mrblanche
Texas
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Joined: 04/20/2009
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In honor of all these furry friends, and the ones (too many) I have seen go on ahead of me. Particularly Snoopy, Wicket, and Truman, three very different cats who have filled almost 36 years of marriage.
I AWAKE
By Mike Blanche
I awake...but I do not remember falling asleep.
Just a moment ago, little Jimmy threw the ball
And I chased it with all my puppy concentration,
Timing each bounce in the grass to catch it
At just the right moment.
Did I feel the front yard's grass turn to stone?
Did I hear a screaming sound?
Perhaps I did. Perhaps I dreamed.
The fresh tang of dewy grass teases my nose.
The golden sun warms me. I open my eyes,
Many new friends gather around me.
They show me what to eat, where to drink.
We play and sleep, near the bridge of all colors.
This is wonderful...but it is not perfect.
I awake. Only a moment ago I fell asleep,
Deep asleep, lying in Jim's arms.
I remember the pain in his eyes,
And the pain in my body, slowly ebbing.
So many years I played at his feet,
Slept by his side, sat watching at his windows.
Slowly I moved less, jumped less, ate less, saw less.
He loved me, carefully caressing me,
Making soft soothing sounds.
But the pain is gone; the blades of grass
Tickle my nose. I open my eyes,
And find new friends gathered around me.
My legs are like springs. Butterflies play tag.
I am fed, and we play near the many-colored bridge.
It is wonderful...but it is not perfect.
I awake. When I fell asleep moments ago,
I thought all was finished. But now I see
Sunshine streaming through the leaves above.
All the pains and aches of my long life
Are dimmest memories. I lift my hand
Before my eyes. I see it clearly, soft and smooth,
As it has not been in years. I rise,
My legs strong again, my toes against
The cool grass. My ears hear birdsong;
The freshness of dawn floods my senses.
I move easily, drawn to a bridge nearby,
Arching gracefully into the distance.
This is wonderful...but it is not perfect.
I approach the bridge, and turn to gaze
Into the fields nearby. I see happy creatures,
Sitting, playing, and sleeping.
But my eyes are drawn to two joyous beings,
Running at their fullest speed.
They seem familiar. Can they be
The animals I knew before?
THEY ARE! I kneel down,
They rush into my arms, wetting my face
With joyous kisses and tears.
We stand. We move together
Across the Rainbow Bridge.
This is wonderful...this is perfect.
Mike Blanche
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jcapps
Not a senior just a
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Joined: 08/18/2004
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I lost my best friend yesterday. I am broken hearted and in pain, we were inseparable. He lived a good life and was loved and spoiled.
April 1 1992 to May 31, 2009
I miss him every minute
![[image]](http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/jcapps/Tahoe004.jpg)
![[image]](http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/jcapps/Picture006.jpg)
And here is the last picture I took of my boy about 2 weeks ago. He never left my side when I was in the house. His favorite place was either on my chest or on this ottoman laying against me
![[image]](http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/jcapps/2.jpg)
I need to tell you about my best friend. Turbo has been at my side since we adopted him in April of 1993. The day we went looking for a cat was a nice sunny day. We went to four pet adoption places. At the fourth one we walked into a room with fifty cats. Turbo was high up on one of the kitty towers but quickly made his way down to greet us. He walked right up to me and rubbed his body against my leg and looked up. I picked him up and never let go.
We took him home that day and kept him separated from his new brother. They sniffed at each other under the door for the first day. On the second day we let them meet. Calvin and Turbo ( I did at first want to name him Hobbes) became close friends and generally where one would be the other would not be far away.
Actually there were many times they fought and the fur would fly. The only reason for the fights was if Calvin would climb on me and snuggle when Turbo left the room for some rare minute.
Turbo would return and see Calvin and also climb upon me. Turbo knew how to bide his time and later when Calvin would leave the room, Turbo would find him and attack. Since both are long haired cats, you would literally see fur wherever a battle took place.
Since Calvin was Anne’s cat and rarely left her side, thankfully this was not too often. You have heard of junkyard dogs, well Turbo was always the contractor’s cat when we were remodeling. No matter what noise was being made he would be right there watching. One time one of the guys was under a sink cabinet with a sawzall and Turbo was right on his chest watching him work. As the years went by the “boys” grew closer and would find exotic places to hide when we were not home.
Over time Calvin grew ill. We brought him to the vet many times. We later learned that the steroids one vet put him on damaged his heart. We eventually lost Calvin and Turbo was the King.
