* Stories & Sympathies - Page 1 - Rainbow Bridge at LongBraid Designs *

I can't thank all of you enough who sent in these stories & sympathies, hoping that... not only would it help & comfort me, but that it would do the same for others who are facing this very difficult time in their lives. I have personally answered
each & every person that sent me these emails or cards. Only in certain instances though, when I felt that my
response would help others who are grieving, did I publish my response or the continued "back & forth".

Here is a copy of the email I sent out, so you will know what all these wonderful folks were responding to...

Dear Friends, My heart is broken and I am just beside myself with grief. My beloved Socks had to be put to sleep today to alleviate his suffering. It had become clear to everyone that he was never going to recover and would have no quality of life. With that knowledge, I had to make the most difficult decision of my entire life... to end his suffering. I have already brought him home and, along with his human daddy, buried him right by one of his favorite spots on my property.

I know many of you have gone through this yourselves and can empathize with me. In the next few days I am going to create a "Rainbow Bridge" page at LongBraid Designs in Sock's honor. I think this will be very theraputic for me and help me with my grief. As well as having pictures and information about my beloved Socks, I would also like to put in this Rainbow Bridge section any letters and stories you may send me. Feel free to also send in a picture of your beloved animal who has passed over & I'll post that by your story. It is my sincere hope that this Rainbow Bridge section will help others in the future when they have to face this difficult time in their lives.

I am taking the rest of the day off, but will be back to work tomorrow. I feel like if I work and keep busy it will help me get through this very difficult time. So many of you have been sending me emails in the past few days inquiring about Socks and I apologize for not answering them. Just knowing you were all out there and concerned about both Socks and myself was a blessing in itself and I appreciate all you wonderful, caring people! All I was doing over the weekend was thinking about Socks and trying to figure out the best thing to do. Once I went in, saw Socks and spoke to the doctors, there was no question that my poor baby needed to be at rest.

Love & blessings to all of you, Simone

So sorry to hear about your loss. I know exactly what you are going through. It is the toughest thing I have ever had to do as well. I had a beloved miniature pincher named Roxy. She was 12 years old and just the smartest and most caring little dog. We would keep her in her kennel at night and when we weren't home and it didn't take her long to learn to open the door knowing when we were leaving to go someplace that she had to get in and that a favorite treat would follow. She also learned how to cover herself up with her favorite blanket. One day she walked from her bed which we kept in our living room between my husband's and my recliners and she had been under her blanket, as she walked across the living room the blanket followed until about mid way where it finally fell off. On her return she saw her blanket laying in the middle of the room and knew it belonged in her bed and with her nose she would toss the blanket until she got it back to her bed where once again she would lift it up and crawl under it until you could only see her little nose sticking out. She minded better than most children. She was very faithful and loyal. My husband had 4 brain tumors and had surgery in 2007 and upon his return home she stuck by him like glue and didn't like me even bending over him to kiss him. She never left our property as she knew the boundary lines without being on a chain or without there being any kind of a fence. She loved to chase the squirrels and rabbits in our yard. She loved to play with a furry square cube that she had and loved having children come and play with her.

Our animal friends bring so much life into our lives! They are just hard to part with when the time comes but we know that in order for their pain to be relieved that it is something that we have to do. God bless you in the days and months ahead and I know that Socks will be looking down on you saying "She did that for me!"
Dalene B.

I truly know and understand your loss and have felt the emptiness myself of having to make that decision. But don't be shocked if he returns again to spend a little more time with you on this earth before you are together for eternity beyond the bridge. I had that joy when my Pretty Girl years ago had to be put down to end her suffering from the wet form of leukemia. She was a gorgeous long haired torti with a wide bright orange streak on her forehead. When I would talk to her and stroke her body, she would dance pitty pat on her front paws. A month after saying goodbye to her, I went to the local animal shelter "just to see what cats were there". As I walked along the row of cages, I stopped in front of one that contained a long haired torti with an orange stripe between her eyes to the tip of her nose. I stopped and said - "oh goodness, what a pretty girl you are". She looked at me with eyes that said I'm ready to go home and started to pitty pat on her front paws. I adopted her that day and when I took her home, I could tell that she knew exactly where she was. So she spent several more years of her nine lives again with me before a rattler outside took her away again.

