Saturday, March 13, 2010

The Passing of a Friend & Family Member

I will start by saying THANK YOU to all of you for your thoughts and prayers for Cowboy.
I write my second post today with a heavy weight in my heart. I took Cowboy to the vet this morning, thankfully my regular vet was working today. I have to admit that there was a part of me screaming to not call them and keep Cowboy at home. But I knew instinctually or on an intellectual level that he needed to be seen. We started with blood work to see if there were any changes since his 6 month visit in February. While we waited for the results, we spent some time together on the floor. I told him how I felt about everything that was going on and how much I loved our 2 years together. I told him what he meant to our family and how much I wanted him to be okay. When the blood work came back, the results showed that even though he had a slight elevated white blood cell count there were no real changes since his last visit. However, Cowboy was telling us something else.

I tried to get Cowboy to take a treat from me, stand, put his head up and I tried to get a small wag of his tail, anything...but I couldn't. As I watched him, I knew in my heart that the kind thing to do was to let him go.

We had little time for goodbyes...Cowboy slipped into sleep for the last time and left this life for the next taking a piece of my heart with him. He will be missed and not forgotten.

Cowboy joins and meets our other Goldens, Tod, Ben, Cougar, Scout, Tucker, Tosh, Logan, Cubby, and Kasey at the Rainbow Bridge.

God speed Cowboy...

38 comments:

  1. Oh Kim, that Rainbow Bridge is a bugger of place - but I know Cowboy will enjoy it there with all the others
    Many of my cats are there - I've helped several along the road so they could go and meet up with their friends again.
    Take care
    Cath
    ps sorry I swore

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  2. Ooh my heart is heavy with this sad outcome...
    Dear, dear Cowboy, fly free my friend, your pain is no more.
    I can say nothing more, he will be waiting over at The Rainbow Bridge of that I'm sure.
    {Hugs} friend..

    http://www.indigo
    .org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html

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  3. Kim--I am so sorry for your loss. I have been checking in all day to see if there was an update. As I sit here tonight reading your post, my heart is so heavy for you. I know what a difficult day you have had. It has not been quite a year since I lost my Lucy and Maggie. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make to let them go but I knew in my heart, just as you did, it was the right thing for them. Eventhough I knew in my head this was the right decision it didn't make my heart hurt less. I am sorry you are hurting tonight.
    xoxo
    Mimi~

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  4. oh boy-
    I stopped by to send good wishes to you, the golden gang and Cowboy. I see that Cowboy has gone to were the grass is always green, treats are plentiful, pain is gone, snow banks are fluffy and friends are waiting.
    Travel safe.
    Ben and the fellas

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  5. I am so sorry to hear this. My heart is aching for you.

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  6. Dearest Kim and Carl,
    We wish you and your family had gotten to have many many more happy years together with Cowboy. May he rest in peace, run free and watch over his family with his tail wagging again like the first day you met.
    A special candle will burn through the night here in Colorado for Cowboy.

    With Love,
    Cheyanne

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  7. I'm so very sorry to hear of Cowboy's passing.

    I took a moment to re-read Cowboy's story tonight. You were both lucky to have found each other! He sounded like a delightful dog and a real character.

    Again, I'm so sorry.

    Please take care.

    -C

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  8. My heart is breaking for you.
    There is never a good time to say goodbye- just never.
    Cowboy must have been telling your heart, that it was time.
    He was telling you the only way he knew how.
    And you heard him.
    I will light a candle tonight for Cowboy at the Bridge and one for your heart to mend.
    Right now there is a big hole in your heart and it is crying.
    love
    tweedles

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  9. My heart is heavy with sadness for you and Cowboy...but you did the most loving thing in the world! My thoughts and prayers are with you today! With lots of love
    YOUR FRIENDS IN SOUTH AFRICA

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  10. I'm so sorry! As you said Cowboy will be missed. This whole episode reminded me of my sweet dobe Clark who couldn't get up one day and we had to say goodbye too. They take a part of your heart with them. I know. I'm sending you lots of hugs. I'm so glad you have your other golden family to comfort you.

