Sunday, January 4, 2015

Good-Bye to Our Little Cricket


~Cricket in May 2014~
Friends, my heart is so incredibly heavy with sadness as I type this that I’m not even certain that all the words will makes sense, but I need to try. Today I am devastated to share with you that last evening we lost one of our precious gems, Cricket.  It all happened so suddenly. We didn’t know that when we woke up yesterday that we would have only the day with her before she left us for the Rainbow Bridge.
Saturday began early, with nothing out of the ordinary. Even though Cricket didn't eat her breakfast, I wasn't concerned because she would occasionally miss a meal.  Fast forward through the days events with her that had her settling in for the evening.  She'd gone out an hour before, had a drink of water, again refused her dinner, and settled down next to me at my desk.  Without warning she began having a seizure. Experience has taught me to check the clock to know how much time is passing. When 5 minutes had passed and she was still having a seizure, I knew we had to take her for help. The minutes in the car seemed to be in slow motion.  While I was feeling somewhat panicked, those moments were overshadowed by peace as I felt strongly that everything was going to be "okay."  Everything was as it should be. When we arrived at the vets office, and Carl handed Cricket to me, I knew Cricket was nearly gone. The vets tried to revive her, but there was no pulse, no heartbeat. Our little Cricket was gone.
As I reflect on Cricket's nearly 17 years of life, my mind goes back to New Year's Day.  We were all outside together.  I marveled at how well Cricket was doing, and energetic she was and how she was enjoying the day. She seemed happy.
~Cricket & Gus in August~
I remember how pretty she was standing in the sunlight, and how she couldn't keep her eyes opened because it was shining so brightly on her. It was a good day not just for Cricket but for all of us.
~Cricket, New Year's Day 2015~
Looking at it now, it so perfectly says everything about Cricket's good long life.  In her nearly 17 years of life she was the beloved and adored companion of Flossie who passed away in May. For nearly 8 months, she was our adored and treasured family member. Thinking about Flossie and Cricket being reunited brings comfort.
However it has left me brokenhearted by this unexpected loss of our dearest little companion.  The shock and the pain, and yes the guilt, feels so immense at times that it could easily fill a space much larger than this. Instead of dwelling on that, I want to instead finish by sharing with you a few of the enumerable things that I loved and will so dearly miss about our sweet little Cricket.

  • Her big hound-dog bark.  
  • The way she ran after the dogs and nipped at their hocks when they ran past. 
  • How peaceful she looked when she slept on the big golden sized beds. 
  • The hopeful and innocent look in her eyes when she would wait for a treat.
  • The way she made us laugh when she would run away from Carl when he'd try to get her to come inside or feed her.   
  • The wag of her tail. 
  • The rub of her face against my leg when she wanted attention.  
  • The way she loved us unconditionally.  
  • How she gave us something to smile about every day and has left us with a heart full of memories that will carry us through this time as we mourn her loss. 

Cricket was unique in so many ways. I know that many of you have lost beloved pets, and it helps to know that in this moment of our sorrow, many of you know what we are feeling right now.  A good friend told me today that no matter how much losing them hurts, a life lived without them is a life half lived.


God-speed my little noisy Cricket.  You lived life on your terms and you left on your terms as well.  At the Rainbow Bridge, I know you have been met by Flossie who loved you first.  I'm so grateful to have gotten to know you, love you and share our lives with you.  You may have been small in size, but you have taken a big piece of my heart. You will be missed, remembered fondly and not ever forgotten.  
~New Year's Day~



Thank-you Terri for trusting me and the rescue to take care of Cricket.  Your friendship and support over these past few months has meant so much as have your kind words as we both mourn the loss this most special dog.    


64 comments:

  1. i'm so sorry. but i'm glad she went quickly. i wish it could have been less stressful for you, though. bless that sweet little girl and all who loved her.

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  2. I'm so sorry to hear of your sweet Crickets passing. You are also lucky to have your blog filled with many smiling pictures of her to look back on and remember what a great life she had with you.

