Flossie, March 15, 1991-October 30, 2008 Options

[Flossie's Mom]

Three weeks today my precious Flossie since you crossed over the bridge.

You were the bravest little fighter I have ever known. So many battles you had to fight in your life. From back surgery at 3-1/2, kidney removal at 11-1/2 as well as various other life threatning situations to the return of the back/rear leg problems the last month of your life.

I could no longer watch you as you tried so hard to once again overcome the hand you were dealt. You never gave up and I knew you wouldn't. I hoped many nights as I laid beside you that you would go peacefully in your sleep but your will and heart were so strong I knew that it would have to be up to me to give up for you. If the time was not right, please forgive me Flossie. I did what I thought was best for you my sweet girl.

Flossie, I miss you more than anyone can imagine....... You will be in my heart forever..........

[LoveThem]

We truly will love them forever and miss them forever.

Your sweet girl is looking down on you with love and she knows just how much you loved her and you know how much she loved you.

Our time with them passes much too quickly...they give us so very much. All we can ever do for them is the best we can. And...they know we will not hesitate to do that.

She would definitely tell you you were the best "Mom" ever and she is glad she was part of your life and knows she is part of your heart, a part that will be there forever and she can never leave you.

It is the memories of the happy times that they want us to remember. Your words to Flossie
are a beautiful tribute to the bond you shared together, that unique love that just can't ever be separated...not truly separated.

Hugs to you. I wish you peace and healing.

Judy

[Ken Albin]

I'm sure that Flossie knew how much you loved her and that your decision for her came out of this love. She sounded like she had a strong soul to overcome those problems. I know you will always cherish the wonderful memories you had with Flossie. Thank you for sharing this glimpse into her life.

Ken Albin

[Flossie's Mom]

Thank you Judy & Ken for your words of comfort.

I seem to be having a more difficult time now than I did the first 2 weeks. Partly because we are now back in North Carolina in the home we shared with Flossie most of her life. Where we lived just 3 short weeks when I came home from work to find her paralized in both hind legs. The begining of her 14 year journey to overcome many difficulties.

She never knew she was crippled. Just picked herself up, dusted herself off and started over. I always felt if she had the will to keep going it was up to me to do all I could to assist her with her efforts. Lots of people would have given up on her at her first medical crisis. Many people thought I went WAY overboard with her constant care but I see many people on here that also go above "normal" care. You know, the old "it's only a dog" comments that always come.

I've had many pets over the years but this is my once in a lifetime special connection. I've loved them all, took good care of them all but Flossie was the love of my life. I also have a cat that I had a special connection with as well as one that I grieved over for a long time. My Doofus.... a black cat with personality plus and a pure devil was my special kitty. I didn't dwell on his passing even though I nearly changed my mind when I was on the way to the vet to put him to sleep. He'd gone blind with feline lieukemia & was going downhill. My other kitty, Baby, was traumatized as a tiny thing, never could socialize her & had cancer at 14. I promised she would not suffer and I waited too long to take her to put her to sleep. She had rallied after her last fluid shot so I had false hope. She did not go peacefully & died in my arms 1 block from the vets' office. I beat myself up for a long time over that.

Seeing Doofus go to sleep peacefully while I comforted him and then see Baby struggle & suffer made my decision with Flossie a bit easier to make. A gut wrenching week once I made the appointment. Well, really a gut wrenching month up to that week. Waiting for a sign of improvement.... waiting for 2 good days in a row..... waiting for more good days than bad..... then see her actually run (her kind of run.... but a run anyhow) just 2 days before she was to be put down. Sort of a bittersweet sight to see. Then return to her poor pitiful struggle to walk the next day. I tried to fool myself that she'd get over it while I knew in my heart that it would not happen.

Today I got a card along with a personal note from her local longtime vet as well as his technician. He says she was such a fighter & really beat the odds living as long as she did. He expected her to live forever and she will be missed. The tech called her a trooper.