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  11. I am so very sorry.I feel for you so much,having been through the same thing when our first golden had to be taken to the vet (at 16!)Her legs gave out,and it was the hardest,but kindest thing to do.
    Although he is gone from your life he will be forever in your heart.

    Bellaboo :o)

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  12. I'm so sorry to read this. Sending you lots of <<>>

    Shirl x

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  13. I am so sorry to hear about your Cowboy - we did the same yesterday with our sweet Java. I will forever have a Chocolate Lab size hole in my heart. My thoughts, prayers and tears are with you.

    Lynn

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  14. Losing a pet is tough, people who don't own any have no idea how hard it is to lose one. Just because you knew in your heart he was near the end, doesn't make it any easier to bear. So sorry that you had to say goodbye to Cowboy. He was loved and he knew it. That's the important part.

    Liz

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  15. God Bless dear Cowboy - what a dear old gentleman. I just cried & cried when I got your phone message. I can hear him now - with his 'aaaaruuufff' he would "chant" at meal time. You and Carl have been an incredible blessing to Cowboy - the white faced dogs are "best". He lived a happy senior life with you and Carl and the other "kids". I am so very sorry Kim for the loss on this earht plane - but that sweet old boy is waiting in heaven for you.

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  16. Oh I'm really sorry to hear this about Cowboy :-( I'm so glad you were there with him though, I think that's the most important thing we can do for them... {{{hugs}}}

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  17. Kim, my heart is broken for you and sweet Cowboy. We are thankful that he was yours to love, and that you gave him the good life he deserved. We send you big hugs and hope that your other Goldens will help comfort you. Take care...

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  18. It is always so very hard. Isn't it?
    But, my life is better for the animals I have known and loved!

    God Speed, Cowboy...you were loved!

    xo, misha

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  19. Oh Bless him ..you gave him a loving home x

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  20. Kim, my heart is heavy hearing of your loss, but, you did the right thing.
    Cowboy is now running free with a heart full of love.

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  21. As I sat on the floor this morning, stretching from our long walk, I looked at Lady and said "hey, let's see how Cowboy is doing". So sorry to hear he didn't improve. It is SO hard to make that decision about the last and kindest mercy. Our heart aches for your loss.

    KT and Lady

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  22. Oh Kim! I have tears in my eyes, but what a lucky dog he was to be treated with such compassion and to leave the world in the company of someone who loved him so much.

    I hope you are treating yourself to a stiff drink this evening... We are all thinking of you.

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  23. Having known, all too well, this particular loss, I know that there is nothing worse. I am so sorry about Cowboy, and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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  24. Ms. Kim and Mr. Carl,
    The unselfishness that you displayed in rescuing Cowboy and in hearing him when he told you that it was his time to go is a manifestation of the love that you shared with him. The world is a better place because you both cared for Cowboy and were there with him in both the good times and the bad. He has scarred your hearts and that mark will always be with you. His body is gone but his spirit lives on at Golden Pines.

    The Last Battle

    If it should be that I grow frail and weak
    And pain should keep me from my sleep,
    Then will you do what must be done,
    For this – the last battle – can’t be won.
    You will be sad I understand,
    But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
    For on this day, more than the rest,
    Your love and friendship must stand the test.
    We have had so many happy years,
    You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
    When the time comes, please, let me go.
    Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,
    Only, stay with me ‘til the end
    And hold me firm and speak to me
    Until my eyes no longer see.
    I know in time you will agree
    It is a kindness you do to me.
    Although my tail its’ last has waved,
    From pain and suffering I have been saved.
    Don’t grieve that it must be you
    Who has to decide this thing to do;
    We’ve been so close – we two – these years,
    Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
    - Anonymous

    Thank you for being there for your beloved Cowboy.
    - The Bumpass Hounds and Kitties

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  25. Hi;
    We just heard about Cowboy going to the Rainbow Bridge from the Bumpass Hounds.
    We are two Golden Retrievers
    and our Mom & Dad are so sorry for your loss.
    You folks must be very wonderful people for allow these wonderful senior goldens to spend their Golden years with you.
    Our Mom & Dad are involved in rescue, as a matter of fact our first rescue is Sophie. She will not be our last.
    Our Mom & Dad always did not feel they could handle a senior golden because of the possible short time they may be with us.
    But after giving it a lot of thought and realizing nothing in life is a sure thing they have changed their way of thinking.
    They plan to adopt a Senior at some point and they know that whatever senior it may be he will be loved, as you said, just as if we had him from a puppy.
    The Bumpass hounds made a wonderful tribute to Cowboy.
    This is a reading that gives us comfort when one of our Golden's makes his Bridge journey.



