Saturday, August 18, 2018

Good-Bye (for now) to Momma

Yesterday was a very long day, but the past 17 days before it, passed all too quickly. After 17 days, I said good-bye to Momma. The last few days had been difficult for her. I upped her pain medication and added another with the hope that it would alleviate the obvious discomfort she was having caused by the very large mammary tumor. But, unfortunately, it did not. During the night, I was awakened more than once by her whining as she tried to get comfortable. It was heartbreaking to listen to. I prayed she would find comfort.
~Our first photo together~
My hope when Momma came to us was to make the last days of her life the best. I'm not sure that we did that, but I think that she liked being part of our household. She enjoyed lots extra treats, sneaking a nap on the bed in our guest bedroom, a big yard to explore, and the company of lots of canine friends, and one in particular, Chipper, is really missing her. I am too.  It didn't take long to get used to hearing her tail whack-whack-whack against the wall when she'd see me. It didn't take long to get used to seeing her smiling face, seeing her lounging on the big dog bed in the office. It didn't take long for her to find a place in my heart.

In the hopes of making a last memory with Momma, on the way to the vets office, I decided to go to McDonalds. I was going to get my favorite, a cheeseburger and fries for her. But once at the drive thru, it occured to me that I should get what would be her favorite. A bacon-egg-and cheese biscuit. We went to a quiet place and I showed it to her. There was a puzzled look on Momma's face when I offered it to her. When she realized it was for her, her tail wagged as she gobbled it down. Afterwards, as I sat next to her for in our final quiet moments, there was a smile and sparkle in her eyes as she leaned into me as I talked to her. I wonder now, if on those rare times when I have a bacon-egg-and cheese biscuit, I'll not think of her.

As I left the vets office, I couldn't help but notice the purple wild flowers, called Ironweed that is  blooming along the road.
Seeing them reminded me of the purple flowers in her new collar that I'd bought for her just last week.
As I did with Jake, to sum up their life with us, to build my own "rainbow" I've given her a color.  Momma's color is purple. Purple represents wisdom, dignity,  devotion, peace, independence, and magic. Until the end, I could see the wisdom, and peace, trust and devotion in her eyes. The dignity she had through the pain of the cancer, her independent and kind nature, and the magic in the way she quickly stole all of our hearts.

God-speed Mommaaaa, until we meet again on the other side. You are missed and will not be forgotten.   
~One last, and final photo~ 

 As a postscript, a good friend also said good-bye to her cat named "Pal" yesterday. His time with her, was also much too short. But with her, he found all that he needed and more. Our candle, (sat here on a throw that she gave me), is lit to help Pal find his way to the Rainbow Bridge. 

47 comments:

  1. Kim I just wanted to thank you for all you did for her during her last days of her life. {{{HUG}}}

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  2. Momma is running free now in a place free of fear and pain. God bless you both until you meet at the far side of the Bridge.

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  3. Kim, this is so heartbreaking. I'm so sorry. Take comfort in knowing that you really did give her some happiness in her final days.

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  4. Lovely post on Momma's last days. I think she was very happy there with you. Bless you for taking such great care of these dogs during their final days.

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  5. Good-bye, Momma. Thank you for your visit at Golden Pines, sorry you couldn't have stayed a while longer.

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  6. I hope that I find someone like you in my final days.

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  7. We said goodbye to Bailey this week too. It's very hard to accept that my puppy is gone.

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  8. You are by far, one of the most thoughtful woman I have never met. Of course I am so grateful that Momma had some time with you. Thanks for the millionth time for all you do for these sweet pups. I'm in tears....again.

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  9. Kim, my heart is very sad. Momma had quickly found a place in my heart, as well. She has the same endearing sweet face as our black lab mix Millie. I think of dear Chipper and how he had found a special friend in Momma. My prayers are with you all at Golden Pines and I am always thinking especially of darling Eva. Stephanie in Northern California

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  10. I think you should write a book with all your experiences with your furever kids - it would be an awesome read.... ❤️❤️

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  11. I am so sorry about Momma, Kim. What a lovely life she had while she was with you. To feel love as we exit this world... how much more could any of us ask for. We had to say good-bye to our dear kitty, Mistletoe, on August 8th. The same thing: probably kept here a little too long but love sustained him. Mistletoe was 16 years old and a rescue. He arrived into our lives at a time we desperately needed him and left when it was time. I still miss his faithful presence and undying loyalty. I guess that sums it up, doesn't it... the loyalty our beloved furry family members have for us will never die. Love & hugs, Andrea XOXO

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  12. I'm so sorry that Mommas life with you couldn't be longer. She loved being with you and the other dogs, there was no better place on earth for her to spend her final days. She was one of those special dogs that steal you heart, a dog I will not forget. I will think of colors for my dogs.

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  13. Your time with Momma was so short, but she was so dearly loved, and to be with her that final day, shows more than love. The others will have a gap in their lives too. How they must treasure our love and care we will not know, but in their eyes and tail wagging, signs of true loyalty and belief.
    For those who love, time is eternity. ( a few words from a well known phrase).XXX from down here.

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  14. I'm sorry to hear your time with Momma was very short. She knew she had a wonderful place to spend her final days.

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  15. The love in your words in your post for Momma show us without a doubt that Momma was not suffering from her pain but relishing in that short time in her life when she truly knew LOVE. Hugs to you. Soft woos and gentle hugs from all of us.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber and Mom

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  16. What a sweet looking girl.

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  17. Lovely tribute to Momma. So sad that her last night was filled with pain, but I'm sure the breakfast biscuit more than made up for that. She was a lucky girl to have spent her last days with you and the pack.

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  18. We KNOW that Momma's last few weeks were peaceful and full of love....

