Thursday, June 16, 2016

Good-bye (for now) to Dusty

~The day we met Dusty, August 25, 2015~
Today we said good-bye to Dusty.  It was a day I had been dreading, but expecting.  Despite that, I just wasn't ready, not even remotely, which is crazy, because these past few months have been so tough for him.  The tumor on his back leg had grown to be quite large and he was no longer able to lay on that side.  And this week I noticed that he was getting a pressure sore on the other hip.  Added to that, his ability to walk and get around was getting harder and harder.  Dusty was clearly on a journey for which there was only one possible end.
~Dusty last fall, the tumor visible on his left hip~
I guess I was just holding onto hope that adding medications, or changing something else would make a difference, but it didn't.  And when the holistic vet came on Tuesday night to see Jake and I asked her to give me her thoughts on Dusty, I already knew what she would say.
Then Wednesday morning came and we sat on the porch together, I asked Dusty (and the cosmos) to let me know if it was time for him to go.  In the early morning there was nothing but silence as he quietly slept next to me.  I took the other dogs for a walk a few minutes later and it began to rain.  In the west, I saw a rainbow.  Some will say that it was just a coincidence that I'd see one.  But for me, seeing it before 6 o'clock in the morning, once again confirmed what my heart already knew.
~January 2016~
Dusty came to us in August of 2015.  He'd been given up by an elderly couple earlier that year after a car accident left them unable to care for him.  At the shelter, Dusty caught the eye of a mother grieving the loss of her son who had committed suicide.  By late summer her heart had healed enough that she felt she was ready to move on with her life, and so she gave Dusty to the rescue.
At Golden Pines, Dusty found his place in our home.  Inside he was a very quiet and unassuming Golden, that would gently nudge my arm for attention and twirl in circles at mealtime.  Outside from Todd, he learned to bark at the fence at whatever happened past.
His most content times were when he was laying in the grass.  The last few weeks he seemed to gain strength from the warm sun, and never wanted to come inside.  


This morning we had Dusty outside for the last time, and as he stood there in the bright warm summer sun, he raised his nose and sniffed the air before he collapsed onto the ground -- His strength to continue was gone.  I couldn't help think of the words another blogger had written about their own dog, "He stood tall but this morning the grass grew taller."
~September 2015~

The Mobile Vet would come shortly afterwards, and we said our good-byes on the front porch that he loved.
~Dusty sleeping on the porch in 2015~
A wren landed at the other end of the porch and started singing just as Dusty was leaving this life for the next -- Reminding me that there are other worlds to sing in. He is now free and no longer in pain.  I am grateful to have had the chance to get to know Dusty and to have had him as part of our lives for 10 months.  I will look forward to seeing him again one day; he will be missed and not forgotten.


Our candle has been lit all day to help him find his way to the Rainbow Bridge, where I know he was greeted by all those who have gone before him.    
God-speed my "DUSTy-Bunny." 

45 comments:

  1. goodbye, sweet boy...

    your wren was like when the vet was putting down zim, my gelding. just as she was administering the shots, two hummingbirds whizzed by and hovered a few feet away from him.

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  2. Sweet Dusty. I'm sorry he had to go. The universe tells us that it's okay, but still it hurts.

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  3. Dusty knew it was time and you gave him that one last very special gift. My deepest sympathy to you and all those who loved him. Run young and free again, Dusty.

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  4. Goodbye dear Dusty. Your presence and sweet soul will be truly missed in your loving home and on this blog.

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  5. It's never easy but Dusty probably had the best time of his life at the end.

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  6. Oh Kim, I was thinking not long ago that you hadn't had to make that final decision for a while.
    Sweet Dusty, he'll be playing with the others from Golden Pines.

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  7. Your words today are a loving beautiful story of Dusty and his time with you.his months with you would have been filled with love and happiness, companionship, and I truly believe that he would have walked over the Rainbow Bridge easily, all legs striding forward. Hugs from down here, to your heart that has sadness and a huge gap.

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  8. Sending our love to you on this difficult day.

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  9. You gave Dusty a loving, beautiful life. When it is time, however, you know it. It is never easy, I feel your pain. -Jenn

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  10. Hello, what a lovely tribute to Dusty! I am sad to see him go, but I believe he enjoyed the end of his life with you and the other fubabies at Golden Pines. Sweet story about the rainbow and the Wren, what timing. RIP Dusty, you will be missed. {{HUGS}}

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  11. Was so sorry to read about his trip to the bridge. I think maybe the rainbow hung around somewhere to make his journey shorter. He's in good company now.
    RIP, Dusty.

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  12. Tears once again, so hard saying goodbye to a faithful friend. The little wren did bring a smile to my face through the tears though, Dusty was so lucky to spend his last days at such a loving home.Hugs Francine.

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  13. I'm so sorry to hear about Dusty. You probably gave him the best 10 months of his life.