Your memories of Socks and funny things he did will get you through the agony you're feeling now and I sincerely hope you will be able to love him again. A cat will cross your path that might not be a carbon copy of him in looks but you will know immediately by the behavior and actions that he's with you once again. Believe me, it can happen! I've done feral and stray cat rescue for years and always knew that Divine Intervention was helping me - no other explanation for some of the experiences I've had.
Blessings that you will enjoy your Socks again soon. Love, Judy

I wanted to share my story about my Mr Lucky a special Guy who come into my life. He was almost 2 years old and he was given to me from a breeder, he was a Turkish Angora. The reason the breeder called me was because my 13 year old Lucky passed away and he told me his Turkish Angora was having a litter and I could go to his home to see when they came into the world. When I got there she had 3 kitties but only 2 survived, but he said he wanted to keep them for show. I was very sad but understood. In about 3 weeks he called me to tell me that the Turkish Angora he gave to his sister what having seizures and needed special care and would I like to adopt him. I said yes and he brought him to my house and then the love started. He did have a seizure the first day and I had a great vet that knew what he needed and it was phenobarbital (spelling?) But as he got used to take his pill that I gave him every morning, he would jump on my lap in the morning in bed and wait for his pill... He also had a way of giving my love bits on my fingers at night when he was on my side or jump on the counter when I got home to say "I love you" and when he passed away 13 years later I was so lost with his love bits back and forth on my fingers I couldn't believe it.. And as I write this e-mail tears are in my eyes now... All kitties leave paw prints on our hearts and I know that I will see him over the "Rainbow Bridge" some day too. My Mr Lucky was the best ever and I was privileged to have him in my life for all those years...
Darlene P.

I am very saddened for your loss. It is so difficult to lose a member of your family, no matter how long they've been with you, but certainly after you've gone through so much living and loving together. The time it took for you to get to know each other will forever be in your heart and soul and I pray your healing will be short. One would always hope for that "rainbow after the storm", as well as the rainbow bridge. I've always believed we are re-united with our loved ones, no matter if they are human or animal. Sometimes our animal friends seem more human than others would believe.

My daughter and her family lost their best friend, Elvis, a black cat, in a house fire. She'd hoped he'd gotten out, but while looking for certain items, she and one of her sons found a piece of their precious Elvis. It broke our hearts, but they buried what they found with honor and dignity and love. They lost their home, material belongings, and their best friend. It was hard on the children, especially their oldest who is now 19, and suffers from a brain stem tumor. He doesn't understand all of it and believes that Elvis found a different home, and he still misses him. That was 4 years ago.

My love and prayers go out to you and your family as you struggle with putting away the dishes, blankets, and toys. May God wrap you in a loving hug and keep you safe and loved during your time of adjustment.
Love and prayers, Diana S.

My heart is breaking for you upon hearing this news. What a wonderful Mommy you were to Socks to realize that his time had come and end his suffering. I know from experience what a difficult decision this can be to arrive at - but thank the Lord that we CAN end their suffering and let them go on. My prayers continue to be w/you as well as w/Socks who I'm sure by now has met Spencer, Mokie, and many more kitties from our collection + Robin's precious Shelter cats that she tried so hard to save. It warms my heart that they're all together and getting acquainted - talking about their "families" and giving comfort to one another.

It's always seemed a bit strange to me that we can cry and really carry on over our furry friends but feel the need to "be in control" of ourselves for others when it's a human. At least, that's always been my experience.