Our daughter who lives with us had to put her 13 year old kitty to sleep 3 days before we put Flossie to sleep so it was not a happy week for our family. This was her "love connection" cat. A sweet, sweet cat. She slept with me most nights so while I was gone she slept in my bed. When she got so sick with her cancer near the end Michelle had to sleep in my bed with her.

As luck would have it we "acquired" a kitten and a young dog 4 months before we lost our beautiful Flossie. So I do have something to detract from the hole left in my heart that's as big as the grand canyon! I don't expect that hole to get smaller but I do hope it will not be a wide open hole sometime in the days to come. Just at least have a protective "dome" over it or something I guess would work for me.

Again, thanks for the comforting words I have received here. It's nice that there are people here who completely understand how difficult it is to lose a beloved pet.

Ginger

[LoveThem]

I'm glad to hear you acquired a kitten and a 4 month old doggie. I understand what you mean about the hole and the "protective dome".

That's exactly why I adopted my new cat, Lucky, last December. He is my distraction and my "protective dome". I really needed that help.

Good luck with your new babies and keep us informed on how they are and how you are.

Judy

[Lei-Lei'smom]

Oh, what a brave fight BOTH of you fought. She was so lucky to have had such a dedicated and loving owner like you. She knew how it pained you to see her suffering. Little Flossie was a real trouper and it sounds like you gave EACH OTHER the strength and courage to battle the life's problems she was dealt. She is at peace now, waiting for you to join her and her suffering is over. I can only hope and pray that you allow yourself to stop suffering for her now. I know how hard that is to do also. Peace

[Flossie's Mom]

Judy,

You always have the most comforting words. They help so much.

Sometimes I think I should not come to this forum & maybe I could do better by not "wallowing" in my grief but I truly believe this is necessary rather than trying to "get on" with life. People like you understand the attachement each of us has to our special fur babies.


Lei-Lei's Mom,

Yes, we both truly did fight. She had such a strong will and was so spunky that I knew at the very first challenge she could do it. We did it TOGETHER. I had complete faith she could walk again with the surgery even though by the time they were able to operate her chances were 45%.

More than one vet has been amazed at how she had been able to overcome things. My vet recently sent a card saying I really thought she was going to live forever. We had her records faxed to him when we changed to his practice & he said... those are not records..... it's a BOOK!

I really am OK with my decision..... I just miss her and wish she'd had a break sometime in her life. I do try to tell myself that maybe she did have a break.... that break was me to love and care for her like others would not have. Not everyone could have afforded what her expenses were and not everyone WOULD have even if they could.

Flossie, you deserved everything I was able to do for you in return for the love you gave me. That was my reward.

Missing you a ton today Miss Flossie

[Flossie's Mom]

Four weeks today Flossie and no signs that you are doing OK..... I need some kind of sign that you are OK.

Our first Thanksgiving apart since 1991.

Missing you and love you forever and forever.

Mom

[LoveThem]

Remember...some people get a sign...some do not. I am one of the "do not" get a sign but I know all my special ones are okay because...I remember what they were going through when they had to leave and I know they are not going through that anymore....so they are okay and are at peace.

You still may get a sign, as some do...we just never know. But if you don't....don't worry..she is okay.

Hugs and healing and peace to you.

Judy

[Flossie's Mom]

Judy,

I know some of us do not get any signs. I was really hoping I would as Flossie & I had a long, long relationship as well as very close. I had nursed her through so many tough times that I was sure she'd be one to let me know. I do know she is OK. She was so attached to me I am afraid she is lonely. She was not very social with other dogs. Hopefully she has found her buddy Doofus, the cat.

Our daughter's cat was put to sleep 3 days ahead of Flossie & she has had several signs already. We called her Lady.... Ladybug sometimes. When she buried her in our flower bed she put a plastic ladybug sign & a stone with Ladybug written on it. Michelle found one of her toenails and 3 times now there have been ladybugs show up.