    Cindy

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  3. I'm so very sorry for Your loss of beautiful Cricket.

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  4. We know (as recently as 2½ weeks ago). 17 years-that's great. Todd, the spirit of Kyla says to take care of all of you there.

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  5. So sorry to hear about Crickets passing. Just know in your heart that you and Carl gave her the best 8 months that you could. Ana

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  6. My heart is with you. It is always too soon when we lose our babies. Cricket was a very special girl. I love her pictures and that sweet, little crooked head. Beautiful face! So inquisitive. Thank you for sharing her special qualities. It makes me appreciate and know her all the more.
    Gus' mom

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  7. i'm so sorry for your loss. i know she felt so loved by you and Carl. The length of time they are with us is not indicative of the love or bond we have with our pets. i can't know how this particular loss is for you but do know that i have lost beloved pets also and some quickly so share with that pain. i life without pets is not even 1/2 lived from my point of view. My sympathies on your great loss.

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  8. Oh Kim, my heart aches for you. You gave Cricket such love and comfort after her first human was gone. She had those eight wonderful months with you. Every photo shows a very happy, loving, loved, and joyful Cricket. No doubt, she loved you like you loved her. I'm so sorry for this sudden loss... Please know that I am thinking of you. Hugs.

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  9. My heart goes out to you, but I'm glad it was quick for her. And that she was so happy with you.

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  10. Kim, my little Ewok knew it was time to leave you to once again be at Flossie's side, smiling...:)JP

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  11. that little face. smiling face.
    tears streaming here. beautiful words that make it somehow able to bear.
    for you. for us.
    i'll never hear the word cricket again without thinking of that dear little furry girl.
    bless you kim. bless you.

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  12. So sorry Kim...thoughts are with you.

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  13. Kim, I'm so sorry. Your friend is very wise. We know our hearts will be broken when we take in a furry family member, but the loss is minor compared to not having loved them at all. Cricket, along with all the others you have loved and lost, will be in your heart forever. Keep only the good memories and those will carry you through.

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  14. Sweet little cricket. She will be very much missed. How lucky she was to be with you and the family these past eight months. So sorry Kim.

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  15. So sorry Kim -- I enjoyed seeing Cricket and will miss her too. Hugs coming your way.

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  16. Oh so sorry! But she and you knew much love between you. Once again Kim thank you for having such an open heart, these dogs needed you and you showed up ....... Few do the walk hugs

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  17. Oh Kim.....you couldn't have asked for a happier soul in cricket
    Much love jx

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  18. Oh no!!!! My heart is heavy reading this post, tears are welling up in my eyes. Cricket was a sweetheart, she was so lucky to live with you at Golden Pines as you were lucky to share this wonderful Furry companion, God Bless. Big Hugs Francine.

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  19. Kim thank you again for all you do ....loving is never for the faint of heart. All our hugs and prayers for you, I know Cricket was met at the bridge with many loving souls. Stella rose and momma

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  20. Ooh, dear Kim I'm so very sad to learn that sweet little Cricket has passed, but I can't help but imagine her, reunited once again in the arms of her beloved Flossie. Godspeed beautiful golden Cricket.
    Hugs to you Kim,
    ~Jo

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  21. I feel for your loss, she had the happiest face - one cannot forget her. Or you.

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  22. O no !!! so sorry Kim...feel tha pain insite me.....warm hugs from me......our labrador Iris is 15 now...she is our problem lady too.....but she is so sweet !! i can't miss her......love love love Ria...x !

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  23. I am so sorry you have lost little Cricket. My heart goes out to you and I SO know how this feels. Everytime i hear of a little dog lost, the hearthbreak for all my little dogs lost rushes back as raw as ever. Thinking of you xxx

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  24. Cricket had the BEST SMILE of any dog I have ever seen in pictures or real life. Samson's smile is pretty good, but Cricket took the prize. Every time I saw her picture, I would smile too. She was very special and also very, very old. She had a good life and the best senior care a dog could ever wish for. I feel your sorrow, Kim, please take care of you. Hugs from all of us in the canyon.

