SUBSCRIBE VIA RSSI didn’t write this, but I embrace it:
The Rainbow Bridge
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…
Her Special Someone.
Dory went peacefully this evening and it was just as heart-wrenching as I expected it to be. I asked the veterinarian to do an examination just to make sure we weren’t making a premature decision and she concurred that it was time. There was nothing to be done medically, the deterioration was significant, and she felt there was pain due to issues with Dory’s spine, abdomen, and nerves.
We made the ultimate decision, one that we felt was the best decision, and stayed with Dory as the veterinarian and her assistant retrieved what was needed to send her peacefully. I asked our 11-year old son if he wanted to stay in the room and he assured me that he did.
As Dory lay quietly, the veterinarian spoke softly and explained each step as she went through them. Seeing Dory relax, the two of us continued to pet and whisper to her as she slowly faded to sleep.
Tears welled in his eyes and he whispered a final goodbye. After some quiet moments, they handed us Dory’s collar and graciously offered to let us exit through the back due to Michael’s concern about people seeing him cry in the waiting room. With a tight hug and the assurance that Dory was in a better place, I asked Michael if he wanted to stay a while. He didn’t, he was ready to leave.
As we sat in the parking lot I asked if he’d like to go to the grocery store for some sugar therapy.
Heather and I often make trips to the bakery aisle in times of stress because bad calories just seem to have a way of making things feel better. So, I thought he would benefit from some welcomed guilty pleasures as well. And in typical Michael fashion, his reply brought a smile.
“Sugar can’t replace love, Dad. But I’ll take it.”
Tonight, our home is minus one. I can’t say it’s quieter, because Dory never made a peep. I can’t say it’s calmer, because Dory never really moved. But I can say it’s lonelier, because Dory still made a difference.
I won’t miss the random urination but I will miss her spacey vapid presence. We only had her for a year but at least we can take solace in the fact that it was the best year of her life.
It wasn’t nearly long enough. But, as Michael said,
I’ll take it.
………………………………
Dory’s Archives
Dory Joins the Family (A Dog’s Life)
The Mission to Give Her All She Was Denied (Dory’s Bucket List Adventure)
Starting From Scratch (Maybe You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks)
We Tried Our Best (Dory’s Bucket List is Ready!)
The Readers Unite (Neuter the Tumor!)
A Bucket List Trip (Doggin’ It On the Farm – A Pictorial)
The Miracle of Social Media (Dory is Tumor Free!)
Recovery Shenanigans (Dory’s Post-Surgery Update)
“Damn. I really hope that’s dog fart.” (Canine Regression)
Anticipated But Still Unexpected (A Teaspoon of Dory)
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{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m so sorry that Dory is no longer with us. Your family loved her well and I’m sure she returned the love in her own way.
I’m sorry… that’s so sad
I’m so sorry that Dory is gone, but I’m so happy she had such a wonderful year with your family.
Nice tribute. My eyes got all leaky.
Beautiful post. That was a very lucky dog.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. You guys did a wonderful thing for that pup in her final year.
Anyone who has ever loved and lost their pet knows your pain. So sorry.
I’m sorry for your loss. Michael was very brave and handled it like a champ. I’ve been there and had to make this decision too many times. Even when I knew it was for the best and that their lives were no longer happy or comfortable, I felt guilty. I felt like I’d let them down because I couldn’t fix the problem, I could only end their pain. I knew it was the kindest thing to do but man, it sucks. Thank you for taking Dory in and loving her and letting her live out her life as a beloved companion. I don’t know if I believe in god or heaven or anything, but the Rainbow Bridge sounds good to me and if we do get to meet up with our pets again, I’m looking forward to some serious tennis ball throwing and some long walks thru the woods.
Our family just went through this a few weeks ago. We’d had Smokey for 12 years. It’s tough when you know it’s the right thing to do, you don’t want them to suffer, but oh, how we suffer letting them go. God bless your family.
I have been following Dory’s story since you started sharing it. The mark she made on your family is as amazing as the impact you all made in her life. Bless you and Heather and the kids as you grieve the loss of Dory. Thank you for sharing with us Greg. It is hard to make that final decision but you did it with grace and the ultimate love.
Bless you and thank you
Arwen
….PS, there might be something wrong with your site as it has made my eyes leak the past two days….just sayin’
Will Rogers is quoted as saying “If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” Given the choice, I’d agree with him.
Very sorry to hear about Dory, but she had a great life with you and you with her… be happy for the time you all had together, and know that our thoughts are with you.
oh gosh, thank you for making me cry alone in the middle of the night… in this world, i may be friendless because online ships just pass by… but pets? animals? they are forever, and as a Christian i believe whole heartedly that my friends are waiting for me on the other side of the rainbow bridge…
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. But I’m also tremendously happy that you gave Dory all of the love and companionship that she longed for her whole life. You gave her the greatest gift and she is definitely waiting on that Rainbow Bridge.
