Earlier this week, I thought I'd prepare some posts ahead of time for the week as the time for holiday hustle and bustle increases...and then there was news of a loss of a furfriend...and then another...and then unbelievably and shockingly so, today I've learned of one family's devastating loss. Add this to the recent passing of some other petpals, it's very difficult to shake the sadness when the news hits. It envelopes us like an ill-fitting coat. I believe the pet world is a close knit, caring, and compassionate world. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. And today, we are all hurting.
There is no "good" time to lose a pet. And having such a terrible loss around the holiday season just seems to magnify the pain. It's certainly been a sad week of loss in the pet social media world. Through social networking, as we have all discussed before, we have forged some lasting relationships with other pet parents - sharing the tribulations, trials, joys, and sorrows that come along with raising and loving a pet. We have lost too many it seems recently with The Thundering Herd's Kodiak, Rottover's Gizmo, Help Save Zen's Zen, Tails from the Pack's Bruno, Scooby Star, a personal friend of mine's Nico, and others who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
The passing of our beloved pets hit hard and deep. A hole is left that feels as though it can never be filled. We are shaken hard while facing daily activities without a familiar cry, nuzzle, lick, or push of the hand. These recent deaths certainly do weigh heavy on our minds and makes us pause to realize we never really know how long our loved ones will be in our lives. Hold them tight. Give them extra hugs and kisses. Take time to toss the ball one more time. And thank God everyday for bringing them into our lives.
Run free, sweet furbabies. You will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with your hu-families.
Today, let's take a moment to reflect on these wonderful, loving animals and their families. Today, this blog is in memory of them.
Earning their furangel wings this week, we bid a sad farewell to:
BENSON
(@BensontheHusky on Twitter)
Age 3 Years & 7 Months
KEVA
(Blogger & Facebook furpal who has been in a #pawcircle of strength)
Age 16
And to the FIVE PITTIES from the Houston, Texas Kissa-bull packMayzie's Dog Blog has organized a Chip-In who perished in a house fire. The hu-family and two pitties were lucky to have escaped, but they lost their house and five of their beloved rescue babies. The Blogger community is gathering together to help this family out. for anyone who would like to help. No amount is too small to help this family.
Run free now, Benson, Keva, and Pitties...and frolick and play with all the friends who have gone before you, waiting there to greet you and escort you beyond the Rainbow Bridge.
Tribute To A Best Friend
Sunlight streams through window pane
unto a spot on the floor....
then I remember,
it's where you used to lie,
but now you are no more.
Our feet walk down a hall of carpet,
and muted echoes sound....
then I remember,
It's where your paws would joyously abound.
A voice is heard along the road,
and up beyond the hill,
then I remember it can't be yours....
your golden voice is still.
But I'll take that vacant spot of floor
and empty muted hall
and lay them with the absent voice
and unused dish along the wall.
I'll wrap these treasured memorials
in a blanket of my love
and keep them for my best friend
until we meet above.
~Author Unknown