Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Good-Bye to a 'Lost Boy' Named Teddy

It is with a sad heart that I tell you that yesterday, we sent Teddy to the Rainbow Bridge.  If you had told me that after only having him for 16 days, that I would be writing this post about him, I would not have believed it.
~Teddy on the ride home the day we met~
But I'd taken Teddy to the vet on Monday, holding onto a thread of hope that maybe, just maybe, there was something that could be done. The vet was very kind and patient and answered all of my "what if we tried this questions" about possible treatment.  But none of them were options for Teddy because of what we are certain were the advanced symptoms of a brain tumor. Added to that, his heartbeat was slow, his lungs were starting to sound "crackly" and he'd begun having focal seizures. It was time for Teddy to go.

I'll admit to feeling an overwhelming sadness that our time with Teddy was cut so short. I suppose it's natural to ask, "was there a reason that he came to us?  Is there a lesson to be learned in his loss?"  At the moment, I just don't know, and I may never know. But what I do know with absolute certainty, is that for those 16 days, Teddy was safe, warm and he was loved.
~One of our last days with Teddy~
Teddy loved attention and was an affectionate boy that would lean into you when you petted him. When I would kiss him on the head, or whisper in his ear and tell him how glad I was he was with us, and what a good boy he was, he always would wag his tail.  That made it easy to see that he liked being told that, and when he'd look at me with such soul filled eyes it melted my heart and brought a smile to my face. And so on Monday, when it was time for the vet to end his suffering, I held him and as he left this life for the next, I told him one last time that he was a good boy and that I was grateful that I'd gotten the chance to meet him.
The well known quote by Irving Townsend has been tumbling around in my head since I let Teddy go, and it seems appropriate.  
"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan." 
While I may not have the answers to my questions about "why" I have no regrets, and I would live no other way.  I would welcome Teddy all over again.  And I so hope I get to see him again healthy and full of life one day!

Some of you may recall that the dogs that come to us as strays are affectionately called " the lost boys."  So, I say God-speed to this lost boy, that I am so grateful found his way to us, and who I have lit a candle for to help him find his way to the Rainbow Bridge. 

51 comments:

  1. I think you answered your own question. Teddy was sent to you so in his last days he was safe, warm and so loved. thank you for doing what you do
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  2. We don't know what his life was before but at least he was loved and cared for in his last two weeks.

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  3. Thank you Kim for letting Teddy know how special and loved he was so he could cross the Rainbow Bridge easily when it was his time.

    Run free Teddy with the "Lost Boys" and give them news of all those at Golden Pines who miss you.

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  4. 16 short days, but you gave him a lifetime of love everyday. God speed, darling boy.

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  5. How lucky for Teddy that his last sixteen days were with you, Kim. He lived in the present, but we are sure that he will remember your love, kindness and concern for his wellbeing, and the comfort he received from the other dogs at Golden Pines.
    Run free Teddy, and please say hello to our Petite-Chose, who is just ahead of you at the Rainbow Bridge.

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    1. This is very sad news about Petite-Chose. My sympathy goes out to you.

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    2. Thank you Stephanie - we'll miss her so much.

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    3. Just learning of your beloved Petite-Chose. Our thoughts are with you across the miles.

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    4. Thank you so much for thinking of us at this time. We at least had the pleasure of her company for 3&1/2years before it was time for her to go. Her little companion Inca, is still looking for her everywhere.

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  6. When I saw Teddy in your last post, I had a feeling he was in line for a trip to the Rainbow Bridge. I feel sad that I was right and so sorry. I'm sure he was happy in his own way that he got to spend his last days with you and the gang at Golden Pines.

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  7. They are lost no more, they are all home in our hearts....

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  8. Run free sweet Tedday - a candle is being lit for your journey.

