However, this morning, Taylor still had no appetite, and was unable to stand or hold her head up for any length of time. I felt that the kind thing to do would be to say our good-byes, and let her go. I put Taylor into the car to take with me to work for a couple of hours until our appointment late morning. Taylor seemed comfortable enough and we drove the nearly 1 hour commute in silence. Several times I reached back to hold Taylor's paw and talk to her. As I was nearing my office, I pulled out a CD of what a good friend of mine calls "angel music" and the hymn "How Great Thou Art" played. Before it ended, Taylor had left this life for the next.
Even though we didn't have Taylor for very long, I am of course very saddened by the loss of this kind, gentle soul that loved ice and having her back and stomach scratched. I will miss her enthusiasm at mealtime, her always offering me her paw to hold, and her quiet comforting nature.
I don't know much about Taylor's life before she came to us. But from a family member who contacted me throughout the summer, I have no doubt that Taylor was a much loved companion of her former owner, 'Freda' who passed away in June.
Taylor will not wait for us at the Rainbow Bridge. I am finding comfort in knowing that she will be met by 'Freda' and they will cross the Rainbow bridge together.
God-speed Tator, until we meet again....thank-you for being a part of our lives these past four months, you will be missed and not forgotten....
awww. sweet baby...
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, Kim! I have such admiration for you.
ReplyDeleteI think Taylor will be waiting at the bridge for you with Freda. How could she not honor the ones that helped her finish her journey on this planet? Much love to all of you.
ReplyDeleteCindy
Not what I expected. God speed Taylor, run fast, run free to the loving arms of Freda.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you and Carl my friend.
So wonderful that Taylor could be treated like royalty until she could be reunited with Freda. I bet she had fun being part of the pack and getting to know all those fun fur-kids. Thank you Golden Pines.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Kim. Why is it that I cry everytime I read a post about a pet that I never knew went to the bridge. I don't know how you do it. You are very special lady that truly has a heart of gold and you will be richly rewarded in heaven. I also believe that Taylor and Freda will be waiting for you at the bridge. Many hugs to you and the pack. Run free miss Taylor, run free.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely photo of Taylor she exudes that sweetness you talk about. Glad she passed in such a caring environment. Toying with the idea of getting a golden retriever should I get the opportunity in the future.
ReplyDeleteOh Kim! You couldn't have written a more beautiful, more poignant tribute to Taylor.Am so glad and thankful she didn't have to be alone in a cold cage in a shelter but had you to love her till the very end.
ReplyDeleteShe must have carried that music with her....
Bless you for all that you do...
So sorry for your loss
Our hearts are reaching out to yours right now- tears falling from our eyes-
ReplyDeleterun free sweet Taylor,,, let the angels hold you gently.
love
tweedles
Every time one of your sweet dogs has to leave, I cry tears for the loss of another gentle companion. She will be there waiting with her Freda, to show you how much she loved you too.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteSad to hear, but at least she is with her Freda now. Bless you, Kim, I don't know how you do it.
ReplyDelete{{{HUGS}}}
what a great hymn
ReplyDeletefor taylor
Freda was waiting
and taylor ran to her
so sorry for your hurting heart
we all luv you
Sad to know that she is no longer with you. I am sure she went in peace hearing that beautiful song and knowing that you were comforting her holding her paw. Hugs, Ana
ReplyDeleteOh Kim, my heart is heavy on hearing of that sweet girl Taylor passing.....thank goodness for water proof mascara....knowing she is at the Rainbow bridge with her previous loved one is a comfort.......So happy she lived out the rest of her life at Golden Pines, you are such a kind, gentle, loving person, Hugs Francine.
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteSo Sorry about Taylor.
I'm glad she came into your care in her later years because I know you gave her all your best. Plus she had the love and companionship of the other crew members.
Sending you a warm hug and I know she will be at Rainbow Bridge and hopefully her and Freda will meet again.
Taylor was lucky to have 4 good months in such a loving home. What a sweet girl.
ReplyDeleteSo very very sorry that you don't have Taylor in your life now but so happy she is with her beloved Freda now! That as you said is a HUGE comfort. Thank you for caring for this sweet girl. There is nothing as special as a senior dog :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thought. Taylor spent her final months under your loving care, but was met by Freda when she arrived at the Bridge.
ReplyDeleteBless you, Kim. I am proud to know you.
