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> Hiway
lytlewren
post Jun 5 2012, 12:43 PM
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Group: Pet Lovers
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Thank you so much for having this forum available. I've felt so lost and alone for the past few weeks.

My best friend has osteosarcoma. I had three dogs a year ago and now I have one who is slowly leaving me. The other two I lost earlier were 15 and 16, so it was expected although heartbreaking. Hiway is only 11 and was so very healthy. He missed his "brothers" desperately, quit eating for a while and was terrified of everything. I started bringing him to work, to the store, everywhere I went he was with me. We walked at the river several times a day and played so much fetch I thought my arm would fall off. He finally perked up and started eating and enjoying life again but seemed to have a bum shoulder. The vet said it was age or a muscle strain, so meds and rest. It didn't get better and I got scared, on our third visit back they found the tumor on his shoulder. There is no treatment option, only paliative therapy. We still go to the river every day, sometimes twice, he's a lab and water is his favorite thing except for fetch. Put the two together and he is in heaven. He isn't able to fetch on land due to the risk of pathological fractures, but he can fetch in the water which suits him just fine.

I was told we had about 3-4 months. we're about a month into it already. He still seems healthy, other than a little limp. He only eats when I sit with him, but he's been like that since his brothers passed away. I have wonderful bosses who allow me to bring him to work every day. He waits under my dest patiently for the river walk he knows will come at the end of our day.

I don't know what I'm going to do without him. Losing his brothers was so painful, losing him as well..... I don't know what I'm going to do without him. I will be so lost. I would give anything to be able to make him better, anything.
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moon_beam
post Jun 5 2012, 02:20 PM
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Hi, lytlewren, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in this time of Anticipatory Grief for you and your precious Hiway. Even though your mind knows the time you and your precious Hiway have together is now limited, he is still physically with you and your heart cannot help but hope that the diagnosis is somehow a mistake - - that your precious Hiway will somehow have a miraculous recovery. Believe me, lytlewren, this is NORMAL. It is a survival mechanism that our minds form to protect us from the overwhelming sorrow of the process of losing the precious physical presence of our beloved companions. There is no way in heaven or on earth that we are able to "prepare" ourselves for the moment when our precious companions are no longer physically with us. The only thing we can do is savor every moment of every hour of every day we have with them - - as they do with us.

The only way you will be able to endure through the journeys that are ahead of you - - for Anticipatory Grief and the grief adjustment journey awaiting you when your precious Hiway joins the angels are two separate journeys - - is to know you are not alone. Each of us here do understand what you are going through, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

Thank you so much for sharing your precious Hiway with us, lytlewren. I hope today is treating you and your precious Hiway kindly, and that you both will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. Please know you and your precious Hiway are in my thoughts and prayers, lytlewren, and that I look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam



--------------------
In heaven's perfect garden there is no grief or pain, and all of God's creation join the angels' sweet refrain.

The most blessed way I have of knowing God's comforting love and grace is to look into the eyes and heart of God's creatures' sweet angelic face.
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lytlewren
post Jun 6 2012, 07:59 PM
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Thank you for your kind words and thoughts.

Sometimes I just want to sit and cry because I am so sad, but it scares Hiway terribly when I cry to I try not to. He was a rescue boy that some friends kids found on the hiway (hence the name) all beat up and skinny. He was just a baby, but some of the fear is still with him. He is the best and sweetest boy around, but he is terrified of so many things. I am sure I would be too if I'd lived through what he has lived through. Since his "brothers" passed away he has been very lonesome, I keep him with me almost always. I'm fortunate to have bosses that have kept their dog home for now so Hiway can come to work with me. He stays in the back room, but we have lunch and snacks and I can sneak back to take breaks. He knows we'll go to the river after work. It's his treat for making it through a workday, my treat too;-) He's his old self at the beach. Hopping around like a goof begging for me to throw the ball. He can't fetch on land because of the risk of pathological fractures but the vet said it would be good for him to still swim, and he loves that so much.