One flew onto her arm when she was in someones yard about 20 miles from our house. Then she found one at the base of the cupboard where her food was kept. The day before Thanksgiving she was helping a friend get things ready for company at his house and another one appeared. I'm glad she's had these signs as this was her special bond kitty. She has another one and a dog but Ladybug was one of those that was very loving & never gave you a reason to get upset with her. The vet said she had more personality than any cat he'd ever seen.

Though we are very sad for the ones we've lost, we're enjoying the company of 2 dogs & 2 cats we still have. Even though the 2 dogs are both alpha females & having some adjustment problems. Playtime ends up in a fight so we have stopped the playing in the house. WeeBee is very possesive of her people.... but she also thinks EVERYONE is her people so wants to hog Michelle to herself too. Not setting too well with Savannah who is 4 now & Michelle is HER Mom.

At least this keeps us occupied & unable to dwell on our recent losses.

[LoveThem]

I'm hoping you get a sign too.

Loved your story about the ladybugs....wow..that is wonderful.

Some people get their signs here ...in their dreams. There have been so many different ways written.

I think the Heaven these sweethearts are in.....they can't ever be unhappy or lonely...cause that is not what Heaven is all about.

Until the day you are reunited with Flossie...I am sure she has met others at the Rainbow Bridge who are waiting and they must keep each other company for it surely is Heaven for them. They deserve happiness forever.

And I am sure she and Doofus have found each other so they can watch over you together, just like Angels do.

I had my Little Guy the longest I ever had a special one stay...16 1/2 years...there is no sign from him for me but when I look into his eyes in all the pictures I have in every room...I feel a "connection". They are not just pictures...there are more special to me. Maybe that's the way I get a sign of some sort...I don't know. It seems like everyone who gets one are all different, except a lot say they have dreams of being with their sweethearts..while others see a falling star, see a rainbow out of the blue...I guess anything can be a sign..we just have to be on the lookout for it.

I wish you and your family peace, healing and lots of hugs...especially for the newbies.

And your last sentence of: At least this keeps us occupied & unable to dwell on our recent losses.

I completely agree and understand that sentence...that's what my shelter cat, Lucky, does for us here. When he runs through the house at 80 MPH...we can't help but laugh. He is a true distraction from the pain.

Judy

[Flossie's Mom]

Judy,

Thanks once again for your message.

Another sign from Ladybug yesterday. We have a home based business that puts up signs for a new baby in the yard. Michelle & I did the one yesterday together and she got out of the car, walked to a spot to see if that was a good location for the sign and a small kitten that looked just like Lady RAN to her & started purring. That kitten was all over her the whole time we were there. Of course it belonged to someone & had a tag with a name & phone number but we took it as a sign from Lady that she is a kitten again. There was a black cat looking like my Doofus also but he didn't come to us. Just hung around. They were from the house right next door we think.

Last night for some reason when I looked at the picture of Flossie that Michelle had framed & put by my recliner, I just began to cry. She is looking right at me in this picture. Today is one month. Some days it seems longer & some days it seems like yesterday.

Yes, those new ones do distract from the loss as well as entertain & work their way into your heart with their antics don't they?

Miss Flossie ................ you were the best dog I ever had and fought such a good fight for so many years just to be with me. I found that sweater that you hated to wear but would suck on to go to sleep. I'm keeping it though it is full of holes. Also your little bunny toy that you loved to shake.

Have fun my girl, till we are together again. I love you and miss you.

[ann]

Something as simple as your thoughts of Flossie is her sign to you. A little nudge, saying hey Mom, I'm still with you...Never lose those happy memories.. Take care.. Ann

[Flossie's Mom]

Hello Miss Flossie..................

Six weeks today and I miss you as much as ever. I have your picture by my recliner in the living room and you are looking right at me. Since you were always so in tune to where & what I was doing this seems like where you need to be. Your ashes are by the bed so I can say goodnight and good morning like always.