Over the next few days, I'll try to collect some photos for you to add to your Rainbow Bridge page. I think it's a wonderful idea you have w/this, Simone and I'm sure it will be of great help and comfort to many others.
Take care, my friend and be gentle w/yourself. Hugs, Jacquie B.

I am so sorry, and yes I have had to make the same decision with pets I have loved and lost in the past and I know it is a hard thing to do. My heart goes out to you. To some of us we love our pets just like they are our own children. In the end God gives us the right choice no matter how bad it hurts us, but we know it is the right thing to do. Just remember this is why God has given us memories to hold onto in times like these. With our pets and love ones. I love what you have decided to do and I feel it will be a great help to others. I will be in touch as soon as I am able.....I really love the friendship we have. You stay strong Sweetie and know I will be thinking of you and your sweet Socks...
Love, Tricia S.

Of course, I am crying as I read your email. I have 13 Persian cats, and last year had to make that same, difficult decision. It took me a year to grieve, and I'll never forget my Zinger. I have lost three others besides Zinger over the years, and it is never an easy decision to make, nor is it easier if God just takes them without you having to make that decision. My heart goes out to you, I definitely feel your pain. Just know that Socks loved you as much as you loved him.
Sincerely, Nancy C.

Even though I have not sent a previous message to you about Socks, I had to send you my prayers and sympathy for the loss of your beloved kitty. I know exactly what you are going through, although I did have a little more "luck" on my side than you did. I lost my cat (his name was Goose!) about 6 years ago. He lived to the ripe old age of 18+ years and had been with me the whole time. I knew the time was coming for me to make that decision and I did not want to do that - even though it would have been the best choice for him. The night before I had him scheduled for his last visit to the vet, I prayed to God that if this was his time, please take him before I have to say those horrible words. When I woke up the next morning he was still hanging in there, but I could tell he was ready to go. I spent some time with him, petting, scratching, talking to him and of course, crying. Then I went downstairs for a while to try to get myself together. After about an hour, I went back upstairs to see how he was doing. He had managed to get himself across the room from where he had been to lay on an old nightgown of mine that I had thrown on the floor for him - and God had answered my prayer. It still tears me up to think about it even after all these years, but I was so relieved that I was not the one that had to make that final decision. It's amazing how much those little furry people can become so much a part of our lives. I am a HUGE animal lover - doesn't matter what kind of animal it is - I love 'em all!! And I get so emotionally attached to any animal that I have contact with - regardless of whether it's a pet or not. But if it is a pet - oh boy!, what a sap I become!!! I have had 2 dogs and 2 cats (all at separate times) that I have experienced the unconditional love of. I love having pets, but it's just so hard to go through that "final good-bye". I have yet to get another pet since the loss of my beloved Goose. One of these days, I will probably give in and lose my heart to another little furry 4-legged person, and that will be it - I will have another pet in my life!

Please know that my thoughts are with you. I know how hard it is, but you surely know that Socks is in a better place and looking down on you and remembering what a great "mom" you were.
God bless you & please take care, Sherry H.

I cannot say how sorry I am that Socks lost the battle. I do know exactly how you feel. It's only been a matter of weeks since we lost Bridget. You want to die, you want to scream, you want to fight or break something so that the hurt you feel will go away. The worst thing is it does go away. Then it's as though they are really gone and I knew that this time, it was much harder. I shut my mind to it. I bought two more puppies to help me to get through the loss, in no way to negate what I felt for Bridget but to force me to carry on. I sure hope they are all waiting for us, so that some day we will be with them again. There is no heaven for me if they are not there too.
Fondest regards, Janice S.