I'm so afraid for him to die. I don't know how I will be able to deal with it. I will be so lonesome. He's gone everywhere with me, everywhere. He sleps in my bedroom, he rides behind me in the car, sleeps under my desk or is beside me where ever I am. (I do mean everywhere, at the risk of TMI, he even follows me into the shower or bath, lol)

This is the first time I've written or said the word. I've told people he is sick, that he has osteosarcoma, that he has a few months. But this is the first time I've said he will die. I love him so much and I just want to make things better for him. The only good I can think of is that maybe somehow he will see his "brothers" again. We lost them both over the last year as well. They were 5 and 6 years older than he, he'd never been without them except the first few months of his life before we got him.

I'm sorry. I'm rambling. I don't mean to just dump, but I guess I needed to vent.
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moon_beam
post Jun 7 2012, 11:57 AM
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Hi, lytlewren, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Hiway are doing. Please do not ever feel the need to apologize for sharing with us what is in your heart and on your mind. "Rambling" and the need to "vent" are very normal when we are experiencing one of the most painful changes our lives will ever know on this side of eternity - - the transition journey of our precious companions back home to the angels.

I am so glad your supervisors at work are being supportive of you and your precious Hiway in accepting him to go to work with you. And I'm so glad Hiway is still able to enjoy his swims and quality time with you. This is treasured time for both you and your precious Hiway, and I know you are savoring every moment of it, as he is.

It is normal to be afraid when we are in what I call the twilight journey with our precious companions - - the knowing that our earthly journey with them is transitioning to a different dimension. When our companions come into our hearts our lives are changed for the better. They literally become the center of our universe for they are totally dependent upon us for their every need. When they precede us to the angels our lives are changed again. We are faced with the incredibly excruciatingly painful task of establishing a "new normal" that no longer includes their sweet physical presence with us. It is a very painful adjustment, and one that does not happen overnight, in a day, a week, a month - - or even 6 months. It can only be made one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time in our own way and in our own time.

The good news is that your precious Hiway is still physically with you, and when his time comes to transition home to the angels his sweet Living Spirit will continue to be with you in your heart and your memories. Through the eternal love bond you and your precious Hiway share you will find strength and courage that you never thought you had so that you can continue on in your earthly journey in a way that will honor your precious Hiway.

It is important not to look down the "future" road right now but rather to just focus on taking one day at a time and making each moment you and your precious Hiway still have together the best it can be. And to remember that we are here for you, lytlewren, for as long and as often as you need us.

Thank you so much for sharing your precious Hiway with us, lytlewren. I hope today is treating you and your precious Hiway kindly, and that you both will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. Please know you and your precious Hiway are in my thoughts and prayers, lytlewren, and that I look forward to knowing how you both are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam


--------------------
In heaven's perfect garden there is no grief or pain, and all of God's creation join the angels' sweet refrain.

The most blessed way I have of knowing God's comforting love and grace is to look into the eyes and heart of God's creatures' sweet angelic face.
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lytlewren
post Jun 19 2012, 10:02 PM
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It's been a rough couple days. I went to my nieces graduation and was gone for two days and a night. When I took him to the river to swim and fetch he couldn't get his ball. He just stood their, his feet in the water looking at his ball and looking at me. He looked so sad and so lost. I had to put his leash on him to go back to the car. He didn't want to leave. He kept looking back at the ball. He just looked so sad and confused. Today when we went to work he cried once, I guess he just stepped funny or something. He seems okay now. He's sleeping, we went for a walk after work and he was okay then.

Im so scared. I will be lost without him.
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moon_beam
post Jun 20 2012, 10:43 AM
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Hi. lytlewren, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Hiway are doing. Changes in his ability to fetch his ball is yet another "indicator" of changes in his quality of life. Hopefully when you go next time to the river he will find his ball waiting for him along the bank, and if he cannot get to it, then perhaps you will be able to "fetch" it for him - - even if he can no longer play "fetch" he will at least have his ball again - - if possible.

This anticipatory grief journey is scary, lytlewren, but I hope you know you are not alone. What you are feeling is very normal when you say "I will be lost without him." For awhile you will be lost - - for not having the precious physical presence of your Hiway with you WILL BE life changing. But I promise you, lytlewren, it will not be "the end" for your Hiway will ALWAYS be with you wherever you go and whatever you do as you continue on with your earthly journey. You and your precious Hiway are both going through a "transition" journey now - - one that will eventually result in physical separation for the both of you, yet one that will continue to nourish the eternal love bond you and your precious Hiway share.