    A Young Dog Once Again

    You're giving me a special gift,
    So sorrowfully endowed,
    And through these last few cherished days,
    Your courage makes me proud.
    But really, love is knowing when your
    best friend is in pain,
    And understanding earthly acts
    Will only be in vain.
    So looking deep into your eyes,
    Beyond, into your soul,
    I see in you the magic that will
    Once more make me whole.
    The strength that you possess,
    Is why I look to you today,
    To do this thing that must be done,
    For it's the only way.
    That strength is why I've followed you,
    And chose you as my friend,
    And why I've loved you all these years...
    My partner till the end.
    Please, understand just what this gift
    You're giving, means to me,
    It gives me back the strength I've lost,
    And all my dignity.
    You take a stand on my behalf,
    For that is what friends do.
    And know that what you do is right,
    For I believe it, too.
    So one last time, I breathe your scent,
    And through your hand I feel,
    The courage that's within you,
    To grant me this appeal.
    Cut the leash that holds me here,
    Dear friend, and let me run,
    Once more a strong and steady dog,
    My pain and struggle done.
    And don't despair my passing,
    For I won't be far away,
    Forever here, within your heart,
    And memory I'll stay.
    I'll be there watching over you,


    God Bless You and God's Speed Cowboy,


    Hamish & Rescue Sophie

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  26. i remember all those awful feeling when our Finley went....
    hugs

    xxxxx

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  27. I'm sorry to hear this :( It's so hard to lose a furry friend--hugs to you and your family.

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  28. We've khome ovFUR from TPH and Kats -

    We are furry sorry fur your loss of Cowboy -

    Please know woo gave him the best gift any of our hoomans khan give us - woo listened to what he was telling woo - we know leaving 'here' hurts our humans so much so we know how great a gift it is when we are granted that favour -

    We'll light a khandle to help him get settled in 'khroos The Rainbow Bridge - maybe he'll find my pal Java and take a tour of the place!

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra & Khousin Merdie

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  29. Kim and Carl,
    I'm so sorry to hear about Cowboy.
    It is never an easy decision to make
    I've had to make these choices and it does break your heart but I'm glad that I was with them till the end also.
    We have both our pets buried on the property and we made a stone plaque which reads:

    If tears could build a stairway,
    And memories a lane,
    I'd walk right up to Heaven
    And bring you home again.


    I will light a candle for Cowboy also tonight.
    Hugs being sent to you both.

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  30. awww, sorry to read this Kim...sending lots of hugs xxx

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  31. My humans and I send our love and sympathy. My humans know the pain of losing a beloved Golden friend. We hope that time and your other furry friends will help you through this sad and painful time. Remember the good times and how much better you made Cowboy's life.

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  32. I couldn't read the whole post because I just can't stand to hear the full story. Just know you are in our thoughts. Wish you healing vibes.

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  33. Our thoughts are with you.
    Lorenza and mom

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  34. Dear Kim & Carl
    I'm so sorry about your loss of Cowboy - thank God you gave him the chance of life these last 2 years. Run free sweet Cowboy...

    Hugs from Philadelphia,
    Nadine, rescue doggie Apples & golden Neeli

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  35. Oh Kim, I just saw this sad, sad news on Farley's blog and came right over...I am so sorry.
    I am sending a big, comforting hug to you,
    Kit

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  36. oh my heart, hugs and prayers are with you......

    Gill in Canada

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  37. Kim,
    We're so sorry for you loss. We just heard about Cowboy now and we are so sad. It´s so hard to lose a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Hugs
    Thor and mom

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  38. Kim, I'm so sorry about Cowboy. Those olden goldens have a way of sneaking into our hearts and quietly settling there. Hugs to you and your family.
    - Anne

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