I got your newsletter about Socks and I am so very sorry!! Ugh, I feel for you as I know how hard it is to have to put our loved ones to sleep (I had to put my 17 yr old stinker to sleep 2 years ago). You did the right thing though even though I know it's such a horrible grief. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!!!!
Hang in there, my friend and write me anytime. Leah L. :)

I am so sorry, my friend. I know that it's a very hard decision to make, but what I get from what you tell me is that you've made the right one, the one that's best for Socks. That's very important, and it shows the love you have for him. It's understandable that your heart is broken, that's only natural after losing such a close friend. The rainbow bridge page is a good idea, I hope you get lots out of that to help you through your grief. Please know that I'm here for you to listen if you need me. No problem, okay?
Huge hugs, Jo V.

Oh, my poor girl! I am so sorry, my heart is aching for you. I have not written, because after having lost a baby Poodle to pancreatic cancer, I know how your mind was being torn apart by what was happening to Socks. I knew that I could write after Socks had made it, or not. My prayers were that he make it, but my heart was heavy. From the way you described what was happening to him, it sounded so desperate.

Right now, your heart is breaking. Nothing anyone can say is going to make that hurt go away. It is the price we pay for having loved and having been loved. Socks had lost the capacity to give or receive that love any more. It was a kind heart that made the decision to stop his pain, even though the act of doing so was going to submit you to the most incredible pain the human heart can suffer--the loss of a great love.

For me, it helped ease the pain to think of the peace that my baby now felt. Nothing hurt any more. Socks now knows what happens to us when we leave this place and go on to where ever it is that souls go, and you may be sure that he is lying in the sun, watching the birds or doing whatever it was that he enjoyed when he was not with you But you may be sure--he is counting the days till he will see you again. Cry. It helps.

You are loved by all of us who have never even met you. Wrap that around you for now and go ahead into your tomorrows. Socks would want you to be happy.
All my compassion and affection, Darlene Anderson and my Poodle, Bitsy

I am keeping you in my prayers for your releasing of your beloved Socks. I have had to do that before, and four years ago already, our wonderful Mimi. Not sure if I have time to find a photo, I should write about her sometime. One of my favorite images was of her on the picnic table beside me as I was working on an article... I didn't know then, how little time she had left...
Talk to you again soon and wishing you a peaceful heart, Sue P.

My heart sank when I opened your email. I didn't even have to read any thing but the opening five words and I knew. I am so sorry, but I do know that just like us, our animals live on. They too are eternal and we will again enjoy their companionship and association. God's plan has no room for never ending sorrow. Take comfort in your precious memories and look forward to the day of your reunion. At this count I will have six Yorkies to greet me and two more when my two living Yorkies die. My husband is a vet and we have shared this heartache with many good people and we know how it hurts but we also know it will have a happy ending.
We share in your loss. Love, Janet T.

I was so sorry to find that you had to put your precious Socks to sleep. I have also gone through this as we lost our Ivan on my birthday one year ago. It is one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do. They trust us to take care of them, feed them and make sure they are warm and dry and play with them and most of all love them. When their time to go to the Rainbow Bridge comes, they need us to take care of them then too. It is part of the love that
we feel for them that gives us the strength to look in their eyes and see them say, it's time...please take care of me now too. My heart and prayers are with you and your husband. The grief will ease but you will always have Socks in your heart.
Lesley C.

I'm so sorry that your attempt to save your Socks was in vain. I lost one of my dogs, Gracie, to a brain tumor last month. She was 13 and had a wonderful life. I also have a cat named Socks. She is now 4 years old and was a rescue kitty as have been all of my pets. I have enclosed photos of both of them.

Time will make your heartache less, but if you are anything like me, your heart will never completely heal. I still cry over my loss of Gracie and when that happens, I mourn for all of the animals I have lost. We are human and the loss can be brutal but it certainly does not outweigh the happiness animals bring to our lives. In time, I hope you have another Socks and many more to follow.
Thanks for the wonderful stationery, Beverly C.

I am so very, very sorry to hear of your loss. I know that you loved him very much...and it definitely came across in the emails that you sent out. I know that words cannot help much during a time such as this but please know that you are in a lot of people's thoughts and prayers daily!