After Calvin was gone we tried to go on vacations but they never worked. We would inevitably get a call from my sister and bil telling us that Turbo would not let them pass him on the staircase. They ended up sleeping downstairs in their living room. Somehow this loving cat turned psycho when I was away more than a day. We ended up cutting our vacation short and picking up our innocent baby. The minute I would pick him up he would start licking my ear and cleaning my hair.
It was then we decided we needed an rv. We tried a few gassers but they did not meet his standards. The gassers were too noisy for him. We eventually got a diesel pusher and he was happy. While on the road, you could always find him ensconced in his bucket between Anne and I.
At least one time every trip he would vacate his bucket to puke. Turbo never traveled very well anyway. Previous to the rv we had a cabin, I think he only made it there once without getting sick. But sick or not it was better he was with me than home alone.
When we decided to move and build a new home we had to live in the new guest house for two years. I think this really hurt his exercise program. He was limited to 500 sf. I don’t think he ever moved the way he used to after that.
We eventually sold the rv when Turbo’s legs would not be able to take the travel. We did not want to put him through the pain. As the last year or so went on his legs got worse, the anti inflammatory helped a lot because you would still see his eyes light up when I walked in the room.
He never left my side, even as he got slower, and the 17 years took their toll, he spent as much time with me as possible.
There were days I could see he was having a hard time but his eyes always smiled. It was breaking my heart that I was going to have a decision to make and I did not want to make that.
This morning Turbo and I spent time together on the couch, I could see his eyes were different today, they told of pain.
I am telling you this because this afternoon the decision was removed from my hands. At about 4:30 this afternoon, as Anne and I sat at the table talking, we heard cries we never heard before. We both ran to his side, he seemed to be trying to catch his breathe and could not. I tried to help and he ran, I caught up to him and Anne and I held him as he took his last breathe.
He died in my arms in short time. I am blessed to have had time on this earth to spend with Turbo. He was a true companion, he never left my side, slept each night on my shoulder. When I was ill he would cry out in sympathy. So I write this in his honor. I loved that cat. He was the only child I will ever have and he was the greatest.
I know one day I will meet up with him again at Rainbow Bridge, till then I will think of him every day.
* This post was
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"The great challenge of adulthood is holding on to your idealism after you lose your innocence."
– Bruce Springsteen
"This ain't the practice round"
- a friend
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corgi-traveler
Bakersfield, CA
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Joined: 12/14/2007
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Moira Elsbeth, or Beth, our sweet baby girl.
Born 1/11/94. Came home to live with us in April of that year, driving home through a heavy spring snowstorm. She was a wild girl from the beginning, having far too much energy for an upstairs apartment dog. But, as starving grad students, it was all we could afford, and couldn't bear NOT to have her, so we endured her shenanigans.
Later when we returned to CA and bought a house, she had a yard of her own, and wasted no time becoming known as the cat-slayer. I have always regretted that I wasn't able to give her a job when she was young. She would have excelled at anything, obedience, agility, herding, you name it. But busy with careers, we couldn't do that, and her job was companion and cuddlebunny. She took her job very seriously, following us from room to room.
When our first corgi and her soulmate Zack passed in 2005, the new puppy was trained from day one to be an obedience dog. Later Buddy came along, and was also prepped for competition from the start. Beth loved tagging along to the trials, hanging out in her crate or at the RV and cheering the boys on.
My favorite memories were of her, back in that first apartment, running down the hall with a leg from the coffee table in her mouth. Many years later, a much more tender favorite memory would emerge. In December of 2004 DH had major abdominal surgery, and spent 5 days in the hospital. When I brought him home, Beth delicately jumped up on the sofa beside him and proceeded to burble and trill for nearly half an hour, telling him all manner of "things".
Every morning for as long as I can remember, Beth has "chaperoned" shower time. If you turned on the water in the shower, she would lie down on the bath mat and wait for you. Looking at that empty space these last couple of days has been very hard.
In 2005, at the age of 11, Beth developed an occasional tremor in her hind leg. The following year she stopped jumping on the furniture, but still had good mobility. She remained healthy and fairly active. There was no way she was going to die and let one of the other dogs be Alpha. She made that very clear to us.
