Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I'm starting to emerge from the fog of grief and wanted to share this poem, I thought others might find it as helpful as I did. It is "The Fourth Day" by Martin Scot Kosins. It is too long to put here but it is on a page at Tate's blog http://tate.tri.....-kosins/
It talks about three days you will never forget: the first day you bring your new dog home, the day you realize your dog is getting old (in our case, the cancer diagnosis), and the day your dog leaves you. Here is the part about The Fourth Day and boy, it really helped me a lot…reminds me of Gayle's "love never ends":
But there will be, I assure you, a fourth day when —
along with the memory of your pet —
and piercing through the heaviness in your heart —
there will come a realization that belongs only to you.
It will be as unique and strong
as our relationship with each animal we have loved, and lost.
This realization takes the form of a Living Love —
Like the heavenly scent of a rose
that remains after the petals have wilted,
this Love will remain and grow—
and be there for us to remember.
It is a love we have earned.
It is the legacy our pets leave us when they go —
And it is a gift we may keep with us as long as we live.
It is a Love which is ours alone —
And until we ourselves leave,
perhaps to join our Beloved Pets —
It is a Love that we will always possess.
Martin Scot Kosins in Angel Pawprints: Reflections on Loving and Losing a Canine Companion
http://tate.tripawds.com/
August 16, 2006 to November 28, 2011
TATE ~ Forever in our hearts.
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
That is lovely.
Hope you and Sam are helping each other get through this.
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Jan,
Thanks for sharing this. It's beautiful... Give a hug to your girl, and share a happy Tate memory with her.
We're thinking of you!!
Micki and Rio
~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
Oh my goodness, I got all misty here reading the long version of the poem on your blog and had to grab kleenexes. The third and fourth days are a hard pill to swallow but thankfully we all have each other to lean on. Your pack is in our thoughts and I hope you are finding comfort through the holiday season with your happy memories of Tate.
Cadence's Mom
Cadence Faye: Born 10/30/04, stepped into our hearts 12/23/2004. Rear leg tumor found 7/24/11 by mom and dad, Xray on 7/25/11, Osteosarcoma suspected 7/26/11, amputation 7/29/11, Carboplatin started 8/23. Met free so far!
Oh Jan. That is so touching. I'm thankful you found it to help you.
Please know that you are not grieving alone. We are with you in spirit as you continue on with heavy heart.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Jan,
I am so sorry to read about Tate. I've been "taking a break" and am now just catching up on old posts. I know the grief is still very new & painful, but the loving memories you have of Tate will slowly take over - and you will take great comfort from that.
Sending you many golden hugs. The poem is wonderful - made me tear up!
Cathy
Sorry for your loss. Beautiful poem
-Chloe's mom
Chloe became a rear amp tripawd on 7-29-10. Another tumor was removed on front leg 2-20-14. Found 3rd tumor on neck 2-2015, but she's still kicking cancer's butt at age 14. Chloe's blog
Thank you for sharing the poem, it is beautiful.
Our hearts are still heavy and sad but we always smile and laugh when we talk about how many times Tate must have swam to Michigan and back on our beach days.
We hope happy memories fill your heart as well.
Brian, Annie and Ginger
It is a beautiful poem, made me cry. Thank you for sharing it. I am still grieving Chili Dawg very much, and I needed that. Hopefully I can finally meet up with you guys at a Chicago gathering so I can give you the hug that I have been so wanting to give you.
Jenna
Diagnosed with OSA: 5/2/2011 Ampuversary: 5/11/2011 OSA returned in hip: 8/26/2011
Chili Dawg crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 8/30/2011 & is now pain free. He was my heart dog, and I miss him every day.
Terribly Sorry to hear of Tate's passing. I have not been on here in as much lately. Praying for peace and healing for you at this difficult time and for memories of Love to replace tears of sorrow in time. I know how much you will miss everything about Tate. Especially his sweet face. The poem is very touching and meaningful. Thanks for sharing. You gave Tate a wonderful life!!
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