Thank you so much for sharing your precious Hiway with us, lytlewren. I hope today is treating you and your precious Hiway kindly, and that you both will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. Please know you and your precious Hiway are in my thoughts and prayers, lytlewren, and that I look forward to knowing how you both are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam


--------------------
In heaven's perfect garden there is no grief or pain, and all of God's creation join the angels' sweet refrain.

The most blessed way I have of knowing God's comforting love and grace is to look into the eyes and heart of God's creatures' sweet angelic face.
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lytlewren
post Jul 10 2012, 06:32 PM
Post #7





Group: Pet Lovers
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Member No.: 7,627



Hello again,

Just an update. Hiway is still in good spirits. He seems happy and pretty comfortable. He isn't able to do a lot of things he was just a few weeks ago. Our daily runs have gone from walks on the river to walks around the block and now just around the yard. He is still very much a Lab though; nothing makes him happier than going to the river:) We spend all day Friday and Saturday on the boat and the paddle board. He sits on the front of the board while I paddle us around the marina. He isn't able to swim any more, he has almost no strength in his left shoulder where they found the tumors. But he loves the rides around the marina surveying his domain. He still comes to work with me at the store and has even come out front to greet customers now and then. He's always been very, very shy with strangers (he was a rescue 11 years ago) but he's coming out of his shell just a little being downtown. He has lots of friends at the marina too who look for him and ask about him. He is eating fairly well, but not as well as last week. I think he'll have another couple weeks before the pain isn't controlled.

I talked to our vet, some of the most wonderful and compassionate people I've ever worked with. The vet will meet us at the river early in the morning, when we used to take our runs and play fetch, to put him to sleep. I talked to the port commissioner as well to make sure we weren't breaking any laws by euthanizing him on public property. They said it's not a problem, they know us, and the beaches are pretty deserted in the morning. I'm not ready yet, I feel like Hiway is still enjoying life, but when he is too tired and hurts too much; we have a plan. I found a rating scale (it was on one of the other threads) and I've been scoring him daily to make sure I'm not fooling myself regarding how he is doing. The scale says as long as he is above 35 it's reasonable, I feel that he's in the high 50's now. I'm not sure that I'm comfortable with 35. I think I'll probably talk with the very before that point. But whatever I decide, it's good to have something concrete to look back on.

Tomorrow and Thursday I have to teach class. Class would be too rough for Hiway, so he will stay at home. I'm really worried about him. I have people going to check on him both days, but I sure wish that I could be home with him. I only teach once or twice a month, I was hoping that I wouldn't have to leave him again. He gets so scared when I am gone. At least he'll be home where he is comfortable,he will have his Kitten there with him. He loves his cat and Kitten really loves him. She sleeps beside him every night. I'll be home in the evening and the morning, but..... They will be very long days. It makes me so thankful for my bosses who allow me to bring him to work with me. It means the world to have him close at this time.

Thank you all for being there. Even if I'm not here much, knowing that there are people who understand helps, it really does.
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moon_beam
post Jul 11 2012, 02:02 PM
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Hi. lytlewren, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Hiway are doing. I am so glad to know he is continuing to enjoy his daily routines, even though the level of routines is slowly diminishing. I'm so glad you found a "quality of life" scale that is helping you to gauge your precious Hiway's activity and pain management levels. It sounds like you will be able to give your precious Hiway a loving, peaceful transition journey home to the angels when the time is appropriate.

Thank you so much for sharing your precious Hiway with us, lytlewren. I hope today is treating you and your precious Hiway kindly, and that you both will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. Please know you and your precious Hiway are in my thoughts and prayers, lytlewren, and that I look forward to knowing how you both are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam


--------------------
In heaven's perfect garden there is no grief or pain, and all of God's creation join the angels' sweet refrain.

The most blessed way I have of knowing God's comforting love and grace is to look into the eyes and heart of God's creatures' sweet angelic face.
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terribebber
post Jul 11 2012, 03:56 PM
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Group: Pet Lovers
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From: North Carolina
Member No.: 7,683



