Live like she was dying

Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge is the theme of a work of poetic prose written some time between 1980 and 1992, whose original creator is unknown. The theme is of an other-worldly place to which a pet goes upon its death, eventually to be reunited with its owner.
    • Gold Top Dog

    Live like she was dying

    Forgive just one more post about the loss of our girl but it is indeed important,  as you know  with deep sorrow  , we gentled our Princess cross the bridge yesterday morning.   Jasmine's fate was written  in the medical reports that we had worked with so carefully , in hopes of buying her extra time and less discomfort.  Knowing her engergy was flagging and her time was limited we chose to take her for a final adventure to the Ridgeback Rodeo.  She wandered at will amongst the young and old took her time and found a spot of comfort where she wanted. She lay at my feet and enjoyed the meals, the singing, the long walks with small spurts of energy she would challenge the pup and the raptors to tiny races though the grassy paddocks and gentle air of the amish country side.  

    She did not curl up in a ball and whine. she did not give up her legendary appetite , she lived each moment filled with love and mischief.  In her last adventure Jasmine was part of an effort to draw owners and dogs closer together,Eric called early this morning to tello me there had beena miscalculation and we had in fact raised far more money that thought , Our Jasmine was part of the effort to raise nearly 2000.00 in funds for charities to help RRs in need.  Jasmine came home and put her house in order. Spoke with her children and grandchildren assigninging them duties ....

    Thanks to Eric and Karen Watson We have more photos and more memories if our girl ....  The Rodeo is a fantastic gift to the Ridgeback community in hundreds of ways and yes we have many stories to share and brags of our own... The last night Mary Phelps sang that country song by Tim Mcgraw about Living like you were dying, and I found it necessary to excuse myself to spend the evening cuddled to my girl and admiring her ability to do exactly that, live each moment without fear of the next.   I promised her we would not grieve her until she was gone, not one moment before.... Thanks to the Rodeo we were able to keep our promise.  We will return to the Rodeo next year to celebrate Jasmine's last adventure,  and to make sure we raise even more money to help the RRs that she would always find a way to comfort and seek out. Princesses have legacies, it is up to their loyal followers to carry them out.

    Bonita and Bob of Bwana

    • Gold Top Dog

    I am truly gifted having met Jasmine at the RR Rodeo. No, she did not give up--she countersurfed a stick of butter while you were not looking Stick out tongue The love and loyalty you felt for each other was apparent to all who saw the two of you.

    I know you dreaded her passing. But you did all that you could to help her live a wonderful life, and all that you could to prepare your pack for this time. I know that someday soon my beloved Gracie will pass tooCrying. I know that Jasmine will greet her at the Bridge, and I hope that I can follow your example of loyalty and love when it comes time to ease her over.

    Love and Hugs.

    Agnes

    Gracie (17) and my new RR Rescue (liver nosed) Catherine

    • Gold Top Dog

    One of the younger folks asked the other day "What is a heart dog? Does it mean just your favorite?" (I used quotes but it's not a direct quote but that was the intent.)

    I have always been able to find that gem ... that incredible seed of wonder in each and every dog I've been privileged to know.  But there are those who are SO rare, so incredible in how they deal with each of us and with us individually, that they shine so like a beacon that they are without compare.

    Such a dog ... even more than most ... changes us.  And once in a while, we are all blessed if we allow someone else's heart dog to change *us*.  To be allowed to share the unique special-ness of that animal and that bond, but even more to be changed by them.  To learn a life lesson that makes our lives more rich, more profound, .... in short ... ***more***.

    Every single person who read this ... and a whole lot who won't ...  should walk away thinking "You know -- *I* should do that.  There're always accidents in the world - unexpected disasters, and even illnesses and worse.  But did I live **today** the best I could?  Did that last person I saw see the best in ME?  What if I never got a another chance to 'do over'?  Jasmine -- you've taught ME something."

    *hugs* Bonita. 

    • Gold Top Dog

    run free jasmine!

    bonita, i'm not good with words when it comes to these things. i just wanted to say my heart goes out to you! i think you are dealing with her passing in a very healthy manner, and i know your family and the rest of the pack are there to give you strength. i know jasmine has a special place in your heart and i can see why. it seems to me, in many ways she is just like you!

    {HUGS!!}

    • Gold Top Dog

     Bonita, I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss of Jasmine.  You were all blessed to have one another, rest well and run free Jasmine. 

    • Gold Top Dog

    Run free, Jasmine.

    I listen to some country and this is one of my favorites.

    So, this is for you. An amazing dog, and amazing human, and the enduring love that is shared.

    "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mHaFMqde6A

    • Gold Top Dog

    Thank you Ron,  She was all of that and more.  Gone 12 days now and I find myself still pausing to make sure doors are open so she can follow me,  reaching for her when I stand at the kid's doors to say good night and  even sillier tossing a big chunk of steak with fat to her empty waiting spot in the kitchen where she "helped" me cook every day of our lives...  I want to accept the passing gracefully and it will take time I guess.

    It helps a lot to know , to feel..that she no longer struggles . That she is free to run and play  and bossing her Bo around once more.  They doated on each other more than any pair I have seen before. 

    Thank you,  the song means a great deal to us.

    hugs Bonita of Bwana

    • Gold Top Dog

    Noblesse Oblige. It is an honor.

     

    • Gold Top Dog

    Just wanted to offer condolences... it's so apparent how much Jasmine meant to you.  ((hugs))

    • Gold Top Dog

     No one knows better than I how much it hurts to lose your heart dog.  Now, we each see that "lightest blade of grass":

    http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/wheretob.htm 

    May you always have Jasmine by your side as I have Dancer by mine...I know that we all meet in the spirit land.  All things in good time.  In time, all good things. 

    • Gold Top Dog

    I'm sorry I'm late, but I really wanted to say how sorry I am about your loss. When I read the things you write about her, I can see she was a very special dog and how much you love her. ((hugs))

    I never heard that song before and I think it's amazing, what a great tribute!