pain at the end. We have a 15 1/2 year old border collie mix named Lucy that has been slowing down for sometime.
I'm so sorry, Mary Beth! Our fur babies become like our children. She was a beautiful girl. When my fur baby died last year, we had her cremated and the lady that did the cremation gave me a poem along with her ashes. This is it:
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.
Mary Beth - so very sorry for you and your family - what an incredible shock it must have been for all of you. Hopefully, Missie died without having had much pain and suffering, which may be comforting once the shock and disbelief wear off. Loving thoughts are sent to you and your family as I sit here with two cats on my lap - pets are so very dear - I often wish they had longer life spans.
Love,
Kari
"My mouth waters whenever I pass a bakery shop and sniff the aroma of fresh bread, but I am also grateful simply to be alive and sniffing." Dr. Bernstein
Mary Beth,
I am so sorry for your loss. They do become part of the family and we love them so much. I'm sure you gave him a wonderful home and lots of love.
Anyone who has lost a beloved pet, understands firsthand, the huge ache that comes with such a loss. There is a beautiful book called "Dog Heaven" that starts off "When dogs go to heaven, they don't need wings because God knows that dogs love running best." What a beautiful sentiment.
How wonderful that Missie quite literally walked into your life bringing such joy to you and your family.
I "paws to remember" Missie, faithful family friend, as she passes over to Rainbow Bridge.
Denise and Julie
your poem and your words are similar to my beliefs about dog heaven. I have a few of my fur babies in dog heaven, and anytime I hear of friend losing their fur baby, i ask my fur babys to look out for the new arrival and help them find their way around dog heaven.
Big hugs to you and your family re Missie's passing, it will take a while to adjust to her not being there.
like my tag for mc - it is the same for grieving
there is no right way or wrong way - there is your way.
Dont feel you have pack up her dish, lead, or blanket and hide them from sight, pack them away when you and the kids are ready.
take care
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
So sorry to hear that Missie has left you and I totally understand how you feel. They are family and do leave a hole in our heart. You are in my prayers and Missie will see you again at the Rainbow Bridge.
Love, Maggie
Maggie Scarpone
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Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
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And what a lovely dog, with soulful eyes. I am thinking of you during this most difficult time. Losing a beloved pet is truly one of life's biggest downers. She sounds like a special dog and I know she will be missed terribly. 