    Quiet woofs,
    Nadine & goldens Neeli & Elle

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  9. Hello, I am sure Teddy was happy with you and the pack during his last days. He was loved and no longer lost. Sending {{HUGS}}

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  10. OMG!
    Such sad sad news.
    .... as others have commented,
    I'm so glad he got to know real love.
    Yes, destiny that he had his final days in your care.
    I'm so happy he had someone with him, comforting him,
    loving him as he moved on to a better place.
    XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

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  11. You are a blessing . . .
    So sad to hear about Teddy's journey to the
    Rainbow Bridge.
    How wonderful he was with you for the sixteen days.
    For he was touched, petted, cared for, loved and whispered to . . .
    Tears are flowing . . .

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  12. For us humans, 16 days was like the blink of an eye. For Teddy, it was his whole world and a loving end. Remember the words of Garth Brooks ... "I could have missed the pain, but I would have had to miss the dance."

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  13. "But what I do know with absolute certainty, is that for those 16 days, Teddy was safe, warm and he was loved."
    and he returned that love in full measure.
    oh kim.
    tears and love darling girl. ♥

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  14. Tears for sweet Teddy, my heart hurts for you Kim. Thank you for loving him in the end, you are an Angel, Big Hugs Francine.

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  15. I'm so sad to read this news about Teddy. He sure was loved and comforted being in your home for his last days.

    Cindy

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  16. God speed Teddy. And Gods blessings and peace to you and Carl. He indeed was no longer a"lost boy" but a "well-loved boy"

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  17. I was so concerned that this might be the next step for Teddy. I can’t tell you just how sad I am. Teddy had found a place in my heart across the miles. Thank you for the Irving Townsend quote with which I was somehow unacquainted. This is what we do no matter the price our hearts must pay. I will think of Teddy made new again beneath a warm and friendly sun where he is running fast and with a heart overspilling with joy. Let's go, Teddy.

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  18. Kim, I'm so sorry. Always remember that you gave Teddy 2 weeks of unconditional love during the time he was able to spend with you. In his eyes, that was a lifetime of love and peace...

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  19. We are so sad to hear about Teddy, but it sounds like it was time. And the reason Teddy came to you? It was exactly those 16 days that he spent with you knowing he was loved and cared for by such a special human. Thank you for all that you did for Teddy. Soft woos and gentle hugs. Run free, sweet Teddy.

    Woos - Lightning and Misty and Mom

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  20. For 16 days, his final days were nothing but love. It makes me happy knowing he got to feel love before he left this world. As always thank you for what you do.

    Aroo to you,
    Sully

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  21. 16 days or 16 years doesn't matter. He left on a new adventure from a place where he was loved.

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  22. So sad...but 16 days of love and safety, that counts for something. RIP Teddy.

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  23. I am very glad Teddy had you for 16 days. God Bless. He was loved.

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  24. It warms my heart to know that Teddy had your love and tenderness for those last 16 days of his life. You make a difference with every dog you take into your life - and Teddy was lucky to be one of them. Rest in Peace Teddy... I wish that we'd had the chance to know you for longer.

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  25. Safe, warm and loved. That says it all. How wonderful that his last days were spent in love and comfort. That makes the 16 days all the more important.

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  26. Another lucky dog, to have spent those 16 days with you. Thank you.

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  27. You are such a good hearted human being. I wish there would be more people like you and Carl. Teddy was definitely lucky to have found you both. He was for sure safe, warm and loved. Ana

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  28. As, I know you did, I had high hopes for Teddy. I was hoping if he suffered from Vestibular syndrome, he would be ok, having no idea it could be a be anything as bad as a brain tumor.
    I felt he would be yours for the rest of his days and so he was. Sweet little boy. He had your heart and felt that, I am sure. Too soon. But Teddy was able to live peacefully and he had many out here that cared for him, also. Thank you.
    Hugs to you and Carl.
    Gus' Mom

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  29. Your true love and caring soul was the reason our special Teddy was brought to your home and where he found peace.

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  30. Teddy landed in the lap of love. I am so glad that you had each other for his last weeks. Now he is across the bridge and he has surely met my Harley who left us in June. Teddy looked a lot like my boy and I know they are in a better place.

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  31. Hugs to all of you. Teddy needed you at the end, to be safe and warm and loved.

    Monty, Harlow, and Ramble

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  32. So sad the time with Teddy was cut so short. I couldn't help but shed a tear and more for him. God has a spare room for you I'm sure, so that you can meet up with all the lost boys and girls you've blessed with your time and love here on this earth.