In October of 2008 she caught a stomach bug. It left her very weak, and we feared losing her then. She did recover, but began having more trouble with her rear legs. She had a lot of trouble getting up, and often times when I helped her up, her legs would cross. For a few months, heavy doses of NSAIDS kept her from getting worse. But when her condition started to decline even on the meds, we knew we were dealing with Degenerative Myleopathy. Over the last two weeks she got worse and worse, hardly walking at all, mostly dragging herself. When bowel and bladder control faded away, we knew the end was upon us.
sweet baby Beffie, you wil always be our baby girl. Rest well, sweet Beth
![[image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/samamph/Beth.jpg)
1/11/94 - 6/3/09
Samantha (the poster)
Tim, DH and driver of the CorgiMobile
Dexter and Dora - Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Gone but never forgotten -
Beth 1/11/94-6/3/09
Pippin 3/16/05-11/4/15
Buddy 11/7/05-10/24/16
Diva 1/9/09 - 8/20/20
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roaddogs
Arkansas
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Joined: 08/04/2006
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This is a thread I wish none of us ever had to post on.
Teddy Bear
3/27/09 to 7/29/09
In 1999, we adopted 2 brothers, born on 3/27/99. They were the light of our lives, spirited and with awesome personalities. Bailey was the comic while Teddy played the role of straight man of the duo.
In late 2004 we learned Teddy was diabetic. Those first few months were difficult b/c his glucose wouldn't regulate, but on 1/05 vetsulin was introduced to the US market; Teddy was the first in our area to use it and it worked like a charm holding his blood sugar at perfect levels. The following month we noticed Teddy's vision seemed "off". A visit to our vet confirmed that due to those 3 months of glucose highs/lows Teddy had developed diabetic cataracts and an immediate lens replacement was necessary to save his vision. The operation went smoothly and once again Teddy overcame this hurdle.
In Nov. 06 we lost Bailey suddenly to IMHA, a disease we'd never heard of before and one that strikes the immune system. We worried how Teddy would react since they had been together all of their lives, but our little soldier managed.
From 1/08 to 4/08 Teddy began having health problems, and after running many tests our vet could find no cause. In late April as I was petting Teddy I felt 2 small lumps under his jaw; which we learned a few days later were symptoms of lymphoma. We began chemo within days and hoped we'd be one of the lucky ones who gets the gift of a long remission; unfortunately Teddy had "t" cell which is more aggressive and the remission was short lived. For 15 months we tried various protocols, which gave us more time with our boy. Thru it all our little soldier took the many clinic visits and meds in stride.
We had a trip planned, which meant spending a month in Florida. Teddy was doing well and both our internist and local vet saw no reason to cancel, so on July 3rd we left on vacation. For the first 3 weeks of the trip Teddy did well and unless we told somebody Teddy had an illness they'd never have guessed it by watching him. During that last week we could feel his lymph nodes beginning to get larger, then late on 7/28 we began seeing a decline; deciding to be cautious we headed home the following morning. Midway home, during a potty break, his rear legs gave out from under him. As we got off of I-10 in Mobile, which is 8 hours from home, we had a blow out. While we waited for mobile repair service to come our Teddy's breathing became labored and within minutes he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Based on what we've learned afterwards, the cancer had entered his blood stream.
Our schnauzer mafia has lost their "don" and our doggie choir has lost their lead voice. He was such a brave little guy who fought and overcame so much but his little body couldn't beat that cancer. Needless to say we are broken hearted. RIP little Teddy Bear, and tell Bailey we miss him too.....until we see you again, we love you!
![[image]](http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o117/nicnacpattywacpix/100_12121Teddy.jpg?t=1249874395)
2008 Carriage Cameo 35sb3
2008 Ford HD F350 6.4 diesel 4x4
"the Schnauzer Hauser"
One patient husband, One crazy wife
5 very spoiled schnauzers
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JimChow
Fraser, MI
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Joined: 05/29/2008
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This is Bailey. She was just a mutt that we got at age 6 weeks old. She was 14 when she developed diabetes that we could not control. It took about two weeks for her to deteriorate to the point that the Vet told us she was critical. We had to make the decision to have her put to sleep and it was very hard to do. We held her while the vet gave her the injection. We know it was the right thing to do but still very hard to accept. Our house will never be the same again and we miss her very much. She will be a part of our family forever and we look forward to seeing her again. She was our best and loyal friend.
![[image]](http://i28.tinypic.com/2rnhgtl.jpg)
Bailey May 18,1995 to August 14,2009
Jim & Kathy
Bailey, waiting at the Rainbow Bridge
Gracie, a rescued 6 year old Beagle
2007 Chevy Tahoe
2008 FR Surveyor 233T
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chele
Ashland,KS
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Joined: 01/05/2008
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I lost my Callie dog last night. Nearly 14 years together; losing her has left a huge hole in my life. I'm so greatful we got to go on a real camping vacation together before she died. I'm thankful I followed my gut and took her to the vet. She had a tumor the size of a cantaloupe on her spleen; her lab results supported cancer. Surgery alone might have netted her another 19-26 days. How could I torture my best friend like that? So I let her go. She didn't even resist the injection. She died quickly and peacefully in my arms. I can't get over the crushing pain in my chest. I loved her so.
