Rainbow Bridge Memorial

Dearly missed by Judith Fleming

 Yesterday was such a mix of emotions…

first there was tiredness – as Sat and Sun night Al-E was needing out every hour so they were very sleepless nights for the both of us. Not sure if she slept at all…

then there was disappointment – as I was running out of options of things to try to get her to eat (and I had resorted to force feeding with a turkey baster on the Sat since she started throwing up the harder foods but I needed to get electrolytes into her.

then shock – as I was not expecting results until Friday and the phone call from the vet came in with the news…

followed by sadness …

followed by a little relief – of finally getting answers so I could understand what was going on …

then frustration – of not knowing what / when to go to the vets …

then more sadness watching her in the office swaying back and forth when standing and not being stable getting up from when she was lying down … and seeing her skinnier than I had seen her before…

then a little peace – when she walked into my office and just looked at me. I could honestly look into those beautiful eyes and know that everything would be okay… it was the right decision. She hadn’t looked at me that way before (I know – sounds silly – but know you understand). So I called the vet and found out when I could go in.

then some solace – as we went for a walk to the sandy area near my office that she used to love to go to and run in the sand in circles, dig and just have some doggy fun. We just walked around the areas that were her favorite …

then a feeling of disheartenment … (if that is a word??) – when she jumped out of the car and had a little extra bounce in her step … but – as I have a sense of humour!!.. so does she!! as it is just when we are ready to go into the vet she finally perks up!!??

then just complete comfort – as we lay in the office, on a nice comfy bed they placed on the floor for her

then some more shock … and a chuckle after they give the first injection to get her fully relaxed and sedate her (and they said they would return to the room after a couple of minutes) – so she just lays there and her eyelids close .. BUT then after a minute her eyes open wide again and she looks around to kinda say a little ‘good-bye’ … and rests her head down again.

then full peace…. as she began her different journey …

She was amazing … and touched so many lives either walking around Steveston, at my soccer games, at my softball games, at the care homes and hospitals that she visited as a Therapy Dog, at the various Greyhound booths, the health show booths, the folks around our office that saw her on a regular basis, and most importantly my family and friends. She is a friend/family member who will be dearly missed…