I haven’t been on the computer very much this week. My sweet dog Sadie died peacefully in my arms at the vet’s office last Sunday. I miss her. Those of you who have lost dear pets know how it is. Every time I walk into the living room, I expect to see her on the couch. I still hesitate to put the trash can on the floor. I still make sure the gate to the back yard is securely fastened. We build habits around the people and pets we live with. When someone is gone, it takes awhile to fill in that space.
There is a story about a man and his dog that die at the same time. He finds himself standing at the pearly gates looking through to what appears to be paradise, but the gatekeeper won’t let him take his dog in with him. The man chooses not to enter what he believes is heaven. He goes on down the road and comes to a modest farm. The old man sitting at the gate tells him he and his dog are welcome. In response to the man’s questions, the old man says that this is heaven. The first place up the road was hell.
That’s how I look at it, too. If there is life after death, and if we really do get to see our loved ones again, then I hope that Sadie and Sam (the canine love of my life) will be waiting for me. In the meantime, I hope they have met each other and are romping in fields full of angel children to play with and squirrels to chase. Hmm, that might be hell for the squirrels.
[Someone told me that the man and dog story is based on a Twilight Zone episode. No, not the vampire saga. Twilight Zone was a TV series when I was growing up.]
related posts: Dog is God Spelled Backwards; Canine Theology
Amen ta that! I share your grief for your lost loved one. I know how hard it will be when its Scrappy'y turn.
ReplyDeleteCW, Yes, that is the sad part of having pets and loving them so much. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteOh Galen, I do so very well understand how much we miss our pets. Their passing leaves a little hole in our spirit for a while, until we can just be grateful for their time with us.
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes, I remember Twilight Zone very well.
Myrna, I don't remember that Twilight episode, but I'm going to see if I can find it. I do remember a couple of other episodes, though, that I must have seen 50 years ago!
DeleteSaying a prayer for you, Galen. I know the ache of losing a pet all too well. And, I have heard this story before and was so gratified to read it again here. I simply love it! Never knew this came from the original Twilight Zone. :)
ReplyDeleteRemember, this, too, shall pass, my dear.
Blessings to you!
Martha, I repeated the story several times before someone said it was a Twilight Zone episode. Thanks for the comfort.
DeleteGalen: I am sorry to hear about your dog. I know that is death is always hard to accept, but just a natural part of life. I loved the story about the man and his dog. It looks like he made the right decision.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, what was the purpose of the Twilight series you used to watch? I only heard of the vampire show hehe.
Best wishes,
William Veasley
William, Here is an excerpt from the Wikipedia entry on The Twilight Zone.
Delete"The Twilight Zone is an American television anthology series created by Rod Serling. Each episode (156 in the original series) is a mixture of self-contained drama, psychological thriller, fantasy, science fiction, suspense, or horror, often concluding with a macabre or unexpected twist."
It was a fascinating show and I watched it as a child even though it often scared me to pieces!
Thanks for commenting.
Thinking of you - how your day must have taken on new tones with Sadie's passing - and hope you are finding peace.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Twilight Zone as a kid. Loved those existential story lines, even then.
Teresa, Thanks for the comforting words. Yes, Twilight Zone had some interesting plots, that's for sure! Thank you for your comment.
DeleteStacia, Yes, I do believe it. Thanks for commenting.
ReplyDeleteOh no! I was looking forward to meeting Sadie. I remember all the great things you have written about her. I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteWe have become so attached to Bailey after just a few months Betty and I are already talking about how much we will miss her during our vacation. Dogs quickly become beloved family members. Bailey is our 5th dog and already has a firm place in our hearts.
We will share memories and lift a glass in Sadie's memory next week.
Bob, Sadie was not at her best these last months and especially the last week. I wish you could have met her in her prime. Bailey is a sweetie and I'm so glad she has found a loving family with you and Betty. Thanks for commenting. See you Sunday!
DeleteOh Galen, my Condolences on the Loss of your Beloved Fur Baby! I can certainly relate to this Post... we've had many Feline Companions over the years and the Loss of each was painful, but Rat Boy, the last one to pass, I had for over 20 years and I still miss her presence every day and even miss saying her Name out loud, so sometimes I still do. May we meet again with them all on the other side one day... I'd take my place at that Heavely Farm any day over the appearance of Paradise with no Wildlife!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and a Hug from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian
Dawn, That's so sweet that you say her name out loud. (Rat Boy was a girl?!) I have been saying Sadie's name out loud, too. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteGalen,
ReplyDeleteI've been wondering how you've been doing. Loss is not easy. I can understand why you haven't been on the computer much. I hope writing about this helps. I loved the story about the man and dog and heaven. And really enjoyed your image of Sadie and Sam romping in heaven! May your heart heal.
Sandra, Thank you for your comforting words. There is a wonderful book titled Dog Heaven. It's geared to bringing comfort to children, but I love the book, too. It has wonderful images of dogs playing with angel children and taking naps on clouds. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteSo sorry about your loss Galen!
