Today was that day for us, we said goodbye to Molly she is now running around in heaven chasing squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits to her hearts content and is pain free.
This has been one of the longest 24 hours in our lives. I took Molly to the vet on Friday morning and our vet told us that medically it was time for Molly to go. She had all the symptoms of Cushing's Disease, but it was caused by the steroids, not one of the glands. Her skin was red raw in a number of places and it was only getting worse. The two steroid pills we had her on a day were not doing their job. Her liver was very enlarged and her back legs were shaking all due to the steroids.
No medication could reverse these issues so it was in Molly's best interest to have her put to sleep. We could have stretched this out for a couple more months but that in our mind was being selfish and putting our feelings ahead of Molly's well being.
Our emotions are very raw at the moment. We both were with her when she fell asleep and a tear did trickle down Molly's cheek, but she knew right to the very end she was loved and will be deeply missed. Even the vet was crying.
I will be taking a few days to mull things over and grieve. I thought this says it all:
Rainbow
Bridge
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
from this site
60 comments:
Oh Gill....I am so sorry. We have cats, and I know how much they are part of the family.
Even though you know you did the right thing, it doesn't make it feel any better. Your Rainbow Bridge essay is beautiful...and someday you will see Molly again, in all her glory.
Be gentle to yourself.
I am so sorry for your loss!
I have been through this so many times. Even though you know what you are doing is best for them, it never gets any easier!
So sorry!
I'm so, so sorry Gill.
I am so sorry that you have lost such a lovely part of your family, my thoughts are with you xxx
Gill, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope your heart recovers quickly.
I was a reader when you first got Molly and the struggle you went through to sort out her allergies. I think you gave her a wonderful life where others might not have bothered. I also think you did the right thing to stop her suffering: just because we can keep something going doesn't mean we should. I am so sorry for the pain you will be feeling right now. I hope it passes soon and instead becomes a celebration of what you did for Molly and what she gave you in return.
Such sad news.
I am so sorry to hear about your dog. I know at my house pets are members of the family and based on your posts can see it is the same.
Gill, my condolences at this sad time. That is a very difficult decision to make. Take comfort that you gave Molly every happiness while she was with you.
Christine
in Almonte
Oh I am so so sorry. I do love the Rainbow Bridge it is perfect. Take care B
Oh Gill... :( (((hugs))) I have tears in my eyes as I write this as I know how very much you adored Molly. I'm so very sorry for your loss... You'll be in my thoughts & prayers.
I wish I had the words to help give you the comfort you deserve just know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I'm so sorry. I know all to well.
I'm so very sorry Jill... I have tears in my eyes. I have another friend that lost a cat today, I bet they are hanging out... For real. Peace to you..
So sorry Gill. I've been there too many times and it never gets any easier. The main hazard of being an animal lover.
But you know what , I wouldn't change any of it because it would mean not having had those wonderful times with my pets , and I would be a lesser person without them .
Molly was a lucky dog to have you and your hubby to love her and take care of her . You did the last kind thing that you could for her , and she would thank you if she could .
Look out of Mollys' window and remember the good times , like her running off down the field and you having to chase her back , the chasing of the squirrels and many more .
Thinking of you . XXX
Gill I am so sorry to read your sad news. Molly was as blessed to have you as you were to have her in your lives.
Thinking of you
Sarah x
well at least you gave her a good life for the time you had her
You know where I am.
Jane xxxxxxxx
Aaw, so sorry to hear about Molly. I had a similar story with my cat a few years ago. I still miss him but don't regret for a minute any of the time or effort I put in to try to get him healthy. Hope you will soon just remember Molly with good memories and the sadness will fade.
Bess says....how very sorry I am to hear about Molly. She seemed like such a kind and loving pet. Rainbow Bridge is so perfect. You'll see Molly again one day, I know for a fact. My sympathy. Bess
Oh! I hate those times .....! I fell for your loss but I know Molly is a lot more comfortable now!
(((gill))))
I'm so sorry about your loss. Thank you for sharing your life and love with Molly.
A path I have been down many times, and one I will be down again... my heart goes out to you and your family, as I know how much Molly was part of your lives. You gave Molly a most wonderful life which ever moment I am sure was enjoyed by her. Hugs, and only a phone call or email away, Gill xx
My thoughts are with you Gill, I know how hard it is to lose a pet, they are very much another family member and acknowledging it is time to say goodbye is always so hard to do.
May her sweet memories be a comfort to you.
Such a sad post to read, and even harder for you to write. Molly will live on in your hearts forever. She is in a better place and not suffering anymore.
My goes out to you on the loss of your precious Molly. May the many wonderful memories she has blessed you with comfort you during this difficult time and in time bring a sweet smile to you.
