Thursday, September 22, 2011

Another Good-bye and a Celebration of 92 Days

For the fourth time in six months, I sent a Golden Retriever to the Rainbow Bridge; that Golden was Reggie.  While my heart is broken, I decided that instead of mourning her loss, I want to try and remember the good things of the 92 days that she spent with us...

I want to remember how happy Reggie looked 
the first day she arrived wearing 'Ugg boots.' 
I want to remember how easily Reggie settled into our home and 
the look on her face when she would roll in the grass.  
And how peaceful she looked when she slept.  
I want to especially remember how she was a Mother to Todd. 
 
She was so attentive to Todd and seemed to worry about him.
I want to remember Reggie's beautiful 'golden smile' and that we shared a great summer together. 
I will remember how thankful I am that she was part of our lives for 92 days.  
I will remember how thankful I am that her life didn't end on the porch of someone who didn't care for her.  
I will remember Reggie....  
God-speed my 'pretty 'Regimina'  ...
Until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge.  

72 comments:

  1. (hugs)
    not much I can say..... You know what I mean eh?
    x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kim.
    We cannot imagine the pain this causes you but we are so thankful That Reggie had 92 days of love and caring.

    Sheila & Bob

    ReplyDelete
  3. Reggi's mothering of Todd really touched me. You all gave her a wonderful 3 months. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dearest Kim, my heart is with you this evening. With your beautiful open heart comes the experience of deeper joy than most of us experience in this life but also much pain and loss. You are an extraordinary person and Reggie was so blessed to have shared her final months with you and your family.
    God bless your home always Kim...
    Tina xo

    ReplyDelete
  5. oh sweetie. she was a good adoptive mom to your little Todd. God bless her for adding to your life...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh Kim! I am so very sorry for your loss of this special friend. You gave her so much love in those 92 days and it showed in all of these pictures. *HUGS*

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh, golly, Kim, I know how hard this is. You did have the summer to share and all the love. She has good company waiting for her!

    XXX

    ReplyDelete
  8. We send you our heartfelt thanks for making Reggi's last days golden. Dogs live in the moment, and in that moment, she was loved and cared for, Her last days are the ones she carries with her, those moments are what she remembers on her way to the Rainbow Bridge.

    That is what you do, that is what makes rescue workers special.

    Thank you so much.

    Mogley G. Retriever

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh Gosh Kim I really don't know how you do it my friend. My heart is sad for you because I know how hard it is to lose such a sweet friend. I am so glad she had you to love her during this last stage of her life. You really are very special.
    xoxo
    Mimi

    ReplyDelete
  10. You are an angel...and I don't know how you can take it...I think when you get to Heaven, you will have tons of Golden friends! :D

    ReplyDelete
  11. She had the best 92 days of her life with you and the others and she will always be remembered by all and forever in your hearts !

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love when an older dog takes charge and shows the younger what it means to be a good dog. Reggie did just that with Todd. It warmed my heart. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh Kim -

    We are so sorry to see this latest loss

    BUT you did give her some GReat days!

    The smiles and tears I'm experiencing right now are bittersweet for it is almost like looking at Merdie -

    We are dedicating our leg this Sunday to Merdie - for Monday is her 14th birthday -

    I'm going to ask Reggie to ride along too -

    A candle will be lit -

    Phyll, Khyra, and The Golden Khousins Merdie and Harley

    ReplyDelete
  14. Aww Kim {hug},
    Sweet Reggie, she was indeed a queen for those 92 days you took her into the fold and made her feel wanted and loved.
    I wish she could have spent more days, mentoring Todd, playing, and smiling....she was a beautiful girl.
    Godspeed over to Rainbow Bridge sweet Reggie, your fellow goldies are awaiting your arrival !
    Love and hugs Kim,
    Jo
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh Kim, I just don't know what to say. I could not do this heartbreak regularly like you've had to do.

    I'm very grateful that Reggie had 92 days of pure love, play with another dog and comfort. I can only imagine the greeting you will be getting when it's your turn for the bridge.

    I'm so sorry.
    barbara

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a lesson for us: that a lovely dog can leave behind a hard life and experience joy and love for 92 days, and that a lovely woman can open her heart and her home for 92 days. 92 days is not nothing - it is enough time for healing, and love, and the miracle of connection. It makes me want to try really hard to make the most of my next 92 days.