ReplyDeleteI can well imagine all that you are undergoing because I have been brought up with a dog right under my bed right from the day I was born. And I've grown up loving and losing them all these years. But yes, certain emotions and realizations come through only after a few years have passed by.
The bonding a dog has with it's master is something that can only be felt from each others heart and the love they share with us. I have my dog right beside me and I know he is aging now, and often falls ill. I dread his time whenever it comes, as I know that just like all the others he too would leave me. But I see it as a way of life now, and know that whatever time they have with us, make it worthwhile and happy for them, just as we do for us humans.
Loved your story shared, and I also wish, hope, and pray that Sadie finds his friends and am sure they would be enjoying each other's company. :)
Harleena, Like you, I have had dogs all my life. Having pets usually means loving them and losing them. But we do it again because they bring so much joy into our lives. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteSending you loving thoughts from downunder, Galen. I have had dogs all my life and know how hard it is to make that decision when they are old and sick. Dogs give us such joy and happiness - and such dependable, unjudgemental love.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Alexia, No one loves better than a dog. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteHi Galen - The loss of a beloved pet is very hard, I know. I was overcome with grief at the passing of Kitty Poo, my friend of 15 years. We had been through so much together, including a brief spell of homelessness, and had to part for awhile. We survived and flourished together.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a scrapbook person, but for some reason, I thought to make a scrapbook of his life, taking all my favorite photos and memories, and his name tag, and put them into a small but beautiful book that I go to whenever I want to feel close to him again. I can smile when I see him. The act of creating the book was, for me, a blessing and a healing.
I like to think I'll meet up with Kitty Poo again, as I hope you will with Sadie.
Love planted in our hearts is there to stay.
DJ, The love we forge through challenges is made even stronger. The scrapbook was a great idea. I'm sure Kitty Poo is waiting for you just as Sadie is waiting for me. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteWhen ever this happens I think of the words to the song "I could have missed the pain but I would have missed the dance"...I don't think any of us would want to have miss the dance with our pets....just so hard though. take care...
ReplyDeleteThat's true. I would not have chosen to miss the dance. Thanks for the comforting words.
DeleteGalen: I have always shared my life with dogs, and have lost many. They are family members, so you have my condolences. All my lost friends are represented by the collars on my bookcase. I still miss them. My best.
ReplyDeleteJJ, Thanks for the comforting words. Grieving is an inevitable part of loving our animal companions. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteHi Galen,
ReplyDeleteCondolences to you and those who have enjoyed Sadie's presence. It must very hard, my dog is at his older years as and I try to prepare myself on how I'll react when it's his time to leave and it's never easy. I just believe that the love and time we share with our pets is very special. I'm sure Sadie was a happy dog and appreciated everything you did for her.
I'll continue to send you and Sadie much light and peace.
Kim, Light and peace are most welcome, thanks. Sadie was a happy dog and had a healthy life up till the end. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteGalen I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your pet, I shudder to even think of the day my precious creature goes to the 'farm'... I love what you added here in regards to heaven and hell, how appropriate.
ReplyDeleteTake care and may God rest Sadie's soul in dog heaven.
darlin, I'm sure that Sadie's soul is in good hands. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteSo sorry to read about your loss Galen. It sounds like you had a wonderful friend in your world ~ always a great blessing.
ReplyDeleteElle
xoxo
Elle, She was a terrible puppy that turned into a great dog. I'm glad I stuck with her through her maniac first year, because she was really a gem. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteI'm so very sorry to hear this - it pulls at my heart strings to read. Sending warmth ...
ReplyDeleteJules, Thanks for your comforting words.
DeleteI do know exactly what you feel like. We just lost our sweet little Suesue in March. Luckily we still have another dog by the name of Sammy. He has been very lonely with out her. I do believe that we will have these special pets in the next life. Our sweet little pets are like children to us.
ReplyDeleteHere is a story I wrote afterwards entitled: Yes, All Dogs Do Go To Heaven - http://lgwilliams.blogspot.com/2012/03/yes-all-dogs-do-go-to-heaven.html/
I will have you in my prayers!
LeAnn, I'm sorry for your loss, too. When I lost my dog Sam years ago, I had his puppy, and that helped. I will check out your story right now. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteAh, so sorry for your loss. Sadie's absence is probably a presence right now. Grand memories you have, though.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I love your phrasing. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteI'm sorry to hear about Sadie's passing, Galen. Especially after getting to know a couple of my 4-legged friends really well recently in Costa Rica, I realize the power of unconditional love by pets. I'm sure you'll cherish the many wonderful memories you had of Sadie.
ReplyDeleteVishnu, Thanks for the comforting words.