So sorry to her of your loss...our family dog lived 12 great years...I still miss my 'shadow'. Take care.
I feel your loss. That final visit to the Vet is the kindest thing we can do for our furry companions.
My donation to the local Humane Society goes in this week and it will be in Memorium of Molly.
I am so sorry for you loss.
I would like to convey my sincere condolences
It is so hard to say good bye to a family pet.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry to hear about Molly. It's tough losing pets they really become our family. Dogs give so much and ask for so little and I am sure you have many great memories of your dog.
I am so sorry. What a good life you gave her.
Oh Gill I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. She was a lucky dog to have such a loving home.
I know you will miss your sweet Molly forever more until you get to see her again. Hugs and prayers to you and your hubby, letting our sweet babies go to Heaven is so hard to do
I am so sorry for your loss.
Oh, Gill, I'm so very sorry. Making "The Decision" is heartwrenching, even when we know it's the best thing for them. All we can do is be there for them at the end and know we did all we could. Knowing she was so well-loved and cared for takes the sting out of it a little bit. Be gentle with yourselves. Take care xx
I'm so sorry to hear about your dog! I'll keep you and Molly in my prayers.
RIP Molly...
our hearts are filled with sadness here :(
{HUGS}
Oh dear Gill, I'm so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you!
Gill,
Tears were running down my face as I read this post. Sending you and Hubby some hugs. I will miss Molly and all your lovely post about her.
She was a big part of your life and also ours through your posts. I'm glad she was adopted by you because she did have a good life.
Take care my friend and we will be thinking of you.
Gill I'm so very sorry for your loss. She was one of the most beautiful dogs I've ever seen. She will not only be missed by you but by all your followers. Sends lots of love your way.
Gill, I am so sorry to hear about Molly.
The biggest hugs goes to you and your family.
I know she is in a happy place.
Sft x
I feel your pain, Gill. My heart goes out to you. The lose of one of our family is so painful. Goodbye sweet Molly. Gill- I hope you find comfort in knowing she had a good life with you. Hugs Sue xx
I am heart broken for you. I loved reading stories about Molly. She was a very much loved doggie. Cheryl
So sorry to hear your news Gill - such a hard decision to make. But as you say Molly is pain free now - that is the main thing :)
Oh Gill!!!!! I was trying to get caught up on my blog reading, and saw your post--To say that I am sorry just doesn't seem like enough because I know how Molly's life was intertwined within the fabric of your own life and what she meant to you and to people like me who enjoyed getting to know her through you. I so hope you are finding comfort in knowing that she is free from the things that kept her from enjoying her life here, and that same comfort in your many wonderful memories of her that cannot be taken away. Again, I am so sorry....
I am so sorry for you loss!
Oh Gill, I am so sorry to hear your news. It is so hard to lose a beloved pet. But you have to believe that she is in doggy heaven and not in pain anymore. My thoughts are with you.
I am so sorry for your loss. Molly knew she was loved and wanted and was happy and loved you both. She will be forever in your hearts.
I, like many others have been through this experience and know how painful it is. Molly was not just a pet, but a part of your family.
Allow yourself to grieve and be gentle with yourself. Thank you for sharing your Rainbow Bridge essay.
Hugs Hamitana
i am so sory for your loss.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Molly is a precious angel.
I feel so sad for the two of you...
Gill, as soon as i saw your comment on John's blog about the last ride to the vet, i started to cry. It's never easy to say good-bye to a beloved furfriend. Bless you both for being there with her as she crossed over the other side to the Rainbow Bridge.
Ah ha, here it is. So sorry Gill, so very sorry. I will also miss hearing your stories about Molly.
I'm so so sorry. Goodness, this news made me cry. But I think of the INCREDIBLE last years she had with you guys. Oh, you gave her heaven on earth and that makes me feel so good. There is nothing so heartwarming as knowing that an animal who was likely on death row with all its health concerns was given a home and family who loved it enough to stretch the budget as far as possible to bring it the medical care it needed, gave it every comfort and all the love it could stand. and then, the greatest thing of all -- to not let her suffer any longer. It's so hard. My heart goes out to you and at the same time I cheer for the great quality of life Molly has had with you. I hope someday that gives you some comfort -- to know that she had the best home in the world and all the love she could stand. *HUGS*
Oh, Gil - I am so sorry for your loss. Having been through this myself I know just how you feel but you did the best thing for her that you could at the end of her life as you did throughout the rest of her life. She knew she was loved and you can take comfort in knowing she loved you too.
Hugs.
from a long-time reader:
Very, very sorry to read about your sweet Molly...
I know she must be in a better place, waiting for you. I feel that she will be with the Great Shepherd and may she rest in peace at His feet.
from "Pickles"
I'm so very sorry. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet. She was lucky to have had such a good home.
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