    ReplyDelete
  17. "sigh" its never easy, goodbye sweet girl - you are going from heaven on earth at Golden Pines to the real deal, via the Rainbow Bridge. Glad you got your 92 days. You deserved it.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love you for giving her 92 days of safety and love
    you are a lovely woman
    hugs and tears for your sorrow

    ReplyDelete
  19. My dear Kim, Can you see my heart after reading this~it is heavy for you! I'm so sorry but know that there is comfort in the fact that you gave Reggie such a loving home for the time she was with you. There is also comfort knowing that she is now romping with lots of other friends.
    Sending love your way.
    Noreen & Reggie

    ReplyDelete
  20. Farewell dear Reggie.

    the 2 brown dawgs

    ReplyDelete
  21. Kim,
    All I can think of to say is that Reggie had 92 days of love and good care with the perfect family. 4 times in 6 months is emotionally draining. You guys are beyond special, for all that you do to bring comfort to these beautiful Goldens.
    Thank you....Rest in peace sweet Reggie.

    ReplyDelete
  22. This has been quite a summer, Kim. So many good-byes. I'm glad you are remembering all of the things that made Reggie special. Big hugs. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh Kim, we have emailed enough that I hope you know how pleased I am that Reggie was able to spend her last days with you and your family.

    To feel the grass, to love and be loved.....no long rope holding you back from the freedom that calls us all.

    Bless you for loving and caring. I do hope this is the last of the losses for a while.

    You deserve a break.

    Love
    Bert and My Vickie

    ReplyDelete
  24. God bless you Kim for doing what you do. I know I don't have your courage.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am so sorry for your loss, Kim. It takes a special person to give so much love and care, knowing that the time together may be short. Reggie was lucky to have found you and to have spent the past 92 days in such a happy place.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Kim, you are such a special woman to love these dogs to the end - to provide them with love, shelter, and attention at a time when others don't value the importance of their lives. We pray God blesses you in a special way for your ministry to these wonderful animals!!

    Much love!
    Samantha (Boon's mom)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Reggie was so lucky to spend her last 92 days in your loving home. It most likely was the best time of her whole life.You have such a gift with animals,it makes me very happy to know you!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Dear Kim
    You gave Merdie love that she never felt before. Since she came to Golden Pines she never felt alone. You gave her the best days of her life to feel freedom, unconditional love, and a home.
    That is what mattered most.
    I know your heart is so sad again,,
    We celebrate and remember Merdie,, and the love she shared with all of you, and baby Todd.
    Our paws are around your neck.
    love
    tweedles and moms
    ps we are having internet probs,

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm so sad! I admit it, I was a Reggie fan! I could picture her hanging out with Lilac and swapping old lady stories and gossip. She just had a sweetness about her that you conveyed so well. I am so glad that she got to spend those last 92 days with you! They were probably the best of her life. Please know that we're thinking of you!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh Kim, so sorry!! I don't know how you do it... but when I think about it.. I do believe God has given you an awesome gift! It must make you feel good to know that you have made a difference in the lives of so many of God's special creatures.
    Beautiful pictures of Reggie!

    ReplyDelete
  31. hugs hugs hugs
    love her smiling face
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  32. What a blessing...for both of you. I certainly understand, as we have 24 dogs, 17 of which are over the age of 8. We too, treasure the moments, when their time comes. What a beautiful post and remembrance. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  33. We are sorry and feel your sadness. Thanks for giving Reggie the best 92 days.

    ReplyDelete
  34. We are so sorry, Reggie was soo loved and the mothering of Todd was so precious. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

    Luv
    Diana and Jazzi

    ReplyDelete
  35. Kim, You are a saint to dogs who need you but I know how much they give you in return. The love flows both ways, and they become a part of your heart forever. Reggie was so special, and such a sweet mother to Todd. We will not forget her. And, I'll say it again - you are an inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  36. So so sorry for your loss :( I fell in love with Reggie from the first picture you put on your blog. Her story touched me deeply and i can't believe it she is gone.. God speed, sweetie!

    ReplyDelete
  37. what a beautiful post and such lovely pictures. Darling Reggie xx

    ReplyDelete
  38. O my......so sad news...poor Reggie poor you......wishing you streingth darling....this is so hard 4 dogs......and now it must stop !!..i wil read happy things about your lovely daogs for the next months...years....love and blessings for you darling....xxx...xxx...xxx...

    ReplyDelete
  39. 92 days of love , happiness and contentment . Simply the best that Reggie could have had .

    ReplyDelete
  40. We are so very sorry to hear this news. Our hearts go out to you! Godspeed, Reggie~

    Love ya lots
    Maggie and Mitch

    ReplyDelete
  41. Oh Kim
    I don't know how you can go through this so often. You gave Reggie the best during her 92 days with you and your family. What a sweet face.

    A beautiful, bittersweet post.

    Run free sweet Reggie. Apples & Keelee have met you at the Bridge.