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  25. I am so sorry. Clearly little Cricket was a special little soul and will leave a big empty spot. I'm not sure why you feel guilty but I know sometimes we just do. You gave her a safe and loving haven for her last months and in turn she blessed you with her unique personality, joy and return love. You do a great thing Kim but I know it can't be easy at times.

    Tammy

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  26. Kim, Our hearts are crying with yours. Its such a sad shock, and you were not prepared to be sayng goodbye.
    You gave Cricket a wonderful life at Golden Pines.. She smelled new smells and had friends and love. You could tell by her smile.
    You and Carl loved her with all your hearts- just as you do the other Goldens.
    You were like an angel to her Kim. I still believe,, that sometimes angels cry,,,, and its okay to let the tears fall.
    Your heart has been forever changed and molded with each of these Goldens,, Crickets pawprints are on your heart,, and she will be remembered forever. Thank you for opening your home to little Cricket,, and loving her.. Thank you for allowing us to be part of the journey. Cricket is now with her first loves,, and many hugs and kisses are happening.
    We sit beside you-- shoulder to shoulder,,, surrounding you and Carl in love.

    love
    tweedles

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  27. The candle is still glowing!
    love
    tweedles

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  28. Feeling your loss today and joining you in celebrating your special girl. Run free Cricket.

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  29. She was a lucky little girl to have so much love in her life. I'm so sorry she has left - we are thinking of you.

    Monty and Harlow

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  30. Cricket had become a favorite of mine - I was always happy to see her smiling face on your blog. Run free beautiful girl!

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  31. Dearest Kim
    We have come back again to spend some time to re- read the cherished memories that you shared with all of us,
    With each of these memories we are celebrating the life of Cricket too.
    She wiggled her way into your hearts,, and has left these treasures to remember her by.
    We loved each memory,,, and we know your heart is sad right now, and must have been so hard to write the words to share with us..
    But we will come back often and re- read and celebrate Crickets life.
    love
    tweedles

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  32. Rest in peace sweet Cricket. I'm so grateful that she was able to spend some time with you.

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  33. I'm so sorry for your loss Kim. It hurts even more when our furry loved ones go suddenly and we don't have time to prepare. But for Cricket the fact that she went so quickly was a blessing. Sending you hugs and thanks for all that you do.

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  34. Oh Kim, that made me cry. Cricket had such a sweet face and I know you loved her. The lump is still in my throat as I type this. I wish they could just live forever. What a blessing she had you for her caregiver and to love her.

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  35. Kim, I just don't know what to say. Every time you posted her pic, I smiled at her and her smile. I thought many times how I wished I lived near you so I could come by and see Cricket and spend time with her. She was just one of those dogs that when you looked at them you saw tremendous love pouring from their eyes. Thank you so much for taking care of her. Dry your tears, Kim, because one day, you will see her and Flossie as well at the Bridge.

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  36. We stopped to paw our condolences, an offer soft wooooos,

    Nuk, Isis & Timber

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  37. Such a sweet dog. She was so lucky to have you for her remaining months. Thinking of all of you as you grieve this cute little dog.

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  38. That was a great post for Cricket...it's so hard when a compaion is gone....we just try to remember what they did for opur lives......bye Cricket....theres a big party at the bridge of pals!

    The Mad Scots

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  39. So very sorry for your loss.

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  40. I'm sorry to hear about Cricket's passing. She was a beautiful, loving little girl with just the right amount of sassiness to keep the other dogs in check.

    I will miss her sweet face on the blog but I am very grateful you were chosen to be her new family until she went to be with her Mom.

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  41. I am so sorry. You certainly have had some very sad events this year. What a beautiful face Cricket had. He lived a long life and was surrounded by love. He had the best life.

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  42. Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugs!!!!!!!!!! What wonderful memories you have of such a SPECIAL girl..