I’m sure your family is grateful for all that Dory gave you. Though you had her only one year, I know she’ll be long remembered.
Tears for you and your family, Greg. Dory will be missed by all, but we’re all better off having “known” her through you.
I am so very sorry to hear about Dory’s passing. My heart breaks for you. We lost our dog, Pep, on 7/3 after having him for 12 years. He was about 14. He, like Dory, was amazing and we are still heartbroken. I think we always will be. Our dogs are family, and losing them is like losing anyone. Dory is irreplaceable. Just remember that you gave her a wonderful life, and she loved you with every fiber of her being. I hope that soon you can remember her without tears.
Having had to make this choice once ourselves I know how painful it is. Her time with you was good and made it better for all of you. I’m sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry Greg, for you and your family, we just put our Corkey down last Saturday that we rescued 11 years ago. Corkey and Dory have the same look… I sure they each found a new friend in each other and are playing with our family that is no longer with us.
I think I found you, close to the time that you found Dory. I’ve enjoyed hearing her stories, good & bad, and knew that she was loved & cared for so much better than any other time in her life. You helped her live the happiest & best year of her life, and pass in the arms of those that loved her. It is never easy to say goodbye to a loved family member, but your memories of her will be forever & wonderful. Thank you for loving her as you did, and bringing her the best life she could have ever known. Rest in peace & with love Dory.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a gift it was for your family and Dory that you had the time together that you did, however brief. My thoughts are with you all.
The bravest thing you can do for our non-human family members, is assist them when life has lost it’s joy, and it is time to go. My heart aches for your family. Try to hold tight to that wonderful year and all the love and memories of Dory.
For everyone else. Don’t look over that senior animal at the shelter. That year, or two, or three, could change your life. A senior pet is often a much better choice to add to a home as they are already very well mannered and more appreciative of a “Home” than a new kitten or puppy would be.
Save a life at a shelter. The life you save, may be your own.
~ Dr Brassy
Lovely, lovely, lovely that you gave her a great last year.
“Sugar can’t replace love, Dad. But I’ll take it.”
I live by this rule!
Such a sweet tribute to Dory.
She is in good company (7 dogs and one horse over a 20 year period)
(five dogs and three horse alive and well, so I will see feel your pain again in the future)
You never get use to it. I cry as much if not more everytime.
Thinking of you and your family….
I’m so sorry for your loss. You did the right thing twice:
1) you gave her the best year of her life
2) you let her go when it was time so she didn’t suffer
Keep that teaspoon of her somplace special
xo
oh stop making me cry, i’m gonna miss dory just from your words it makes me remember all the loves waiting for me at rainbow bridge
I know exactly how you are feeling. We had to put our Brandy down after 13 years of love and friendship. My Wife and I sat with her as the doctor administered the last shot and she died in our arms. It was the saddest moment in my life at the time. The hardest thing about the whole episode was the backround music that was playing. It was the song from American Idol that they played when a person was kicked of the show. The title was “so you are having a bad day”. Everytime i hear that song the tears flow and memories of Brandy come flying back. I actually have goosebumps as i type this . I know it’s a cliche but time heals all wounds and then the memories remain.
You have been very brave for this dog. What you did for her now was just as brave as taking her home with you that day last year. I’m so sorry for your feelings of loss, but I hope you all can stand a little taller knowing that to some people (including Dory) you are heroes.
Oh Greg,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m in tears reading your story.
You have set such a great example for your kids by bringing Dory into your family, knowing that you wouldn’t have her long and would have to face this so soon. You gave that special girl the best year of her life AND taught your kids some amazing life lessons.
May peace be with Dory and your family.
Big huge hugs to all of you. I’ve been through it more than once, and I understand, as much as anyone can.
Thanks to your family, Dory got to know love and joy and fun and contentment and comfort and safety and plenty, and then when this time came, you did the last best thing you could do for her — you assumed pain in order to release her from it.
She’ll be there at the bridge for all of you, I’m sure of it. Now you’ll have to excuse me — my allergies seem to have kicked up. It happens every time I think about the Rainbow Bridge and those waiting there I’ll be with again one day.
Good on y’all for giving Dory a wonderful year, and good on you and Michael for staying with Dory through the end. I wish it was easier to do the right and kind thing sometimes, but I don’t doubt for a minute that it’s worth it.
Stupid dust.
*sniff* So sorry to hear of Dori’s passing. You really did give her a wonderful year. Hugs to all….
Ugh. I meant Dory. Sorry. I’m blaming the misspelling on my misty state.
