We lost Ellie on July 23, 2011. We only had her for five short years. She had a tumor on her pituitary gland that caused her to develop Cushing's Disease. She was first diagnosed with Cushings in November 2010. The medicine didn't work and we started suspecting something else was wrong - symptoms got worse and her conditioned worsened. We did what we could, but couldn't save her.
Ellie was a Boxer. She was almost a miniature - so adorable, so full of personality, and the most affectionate dog I have ever known. She used to sit on my shoulder as if she were a parrot or on my husband's lap. Thank goodness she only weighed 58lbs at her heaviest.
The reason I'm sharing this story is because there is a reason for everything. I think one of the reasons I was home all summer was to spend time with her and to take care of her. I was given the gift to be with her during her final months.
I have my moments of sadness - she really left a hole in my heart and our lives. I have wonderful memories of her. My husband, on the other hand, is having a difficult time moving on. How can I help him? He's read the Rainbow Bridge (thanks to a friend and our vet sharing this poem). I believe Ellie will be waiting for us. Grief is a terrible thing.
My Edward Redgrave -Eddie- was everything to Ted and me. Literally, he got us together! This Nov. will 2 years and I still miss him. We both do. We have Riley Wilson and now Jackson Jordan, but we always think of Eddie. Having lost my father when I was 11, then my brother Gary, my mom, two of closest friends to breast cancer, I don't do death well. I revel in my moments of shear memory - I mean I just let the memory come to life in my now rather than try to brush it away. I can't get Eddie back - or my dad, mom or brother, but I make sure everyone in my life who is relevant knows each day I love them and care. I talk to my mom when I see cardinals, my brother when I hear a bag pipe, and my dad, I always talk to him. And almost every night, I say good night to Eddie!
ReplyDeleteTracey - I am so glad you are sharing. This is what I want. If you've had a similar experience, I want you to share and I want to hear about it. I think it helps to share -- especially when it comes to grieving. It's also reassuring to hear that we're not alone (we're not crazy to have these feelings), that dogs are more than pets. Thank you! Please continue to share.
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