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.