And Then There Were None......

[Alex's Mom]

James Jeffrey left for the Bridge at 2:30 this afternoon, his head resting on my arm, surrounded by love. Aunty Laura helped him cross peacefully, and I suspect Wen was there to guide him across. He had massive tumours on his lungs and liver, and possibly heart, and it was time to let him go.

During his last, horrible night, at some point he barked precisely 4 times.... I think Wen and Jules came by to tell him to hurry it up, cuz they were waiting. He's reunited with his first mom now, and I just bet there's all kinds of jubilation at that reunion!

Love you, my old man, bushels and pecks, and oceans and skies, and to infinity and beyond.

But oh! How do I live in a house without dogs?

[Lisa]

I am so sorry Paula. If feelings and words could heal hearts, I would become a poet to help heal yours. I even wish the adage that "time heals all wounds" was true, but it isn't. Time eases the rawness, but the huge hole of loss is still there.

There are too few days with our pawed companions, but I love you for always opening your heart up to seniors in need. And I know, in time, another one will find their way to you and your heart will grow even more, to make room for him or her (or him AND her as we learned from your "bonded" pair of James and Jules).

Lots of love coming your way. If you need to talk, I am just a phone call away.

Always.

[alfina]

I am so very sorry for your loss, Paula. You are a very special fur-mom. You opened your heart and home to the seniors knowing very well that they won't be with you for long. And you gave them your all. You are an angel! Big hug to you.

[Tex]

Can't type through my tears....I'm so sorry Paula. Run free sweet James.

[Rae]

Gosh Paula I am so sorry. I know that you knew it was time and the right thing to do, and even though I've only been there once I do understand what you told me about "you'll know."

Knowing doesn't really make it hurt any less, though. I cannot convey how much my heart aches for you. I'm good with words, but I have NOTHING.

Lisa posted this in 2006. It's spot on.

The Greatest Gift – Author: Karla M. Bertram

I found this on another site and thought it spoke volumes...

I always knew this time would come,
From the very instant our eyes first met.
How I loved you then! How I love you now!
I made a promise then and I keep that promise now . . .
You will not suffer from a pain that will not heal;
You will not know the loss of a life remembered, now gone.

It is for me alone to make this decision,
The price for the bright joy and pure laughter
You brought me during the time we shared.
I am the only one who can decide when it is time.
When my hope dies, and my fears ride high,
Just when I need you most, I must let you go.

It is for you alone to tell me when you are ready.
For without your guidance, I will not know
When to lay my grief, my guilt, my anger,
My sorrow and my selfish heart aside
And give you this last gift, this greatest gift.
Your eyes will speak to mine, and I will know.

The pain of this moment is excruciating.
Tears stream down my face in a river of sorrow,
And my heart drowns in a pool of grief.
For you have spoken, and I have listened,
And unlike other decisions I have made.
This one brings no relief . . . no comfort . . . no peace.

For if there's one thing you've taught me,
If there's only one thing I've learned. . . .
Unconditional love has a condition after all,
I must be willing to let you go, when you speak to me
I must be willing to help you go, if you cannot go alone.
And I must accept my pain so you can be free of yours.

Go easily now, go quickly now,
Do not linger here, it is time for you to leave.
Go find your strength, go find your youth.
Go find the ones who've gone before you.
You are free to leave me know, free to let your spirit soar
Rest easy now, your pain will soon be gone.

I pray I will find comfort in my memories . . .
In the dark and lonely days ahead.
I cannot say I will not miss you, I cannot say I will not cry.
For only my tears can heal my broken heart.
But, I promise you this: as long as I live,
You will live, alive in my mind, forever in my heart.

So I give you this last gift, all I have left to give,
And this will be my greatest gift . . . sending you away.
It is the measure of my unconditional love . . .
For only the greatest love can say,
"Good-bye, go find the bridge, we'll meet again,
Loving you has been the greatest gift of all."


You are such an outstanding dog mom, and such an outstanding person. I am honored to know you.. the way you keep opening your heart and home to these sweet old doggies who are far from "used up..." it's a gift and a curse, I'd say.

Grasshopper says "tank you" for being such a good mommy to her Unca James. We love you real big here in Kentucky.

[Yolanda]

Paula, I am so sorry for your loss and I truly understand the pain and emptiness of your heart.

[RustysMom]

I'm in tears here at work for your loss. James was a special boy to you and all of us. He is healthy again and running free.

[Ivan]

Our sincere condolences, Paula. James Jeffrey was a sweet little furboy that we've all come to know & love. We shall miss him & his antics. We grieve with you. Today is a sad day. Run free, little one.

[lotsadox]

I"m in tears at work, too. I am so sorry, Paula. You made James (and Jules and Wen's) last years the best ones they had. They know that.

Run free, little man!

[Two Red Smooth's]

I'm so sorry, my thoughts are with you.