Aww, I'm so sorry! And also thankful that Taylor had you to come to and enjoy her last days with. I'm also a little glad that she has someone to be sad that she's gone, too, although I am sorry for your pain and loss.
ReplyDeleteDear Kim, I have been busy with my brother and sil here for a visit this week and didn't see this. What a shock and so sad that this beautiful Golden departed so quickly. I know you made his time so much better. Sending you and the pack giant hugs today-I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteLove, Noreen
Dear Kim, I have been busy with my brother and sil here for a visit this week and didn't see this. What a shock and so sad that this beautiful Golden departed so quickly. I know you made his time so much better. Sending you and the pack giant hugs today-I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteLove, Noreen
Freda must be ecstatic to have Taylor back with her. A very happy day at the Rainbow Bridge for both of them... xox
ReplyDeleteOh Kim so sad to hear. Taylor is for sure with Freda. Sending you Lots of Golden LOVE. Lots Golden Woofs to the Golden Pines Gang. Sugar
ReplyDeleteSo pleased that Taylor and Freda will be reunited. Sending hugs to you, Kim...
ReplyDeleteI so admire your resolve and strength Kim...I did think this outcome would be fairly quickly decided on somehow from what you had said about her.
ReplyDeleteGoodbye sweet girl, she was indeed loved in your midst Kim.
ReplyDeleteSo very sad :(
Hugs,
~Jo
Ahhh, together again. It's a good thing :)
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely to know that Taylor was loved her whole life.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you.
XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
Sweet sweet doggy....bless her...and you as always...
ReplyDeleteAww...I am so sorry. She was with someone who has a big heart and took care of her til the end. I know it is hard to say good bye but it's hard to watch them when they have no quality of life left too. Take care.
ReplyDeleteIt always makes us cry when we hear of a pet that has passed away. Pets are gifts from above who loves us despite our imperfections. We are so sorry for your loss and gentle nose nudges to you.
ReplyDeleteAroo to you,
Sully
So sorry and sad to hear about Taylor, Kim. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThor, Jack and Eliana
As the tears roll down my face... I think to myself, I could never do what you do. You have a gift that goes beyond love and compassion for these beautiful animals... I am in awe of you, Kim. (((HUG)))
ReplyDeleteI hope I will be so lucky as to leave this world with a wonderful friend, some wonderful music, and a peaceful ride. God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Kim. She sounds like such a sweet girl. Hugs to you and Carl and the rest of the gang.
ReplyDeleteKim, We send our love and thanks for your kindness to Taylor.
ReplyDeleteThe greatest blessing is that she took the decision out of your hands and and went to the Bridge in Peace and with you.
You are the best Mom ... So sorry it was Taylor's time RIP dear girl xxx
ReplyDeleteSammie, Ava and Mom
Just catching up a bit with your world. Sorry to hear of Taylor's parting ... but what a wonderful place she was to finish out her life. You are remarkable!
ReplyDeleteKim -
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Sometimes it can be harder, sometimes easier when a pet passes on their own. At least she got to be with someone she loved best as she left this world for the next. :: hugs ::
~ Cyndie
It was a sweet ending for Taylor with your hand in his and some angel music on the player.
ReplyDeleteBless you for loving and taking such good care of Taylor!
Jo
As the tears roll, we are so sorry about Taylor. What you do for these dogs is extraordinary. She is reunited and in no pain now so run free sweet Taylor
ReplyDeleteLove
Diana and Jazzi and Addi
You are the best mom a dog could ever have Kim and I am just positive that Taylor was blessed and wanted to hold your hand while he crossed over to his Freda. Blessings and hugs to you. You are an angel.
ReplyDeleteAwwww Kim, I am so sorry for your loss & for the heartache I know that accompanies this type of thing.
ReplyDeleteYa know, when I first read about Taylor & her circumstances in coming to you, I thought to myself how poignant it was that Taylor would be joining her original earthly human companion soon. How wonderful that reunion was, I have NO doubt, when Freda saw Taylor running towards her so soon after she herself had arrived in Heaven.
I know Taylor loved you with all her heart & was so grateful to you for taking her in, when her Mommy passed away. That is why she spared you the pain of having to make the decision & the long walk into the vet's office, to help her along to the Bridge. She wanted to spare you that & she did. Bless her sweet little heart. I think Freda wanted to spare you that also because I don't doubt for one minute that she was watching over Taylor since June & she saw what you did for both Taylor & for her... and was so grateful.