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  33. Such a touching tribute to Teddy and I'm once again at a loss for words other than to tell you that I'm so sorry. Teddy was so lucky to have come to you, if only for 16 days-you made his life so perfect.
    Hugs,
    Noreen and Hunter

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  34. Oh my ..... I nearly missed this. Like Teddy found you I found this post. I will light a candle for Teddy too. I'm so glad he found you and his last 16 days were filled with your love. Thankyou for caring for him so well.

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  35. My dearest Kim
    I am sorry Kim... and I don't know where to begin. You are so hopeful and happy when you bring these tennder hearts to Golden Pines,, and you have dreams for them,, but mostly I know you want them to feel love,, and they do.

    Right now as I begin my words, I hope that a new "bright star" is shining in your sky.
    I saw it,,And I am in tears along with you.

    My heart breaks,,,,,, because I know the hearts and souls of these discarded dogs is what you care about so much. I read Teddys story, and I focused on all the love you gave to him

    You gave everything you could,,, you tried so hard, and you did make a difference for Teddy.
    You know that you did.
    He felt love, and safety,,he heard your words, he felt your hugs..he heard your whispers,, and all the while as you touched hi, he felt the hands of the Angels,, your hands.
    Teddy was brought to you,, for him to feel all that his heart desired before his final journey,,
    As sad as it was and is,,, it was meant for both of you to share those 16

    I am so very sorry, it breaks my heart too,
    We are hugging you
    love
    tweedles

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  36. Usually don't like to anthropomorphize emotions but saw this poem in a memorial service programme (the second such gathering in a week. I've got to that age ) and thought it rather gentle and optimistic and reminded me – surrounded by stuffy diplomats in the middle of Christchurch Cathedral in Oxford - of Teddy. The Lost Boy made me smile.

    Farewell my friends
    G Ghei

    It was beautiful as long as it lasted
    The journey of my life.
    I have no regrets whatsoever
    Save the pain I’ll leave behind.
    Those dear hearts who love and care…
    And the strings pulling at the heart and soul…
    The strong arms that held me up
    When my own strength let me down.
    At every turning of my life I came across good friends,
    Friends who stood by me,
    Even when the time raced me by.
    Farewell, farewell, my friends
    I smile and bid you goodbye.
    No, shed no tears for I need them not
    All I need is your smile.
    If you feel sad do think of me
    For that’s what I’ll like when you live in the hearts
    Of those you love, remember then
    You never die.

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  37. I am so sorry for your loss, Kim. That Teddy knew such love, though, is priceless.

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  38. If dog years are seven to our one year, then Teddy had more than 16 days of love with you. But then he knew love when he first looked into your eyes!

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  39. so, so sorry to read about Teddy, all the animals that come into your loving care are so very lucky and it is so sad they can not stay longer. xxxx

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  40. You gave him days of love and affection, and he passed knowing he was deeply loved. No greater gift could you give another sweet soul. Bless you.

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  41. I am so very sorry to read about Teddy. My heart aches for you. I believe he was sent to you so that he could know real love, feel real love...and you gave it to him freely in his last couple of weeks. Godspeed Teddy and may God bless you Kim...for being the angel you are.🙏🙏

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  42. "...what I do know with absolute certainty, is that for those 16 days, Teddy was safe, warm and he was loved." Question answered.

    Sending warm hugs and loving thoughts your direction, thank you for what you did and what you continue to do.

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  43. I'm so sorry you lost your sweet Teddy. He was so lucky to have you as his loving family!Jessi

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  44. Somehow I missed this post and didn't know you had to say goodbye to another sweet boy. He didn't know his time with you was short, he only knew the love he felt. That's the reason, it's so simple, it's just about showing them love for however long. Hugs.

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  45. You have such big hearts to make room for so many passing through. And so many tears and smiles.

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  46. So very sad to see this on the rainbow blog...thankyou for giving Teddy 16 days of your love..he had tgat to safely carry with him on his journey...much love Fozziemum

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