Monday, January 04, 2010

In Memory of Allie


Yesterday we had to say goodbye to our beloved Border Collie, Allie. She would have been sixteen in March.
But she lived a good life, traveled between Bermuda and Canada for the past five summers, and enjoyed every day spent at the lake in Northern Ontario, and the rest of the year in the gardens and on the beaches of Bermuda.
She was my children's first dog, and she will live in our hearts forever.

If you've ever had to make the decision of when to put your precious pet to sleep, you know what we went through.
But today, although still sad, I know we did the right thing. She is not in pain anymore, no longer suffering, and free to run like she used to.

I first heard this poem at a funeral I attended for someone who loved dogs probably more than she loved people, and I mean that in the kindest way, but it stuck with me, and I'd like to share it here today. For all pet lovers, I think we have no choice but to believe it.
RIP Allie!

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.
© 1998 Steve and Diane Bodofsky.

6 comments:

Katie Ganshert said...

Well, that made me all teary. So sorry you had to say goodbye. But glad you feel at peace about your decision.

I can't imagine the day when we'll have to say goobye to Bubba.

Take care Cathy,
Katie

Patti Lacy said...

I'm so sorry, Cathy. We've had so many good dogs...I know exactly how you feel.
My heart goes out to you.
Patti

Ann Isik said...

I'm sorry to learn about your loss Cathy and I do know how you will be feeling. My heart is wrenched! Be comforted in that she couldn't have had a better life. Also that when the time came,it was her comfort you considered (and not your own).

Ann

Wendy Paine Miller said...

You got to me with this one. I feel for you during this grieving time. I'm so close to our dog (our first child). She's 11 and aging fast. Thank you for posting the poem. It's beautiful.

Thinking of you,
~ Wendy

Terri Tiffany said...

I am so sorry for all of you about your dog. Yes, we've been through it two times now and my heart breaks still when I remember them and the love they brought to our family.
Thank you for finding my blog and commenting. It is with real joy that I read yours and real envy (lol) that I see you are in Bermuda!
It is always nice to meet another ACFW member. Congratulations to you as well for being represented by an awesome agent! I can't even get my nerve up to submit to her!!
Have a blessed day:)

Catherine West said...

I'm glad you all can relate, I know most of us who have pets will understand that the decision is for the best, but it's still hard just the same.
Thanks Terri! Yes I am blessed in many ways! We do still have our young dog, Noah, so that is a great comfort to me, he sure keeps me busy!
Go on and submit!! If you want any help or suggestions, feel free to email me anytime.
cathwest@logic.bm