Saying goodbye to Rocky

[BarenakedLady]

I had to make the most difficult decision ever yesterday and had my 13 yr old cat Rocky put to sleep. As some of you know, he was diagnosed with sqaumous cell carcinoma approximately a week and 1/2 ago. Since then, the tumor (under his tongue and in jaw) had grown quickly making it impossible for Rocky to use his tongue to eat or bathe himself. I watched him for the past few days struggling to eat. He was hungry, but unable to do it on his own or with my help. I took him in to the vet to see if there was anything I could do. No matter what I chose to do, the vet gave him at the most 2 weeks to live. I couldn't watch him struggle like that anymore. He had already lost 2 lbs in the past week.

I stayed with him while the vet admistered the shot. Rocky was purring loudly in my arms as he relaxed and finally stopped. He looked peaceful. I told him I was sorry there was nothing left for me to do for him. I haven't cried so hard in a long time. I brought him home with me and we buried him next to Katie (my dog who suddenly passed in May 2000).

Here is a video I took before taking him in. My 9 yr old daughter is petting him. I had hoped to capture the motorboat sound of his purring, but was unable to. Well I think you can hear him a bit at the end if you turn your speakers up. That's me meowing to get him to look at me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maXxXnPOBKM



2003


2007 (yesterday)




Rocky 1994-2007 RIP my sweet boy
:cry:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Goodbye, Rocky. RIP.

My Teddy had the same thing, same result. I understand... :hug:



Poem For Cats

And God asked the feline spirit
Are you ready to come home?
Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul
And, as a cat, you know I am most able
To decide anything for myself.

Are you coming then? asked God.
Soon, replied the whiskered angel
But I must come slowly
For my human friends are troubled
For you see, they need me, quite certainly.

But don't they understand? asked God
That you'll never leave them?
That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity?
That nothing is created or destroyed?
It just is....forever and ever and ever.

Eventually they will understand,
Replied the glorious cat
For I will whisper into their hearts
That I am always with them
I just am....forever and ever and ever.

Author Unknown

[BarenakedLady]

3. Thank you.

:hug:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

2. I'm so sorry, BNL.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

4. Thanks SA

It's been a difficult weekend.

:hug:

[MedleyMisty]

5. I'm so sorry

(((((hugs)))))

Midnight is sitting in my lap and she also sends her condolences.

I know there's not much that other people can say that can make it better, but one thing that usually helps me at least a bit when I lose a cat - you gave him a good life. He had love and security and health. So many cats don't.

[BarenakedLady]

7. True

We rescued him and his brothers when they were about 3 months old. He led a pampered life since then. His only remaining sibling Duke is missing him something fierce (as are we all).

Thank you.



:hug:

[ronnykmarshall]

169. Give Duke some extra love

and give yourself some too!

:loveya:

[Deja Q]

6. Farewell, Rocky. May all our demises be so benevolent, by those who love us.

:(

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

8. Thank you Hypno

:hug:

[mike_c]

9. oh damn, I'm so sorry....

Thank you for doing the right thing for Rocky, both today and for the last 13 years. My heart goes out to you. It's so damned hard saying goodbye, but you know you did the best thing for Rocky. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

16. Thank you mike

I remember the sweet post you wrote when I found out about the cancer.


:hug:

[fortyfeetunder]

10. My condolences

Sorry to read about Rocky. Sounds like he was a sweet little kitty.
I did see the video, he was so mellow and probably glad to get all the petting.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

17. Yup

He had the loudest purr. I'm surprised it wasn't captured. It was so clear to me while taking the video. He had a good life. He was mellow until the end.

Thank you.

:hug:

[zanne]

11. You gave him a good life.

I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. It hurts. But there are so many stray and feral cats out there who never get to know human affection and kindness. Thank God and thank you that Rocky did.

[BarenakedLady]

18. Thank you for saying that

Maybe someday I'll be ready to rescue another. I still have his brother Duke, who I'm not sure would appreciate a new addition at this point.

:hug:

[bigwillq]

12. That's sad.

I am so sorry for you.

RIP Rocky. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

19. Thank you

:hug:

[devilgrrl]

13. I am so sorry about your little Rocky...

:hug::hug::hug:

[BarenakedLady]

20. He was a sweet kitty

Thank you :hug:

[Flaxbee]

14. poor sweet Rocky baby - you did the right thing (as I'm sure you

know...) but it is SO DAMN HARD. I'm sorry for your sorrow, but I hope the grief will pass soon and you'll have happy memories. It was a kindness -- my neighbor refuses to euthanize any of her animals and one of her cats basically starved to death because he had a similar tumor. It was terrible. You gave Rocky a kind, dignified passing.