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  43. Oh, our eyes are tearing up at your post while are our mouths are smiling at Cricket's smiling face. We know the pain of losing a family member has to be so unbearable. We are glad you wrote the Cricket list =) She sure was a special, unforgettable member of your family!
    oxox
    Daisy

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  44. We are so very sorry to hear about your beautiful Cricket. We can tell that she was one special girl. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you ♥

    Love ya lots♥
    Mitch and Molly

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  45. Dear Kim, I'm so sad to read about darling Cricket. They are wonderful photos and you have such very precious memories of her.

    Sending hugs,

    xxx

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  46. I don't always leave a comment but my tears were falling for you when I read this post today. I am so deeply sorry to hear of Cricket passing. I lost my beautiful boy Midi to epilepsy 6 months ago like Cricket he didn't come round from the last fit and we had to let him go after a day and night of fits. It broke my heart he was my shinning light, my best friend and I know and understand just how you are feeling today. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. Run free Beautiful boy, Hugs dee x

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  47. We came over from Tweedles and Cricket sounds like such a wonderful dog. We sure are so sorry that Cricket had to leave but she was such a lucky gal to have been loved by you. What a wonderful thing you do to help all those older goldens. They are such great dogs. I have never had the pleasure of owning one but have had Australian shepherds all my life. Good to meet you.

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  48. I learned about beautiful Cricket from Tweedles ...what a lovely and precious spirit. I'm so sorry for your loss ....we are keeping you in our prayers through this painful time.

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  49. I'm so very sorry for your loss and sadness. All I can do is send you a hug and remind you to treasure the memories. <3

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  50. Oh Sweet Cricket. She had a wonderful long life with people that loved her.
    What a blessing you were for her to love her these last months. We will keep you in our prayers as we know the heartache you are going through
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mom

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  51. I don't know how you do what you do. We lost our special dog in April and I am not over it yet. The Spirit has anointed you with a special heart, that you are able to love these old friends with few months left and then send them on their way in peace and comfort. Blessings and comfort to you in this time of another goodbye.

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  52. So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful girl she was and such a lovely smile.
    Dip and Elliot x

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  53. Farewell Cricket. So sorry to read this.

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  54. Kim,
    My heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry about Cricket. I always knew she was special just by her tiny size and as you said her strong bark.
    I'm so glad that she came to you for her final days and also to be loved by all the crew.
    She will be sadly missed by all.
    I don't know how you do it Kim, but I really believe you are a angel.
    Hugs to you and Carl and the crew.

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  55. By the time I was halfway through the post, I was crying . . . Kim ~ I am so sorry for your loss. This was a wonderful tribute to Cricket though and although I know you feel like you were the blessed one . . . Cricket, too, was very blessed to have made her home with you.

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  56. What a sweet girl. You were blessed to have her in your life as Flossie was. Run free with your first love little Cricket!

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  57. So loved, and gave so much love in return, her months with you and Carl, she was blessed, and Flossie would be waiting, for Cricket to be in your arms, truly the best way for her, and let tears fall, as I have. Somehow I missed this post the other day. Many hugs to you all, at Golden Pines, from Jean.

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  58. Oh my, I missed this Cricket passing post. That is so sad, but you should not feel any guilt. Cricket had a wonderful life with you and the other Goldens. I am sure sweet Cricket and Flossie are together in heaven. A lovely tribute!

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  59. I am SOOOO sorry to hear this! Cricket was a doll, so very cute - she looked like a little, red, smiley fox :) I lost my oldest, 13 1/2 yr old GSP Josey, in early December, so I know how hard it is. Bless you for giving Cricket a wonderful home for the last of her days...

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  60. Oh Kim, I am so sorry. She was a little beauty, yes - like a little red fox. So pretty. 17 years! Your tribute to her is lovely and I know we all have tears as we are reading it. I'm hugging you in thought.

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  61. I'm sorry for your loss of sweet little Cricket. She reminds me a lot of Morgan and I only hope she goes as quickly. You didn't know her for a long time but you made her last year safe and special.

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  62. I'm so sorry for your loss of sweet little Cricket. She reminds me a lot of my Morgan and I only hope she goes as quickly.

    You didn't know her for long but you made her last year safe and special.

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