Time to Say Goodbye

This morning at 9:10am ET, I had to say goodbye to my dear dog, Fendi. It was the right time...not too late and not too soon. While I'm not up to giving all the details right now, I can share that the last 2 weeks have been hard on us both. The recent changes in just the last 5-6 days alone clued me in that his time to cross the Rainbow Bridge was nearing.

(You can read more about my fur baby in a previous post)

I made the decision Friday night while thinking about how we would face the coming weekend. I have to admit that I didn't know how I would be able to deal with this past weekend. Seeing him in his current state was very difficult for me. My fur baby, as I knew him, was slipping away from me slowly. While I do not believe he was in pain, he had become increasingly confused over the last few days and was worsening a little bit every day.

I was with him as the catheter was inserted and held him close while he peacefully went to sleep. He has joined Hansi, and so many other furry animals, and I know he is watching me from the other side of the 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....

I find great comfort in this poem. Fendi, I will truly miss you and you will forever be in my heart.

Fendi

October 15, 1991 - June 17, 2008