He was absolutely beautiful, and no doubt knows how much he was loved.

[BarenakedLady]

24. It was the hardest thing

I've ever had to do. I'm glad I got to be with him though and that he went down purring. He wasn't scared at all. No more suffering.

Thank you. :hug:

[Phentex]

15. I'm so sorry.

He was gorgeous.

(hugs)

[BarenakedLady]

25. Yes he was

He was always so meticulously clean. It was hard to watch him become so unkempt. I know he hated that.

Thank you. :hug:

[LeftyFingerPop]

21. BarenakedLady

I am so very sorry for your loss.

Rocky was a beautiful boy indeed.

People who love animals are special...my condolences to you. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

26. Thank you

:hug:

It is both a joy and a curse to love an animal.

[LeftyFingerPop]

38. Yes....

it is both a joy and a curse.

I don't know how this will come across, but I "like" animals more than some people. Some call me crazy for saying that, but I think it has to do with the fact that they are innocent creatures that run on pure instinct. It is for this reason that I feel that their passing sometimes hits us harder than a human death.

I have 2 beautiful pups that are getting long in the tooth, and to be quite honest, i am not sure how I will cope when it is their time.

I don't know you personally, but I will be thinking of both you and Gatorboy today.

[Inchworm]

22. Rocky will be sorely missed

By you and your family. You guys gave him a chance and he took it. 13 years of love.

My condolences to you all.

If I could reach my arms from this mountain to wherever you are and give you a long warm hug, I would. Its not an easy thing you did and no words can help probably, but my heart goes out to you Barenakedlady. :cry:

Thanks for sharing the video. A very nice tribute.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

27. Thank you inchworm

That was really kind of you to say. I would take that hug if I could.

:hug:

[lizziegrace]

23. Rest now Rocky

:(

The right thing is also the hardest. :hug: to you and your family.

[BarenakedLady]

28. Thanks lizzie

:hug:

[Left Is Write]

29. I'm sorry, BNL.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

30. Thank you LIW

:hug:

[graywarrior]

31. What an agonizing decision to make, BnL. I don't know what to say.

Pets dying hits harder than people's sometimes.

[BarenakedLady]

32. Indeed

Thank you gray.

:hug:

[fizzgig]

33. i'm am so sorry, sweetie

:hug:

i know it doesn't make it hurt any less to know right now that it was the right thing to do

[BarenakedLady]

35. Thank you

I know it was the right thing to do. Either that or watch him suffer for another week or two. I couldn't do that to him, no matter how much I didn't want to say goodbye.

:hug:

[SPKrazy]

34. RIP Rocky

That is a hard thing to do, I'm sorry sweetie. That is the most loving thing though.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

I have had to have a cat put down, and a dog. Both made me cry. Both were necessary also.


:loveya: :cry:

[BarenakedLady]

37. Thank you SPK

As pet owners, we know we will have to face their deaths at some point. It's never easy.

:hug:

[Guava Jelly]

36. I am sorry bnl

I had to do that to cat of mine..It is heartbreaking..
Just remember that you gave rocky the best life you could and you loved him or you wouldn't be so sad.
It is peaceful and humane but it still doesn't make it easy..:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

39. Thanks sweetie

:hug:

heartbreaking, yes.

:cry:

[SmileyMarie]

40. My sympathy to you

Saying goodbye is always so hard.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

41. Thank you

:hug:

and welcome to DU

:hi:

[Oeditpus Rex]

42. I just hugged Lucy

and asked her to keep a thought about Rocky.

I will, too. And about you.

I'm so sorry, darlin'. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

50. Thank you Oedi

Hug your girl tight for me.

:hug:

[Iris]

43. I'm sorry for your loss.

I'm glad you were with Rocky when they gave him the shot. Not being with our Siamese was my one regret from when we had to put her to sleep 4 years ago.

[BarenakedLady]

51. It was terribly difficult

But I'm glad I was there. My voice was the last one he heard.

Thank you for your kind words.

:hug:

[MissHoneychurch]

44. I am so sorry BNL

:hug:

I know it is hard to put a loving fur baby to sleep. We had to do the same with my late cate a couple of xears ago. It hurts so much. But sometimes it is better than letting them suffer. He is at a peaceful place now. He knows he was loved.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

53. Thank you MissHoneychurch

He was indeed loved. I would never want him to suffer.

