Just 5 weeks ago I was submitting a story about my wonderful Hannah that died as the result of kidney failure at the age of 16 1/2. Her puppy Genie just turned 14 and was also diagnosed with kidney failure. I felt that Genie’s time was running out and that we were going to be forced to make that terrible decision again. However, I never dreamed it would come so quickly.
Genie, you tried so hard to recover but your little body was very weak and your spirit was somewhat broken with the loss of your Mommy. We did x rays and fluids and endless meds to try and stop the damage to your kidneys and to make you feel better. Last Thursday morning when I looked at your eyes, I knew it was time to say good bye to you. Your Daddy was not sure it was time so we went to the doctor.
After a long conversation with Dr. London, we decided that is was time to say good bye to you and allow you to go be with your Mommy and your best friend Abby at the beautiful Rainbow Bridge. I took my St. Francis medal necklace and placed it around your neck like I did for Hannah just 5 weeks before and also for Jack 2 years ago. It gave me some peace to know that St. Francis would protect you on this your last journey in life. Very quietly you closed your little eyes and yet another of my beloved friends was gone.
You came to us as a 3 month old Yorkie puppy in 1994 and joined the other 2 dogs in our home named Whitney and Abby. You and Abby became the best friends and were always together. Where Abby was so were you. Four years ago you lost your dear friend and your life was never the same. The joy was gone from you and you tried so hard to cope with your loss. We tried everything and with time you got some better but never truly happy. Hannah, your Mommy and you were now good buddies and you slept together side by side in your little beds in the kitchen. I would go in the kitchen and two little heads would pop up to greet me. The beds are empty now and my eyes go there everyday looking for my dear little Yorkies. The reality of both of your deaths is so hard to handle. I know you went to a better place and for that I am grateful and happy for you. For me, I am sad and so is your Daddy. So many tears were shed for you and still are. When you left, you took a piece of our hearts with you. In return, you gave us a piece of your heart to cherish and remember always. I know this is true because in the poem “Little Pieces” this fact is explained.
Over the years together was have become a family and you were much more than a pet to us. Your loss is that of a family member and it just does not go away. Some of your Maltese brothers and sisters have started to use your little beds and that is good. Yesterday, I came downstairs and forgot I had put a brown blanket in one of the beds. For just a few seconds I thought you were there.
I think you are still here in some way.
The decision to let you go was hard but when I went out of the vet’s office, I had peace in my heart because I knew that you were at peace and I was proud that I was able to let you go gently and without a struggle. I know that to keep you alive would have been for me and not for you. Daddy and I were both with you at the end as you already know. We tried to help make your final journey one of love and peace as you went to a better place. As you have always been there for us through the years, we were there for you. I think you knew it was time and I know you didn’t feel well. I also think that you understood the difficult decision that we needed to make.
We brought you home and placed you in your favorite little bed for the last time as it was late in the evening. The next morning I took you to be burried next to your Mommy and Abby. As I was putting the dirt in the grave, I blinked my eyes and just briefly I saw all 3 of you together.
I wish you love and joy and happiness with Hannah and Jack and Max and Abby and the others that went before you. You have earned your wings and now you can fly and be free and no sickness anymore. One day we will all meet again and what a happy day that will be for all of us. Until then, take care of each other and look down on us and know what a difference you have made in our lives. We were a happy family and each one of us was a part of that. We all miss you and love you! Until we meet again, be safe.
I will never forget you little “I Dream of Genie.”
Our love is with you forever,
| Genie |
| Vicki and John Manker |