Dear lytlewren I am so sorry you are having to go thru this. I am not sure if its my emotional state but i felt such sorrow reading your post. We lost a 13 yr old pit bull about 2 months ago due to heart failure. I completly understand how you feel and wish i could give you and your buddy a big hug. I recently became aware of the power of prayer. I will keep you in my thoughts and pray that god gives you the strength to go on each day and that Hiway will not suffer in any case. The loss can be so devistating that i compared the loss of our dog to the loss of one of my family members. The only thing i think that helped us cope was garden we created for our beloved Tex. It is on a path on our property and i visit him at least twice a day when we walk our shephard/coyote mix Axel. My husband had Tex's picture sealed in glass and he mounted it in concrete stone at his resting spot. Everyday gets better and i miss him so much but being able to know that he is no longer in pain and that he will always be where we can go and visit is very comforting. He will never be forgotten. I know you will make Hiway as comfortable as possible and he will know that you love him. Of course i will pray for you and your baby. I wish i could take your pain and sadness away. i hate for any pet parent to have to go thru this. Please keep updating on how Hiway is doing.

HUGS!!!
terri


--------------------
Wake up each morning like you meant to!



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lytlewren
post Jul 14 2012, 09:40 PM
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Thank you very much for your kind words and prayers.

Hiway had a rough night last night. I heard him fall around 3am and his leg and shoulder seemed worse today. He was having a pretty rough time getting around but he ate well and had a wonderful evening at the river. He waded at his little beach but then he must have heard another dog because off he went; very slowly, but he was absolutely going where he was going! I followed, of course, and we found a lady with her lab. It was the best medicine I have ever seen. Hiway perked right up and sniffed and wagged; I'm pretty sure they had a little chat in "dog". The lab was the funniest dog I've ever seen. He was digging in the sand, but both front feet were digging in unison, I kept expecting him to fall on his nose. He'd excavated a couple pretty good trenches already and was well on his way to another. He let Hiway play with his ball for a bit and then off we went again. There is a sandbar we used to run on every morning and Hiway must've been nostalgic. He actually made a couple limping running steps before I stopped him (we're worried about pathological fractures, very painful). He was so happy. It was so good to see the dog I've loved for so long free, even if only for a few minutes.

He's resting now, he tired himself out, but it was worth it. He felt like himself for a few minutes there at the sandbar. He's never been a "people" dog. He doesn't growl, he just ignores them, but he loves other dogs, any dog. He'd play with a pug or a mastiff, just as long as the other dog would play with him.

I know he doesn't have much longer, probably a matter of days rather than weeks at this point. I guess I just wanted you all to know about the gift he and I had tonight. That half hour was priceless.
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moon_beam
post Jul 15 2012, 10:32 AM
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Hi, lytlewren, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Hiway are doing. I am soooooo happy to share the wonderful day you and your precious Hiway shared together. I can feel the joy in your heart as you share your precious Hiway's adventures. This is a wonderful memory for the both of you - - for your precious Hiway will take this day with him when he transitions home to the angels - - and he will share this wonderful day, and his wonderful life with you, with all the residents in heaven's perfect garden.

I know first hand how difficult it is to see a precious companion's physical energy decline as illness takes its toll. The comforting reality is that love is eternal, lytlewren - - and nothing in heaven or on earth can ever take away or change the eternal love bond you and your precious Hiway share.

Thank you so much for sharing your precious Hiway with us, lytlewren. I hope today is treating you and your precious Hiway kindly, and that you both will have a very peaceful and cozy evening. Please know you and your precious Hiway are in my thoughts and prayers, lytlewren, and that I look forward to knowing how you both are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam


--------------------
In heaven's perfect garden there is no grief or pain, and all of God's creation join the angels' sweet refrain.

The most blessed way I have of knowing God's comforting love and grace is to look into the eyes and heart of God's creatures' sweet angelic face.
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lytlewren
post Jul 16 2012, 07:08 PM
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I made the call today to arrange for our vet to meet us at the river on Saturday. It took me several minutes to get out what I was trying to say, but they were so patient with me.
I have to carry Hiway up and down steps now, he has a hard time moving around due to the tumors on his right shoulder. I promised myself that I wouldn't force him to stay with me when he needed to rest.
We'll go to his little spot on the river where he's been going these past weeks. It's not his favorite place ever, I couldn't get him there, it's too far out, but he loves the river, so it'll be a good place to see his last sunrise.
I'm going to spend Wednesday, Thursday and Friday taking him to his favorite spots that we used to hike and play at. We won't be able to get all the way to some of them, but he'll know I think. We drove the long way home last night and he hung his head out with a big smile. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure this is the best week possible.
It scares him when I cry, so I'll have to be careful. I was crying when we got home from our drive last night and he looked so sad.
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DannysMom
post Jul 16 2012, 09:35 PM
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lytlewren, I'm so sorry that you'll be saying good-bye to your beloved Hiway. I know you'll be cherishing these last days and moments that you spend with him. My heart goes out to you and I'm wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.