:hug:

[Call Me Wesley]

45. Safe passage, Rocky.

Might you be free from suffering. Peace and comfort to you and yours, BNL.

[BarenakedLady]

54. Thank you

:hug:

[Dervill Crow]

46. I'm so sorry.

Saying goodbye is the part of love that sucks.

:grouphug:

May the pain you and your family feel soon be replaced with purely joyful memories of the love you shared with your beautiful Rocky.

[BarenakedLady]

56. That is sweet

Thank you Blue.

:hug:

[RevolutionaryActs]

47. I'm sorry sweetie.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

57. Thanks Rev

:hug:

[billyskank]

48. ...

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

58. I know

and I thank you for your support, my dear friend.

:hug: :loveya:

[NewWaveChick1981]

49. Awwww, sweetie....

:hug: :hug: :hug: :pals: I am so sorry, BNL. :hug: I have lost beloved pets, and it's so difficult. :hug: My heart goes out to you and your family. I know you all miss Rocky.

[BarenakedLady]

59. Thank you

It is never easy.

:hug:

[I Have A Dream]

52. I'm so sorry that you had to do this, but it was the most loving thing that you...

could do. Thank you for loving him enough to not make him suffer any longer. :(

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

60. He was my buddy

I couldn't watch him suffer another moment.

Thank you.

:hug:

[warrior1]

55. I'm so sorry

Rest in peace Rocky

[BarenakedLady]

61. Thank you

:hug:

[flvegan]

62. I'm terribly sorry for your loss, BarenakedLady

It seems like Rocky had a great life with you folks, and you did the kindest thing you could have done.

[BarenakedLady]

64. Thanks flvegan

:hug: It's never easy is it?

[Radio_Lady]

63. This brings back memories of my dear dog Dolly, who I had to put down at age 12.

She had breast cancer and after one operation, another was purposed.

No cures in the 1960s -- so the doctor advised me to euthanize her. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever made.

RIP, Duchess of Dade, CD, my sweet "Dolly" and dam of seven male puppies, free-whelped with no Caesarean section required -- which was so unusual that our picture appeared in a Boston Terrier book in the late 1950s.

May you have solace in the fact that your kitty was well cared for and well loved.

[BarenakedLady]

65. Thank you

And thank you for sharing your story of Dolly.

:hug:

[NC_Nurse]

66. Oh, what a beautiful boy!

You did the right thing to ease his suffering. I'm so sorry....:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

67. Thank you

:hug:

[SeattleGirl]

68. I'm so sorry, BNL

Rocky was a beautiful creature. You did the right thing, but I know it was a hard decision to make.

My condolences to you. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

77. Thanks sweetie

:hug:

[MonkeyFunk]

69. I'm so sorry

it's such a difficult decision - but you fulfilled the promise you made when you got him: to always take care of him.

Goodbye, Rocky.

[BarenakedLady]

78. Thank you monkeyfunk

I try to remember that.

:hug:

[uppityperson]

70. Goodbye Rocky, my condelences to you all. I had to do the same thing once

MrUP's biggest, fatest, "my get out of the way of that dog? why?" cat had a big growth under his tongue. I pureed food, mixed it with water, laid on the floor to see if he could eat, for a couple weeks. It got bad fast, ended up having to take him in also. It was really difficult and sad. We were really sad. My condolences to you and RIP Rocky, what a beautiful boy.

[BarenakedLady]

79. Thank you for telling me your story

It really does help.

:hug:

[uppityperson]

87. When we buried the big guy, mr.up put the first shovel of dirt on him

I felt like someone had punched me in the stomach. At the same instant, upTeen, 1000 mi away, said felt that our big cat had died. I hadn't phoned yet as upTeen was acting in a play that day and didn't want to interfere with the play by making feel bad. I didn't mean to send whatever it was off, it just happened. It was hard for all of us, hard for you too. Anyone who looks down on anyone else for caring for a pet, for taking a death hard, they just don't know and I feel sorry for them. hugs back

[BarenakedLady]

91. That's exactly how I felt

I watched the first couple of shovels of dirt go on and had to turn away and go back into the house. It was too painful to watch.

Thank you again for sharing your story.

