I know this is more suited to the Rainbow Bridge section, but I wanted to share it with folks who may not visit that part of the forum very often. It's also my first attempt at posting a photo, so I hope it works.
Today marks one year since Tonka went to the Bridge. While it seems like it was yesterday that we were kissing him goodbye, it also seems so long ago. I re-read all the cards and emails we received after his death, including all the supportive posts made here on the forum (I printed them all to put with Tonka's scrapbook items). Just as I felt then, I was so touched by the words of comfort so many members offered. It was extra sad when I realized how a number of you who so kindly expressed condolences to me last year have since faced your own furbaby losses. The continued support I've received as I've struggled with my grief has been so appreciated. Nowhere else could I have found such a large group of sympathetic and understanding people.
Tonka, there aren't words to adequately describe how important you were (still are) to my life. You were truly our pride and joy --
roviding us with moments that made our hearts swell and our smiles widen. A light has gone out of our lives now that you're no longer physically with us. I know you're surrounded by special friends to keep you company until we're together again. Your true love, LuLu, was surely the first one to run to greet you at the Bridge, and you soon found your old friends, Libby and Ariel, Grandpa and Uncle Bob. You've since been joined by your second-favorite girl, Zoie, and I know you're both feasting on all your favorite treats, drooling and slobbering on each other. I also know you've met lots of new friends, whose faces were unfamiliar, yet who seemed to know to find you at the Bridge. Those are i-dog friends -- and their humans are all really special, too!
If I listed all the things I miss about you, I'd run out of room here. I still lean to the left of the cutting board each time I prepare veggies, because I expect your magnificent head to bump my hip to remind me to save some crunchy bites for you. I swallow the last bite of my oatmeal with a sigh each morning, because I no longer have to hold the bowl for you to savor your share. And I still struggle to fall asleep most nights because I can't feel your weight near me or hear your gentle snores.
I try to remember how profoundly you affected my life -- opening my ears and eyes (literally) to all the animals who aren't as fortunate as you were with a loving family. I try to honor your life by emulating how you approached everything with such grace and flexibility. You were always cooperative and good-natured, regardless of the situation: 2 cross-country moves, climate changes, exposure to different people and animals both at home and in therapy work, even the frequent vet visits and procedures in your final months. You touched the lives of everyone who knew you, and so many people still speak of you with great love. You were one very special boy. I'm a better person for having known and loved you, and I'm less of one without you here.
Be a good boy. Mom and Dad love you, and we miss you so very much. xoxo