What a beautiful story with a truly happy ending. How great Thou art, O Lord... indeed! And how great you are too, my dear friend.
Love & prayers for healing~ Andrea
XOXOXOXO
To be remembered like this. Who, humand or dog, could ask for more ?
ReplyDeleteA perfect, loving, caring day for Taylor, and Freda waiting, you can be sure they are together. You gave so much for those last few months, and holding hands, with that special CD playing, I echo all the heartfelt words of your blog friends. No matter how short a time, to Taylor, every day would be full of love and happiness and care . Fond greetings, Jean. p.s. I too had tears.
ReplyDeleteDearest Kim...Through tears of sadness, I send prayers and hugs of comfort your way.
ReplyDeleteEver fondly,
Judy xo
Thoughts and prayers....Taylor's last moments with you are so touching. Peace be with you all.
ReplyDeleteDear Kim
ReplyDeleteSitting here and writing through tears of sadness and sending you hugs.
Run free sweet Taylor...
Nadine & goldens Neeli & Elle
I am sorry little Taylor has passed but hope she is now running free with Freda through meadows of wild flowers. xxx
ReplyDeleteShe went to sleep, knowing she was loved and would not be suffering any more. Bless you for caring so. Joy
ReplyDeleteI reckon Freda and Taylor will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge to say a big thank you to you and Carl for your loving hearts.
ReplyDeleteLove to you both.
xxx
Oh sweet baby. Sending love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteMonty and Harlow
The tears are falling for Taylor and for Bambi and for Zoie!!! I miss them so much and I miss you too!!!
ReplyDeleteTry and have a break from the poorly ones Kim,,,,you have had too many losses recently x
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for you loss of Taylor, Kim. I'm so pleased though that God blessed her with such a peaceful departure.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet dog she looks Kim and what a lovely way to go, with music and a friend.
ReplyDeleteI cried, but I am so happy that Taylor went when Taylor WANTED to leave. With music ringing and loving thoughts all around.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear.
Sharon
Goodbye Taylor. I'm glad we got to meet you briefly. We're all sorry you had to leave, but you had to meet someone and we understand.
ReplyDeleteHowdy Mates. So sorry to hear about Taylor. Doesn't matter if it's 14 years or 4 months, we love them just as much. Run free sweet girl.
ReplyDeleteNo worries, and love, Stella and Rory
Is it just me or was this puppy ready to pass away and go back to meet his owner?
ReplyDeleteSweet puppy, onward you go!!!
Just can't help but have tears sting my eyes. Her face was so precious. Her little heart must have been broken after her human died. Staying in the house alone, making that long trip, whining all the way, and learning a new home must have been overwhelming. But one thing we know about Goldens is that their loyalty belongs to everyone. Whoever loves them they love back. Actually I think they love us first. A scripture in 1st John reads "We love because He loved us first". If that doesn't sound like a golden personality. Perfect imitation of their creator.
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving her last four months a
more than loving home.
Gus'Mom
I'm crying. Beautiful post. Bless you for what you do.
ReplyDeleteRest in peach sweet Taylor, I am glad you got to know love
ReplyDeleteStop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/
Tears here. I remember when Taylor arrived and that she'd lost her human. And you stepped in to give her a life of love for the last part of her life. I'm glad she's with her Freda again. I am so sorry that you've had to go through this so many times. What tells me the most about you is that you keep stepping up for these wonderful senior dogs who need you. May Taylor rest in peace and may your heart heal.
ReplyDeleteHi Y'all,
ReplyDeleteOh dear, another Golden friend has left us and taken pieces of our hearts...so glad she has her special human waiting for her.
Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
I am so saddened for you...but what a beautiful post you wrote for her.
ReplyDeletewet hugs.
It is always so sad to find out that another senior dog has left you and your blogger friends. I think we all get so attached to your dogs. I often think of Hamlet, who became such a love of mine. I had his photo as a screen saver on my old computer and I miss seeing his sweet face.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for being there for these dogs who need someone. I have tears rolling down my face thinking of the work you do. God truly has blessed the canine kingdom by putting you on this earth to help them.
ReplyDeleteBye-bye Taylor. We'll see you again one day, over the Bridge.
ReplyDeletexoxo
God Speed Taylor! What a blessing she left on her own. I have such a soft spot for Goldies, love the picture of her with that golden smile! God Bless you, Kim, for all that you give these beautiful animals! Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you!
ReplyDeleteFarewell sweet Taylor.
ReplyDelete