[NMDemDist2]

71. that's the hardest thing, but the kindest strongest thing too

you have my deepest sympathy. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

80. I thank you

:hug:

[S n o w b a l l]

72. Oh, BNL...I'm so sorry....

:cry: He was beautiful. The poor baby...you did the unselfish thing which is the hardest but most loving thing to do.

My deepest sympathies.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

81. Thank you Engi

He was such a sweety.

:hug:

[crim son]

73. Oh my god.

I'm so sorry. You did the right thing but I'm so sorry. :cry: :hug: :cry:

[BarenakedLady]

82. Thank you my friend

It sucks, but I know it was the right thing to do. I just wish I didn't have to go through it alone.

:hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

74. Aww sweetie...

...I'm so sorry to hear about this, I know that it had to be a hard decision for you. Rocky was a beautiful kitty, and I'm sure that he knew that you loved him, right up to the end.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

83. Thank you.

It was hard, but I know the right thing. :hug:

[hedgehog]

75. You did the right thing, but it's hard to let them go.

[BarenakedLady]

84. Thanks

:hug:

[stuntcat]

76. Love to Rocky

I remember when you told about him a few days ago and showed his pictures, it was sad then, I mean it sounded like this is what would happen. I'm so sorry. Rocky's lucky to've had people loving him and helping him. :hug: He had a wonderful life I think!

[BarenakedLady]

85. Thank you stuntcat

Yes, it was far too fast. I thought I would really have more time. I can't decide if it was a blessing or not at this point.

:hug:

[Kajsa]

86. I'm so sorry, BNL.

Rocky was a great cat and friend.

You did the best you could for him.
I know it was very difficult.

( I've been rambling on too much about
my own experiences with my cats, but I've
been there).

May his gentle soul rest in peace and
may you find peace and comfort at this
difficult time.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

89. Thank you for your kind words

They really do help.

:hug:

[Haole Girl]

88. ...

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

90. Thank you friend

:hug:

It's been a tough weekend.

[Haole Girl]

96. I can't imagine...

..I don't want to imagine. Your kids doing okay...considering?

[BarenakedLady]

99. Yes

My oldest (9) was the most affected. We had a good cry together when I got home from the vet. The younger two (7 and 5) haven't quite grasped the finality of it so much, I don't think.

[Haole Girl]

102. It must be extra difficult to have to be strong for them...

..when you're feeling it yourself. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

104. True

But having to stay strong for them helps me not to dwell so much on my own pain. I know I will have to eventually however. And it won't be pretty.

[Haole Girl]

106. You can do it...

I know you can. :hug:

(sometimes we just need people to remind us)

[Sanity Claws]

92. My deepest condolences

It was obvious that he was very loved and knew it. You did the right thing. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

93. I hope he did.

I'm sure he did. Thank you.

:hug:

[wildhorses]

94. ~

:cry:

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

97. ...

:hug:

:cry:

[femmocrat]

95. So sorry about Rocky, BNL. He was a beautiful cat.

You can see in the last picture how sick he was, poor little fellow. His suffering is over now and he is at peace. RIP, Rocky.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

98. Yes

I didn't realize until comparing the pictures how much his jaw had grown from the tumors.

My poor sweet boy. I miss him so.

Thank you.

:hug:

[lumberingbear]

100. I'm so sorry.

:cry:

[BarenakedLady]

101. Thank you bear

:cry:

Indeed.

[redwitch]

103. You are a good mom and you did the right thing.

RIP beautiful kitty.

[BarenakedLady]

105. Thank you redwitch

:hug:

He was a good, sweet, loving boy.

[Vinca]

107. I'm sorry. He was a beautiful guy. It's so hard when they go. nt

[BarenakedLady]

108. It is hard

But I know it was the right thing to do and I did the best I could for him all these years, so that makes it a bit easier. Not much, but a bit.

Thank you.

:hug:

[Mz Pip]

109. It's so hard

but you did the right thing. Our cat went out purring, too. Maybe they know they will no longer be suffering. Maybe they just know that we love them, and that is enough. :cry:

Mz Pip
:dem:

[BarenakedLady]

113. Thank you

I loved his purr. I'm glad he was content at the end.

:hug:

[nini]

110. I'm so sorry for your loss

:cry: I know the pain too well. Rocky is in Rainbow Bridge now with all our other lost babies waiting for us :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

114. I'm sorry you know that pain

Thank you.

:hug:

[libnnc]

111. I am so so sorry. He was a beautiful boy

:cry: :cry: :cry: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

115. He was

I thank you.

