Jade

There’s been a lot to be happy about over the past few weeks, but now that I’ve finally got a moment to blog I want to talk about what’s weighing heavy on my heart. Our family dog Jade, was put to rest on Christmas Eve, also my Mom’s birthday. She was 2 months shy of 13. Long story short, we did what we thought was best for her in the condition she was in.

 

The morning of Christmas Eve my brother, David, Me and my Dad took Jade to the vet in what would be her very last car ride. Mom just couldn’t bear to come. I wanted to be there with my girl though. Until the very end.

I remember the day we brought Jade home when I was just 13 years old. How ironic.

Even though since I’d moved out and started my own little family (hubby + dogs) I still loved coming home and seeing my Jadester. She always had a smile on her face and such light in those big brown eyes. I’ll miss her so, so much. Going to my parents today was hard. So hard. No wagging tail to greet us. No bowls sitting in the garage. Did I mention it was hard? Even though she’d been moving slower and couldn’t hear much anymore, she was always there. She’s been a constant in my life for the past 13 years.

Sweet girl, you will be missed. The Gray residence won’t be the same without you. I’m so glad I was able to be right there by your side. Even though you were so tired, you lifted your head up one last time and looked right into my eyes. I knew then that you were ready to go. I wouldn’t have rather been anywhere else than right there with you.

I love you girl.

The Rainbow Bridge

inspired by a Norse legend

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.