    Quiet woofs
    Nadine & golden Neeli

    ReplyDelete
  42. I don't know why, but, of all your dogs, Reggie resonated the most with me. I'm so glad that her last 92 days were such happy and peaceful ones. She had a purpose with you, to take care of Todd, and she had people around her who cared. She was a beautiful dog, with a beautiful soul and I know that she brought you as much of that peace and joy and she received.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Remembering with you, my friend!
    You are an incredible lady!

    RIP Sweet Reggie!

    ReplyDelete
  44. So sorry Kim. So many losses in such a short time. The first time I saw a picture of Reggie she had something special about her. I was so glad you decided to keep her. Her pictures of mothering Todd were priceless. A special girl for a special time, even though it was so short.
    Take care,
    Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  45. Peace to you and your family. You're a lovely woman. A kind and loving 92 days was everything to a girl like Reggie. God Bless.

    ReplyDelete
  46. You and Reggie have been such blessings to one another...sending you a big hug and lots of love. I know that Reggie is smiling down at you and saying 'Thank you' over and over again for all you did for her and for making her last days such happy ones.

    ReplyDelete
  47. my heart is reeling once again.
    you epitomize the circle of life.
    and your circle is full of unconditional love, caring, saving, and joy. but oh the sorrow in these goodbyes.
    strength to you dear one,
    strength to keep the circle.
    love and tears and gratitude for people like you,
    tammy j

    ReplyDelete
  48. Tears in my eyes, have been in your position many a time and it's never easy. Bless you!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Reggie will always have a special place in my heart (and so will you).

    xo
    Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  50. Kim,

    I have no words to express my sorry at yet another loss at Golden Pines.

    Please take comfort in the fact that she did not cross the Rainbow Bridge by herself tied to some old porch, but that she was surrounded by dogs and people who loved her and that her final days were beautiful.

    My heart is with you my friend, God Speed Reggie. Someday we will all meet you at that Rainbow Bridge.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Oh, Kim, I have said it before and I'll say it many more times I am sure: you are AMAZING. You have such a warm and giving heart. Reggie was so lucky to have spent her last summer with you and your family! She was happy and loved. We will miss her.

    Wags,
    Zona and Mom

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos of Reggie's happy days. It hurts so much to lose a family member.

    ReplyDelete
  53. What a beautiful post. Lots of woofs and hugs to you and all of Reggie's furry friends -- she was oh so lucky to have found you all. :)

    Do have a wonderful weekend, friends. <3

    ~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

    ReplyDelete
  54. Oh Kim, I'm so sorry to read this. Big hugs coming your way, I hope Todd doesn't miss her too much. S x x x x

    ReplyDelete
  55. So long dear Reggie. You will be missed.

    ReplyDelete
  56. How wonderful that Reggie's last summer was filled with the love and happiness she was lacking for much of her life. Godspeed, dear Reggie. And God Bless, dear Kim.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Bless your heart...we applaud you for looking at the days you had with her...she's a beautiful girl...heaven will have a bright star shining....

    Run free dear Reggie...you were so loved...

    Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley

    ReplyDelete
  58. What a wonderful 92 days of love and happiness and carefree living life to the fullest...!!!

    You are my hero. You are OUR hero.

    We battle Our Enemy here. It's what we do. And our hat's off to you, who've fought for so many... and still taken time to offer support to us.

    with tons of love and gratiteude for Yeu... from the Bleu

    ReplyDelete
  59. :(
    Sorry Kim.
    Hope Todd can work out the loss. I know he and you and the others will do well. You have each other.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Rest in Peace sweet girl!

    Hugs to you Kim!
    xo Catherine

    ReplyDelete
  61. Oh, Kim, we are so sad that Reggie is gone. But we're also grateful that the end of her life was filled with love and the companionship of good people and other Goldens - and Todd. We know she's now surrounded by love on the other side of the bridge, waiting for her true family to join her one day.

    Big slurps & hugs,

    Jed & Abby

    ReplyDelete
  62. She was such a good girl. Her sweetness was obvious on her face.

    Thank you for all you did for her.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Kim,
    Sending hugs your way. Reggie was lucky to have spent the time with you, Carl and also all the other dogs. She had a good life with your troop and I'm sure she shared a secret or two with Todd.
    She will be missed by us all.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Reggie will be waiting for you Kim, he will never forget your kindness.
    It was great to get to know him a bit and I thank you for sharing his 92 days with us!
    Jim

    ReplyDelete
  65. I am so sorry for your loss. You gave her 92 beautiful days.

    ReplyDelete
  66. What a sweet dog,her face tells it all.You were lucky to be loved by her for 92 days,phyllis

    ReplyDelete
  67. You have such a big heart to give loving endings to these amazing dogs lives. So painful but oh so important. Not everyone can do this, it takes much strength and love. You are a true hero in my book!

    ReplyDelete
  68. So sorry to read this Kim. What a sweet sweet girl.

    ReplyDelete

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