I’m so sorry. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Hugs times infinity,
Valerie
Damn it Greg, I’m at work and I look like someone punched me in the nose! I am so sorry for your loss. I can relate all too well and I do not handle hearing these things since it brings the emotions to the surface all over again even if it has been over 5 years since I’ve been in your position. I agree, making that appointment is the most disturbing and uncomfortable thing to have to do and I don’t wish that on anyone. It’s not a decision someone should have to make. It’s downright awful. Your family was blessed to have had Dory for as long as you did and Dory was equally, if not more, blessed to have had your family to love her in her last months. Keep your chin up. It gets easier with time.
Greg and family-I am so sorry for you loss. Losing a pet is so hard. They are your family. Ya’ll did such a great job taking care of her for the last year of her life. I know ya’ll wanted her to be here longer but she was blessed by your family in so many ways. I have enjoyed reading about Dory over the year. Such great stories. I had a golden for about a year and he got cancer and within a month he was gone, even with treatment. And he was only 3 years old. I still think about him today.
Ya’ll are in my prayers and I wish you the best in your other struggles as well. Put your hand in God’s and all will be well.
I am so sorry for your loss, I am sitting here crying over it. I also want to thank you for rescuing her. A lot of people do save animals from abusive situations and I have a ton of respect for them, your family is no exception. You put up with a lot to make her comfortable and gave her the love she deserved all of her life. You are good people, thanks for sharing with us.
awww….rest in peace Dory!!
I am sorry for your loss. We had to put our Blueberry “down”last year. She was a dog we rescued and had with us for 10 years. She was the perfect dog. I agree with you that making the phone call to schedule things with the vet was surreal. We could hardly take that last car ride for the tears. Making end of life decisions for our pet was gut wrenching. I pray I never have to do the same for a family member….I can’t imagine that pain being multiplied even more.
You probably felt about Dory the way we felt about our Blue. We didn’t rescue her, she rescued us.
Hugs to you and your family.
I’m such a sap. Every time I read a story about someone losing their pet, I cry and cry. Over my life I’ve had many pets, and the ones that have passed I miss terribly. Currently we have two dogs, Ophelia, who is 5.5 years old, and Abigail, who is about 7 or 8 months. Both rescues.
About 5.5 years ago I was sent to the pound by the guy I was with at the time (we broke up less than a year later, haha) with specific instructions on what kind of dog to get. When I saw Ophelia, I MELTED. I HAD to have her! She wasn’t what he told me to get, but she stole my heart in an instant, and she still has it now. I dread to lose her.
Your son has a HUGE heart and is a GREAT kid. <3
And I'm very sorry for your loss.
Thank you for taking an old dog into your home. So often, people walk away from old dogs because of their age. Now you have a lot to teach people about what they will miss by walking past the old ones!
My heart goes out to you and your family. So sorry for your loss. (((HUGS)))
Well, crap. I come here occasionally to see what’s up with you and your family, saw the Rainbow Bridge at the top and my eyes started leaking. It’s been a rough summer for pets-we had to put down our 19 year old cat and 12 year old dog within a month of each other (they were both rescues), so you’ll understand when I say I feel your pain. My heart goes out to you and your family, and know that Dory is in a better place. Hugs all around.
So now I’m sitting here at work, crying, all because of a leftover roast beef sandwich! I’ve never read your blog before, but in my quest to figure out how best to reheat my Arby’s roast beef sandwich I stumbled in here. The sandwich turned out great!
Anyways, I decided to look at your other posts. Big mistake (or great idea, can’t decide). I’m now crying like a baby at my desk over the amazing hearts your family has. Dory was so lucky to have you, even for a short time. Hearing about people doing awesome things like this makes me have hope for the human race.
My family had a similar experience (one of our cats became very ill suddenly and we lost him after a little over a year of having him with our family) and it is heartbreaking. Much love and prayers to your family during this time.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my dog in Feb. I too had to make the hard choice. She was a malamute chow mix that we adopted when she was 3 months old. In her 18th year she started to go down hill quickly and I could see in her eyes how done she was with all this. We finally made the hard decision. I took her to the vet and held her as she breathed her last. Her last act was to gently lick my hand. It seemed she was trying to comfort me one last time and to make sure I was absolved. We have a new puppy now but she is always missed.
Your family gave Dory an amazing gift in that year full of love. Hope there are less tears now, as time passes.
You gave Dory the best love imaginable and she will never forget your family <3
I’m sorry for your loss. Truly I am. We had to make that decision earlier this year for one of our pets, and while it was the best decision for our sick pet, it was the worst decision for his heartbroken owners.
Thank you for giving her the best home she could hope for in the short time she had left. Not many people would have taken that chance.
Greg, I wanted to share with you and the family a poem that helped us to get through having to make that decision for our Dazzle. It’s called “The Last Battle” – and I cry every time I read it, but it helps.
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close,we two, these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
Author Unknown
GAH…I am just now seeing this
I’m in tears (lots of them). You family was so sweet to take her in, and I’m so happy she was loved so much in her last year of life. Bless her little soul…and yours too for giving Dory love.
I’m so sorry…
Peace.