--------------------
Danny: March 4, 2001 - December 28, 2011
Tina: October 27, 1997 - April 28, 2012


To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.
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moon_beam
post Jul 17 2012, 02:00 PM
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Hi, lytlewren, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Hiway are doing. I know what you are facing is the hardest experience you will know in your and your precious Hiway's earthly journey together, although your heart knows it is the most loving thing you can do to release your precious Hiway from his physical pain and suffering. I know you both will cherish every moment of every hour of every day you have together. Please know you and your precious Hiway are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing, and how things go.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam


--------------------
In heaven's perfect garden there is no grief or pain, and all of God's creation join the angels' sweet refrain.

The most blessed way I have of knowing God's comforting love and grace is to look into the eyes and heart of God's creatures' sweet angelic face.
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lytlewren
post Jul 19 2012, 11:25 PM
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We've spent the last few days up the Hood River to hiking spots we found so many years ago together. It was so sad to be there with just Hiway, who is so sick, when I remember exploring them for the first time with my three babies. They would roam, sniff and play all afternoon. We would leave the house in the morning not knowing where we would end up or how far up the valley we would go. Chewy bones for the dogs and granola bars for me. So many happy days.

That being said; Hiway was really happy to see his hiking spots. We'd moved away for a year and a half and only just got back in February, so we hadn't really been to all the old favorites yet. He found a trail that we used to take to the river that was all overgrown. I never would have found it, but he led me right there. Despite the fact that he barely gets out in the yard he walked to the river and the creeks he remembered. We drove the scenic hiway so he could hang his head out the window and sniff everything. We stopped at the waterfalls so he could pee on everything:) We went to the dog park and to the river many times. We had his last boat ride tonight. He was so happy to be out there. He loves the river more than I do (and that's a lot!) The only thing we didn't get to do again is paddle board, he really enjoys that, but it was too windy and he is too unstable. We went to see his Boy (my son) who grew up with him, and recently moved out. They had two really good visits. They waded in the river and Hiway caught green apples that Adam tossed to him. That was so good to see. He hasn't played at all this week, but he caught the apples for Adam. He must've bit into one a little because he sure spit it out fast.

Tomorrow morning we will go to the river to watch the sunrise and our vet will come around 7. I've cried a lot these past few days, but nothing like I will tomorrow I'm sure. My house, my car, my office and my heart will feel so empty.

I would love to post some pictures of him, but my brain won't function enough to figure out how. I can't think. nothing makes sense. I so much want to cancel the vet. I would give just about anything to make this better, to change this. to make him happy, healthy and whole again.
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moon_beam
post Jul 20 2012, 10:47 AM
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Hi, lytlewren, thank you so very much for sharing with us how you and your precious Hiway are doing. What a WONDERFUL time you and your precious Hiway have shared together. You have not only given him these wonderful memories to cherish but a wonderful earthly journey filled with eternal love to treasure as he patiently waits for your appropriate time to join him in eternal joy.

I know how your heart is breaking already at the thought of not having his precious physical presence with you. But please let me try to comfort you and reassure you that in releasing him from his frail, failing physical body you ARE giving him exactly what your heart wants: "I would give just about anything to make this better, to change this. to make him happy, healthy and whole again." The painful part is that you must let go of his physical body to do it.

You are right when you share with us that "nothing makes sense" - - and it won't for a very long time. But please know you are among friends here who truly do understand what you are going through, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

We would love to share your pictures of your precious Hiway whenever you are up to it. If you need help our L S Administrator is wonderful at offering assistance with "technical" challenges.

Lytlewren, thank you again so very much for sharing your precious Hiway with us. Please know you and Hiway are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I am here for you.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam


--------------------
In heaven's perfect garden there is no grief or pain, and all of God's creation join the angels' sweet refrain.

The most blessed way I have of knowing God's comforting love and grace is to look into the eyes and heart of God's creatures' sweet angelic face.
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lytlewren
post Jul 20 2012, 02:23 PM
Post #17





Group: Pet Lovers
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My friend is gone now. We woke up early to see the sunrise, it was really beautiful here. Went for a long drive with the windows down through the orchards and by the rivers we love. Then stopped for some beef jerky (a real treat for Hiway as I am a vegetarian) and went to the beach. We played fetch for the first time in a couple weeks. Hiway hasn't been interested in catching his ball for weeks, he hasn't fetched anything, or even been interested. I brought the ball simply because I thought he would like it with him at the end. I never threw it more than 10 feet, but he got it every time. There were some other dogs playing that he watched for a while and then the vet and his assistant came. He seemed scared at first, but let my ex husband and I hold him (he weighed almost as much as I do and could have gotten away if he'd tried I think). I held his head in my lap as he died, he seemed very peaceful. I had explained to him that it would be scary only for a minute and then it wouldn't hurt any more.

I miss him so much. My heart feels so empty.
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moon_beam
post Jul 20 2012, 03:18 PM
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Hi, lytlewren, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Hiway. As empty and painful as your heart feels right now, I hope some day, some how, you will come to know that your and your beloved Hiway's journey together has simply transitioned to a different dimension. Your beloved Hiway is now at peace and restored to his former youthfulness in the company of the angels, and his sweet Living Spirit continues to share your earthly journey just as he always has and always will, for he is forever a part of you, lytlewren - - he is always and forever in your heart and your memories - - he is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.

I hope you can feel my sincerest friendship reaching out to you across the cyber space and can feel my hands holding yours to comfort you in your deep sorrow. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, lytlewren, and that I look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam


--------------------
In heaven's perfect garden there is no grief or pain, and all of God's creation join the angels' sweet refrain.

The most blessed way I have of knowing God's comforting love and grace is to look into the eyes and heart of God's creatures' sweet angelic face.
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lytlewren
post Jul 21 2013, 02:40 PM
Post #19





Group: Pet Lovers
Posts: 23
Joined: 4-June 12
Member No.: 7,627



My friends has been gone a year and a day. I think of him almost every day. He has a new little brother now, a chocolate labradoodle named Atticus Finch. Finch and I go almost every day to Hiways favorite beach. We leave treats under a rock here in his memory. I took Hiways ashes up the river where his brothers ashes are. Finch and I visit there also. Kitten (Hiways little cat sister) is good friends with the new family member, but she doesn't sleep by him like she did Hiway. Now she follows me to the bathroom as Hiway used to do, it's like she inherited his job of making sure I'm safe when I wake up at night.

I miss him so very much. He was truly one of the most dignified and caring dogs I've ever met.

Thank you all for being here, for reading my posts and your kind replies. I wish I could reply to more posts, but I find myself in tears and just a wreck if I read too much some days. I've never been sure of what I believe, but do know that our dear friends are still with us in some way, maybe in our hearts or minds, but certainly, they are here somehow.

I love you my boy, I will miss you and think of you always.
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moon_beam
post Jul 22 2013, 02:43 PM
Post #20


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From: Virginia
Member No.: 4,861



Hi, lytlewren, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing, and for sharing these wonderful pictures of your beloved Hiway with us. He is a handsome lad.

Just because the calendar commemorates the one year angel-versary of our beloved companion does not mean that the sadness in our hearts automatically disappears. It simply means that we have endured the very painful first year grief adjustment journey without the blessing of the sweet physical presence of our beloved companion.

It is very common for one of the family companions to take on some of the traits / behaviors of the companion who is now with the angels - - as your precious Kitten is doing. This is one of the many ways our beloved companions have of letting us know that they are still with us - - of your beloved Hiway letting you know he is still with you - - of letting you know he is still a very integral part of his earthly family.

Congratulations on your new family member Atticus Finch. It is wonderful that you and your precious Finch go to the beach and leave treats in loving memory of your beloved Hiway. I hope you and your precious Finch will have a long, happy, and healthy earthly journey together.

I hope today is treating you kindly, lytlewren, and that you, Kitten, and Finch will have a very peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Hiway's sweet Living Spirit to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, lytlewren, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam


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In heaven's perfect garden there is no grief or pain, and all of God's creation join the angels' sweet refrain.

The most blessed way I have of knowing God's comforting love and grace is to look into the eyes and heart of God's creatures' sweet angelic face.
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