Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Day After

Many thanks to all of you for your kind and caring thoughts on the loss of Maguire, and for your concern for Tanner!

On Saturday night I left a candle burning in the fireplace for Maguire. I have to admit that with the downpour of rain we were having, it was comforting to see its glow when I woke up during the night. This morning the mood in the house matched the gloomy weather. Our morning walk in the rain without Tanner was quiet and subdued. For a change there were few birds that could be heard singing. Added to that was my feeling of guilt over a lack of preparedness for a Sunday School lesson I was to teach to a class of ten-13 year olds. Of course I went and have to admit that I felt good about the participation and how the lesson went.

As our day progressed, the mood in the house became lighter and even playful at times. I had a nap with the dogs, a late afternoon walk and we played a game of Frisbee in the rain. Tanner's condition is improved. He's able to focus and stand little better than yesterday and doesn't need as much help drinking and eating.

As I do with all our dogs that have passed, I hope for a sign letting me know that they are "okay." I wonder if its come because there's an undeniable feeling of peace and comfort all around us, just like the quiet glow of a candle.

29 comments:

  1. Oh yes!

    Please do look for the sign!

    We do send them!

    We are glad to see improvements on all fronts!

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra & Khousin Merdie

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  2. I know they know they are loved. They need you just as much as you need them. We are keeping you in our thoughts.

    Sam

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  3. We are so happy to hear that Tanner seems to be improving.
    All we can say is you and your husband must be two great people to give all these rescues a loving home.
    We are so glad that Maguire had time with you in his later years and received the love you have to give.

    Sheila & Bob

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  4. I feel your pain. I truly believe God cares for animals. He takes joy in all his creation including animals so I think they must be in Heaven,waiting for us.

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  5. Kim, you are one special lady - I don't think I could do what you do. I am so glad those lovely Goldens have you.

    Lynn

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  6. Today I took a walk in the rain thinking of Maguire and your family. My eyes focused on something in the stream that was not there yesterday,
    One of the Tad Poles had legs and was kicking and swimming fast. It made me think of Maguire- running free- running to see his pals at the Rainbow Bridge.
    My candle is still burning.
    Love
    Tweedles

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  7. i am glad that my post was able to help you. I feel the pain that you are going through and completely understand how hard it is. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  8. Me too! So glad to hear that Tanner is getting better, but just so amazed at how extraordinarily well you deal with the facts that life presents us with. You are always in our prayers and thoughts.
    Big Hugs and Love xoxoxo,
    Sammie and family

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  9. God bless you, Kim. You are truly a wonderful lady.

    You, Tanner, and the rest of your family are in my prayers--continuously.

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  10. A scerene day with love and loss, candles, and weather. Your note about taking a nap with the furries reminded us of one of our favorite photos...Keoki Flagg's Golden Sunrise (if you Google it, you might find a post on our Golden Honey's site). A photo we look at for smiles, when we are remembering those sweet moments, and missing those tender times.

    Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
    Sierra Rose

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  11. Kim,
    I am so happy to see that Tanner is improving...you certainly need some good news.
    It takes a very special person to do what you do...
    Hugs and bellyrubs to all,
    Kit

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  12. I have fallen a little behind and am just catching up with the news about Maguire and Tanner. I think you said it all Kim, bless you all - there at Golden Pines for dedicating yourself to these Golden Oldies. My candle is burning for you all. Our wishes for the best outcome for all your charges. I never tire of seeing their sweet Golden masked faces and how grateful they look to be saved by you. Best of all, they give a ton back without ever questioning how or why.

    Hugs to all, KT and Lady

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  13. thinking of you and dear Maguire x

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  14. I have admiration for people who adopt and foster children & animals. You are very special...xxx

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  15. so lovely that the candle was still burning in the morning...
    and so relieved to hear that Tanner is doing better! hopefully, today won't be as gloomy.....
    i give you so much credit for taking in the senior goldens...one of my dreams is to have a golden retirement community...well, the community would be my house....i really love old dogs, and i suppose because i am a technician i feel that i could give them the best end of life experience...
    you are an angel....
    give Tanner a big kiss on that sweet golden muzzle from me!
    xoxo

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  16. I'm glad that Tanner is feeling better. And, I have faith that, as the days go by, you will know that Maguire is still with you, in your thoughts, your dreams and in your heart.

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  17. glad to see the mood lightening a little.

    Are any of the other dogs looking for Maguire? How many do you have now?

    Gill in Canada

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  18. Good Morning, Kim,
    It's great that Tanner is feeling better. I'm sure it's scary stuff, and you really didn't need more on your plate.
    I'm sure Maguire is fine now and no more pain. You will get a sign. Maybe it was the peace that settled in, came from Maguire. The night that Dear Rough was hit, I was getting ready for bed, I saw him sitting there by the side of my bed. I blinked and he was gone. I feel like he came to say good-bye. Some may think I am nuts or so caught up in grief that I was hallucinating, I just don't think so.
    I hope Tanner continues to recover and you too!

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  19. Kim, it occured to me that your mission with elderly dogs is not unlike hospice nurses or nursing home staff. They love and care for their patients, all the while knowing that time with them is short. When the end comes, it is not unexpected, but still painful. Bless you for the love you give to God's creatures.

    Liz

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  20. Sending you warm thoughts,
    xo Catherine

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  21. I continue to send warm thoughts!

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  22. Kim, I just dropped by again hoping for an update on Tanner.

    Please know I am thinking of you,
    Kit

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  23. So pleased to hear that Tanner is improving.You and Maguire have been in my thoughts all day.Glad that you are feeling a sense of peace now,after all the trauma and anguish of the last few days.

    Bellaboo :0)

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  24. I am so very sorry for your loss of Maguire. You gave him love and security in his final years. He knew what it was to be special and truly loved.

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  25. So sorry to learn of your loss. I lost my precious terrier two days after Christmas and it is devastating.

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  26. Sending angels to surround Tanner to guide him back to health. Please give him a little kiss from me - right on the bridge of his nose - that is where I kiss my dogs♥

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  27. Thinking of you Kim, that was a real moving post. I always look for a sign from my Grandad who passed away when I was 10...I do get signs and it makes me feel a whole lot better! :)

    nice to see a picture of you!!

    xxx

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  28. HEY MS. KIM,
    We all hope that you've had a less stressful day today. GReat news about Tanner; we will howl to DOG to watch over him We're sure that Maquire will also put in a good word. It would be nice if you could just chill a bit and get to relax a little.
    - TBH&K

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  29. Dear Kim, we are really very very sorry that we have been such irregular blog readers and did not visit you earlier.
    We are really very sorry about Maguire. But like you say, he was loved and cared for so well when it mattered the most.He is painfree now and though difficult,this thought can bring a little solace when we miss him.
    You are very brave, very generous and exceptionally large hearted to be doing what you do.
    We are so proud of you and we are sure your Goldens are too.
    with loads of love,
    Ginger, Buddy and Family.

    ps:we really appreciate your taking the time to come visit us in the midst of your private grief.
    thank you

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!