In Memory of Daisy

I recently became acquainted with a woman through etsy that, like me, loves dogs.  Her name is Isabelle.  She has adopted shelter dogs in the past and has also volunteered and fostered shelter dogs.  At the time we became acquainted, early June this summer, she had an older dog, Daisy, a 12 year old English Coon Hound.  She'd had Daisy for only three or four months and, like Justice, Daisy had developed a neck problem.  They weren't sure what it was, they weren't able to get a solid diagnosis.  They also thought it might be Cushings Disease.  Daisy suddenly became lethargic and wasn't the happy girl they had known.  She was having blood tests, x-rays and repeated visits to the vet, but nothing seemed to account for Daisy's symptoms.

On June 27, 2012 Daisy crossed the rainbow bridge.  Isabelle had carried her outside to the deck where they sat together most of the day enjoying the sunshine.  Even though Daisy loved spending the day with Isabelle, she knew it was her last.  She was ready to go.  This is my opinion and I do believe with all my heart that I am right or I would have a different opinion, but I believe that when you commit to taking in a pet, it is a commitment that you make with them for the rest of their life, or your life.  The greatest respect we can pay to our pets is to be there on the last day of their lives.  They need us to tell them that it is okay for them to go and to assure them that even though we will miss them, we will be okay until we see them again.  I think many times our pets hang on longer than they would like because they are worried about us - at the cost of their own suffering.  I have heard many stories of pets that are terminally ill being boarded or left for a few days because the owners have to be gone and that is when their pets cross.  I think it is because they are relieved of the burden of taking care of us and can move on.  For me, I can't imagine the horror I would feel if I left one of my pets and it died while I was gone.  Well, I just won't leave them when they are ill.  It is a promise that I have made to them and myself.

Daisy went to live with Isabelle last winter.  The local shelter had taken in more older dogs than usual and Daisy was one of them.  When the shelter called Isabella, she went straight away to get her.  Daisy was so sweet that Isabella was smitten and took her home.  Daisy walked into the house, inspected the rooms, sat down, looked at Isabelle.....and started to howl.  It was a big huge howl of happiness - pure joy.  She was home and Isabelle had herself a friend.

Their time together was short, but Isabelle gave her the best part of her life and was there in the end -- when it really matters.  I can't stand the thoughts of animals being neglected or abused at any time in their lives but what really makes me feel like I've been kicked in the gut is when an animal dies alone and frightened.

Isabelle, I have such admiration and respect for you and your work.  It is so hard but it is so important that you were with her at the end.

I think this is one of the sweetest pictures I've ever seen.  Look at those eyes.

This is Daisy enjoying some wading.

And, this is Queen Daisy, perusing her court from her throne.  Look at those long legs.

On that last day, Isabelle and Daisy had agreed that it was time and her vet made a home visit.  Daisy crossed onto Rainbow Bridge surrounded by those she loved and that loved her back.  She was ready to go and went peacefully and gracefully.  An autopsy revealed that Daisy had pancreatic cancer.  It is most difficult to diagnose pancreatic cancer and Daisy hadn't had a chance.

My thoughts continue to be with you Isabelle.  Hopefully, you have processed your grief and will soon be back to working with the dogs that need  you so badly.  Nothing helps me get over the loss of a pet like having another one to take care of.