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  14. This post is beautiful, Kim. You show, through this and other posts about your wonderful pack of dogs, that you take the time to see each as an individual. Dusty was fortunate to have you as his last stop before his journey to the next life. Hugs to you, and skritches to the critters.

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  15. This was beautiful and so was he. Our hearts go out to you Kim and all the good works that you do. stella rose

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  16. I'm so sorry to hear about Dusty, my thought are with you today and all the dogs of Golden Pines past and present. It never gets any easier saying good bye.

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  17. Godspeed sweet beautiful boy...you were so loved.
    Thank you for giving him such a loving and caring forever home.
    ~Jo

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  18. God bless you, as I have said before. Dusty was a lucky boy. I lost my golden on Tuesday - and I am sure that Dusty has joined him over the bridge. Run freely, beautiful boys!

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  19. I am so very glad that you are there for so many dogs. My heart breaks for you at this time. It is never easy to say good-bye but you do it time and again with love. Thank you for sharing Dusty with all of us. Blessing and Hugs.
    Pat and Bentley

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  20. What a beautiful post for a very special boy!!! Soft woos and gentle hugs from all of us.

    Hugs and Woos - Ciara and Lightning and Mom

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  21. We're so sorry to say goodbye to Dusty. It's been happening way too frequently and our hearts are heavy. We try to take solace in knowing that they're no longer in pain. Peace to all of you.

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  22. One of those special moments. For what it's worth Dusty has simply run on ahead. 'For now' is a better way of saying it.

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  23. One of those special moments. For what it's worth Dusty has simply run on ahead. 'For now' is a better way of saying it.

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  24. Tears and hugs. Thank you for a beautiful post

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  25. It's always so sad when the day comes. We are so happy it was a peaceful end... RIP Dusty.

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  26. Kim, My heart breaks a little whenever I read that you have lost another beautiful Golden. This time is no different and I know that Dusty's life was so much richer because of your love and that he in turn gave his heart to you. So glad he is running free now.
    Hugs,
    Noreen

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  27. I just don"t know how you do it....but I'm glad you do. Thank you for giving so much to these sweet pups.

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  28. Dusty, I'm so glad you got to spend this time at Golden Pines. What a heaven. I hope to meet you some day.

    -Otto's mom

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  29. This made me cry reading this . I am so sorry for your loss . Dusty is now in dog heaven running in the fields of daises and wild flowers and grasses pain free like a new born pup exploring all that's new! Always be in our hearts and memories .

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  30. What a beautiful post, if heart-rending. I'm grateful that there was a rainbow and a wren singing while he slipped from this world to the next with you at his side. God bless you, Kim xxx

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  31. Dearest Kim
    The last 10 months that you gave to Dusty,,, was pure love,,,, and Dusty felt that love.
    I feel that right now,, he is at the Rainbow Bridge telling all of his friends about you,, and his life at Golden Pines.
    Because of the love in your heart,, he felt love to the end,,,
    And the rainbow,, yes,, I believe it was a sign,.
    And you listened to Dusty when he said it was time.,.. that meant so much to him.,
    I am so sorry Kim.,.. so sorry for your hurting heart.
    love
    tweedles

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  32. Lovely tribute to a lovely dog. It's never easy. Even when we know it is the right thing to do. God speed, dear Rusty.

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  33. So sorry. It is always hard to say goodbye.

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  34. You put together a lovely tribute to Dusty.
    And you gave him a loving happy home.
    Peace

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  35. we know your rainbow was no coincidence.
    if ever there was someone who is connected to a higher power it is you.
    I thought I would be sobbing as always at your great loss but your words are so calm and beautiful that I only feel the sweet sense of blessed relief that dusty must have felt. bless you my darling girl.
    bless you real good.
    I will read all those I've missed now. just coming home to golden pines is a balm for one's soul.
    mine included.

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  36. My very sweet granddog is dying from a very similar cancer. My daughter told me that he is struggling and this might be the week. Our hearts are breaking, but knowing he will be free from pain gives us some peace. RIP Dusty.

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  37. Beautufully said . . . tearfully felt . . .
    Dusty loved your sweet soul Kim . . .
    And you loved him . . .
    Blessings are often disguised, hidden from view . . .
    And then we hear or see . . . a wren . . . a hummer or dove . . .
    We know . . .
    I am caring about you Kim . . .

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  38. Oh, Kim, I'm crying with you. They give so much, these dogs who steal our hearts. Much love to you.

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  39. THere are other worlds to sing in......now that's a precious thought. GOd Bless you .

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  40. As always, I can't even see to read the comments. Thinking of you, praying for you, and sending many blessings and love your way.

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  41. Your tribute was so heartfelt and sweet that tears are on my cheeks. What a sweet boy. I'm so glad he landed with you to spend his last year at Golden Pines. Rest in Peace, Dusty. And thank you, Kim, for loving him.

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