I miss you Laughing Girl
![[image]](http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97/MicheleKrier/Callie/P4260243-1.jpg)
2008 GMC 3500HD Duramax, Allison and fiver friendly flatbed!
1995 26' Excel Legacy
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Silver0216
St Johnsville NY USA
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Joined: 10/23/2003
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SALEM May 4, 2001- August 22, 2009
Salem was born in a feral colony that I took care of. Her mother kept taking her out in a pasture and leaving her so I picked her up and raised her. She always had health issues but was active and seemed happy. She traveled everywhere with us vacations, horse shows etc and loved to sit on my shoulder and watch the miles go by. She was with us when we bought our first RV a Fifth wheel then our gasser MH then the Diesel. She loved to lay on the dash on her blanket and would chase the squeegee when we stopped an DH would clean the windows. She loved to travel and was at the door when she saw the MH being pulled down to the house to be loaded up.
At home she kept the other cats in line, she was the queen of the house and when she felt it was bed time at night would sit at the top of the stairs and meow until I came up then she would hop on my pillow and go to sleep. She would also demand her lap time from DH she always decided when and how long.
The past few years she had been fighting constant sinus problems we took her to several vets but none could tell us what was wrong. This past year she really slowed down and seemed to have more frequent bouts of breathing problems, no longer slept on my pillow and did`nt want her lap time, she slept on her blanket and spent most of the time sleeping and this past week she went down hill fast and I think she knew her time was coming to an end All week she wanted to go outside with me and would follow her dog Sterling around, Tuesday night she spent the whole night on my pillow(it had been months since she did that) by Wednesday her breathing was getting a little more difficult and she had trouble swallowing and wouldn`t eat but still wanted to sit out and walk with her dog. Thursday she only wanted to sit and by Friday night she could no longer breathe well IV fluids and meds were no longer helping. Saturday She was very distressed so I made the decision to let her go. The vet felt she had growths in her sinus cavity that finally started to press on her airway. She also felt something in Salem`s abdomen.
She was such a special kitty and I miss her so much, she has left a huge hole in my heart.
R I P my sweet Salem
Salem in Key Largo
![[image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v407/distant_d/DCP_0048.jpg)
Sunning herself at home
![[image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v407/distant_d/salem.jpg)
* This post was
edited 09/03/09 12:05pm by Silver0216 *
2020 Grand Design Momentum 395M
Sterling Blue Merle Aussie RIP
Cassie HimmyX RIP
Indy Red Merle Aussie
Keira Red Merle Mini Aussie
Cassie(Himalayan Mix)3/1/09-10/26/18
Jewel(Torti
Saber Blk DSH
Salem RIP
KitKat Orange tiger
Crystal Himmy/Ragdoll
Boots Tabby mix
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lefty6262
Anderson Indiana
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Joined: 11/16/2006
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">]![[image]](http://i35.tinypic.com/33139lx.jpg)
Toby is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge. He left yesterday morning. he would have been 16 years old on Oct 14th. We miss our little "Buster Brown" so much. There is a loneliness & void unlike anything at our home now.
We will love you forever Toby.
John & Debbie">]
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CoachmenKen
Wake Forest, NC
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Joined: 08/04/2004
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Sadly, we had to let our 13 yr old Golden Penny go off to Rainbow Bridge this past Wednesday. She had a great life with us, we raised her from a puppy. There, She'll meet her Brother, our 14 yr old Golden, Tucker who we lost in January. They both traveled with us everywhere and were the reason we got into the camping lifestyle, so we could travel and have them along. The next trip out will be very odd since we had our Goldens since buying the MH. We are looking into adopting one (or two) from a Golden rescue, hopefully we won't have to search long.
Miss you Tucker and Penny, but we know you're in a better place. We know you're waiting for us, along with Aja, and Lucky, your Golden cousins.
![[image]](http://kensfamily.com/images/Penny21.jpg)
Ken & Dawn
Our DVGRR Golden rescue Daisy
Currently looking for a TT after doing the Class A thing
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needsomefun
Horse Creek, CA
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Joined: 04/27/2004
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Rest in Peace Gilda, my beautiful friend and companion. I will never forget you.
![[image]](http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/64136095.jpg)
* This post was
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