What a wonderful tribute that this Rainbow Bridge will be to life and memory of such a dear friend that Socks is to you and your family!! Yes, I say IS because, and this may be a cliche or whatever, but as long as Socks is remembered in life and the love that he gave to all of you -- then how can really ever be gone? The memories, the great times with him...they will be with you forever! And as a result of this, Socks can never "truly" die as long as you...and those who he affected...are alive to remember and love him. I say this because love, true love...can never die!!

Many many differ with me and that's fine, but I truly believe this! I believe the Bible and it says that true, genuine love lasts forever and if we can believe that of each other, why not our pets? In some ways, they bring more love and laughter than some friends and even family. I am not trying to knock friends and family or anybody else! My point is that: there are times when we may not know them very well or some may just be after us for things...but good, loving pets aren't that way. They aren't after anything except love and being taken care of -- but they can give so much more in return to us!!

I am not always real good at expressing what I'm trying to say. So, I can only hope and pray that you understand what I'm trying to say. I, for one, look forward to hearing about Socks! I truly pray that these things that you have planned as a tribute to Socks will be a blessing to us, who were not fortunate enough to have shared in his life and love. And Simone, you truly have nothing to apologize for!! Any of us who have been where you are now can certainly relate to how you are feeling!! Please, take care of yourself...and your family through this difficult time!
Sincerely, Scott N.

I know exactly how you feel, I had to have my sweet Peaches put to sleep and that was a very hard day. I went 4 years before I got my dog Snickers and he is very loving but nothing will ever take Peaches place.
Rachel S.

Awww, Simone, I'm so sorry to hear about your beloved Socks. It's gotta be one of the toughest decisions we ever have to make in life. Yet we know, when we take these little creatures into our homes, we are responsible for their every breath. In your heart, you know when the time comes for that ultimate decision and we love our fur babies enough to let them go.

Having gone through this just 2 years ago, it's still fresh in my mind. Fresh enough, that I still haven't been able to do a page for her at Rainbow Bridge. I had a nice page set up for our little dog, Kandie (who passed in '89), at an online pet memorial site and just found the site is closed. So sad because there were thousands of animals represented there.

Anyway, lots of virtual hugs coming your way, and good thoughts going to that sweet little feline soul that he finds his way into the arms of a loving child spirit who will love him as you did.
Love ya, Kathy O.

My love and prayers for you dear friend. I still miss our Sugar and that was decades ago. She was a true friend and many laughs and memories about her. I so hope this wonderful memory phase comes soon with less pain. One funny memory might make you smile with your tears. Sugar was so mischievious and in those days I taught belly dancing at home and at the YWCA, but Sugar... if a woman did back bends she would run between their legs and sort of goose them with her tail! Talk of squeals! I had to put her in a room and if I forgot, when I practiced a dance, she would not leave me out of her game.

I found a very old photo in an old album of Sugar and my daughter Lanie. It is rather grainy, it must be way beyond 30 years old as Lanie was in grade school and we were very poor, so it was not a good camera. Much love sweet friend.
Huuugs, Shirley F.

I am so so sorry to hear that you had to make this decision, but it was the correct one, as you know. And, I am so pleased that you were not looking after him yourself, you would never forgive yourself. So, my love, just remember that you did your all for him, and he was in the best of hands! Socks would understand. He is at peace now and with, his maker! A Rainbow Bridge will be wonderful, and very therapeutic for all.
God bless you and, yours!
Xxxxxx, Raylee R.

Oh dear!! So sorry for the loss off your sweet Socks! My heart cries for you. Made the spirits and angels be with you!!!
Love so much, Ing-Marie

I feel with you. It is so hard to do this to a beloved animal. And it seems they feel what you are going to do and look into your eyes "how can you do this to me......". But when it comes to suffer more and more and there will be no hope anymore, then it was the best you could do.
My sympathies are with you, Erika K.

<< Back

|

Next >>