:hug:

[GenDem]

112. Oh BNL

I'm crying right along with you.

I'm so terribly sorry for your loss.

You made the right decision to end his suffering.

Your video was a beautiful tribute to a much loved family member -- your dear Rocky.

I will be thinking of you and your family often the next few days.

:cry: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

116. Thank you GenDem

It was a tough weekend. His brother is lost without him, but being very affectionate.

:hug:

[Writer]

117. I am so sorry for your loss, barenakedlady.

I lost my cat in early 2005 and it's still hard.

:hug: for you.

Writer.

[BarenakedLady]

118. Thank you Writer

:hug:

[RogueSpirit]

119. What a beautiful cat

So sorry to learn of your loss. Losing a pet is so incredibly painful. I wish the best for you and your daughter.

[BarenakedLady]

125. Thank you

:hug:

[Ryano42]

120. I left a comment on Youtube...

Go play now Rocky! :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

126. Thank you for that.

:hug:

[cwydro]

121. I am so sorry

He's happy now and you did the right thing.

It is an awful decision to have to make. I know; I've had to make it myself.

[BarenakedLady]

127. Thank you cwydro

:hug:

[Fran Kubelik]

122. I am so sorry.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

128. Thank you

:hug:

[ThomCat]

123. I'm very sorry.

:cry:

Goodbye, Rocky. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

129. Thank you ThomCat

:hug:

[Beausoir]

124. You honored him. You allowed him his dignity. You loved him.

It's such an agonizing decision. But you really kept up your end of the deal....you gave him a beautiful life and never let him suffer. That is such a beautiful thing.

I know the pain you are in right now. It hurts so terribly bad. But you know it was the right thing to do. He's free now...to do whatever he wants to do.

And that video was heartbreaking and glorious. What a great idea.

And what a gorgeous animal.

RIP, buddy. Sounds like you had a great life.

[BarenakedLady]

130. What a sweet post

Thank you

:hug:

[Katina]

131. I'm so sorry

but I'm glad he's in peace. Looking at his eyes, you can see his pain. You have my sincere sympathy. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

134. Thank you

:hug:

[buddhamama]

132. I am sorry.

:( my heart goes out to you on the loss of your loving friend Rocky. :hug: :hug: :hug:

May Rocky Be At Peace.

[BarenakedLady]

135. Thank you buddhamama

:hug:

[ceile]

133. So sorry, BNL.

It's hard to say goodbye to our babies, but you did the right thing. You had 13 great, wonderful years with him.
RIP, Rocky.
:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

136. I can't believe how fast those years went

But so much has happened since then. I'll miss him.

Thank you.

:hug:

[chemenger]

137. I am very sorry to hear of your loss.

We had to put our cat Ricky to sleep this past January. He had stomach cancer. It can be every bit as deep a loss as losing your spouse or child or parent. And unfortunately, nothing seems to help.

[BarenakedLady]

143. Thank you

:hug:

[NaturalHigh]

138. I'm very sorry.

We had similar experience a few weeks ago with Oscar.

[BarenakedLady]

144. I'm sorry you lost Oscar

Thank you

:hug:

[racaulk]

139. This post brought me to tears, BnL.

Especially the last picture.

I can't express in words how sorry I am for your loss. Please try to take comfort in knowing that you gave him love and a good, long life, and that you made the right decision for him in the end. I'm sure he brought as much love into your life as you did to his, and I know you will miss him.

Be well, BnL. :hug:

And RIP, sweet Rocky. :cry:

[BarenakedLady]

145. Thank you for your kind words

:hug:

[Maraya1969]

140. I am so sorry BNL

:hug: You were a good mom to him. I'm sure he knew that. You will be together again.

[BarenakedLady]

146. Thank you

I love that running kitty you have. :)

:hug:

[Hugin]

141. I am so sorry for you and Rocky both...

x(

[BarenakedLady]

147. Thank you Prag

:hug:

[Danger Mouse]

142. As hard as it was, you did the best thing for him.

He had suffered enough.
Still... :hug:
I am, as always, available if you need me.

[BarenakedLady]

148. I know

and I thank you for that.

:hug:

[Danger Mouse]

149. We've been there for each other in the worst of times.

How could I do any less in your moment of need?
I love you, but that goes without saying. :hug:

[Blue Diadem]

150. I'm so sorry BNL,

He was a beautiful boy and you gave him a good life. I know how hard it is at the end, no matter how sick they are, it's still so hard. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

158. Thank you

:hug:

[Downtown Hound]

151. Rest in peace little Rocky.

I'm sorry for your loss.