DeleteDearest Galen, My heart feels for you. We had two dogs when I was very young - they were called Caesar and Lucky. Caesar was an alsatian and such a friendly fella. I remember riding on him - I was very small, and strangely remember those days so clearly. Later in life, although we didn't have pets at home, almost all my friends did. So did our neighbors. And there was always a dog in the house. The joy and unconditional love we experience with them is unparalleled. My best friend had three dogs - a Mom and two pups. We were crazy about each other. The pups passed away early - and oh, the Mom (we called her Kitty) literally mourned her life away, dear soul.
ReplyDeleteI want you to know that I know how you feel. And I am hoping we will all meet in that heavenly place where there is nothing but love, peace and joy. Your friend, Vidya. I can't see through the tears.
Vidya, So glad you can comment again! Thanks for sharing your story. I appreciate it.
DeleteSorry to hear about Sadie and isn't there a doggie heaven???!
ReplyDeleteTwilight zone of course I remember,
I believe dogs are angels here on earth....
Nancy
Nancy, I think there's a doggie heaven for sure! Thanks for commenting.
DeleteAw Galen, so sorry for your loss!
ReplyDeleteI heard that story differently. The first gate was the same and the fellow turned away. When the second gate admitted both the man and his dog he was told the other place wasn't heaven. There was no place in heaven for someone who'd leave their dog behind.
Lori
Lori, Now you have made me curious. I'm going to see if I can find and watch that Twilight Zone episode. Your version is very interesting. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Sadie and am happy for the memories and bonding she left behind. I remember when my sweet Addison went to sleep in my arms at the vets office. Addie-cat, as I called him, was my pillow cat for many a year and for a long time, it was difficult to sleep without his soft purring body pressed across the top of my head.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find comfort in your memories. ((hugs))
Therese, We have such strong bonds with our animal friends, don't we? They are woven into the fabric of our lives. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteDear Galen,
ReplyDeleteI am imagine your pain. Just because you cannot see her does not mean that she is not there and watching over you sometimes. What you can do is to send her your love and smiles.
Hugs,
Evelyn
Evelyn, I think she is watching over me from a wonderful place where she is happy and healthy. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about your loss. Sending you love and light.
ReplyDeleteAdriana, Thanks for your comforting words.
DeleteWhat a beautiful story that is:) I'm very sorry for your loss. Keeping you and Sadie in prayer...
DeleteThank you for your comforting words.
DeleteOh, Galen. I am so sorry to hear this. These little creatures fill up a huge space in our lives. All of 'our' animals here at home are so close in age. I dread the days when they move on. I fear it will happen all at once. Too much! Too much! Thinking of you and Sadie.
ReplyDeleteNicole, That will be hard if they move on close to each other. On the other hand, how nice for them that they have pals to age with. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteGalen it was so sad to read this. I can't begin to imagine how you feel. Having had dogs almost all my life, I know how each one has their own special way of loving us. I'm certain that Sam and Sadie and all of my guys will be waiting to give us a loud welcome in to heaven. In their unconditional love for us, they give us a foretaste of heaven on earth. Holding you close.
ReplyDeleteCorinne, I think we have a special relationship with our dogs because we are completely "safe" with them. There are no hidden agendas, no betrayals, no judgment. They love us like we wish we could love ourselves and others. Indeed, they model the love of God. Thank you for commenting.
DeleteGalen, I’ll remember you in prayer. Every time I look at my old black lab, Rip, I’ll pray. I’m so sorry to learn of your loss. Sadie will be waiting for you in paradise. She’ll be wagging her tail at the gate. I just know it.
ReplyDeleteDebra, Thank you for the lovely, comforting words.
DeleteIt is very sad to lose a pet or anyone we got used to have with us. Thinking of you <3
ReplyDeletenikky, Thank you for commenting.
DeleteHi Galen,
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Our pets are indeed like family to us. We have a cat who comes for a nap in our house. He doesn't belong to us, but the bond we have created with him is already so strong.
Sadie and Sam indeed, will always be in your heart.
Hiten, I think that is so interesting that a cat who isn't yours, comes for a nap in your house--you must have a very inviting and welcoming home! Thanks for commenting.
DeleteWe lost our beloved Maggie after 17 years. She was a great dog. We knew when she was 16 that her days were numbered, so we rescue yet another puppy, Chloe to help us get through when the time came for Maggie's passing. Maggie was like a mother to Chloe. It was amazing. Maggie taught Chloe all the ropes: how far our property extended and where to go to take care of business, where to dig the finest holes, the best site to find rabbits and squirrels. Maggie & Chloe used to sleep side by side. Chloe was still a pup and slept in her cage. At the end, Maggie slept right alongside Chloe's cage. When Maggie died, Chloe refused her cage and slept in Maggie's bed. The pup grew up and took her rightful place e.
ReplyDeleteDogs are amazing.
Sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved dog Sadie. It is the most heart-wrenching and I have been there with my own pet back in 2009. All the playful times live on in memories.
ReplyDeleteTake care Galen.