But You Eat Chicken, Right?

When I started this blog back in December, I had intended it to be a place for me to write and muse about whatever happened to be on my mind. At the time, my nine year old boxer was already a few months past his advanced lymphoma diagnosis. His health had been declining steadily, but I wasn’t ready to post about it at the time. Talking about the inevitable was just too painful. Even as I write this almost six weeks after his death, it is still almost too painful to think about.

When I started this blog, I had no idea that it would become a place that several other pet owners and I would converge to talk about what we and our dogs were going through. We discussed the signs and symptoms of the lymphoma, complications, medication, euthanasia, other pets/family members - everything. What started as one painful post quickly became a sanctuary where I was able to come and talk to some of the wonderful people that I met here. Much too soon, however, they became the people that helped me through the agonizing process of losing a beloved pet. Over the past several months, several of the dogs from our group have lost their battles with canine lymphoma.

Bill, a nine year old Boxer who owned Eve, passed away on January 5^th, about ten weeks after diagnosis.

Emmitt, a Golden Retriever/Irish Wolfhound mix who owned Patty, passed away on January 23rd, about nine weeks after diagnosis.

Sydney, a Shepherd/Husky mix who owned Victoria, passed away on March 1^st, almost six weeks after diagnosis.

Bruno, a three year old English Bulldog who owned Lee, passed away today, March 11th, about eight weeks after diagnosis.

Max, a thirteen year old terrier mix who owned Linda, passed away on April 23rd, 2008, about six weeks after diagnosis.

Patch, an eleven year old Dalmation who owned Meredith, passed away on May 9, 2008.

Ladies, if you would like me to post a photo of your dog, just let me know. I am so sorry for all of your losses, but so glad we have been able to help each other through this horrible experience. I hope that this blog continues to be a place where people can come to find others who are dealing with the same issues.

Just this side of heaven is a place called 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…