[BarenakedLady]

159. Thanks

:hug:

[enigmatic]

152. I'm sorry, BNL

RIP Rocky :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

160. Thank you enigmatic

:hug:

[BuelahWitch]

153. I'm so sorry you lost Rocky

:hug: It's a hard decision, but you made the best one for him.

[BarenakedLady]

161. I hope I did

thank you.

:hug:

[ronnykmarshall]

154. Oh BNL .... it took me all day to try and watch this.

:cry:

You've got to know that deep down in your heart it was the right thing. I know just what you've had to deal with.

I saw this thread earlier and didn't want to see the video or pictures.

The only reason is that I had to take my two new kittens to the vet today. They will be fine. We got them at the pound last weekend and they both have colds. One of them is doing better, but the other little one worries me. The vet said they will both be ok.

But going to the vet will always remind me of when I lost my beloved boy, Mickey. He was ten when he passed away.

I know the pain you must feel right now.

Rocky was a beautiful boy.

Just remember, he's not suffering and he knows how much you loved him. Let the tears flow. Hell, I am as I write this.

Rocky's chilling out with my boy Mickey right now saying ...... "God Bush is an asshole!".

All my love to you,

RKM

[BarenakedLady]

162. That was such a wonderful post

I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm glad your kitties are going to be ok.

To Mickey and Rocky. :toast:

:hug:

[ronnykmarshall]

167. I love you baby!

:loveya:

[Callalily]

155. Take comfort that Rocky

lived a long and happy life with you. When my dear cat passed away last December a wonderful DU'er sent this to me.


Rainbow Bridge

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....

Author unknown...

Sending

[BarenakedLady]

163. Thank you

I know the Rainbow Bridge well. I took comfort in that when my sweet dog Katie died.

I thank you for reminding me.

:hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

156. I am so sorry...

:cry: :hug:

My heart is breaking for you.

[BarenakedLady]

164. Thank you MrsG

:hug:

[xchrom]

157. peace be with you --

Dear God, protect and bless all beings that breathe, keep all evil from them, and let them sleep in peace. Amen.
--Albert Schweitzer, "Memoirs of Childhood and Youth"


Eternal Spirit, we bring you our grief in the loss of Rocky and ask for courage to bear it. We bring you our thanks for Rocky who lived among us and gave us freely of his love. We commit our friend and companion Rocky into your loving hands. Give us eyes to see how your love embraces all creatures and every living thing speaks to us of your love. Amen.

I AM NOT THERE

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.

Various sources attribute this poem to the one of the following authors:
        (A) Mary Frye
        (B) Joyce Fossen
        (C) An unknown member of the Hobi Native American Tribe

[BarenakedLady]

165. I am not there

Is one of my favorite poems. I have that along with a picture of my dog Katie on my dresser. It gave me much comfort when she died suddenly in 2000. Thank you very much.

:hug:

[u4ic]

166. Oh, sweetie

I'm so sorry about Rocky. :hug: :pals: :grouphug:



I know it hurts so much right now. I hope you can take some comfort in that he had such a wonderful life because of you. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

170. Thank you u4ic

I am trying to focus on the good things. And giving extra attention to his brother Duke, who is understandably lost right now.

:hug:

[av8rdave]

168. I'm so sorry..looks like he was a wonderful companion

[BarenakedLady]

171. He was

Thank you very much.

:hug:

[snailly]

172. I'm so sorry

By easing his pain you did the most loving thing you could. I know it hurts horribly but you did the right thing for him. I never cried as hard as I did when I had to put my 15 year old buddy to sleep. I know what you're saying. You need to grieve and don't let anyone tell you different. I'll be thinking of you and Rocky.
Rest in peace little boy.

[BarenakedLady]

173. Thank you

I'm sorry you have gone through it as well.

:hug:

[Redstone]

174. Sorry for your loss, BNL.

Redstone

[BarenakedLady]

176. Thank you Redstone

I appreciate it.

[gemdem]

175. Sorry for your loss

Sending hugs your way...

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

177. Thank you gemdem

:hug:

I hope all is well with you.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

178. So heartbreaking - I'm so sorry!

What a beauty Rocky was, even in his illness. God, it's hard to lose our furry friends - I feel so badly for you. :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

179. Thank you

:hug: