Lost My Kelly Options

[Nightengale212]

I am new to this site and just wanted to share about the passing of my beloved almost 10 year old female golden retriever Kelly on 12/15. For the past 20 years I have been owned by the most wonderful golden retrievers. My first golden Bailey passed away suddenly from a brain tumor at the age of 6 in 1996. My husband and I were devastated beyond words, but were able to open our hearts to another golden our sweet Duffy in 1997. As my husband and I were never able to have human children, and when Duffy was age 2 little fur ball Kelly was added to our family. My husband, I, and the dogs enjoyed a wonderful life together, but that would all change in 2001 when my husband passed away suddenly from a heart attack with the dogs by his side. Knowing that the dogs needed me to care for them is what helped me find purpose in life and heal from my grief. A new wonderful man entered our lives and he immediately fell in love with the dogs, and then with me, and life began to look up again. In 2003 I was diagnosed with cancer, and again I fought to survive because my dogs needed me. Several months after having the surgery that would cure my cancer, Duffy who was now age 6 too took ill quickly and within hours he died from a ruptured spleen caused by a tumor. Again I was devastated beyond words, but Kelly was still here and needed me, which again was my purpose to go on. I can remember when Kelly reached her 7th birthday celebrating with a sigh of relief as I knew I would not loose another at age 6. Although Kelly was beginning to grey in face and was now creeping up the stairs instead of leaping as she did in her youth, every minute with her was precious. Kelly was staying with my 85 year old Dad as we began to share time with her after my mother passed away three year ago, and he called me early Monday morning to say that Kelly could not get up. We managed to get her to an emergency Vet close to home, and initially he thought she had an inner ear problem and sent us home while he would do further testing over the next several hours. I got a call around noon to inform me that Kelly's condition had worsened and she likely had a stroke and I should get back there quickly. We returned to find my beloved Kelly struggling to breath, and I made the decision to end her suffering. Within a few seconds Kelly was gone. Yes again, I am suffering another loss, but the joy that I received in the life I lived with my wonderful husband and special dogs I condsider myself so blessed. And I know beyond a doubt they are all together now at the Rainbow Bridge watching over me from there as they did when they were here.

[Flossie's Mom]

I am so sorry to hear you've lost your precious Kelly.

And what difficult times you've had for the last few years. So many losses in such a short time seems like more than your share. It must be somewhat comforting to know you had such wonderful companionship through many of the challenges you encountered. I've often heard how wonderful it is to "be owned" by goldens.

Any pet loss is heartbreaking and so close to Christmas will make it extra sad I know. This will be my first Christmas in 18 years without my special girl and we lost our daughters special cat of 13 just 3 days before my Flossie so we will be missing 2 this year. We do have 2 additions this year so that will be a plus that may help us all.

I'm trying to remember good times with our girls and know their struggles are over since they must be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge fo us. They are together along with all our furry ones gone before them as well as my wonderful Grandmother who was born on Christmas Day.

When you feel up to it please post some pictures of your Kelly as well as Bailey & Duffy for all of us to see. Come here as often as you need to. It has been a big help to me to read others' stories and know I am not alone in feeling so sad about the loss of my best friend. The comforting words of others here is very healing. We all take a different amount of time to grieve and people here are understanding and encouraging to each other.

Yes, you were blessed and they are at the Rainbow Bridge watching over you like always.

Sending hugs to you and Kelly tonight.

[pappy's_mama]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know that is hurts more than you can explain. You were blessed to have the time that you shared with Kelly. You have some great memories and before too long, you'll be able to remember with a smile rather than tears. Kelly will always remain with you in spirit. Feel free to tell us stories, show us pictures, etc.

[toonie]

And I know beyond a doubt they are all together now at the Rainbow Bridge watching over me from there as they did when they were here.

they will make you strong and well. take care.

[LoveThem]

I am so sorry about Kelly. Yes, golden retrievers are so very beautiful and lovable babies.

I admire your attitude. You are saying the things that are so helpful to remember.

Yes, we will see these babies again one day because if there is a Heaven....it can only be there is they are there and we are with them again forever.

Knowing you did the right thing doesn't make the decision any easier. I have been there before and lost some wonderful German Shepherds, and other best friends, canine and feline.

When you said: We returned to find my beloved Kelly struggling to breathe, and I made the decision to end her suffering.

That reminded me of my last boy, Little Guy, who I lost last year and his story of struggling to breathe..I hadn't had that happen before. I had to make an instant decision and I so didn't want to. I wanted to take him home but I knew this was a battle where he would suffer and at the end of the battle we would not win.

When my last Shepherd had to leave....we were petless for a time because we planned to move shortly and wanted to wait until we knew where we would be ..before we got another. Well, our quiet empty back yard attracted a feral mom who had kittens there. Well, I've always been a sucker for puppies and kittens..and we wound up adopting twin boys and a girl. My Little Guy, my avatar here, was the last of the 3. He was with us over 16 years. I couldn't believe it as my pooches couldn't go past 12 and usually it was 10. It seemed like a miracle to have one of these unconditional love machines for so long.

I know this makes the Holidays so very different and I feel the same way. We did adopt a rescue cat after last Christmas but I have my pictures of my Little Guy all over my home and also as my desktop wallpaper and there isn't a day I don't wish I could reach into one of these pictures and give him a hug.

But yes, they are worth everything.

Hugs and peace I wish for you. You sound on the right track to healing.

Judy