We released our beloved Abbey yesterday from her broken body. The last 3 weeks since the hurricane, she had pain and difficulty walking. Our holistic vet did some accupuncture, hoping it was just arthritis. Our regular vet prescribed Tramadol and Rimadyl which seemed to help some. She ate well and continued to be her happy self most of the time but the nights were hard. I wound up sleeping on a twin mattress with her to comfort and assure her…She slept so much better with me right there.

Yesterday morning we awoke to the fact that her back legs were now paralyzed. She could not get up at all without falling. She groaned but never cried out. She was so brave. We knew it was time so we called the vet and waited til his schedule allowed him to come to our home.  I spent the day lying with Abbey and talking to her, explaining things and just loving on her. I thanked her a thousand times for sharing life with us. Her eyes told me the same. She refused food but took a good long drink. We napped and listened to music.

Our vets conferred and believe it was either a lesion on the spinal cord or the brain or perhaps a slipped disc, although xrays showed nothing. Honestly, I am grateful we didn’t have to go through lung mets. Her lungs were clear a week ago.

At 2:15 Oct 2, 2008 she left this earth. God gave me the strength and grace to hold her through the process and quietly talk to her and pray to release her back to her Creator. Dr Al Derrick and and our favorite vet tech, Maggie, both cried because they loved her too. They had given her 4+ good months as a Tripawd who could run and play and climb our stairs two at a time! They said they will miss her tremendusly. I thanked them for taking such good care of her. 

My husband, Ron and I decided to have her cremated so we can have her ashes with us at home. We cried a river together…

I took "our walk" today with her collar hooked to my belt loop and her leash draped around my neck. In the eleven years we shared life, we must have walked this path together at least 3000 times, spring, summer, fall and winter. I could see her so many places in my mind’s eye. I talked to her and I talked to God and felt their presence. I will miss her every day of my life but believe 100% we will be reunited.

I found this verse in my readings this morning. I find it is absolutely true~

"Place me like a seal over your heart, for love is stronger than death; it burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame.  Many waters cannot quench it, rivers cannot wash love away" Song of Songs 8:6-7

Thanks for listening. Rene and Jim, this site has informed me, comforted me, encouraged me and inspired me to give Abbey a final chapter worthwhile. Through these 8 mos since Abbey’s diagnosis of osteosarcoma, I believe I have really learned what it means to live "one day at a time" and to live in the moment.

I am praying for you guys and Jerry that your experience will be as beautiful and sacred as ours was.

by His Grace,

Diane Riley