There will never be another like you my Miss Priss...... I love Mr. Jingles a lot and he sleeps with me at least most of the night. He does help by snuggling my neck and purring as if he knows how much I miss you. WeeBee is always so happy & wants to go for walks like you did when you were healthy. I'll try to be a good Mommie to them in honor of you Flossie.

Have fun up there with all the other fur babies. I hope you can now run like you did the first 3-1/2 years. You had such fun when we went out for our walks & playtime. How happy you were during those times and hope you are doing that now.

I love you................

[sissycat]

You will always have a special place in your heart for your Flossie.
Just wanted to say hello and hope you are doing well.

We both share the same day anniversary. Been 27 weeks for mine.

Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Flossie's Mom]

Miss Flossie..........

Thinking of you more today than the other days of the week since it marks 7 weeks ago I had to let you go. I knew the day would come when I would have to let you go ahead to wait for me. Have fun till then.

Christmas is a week from today and I will be missing my two favorite angels a lot this year. This is the hardest Christmas since I lost Grandma. Her birthday was Christmas Day so that always makes me sad a little anyhow but this year will be extra difficult. We lost our friend Ray this past Monday but Anna says that he has you in his arms right now. Brooks is not well so we are worried about him and what will happen with our little rescue kitty Smarty. I don't think he would enjoy our house much. I bet you can relate to that can't you?

Mr. Jingles is really trying hard to keep me from being too sad. He can be a real devil sometimes and very loving other times. Guess when he is a devil he is trying to make me smile.

I know we did all we could for you and gave you the best life possible despite all the problems thrown your way. And I know you were the strongest, bravest little girl ever. I'm sorry if I ever lost patience with you sweetie when you were so cranky the last month. I tried not to be and I never stopped hopeing that your legs would stop giving you so much difficulty. It broke my heart to see you struggle so. Your will as you just got up, dove for the food or bed & never gave up was just like you always were, ONE TOUGH COOKIE...................... Your strength for those 14-1/2 years of troubles gave me the strength to help you pass over to the Rainbow Bridge.

I'll see you there sweetie. I love you...............

[sissycat]

That was very sweet!

Sending you big hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Maybe our furbabies are keeping each other company.

Hugs to you and angel Flossie

[Flossie's Mom]

Missing you Flossie on our first Christmas apart since you came into our lives in 1991.

What a live wire you were. We remember how you were so tiny that when you went down the front steps your rear end came up & you almost fell off. Dad remembers you attacking the cat over your chew bone when you were just a baby. The same cat that you became best buddies with. You and Doofus playing even when you were crippled & he was blind..... how we called you "Blindeylocks & Crip".

Flossie, if you were young again you would have such fun with Mr. Jingles. He is a lot like Doofus. He keeps me entertained and snuggles me every morning & every night. I think you sent him my way just so I wouldn't be so lonely after our 17-1/2 years together. You are not replaceable, he does help but I really do miss you.

Remember always that you are my special angel. I hope you are with GG on her birthday today. You two were the most important "people" in my life. This is the hardest Christmas for me since she left us. Though she was gone before you joined our family, I know she would have made fun of me and my "livestock" but would have loved you.

Today is a double whammy since it was GG's birthday, Christmas as well as 8 weeks since you passed over to the Rainbow Bridge.

A picture of you at Christmas in 2002, my Christmas Angel & you, me & Dad on vacation in 2007. Even you were smileing.

Like I said every day as I went out the door to work with you watching me............ "be a good girl". And you were!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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[sissycat]

What great pictures you have!!

Merry X-mas to you on our shared anniversary.
Merry Christmas to Flossie and Sissycat. Hope they keep each other company.

Hugs!!!!!!!!!

Kim

[LoveThem]

That picture of Flossie with the red Christmas hat on..when I saw it, my first thought was:

"There is Santa's little helper" and that thought and your picture made me smile.

Thank you for making me smile. We all need that.

Judy