If dogs don't go to Heaven, I want to go where they do when I die

[primroseburrows]

I had to have my dog Roz put to sleep today. I sort of knew it was coming, but not this soon. The kids and I are all heartbroken, but she was getting sicker and more aggressive and at the end, I was scared of her. Apparently she'd had a brain tumour for quite some time, which caused the behaviour change.

She was almost eight, a black terrier mix, and when she was well she was the best dog (and the best friend) that anyone could ever ask for. The vet said she would have done the same for her dog (in fact, she had for one of her own dogs) and that I made right decision. The fact that it was I who made the decision still leaves me with a feeling of guilt, though, that my decision is the reason she's gone. But really, it's not. The tumour is the reason, and nobody caused that.

I'm trying not to think of her in the sad, scared, scary way she's been these past weeks, but rather at play in some vast field or running on the beach (she loved the water!). I like to think she's happy where she's gone.

She was our first dog. She won't be my last, probably, but it will be a while before I can devote time and energy to a dog again.

Roz was one of the best there is. She loved us and I think she knew we loved her. We're really, really going to miss her.

patchfire, I tried to call you to tell you, but I couldn't reach you and didn't just want to leave a message. *hugs*

Comments

[peacey.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you've read this before, but as it is so comforting, I'll just remind you...

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.

(Author unknown)

My thoughts are with you, sweets. A pet is as much a part of the family as anyone else is. Indeed they are very special creatures that I have no doubt have a place in the hereafter. *tighthugs*

[primroseburrows.livejournal.com]

I have read that, but not in a while. *loves*

If I can't have my old friends with me when I go, I'm not going. *watery smile*