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  19. Run free, Momma. What an amazing treat to meet you. (And I'm not talking about the egg sandwich.) Much love to everyone at Golden Pines.

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  20. Thank you so much for doing that for her, especially the sandwich at the end. I'm crying as I write this, of course, but I'm so grateful to you.

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  21. Momma for sure knew love in her short time with you. Rest in Peace sweet girl
    hugs
    Hazel & Mabel & Mom

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  22. Godspeed, sweet Momma - you will be missed. I said goodbye to my sweet 14 year old blind and deaf setter Boo at home last Saturday, so I empathize...

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  23. I agree with all the above comments. She was loved and it showed. She is now able to rest in peace because of you.

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  24. Many hugs to you and yours. A short time can still be made excellent and I believe it was, for Momma. What a kindness you give to these creatures. :)

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  25. That contract between dog and owner- Momma gave you her trust and in return you promised ' no pain '. Responsibility is never easy. I'd like to think that by the light of a gentler moon there were generations of PONs listening enthralled to Momma's tale of cheese, egg and bacon biscuits.

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  26. You and your wonderfully kind and loving crew made Momma's last weeks a joy for her. The egg and cheese biscuit was an inspired treat - the cherry on top.

    Peace to you all and to Pal's sad family.

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  27. As I have been traveling I missed getting to know Momma. Run free sweet lady.

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  28. Beautiful post . . .
    Happy “Momma” . . .
    Special Spirit Heart Kim . . .
    Tender tears . . .
    Cheers to a MD bacon egg cheese biscuit . . .
    Purple it is!

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  29. Kim, I know I have said it before on Facebook, but how you are able to handle these tasks are nothing short of a spiritual journey. You are truly and Angel here on earth, and Sheila and I feel blessed and honored to know such a wonderful compassionate person.
    Godspeed Momma .......

    A RESCUER’S CREED
    [Susan M. Pearson]
    I shall be a believer of all that is good in man and of all that is deserving in animals. I shall plead for their lives, campaign for their safety and uphold their right to a natural death. I shall seek out the injured and the maimed, the unloved, and the abandoned and tend to them in their last days. I shall not forget their place in the hierarchy of life, nor that we walk in each other's paths. I shall bear witness to the wonder they bring into our lives and to the beauty they bestow upon our souls. I shall renew their spirits when they are waning, bind their wounds when they bleed, cradle them when they whimper, and comfort them when they mourn. I shall be near them in their hour of greatest need - a companion and friend when the time has come. I shall watch over them and console them and ask that the angels gather them in their arms. From the creatures of the earth I shall learn the fruits of compassion and undying love, and I shall be called the beloved of God. In their company I shall indeed be blessed. ~

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  30. It just doesn't get any easier. Great story about Momma's spirit. Please know how special you are to provide these dogs with their final refuge. Everyone of them deserving, most coming to you from less than ideal situations. There is a castle at the Rainbow Bridge, it's name is Golden Pines. In the space-time continuum, happy, grateful tails are right around the corner. I know you glimpse it occasionally as you walk the property with the dogs. Fly free Momma.

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  31. tears.
    the circle of life.
    and the deep caring of one fine woman for one fine dog.
    I love you darling bean. xoxo

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  32. Such a lovely girl. I'm glad you were able to help her through her last days. Goodbye, lovely.

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  33. I know you'll have many more in the future, but I love the way you make each and every dog a special person in their own way as they pass through. We lost another old family member as my daughter's 15 year-old Wrigley passed to another world of love and acceptance recently. He was a rescue and I thought daughter was crazy to adopt him when everyone at the rescue tried to warn her! But she saw the man he was meant to be, and the dog who cringed at every move became The Protector when her baby was born. Wrigley never let his new "Sister" out of his sight and the whole family grew to love that wonderful dog. In his final days, he got a McDonald's double cheeseburger (something he dearly loved) most days and as much love as a family can give.

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  34. Momma spent her final 17 days being respected as an individual within your family. This is the most loving think I can imagine.

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  35. I am soo sorry for your loss and for your friends loss to . Momma spent her best days with you and your clan knowing she was in a wonderful loving family .

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  36. Always sad to lose a special someone but what a reunion on the other side ... Momma is free from this life's pain. You are so special, Kim.

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  37. Oh Kim.. I am so sorry. I am sorry your heart is broken. I believe you did make Momma feel the love and safety that her heart yearned for. There is nothing better than that,, And she had furry friends around her that loved her. I do believe you are an angel Kim.. And even Angels cry.,
    love
    tweedles

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  38. Once again, thank you for making the painful decision to end Momma's suffering. My condolences for the pain that causes you.

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  39. I meant to say in my previous comment that I'm thinking about little Pal's journey to the rainbow bridge, too. These are heartbreaking times. Stephanie in Northern California

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  40. Godspeed Momma girl.
    She was indeed a beautiful lady.
    Hugs,
    ~Jo

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  41. Having just had to let one of our seniors go last month, I know how hard this is and how it breaks your heart. But you gave her so much, and that is something that can never be forgotten.

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  42. So sorry to read about Momma, as always I am in awe of your love and bravery with these beautiful old aged dogs and the care you give to the, xxx

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  43. Hello Momma! I know you are free in pain now and be an angel to your pet parents. My dog died because of tumor also that's why we decided to get a pet euthanasia dallas for he wasn't able to feel the pain and after what he done to us, he don't deserve to suffer in pain.

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  44. Thank you for making Momma's last days so much better. I love that she wagged like crazy when you ordered her such a treat from McDonald's. You are an angel on Earth to dogs who need you.

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  45. Hello. Thanks for sharing this. I'm sorry for your loss and my dog died through pet hospice care she suffer too much pain and We don't like to see her in pain and Banny, Thank you so much for giving us joy for 12 years and I know we will see each other again.

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