On the 7th of May, my dog Julik left for the Rainbow Bridge.
I thought I'd write about him, but I still can't. Two weeks have passed.
I think it's not time yet.
He was my friend.
He isn't the pup on the header picture. That one, Amur, is 4 years old now.
13 years is a big chunk of life, isn't it?
Gardening is not the same without him at my side.
B.C. - Before children
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
I knew that one day it'd be my turn to post this little poem.
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
(Author unknown )
I can barely see the screen. Oh, I am so so sorry for your loss! I have been there and it is oh so tough. And there he is on your banner. The photos of you and your beloved dog are so sweet. The love just shines like a light between you. Plant a little garden or container in his memory to punctuate his loyalty and love for you. Let's see, I think rosemary is remembrance, isn't it? And so on...
ReplyDeleteHugs, Brenda
You have my deepest symphatie!!!
ReplyDeleteI do know how you feel!
One day they are small puppies and you think that the day you have to say godbye are far far away....
Linda
Tatyana- I am so sorry. Words cannot express adequately how you must feel. Know that I feel for your loss.
ReplyDeleteTatyana I'm so very sorry for your loss! Your post was so heart felt that it made me cry. The photos are so sweet and I can tell he was your baby. Losing a pet is like losing a member of the family it takes time heal. I can understand how hard it is to write about it. Take comfort in knowing that he will always be by your side even though he may not be physically here. His spirit will always be in the garden lovingly helping each plant to grow and flourish until the day you both meet again at rainbow bridge. My thoughts are with you. Lots of hugs, Jackie
ReplyDeleteTatyana, I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet dog. I can't even imagine how you feel. Our pets do become family members, we love them so much. I'm sending you and your family good wishes.
ReplyDeleteCatherine
I have tears for you too, I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteTatyana I am so sorry for your loss, I know how hard it is. My dogs are my children and I cannot imagine life without my 2 boys. He will meet you one day at Rainbow Bridge.
ReplyDeleteTatyana - I am so sorry to hear about Julik. I know you miss him very much. I too lost a pet 9 months ago. Sam was everything to me. He was only 3 when he had congestive heart failure and had a heart attack. Our pets become such a part of the family. I have a new pet. Buddy has been with me for 7 months. He is just like my Sam only better. I hope you soon have another. Happy Memorial Day... Becca
ReplyDeleteHi Tatyana~
ReplyDeleteI send loving thoughts and prayers in your direction! I imagine this loss must be heartbreaking to you. May your memories of Julik always warm your heart! Loved reading about the rainbow bridge!
~ Karrita
I couldn't stand to read the poem, I'm crying already - I am so sorry, but also congratulations on completing a full and happy lifespan for him as his guardian.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. I know it will be my turn too one day and my heart turns in my chest at the thought of it. I feel for you.
ReplyDeleteIt is because we love so deeply that we miss them so very much!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Sherry
Very sorry for your loss, Tatyana.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I just lost my 16 year old cat two days ago and I've been wondering around the garden like a lost soul. I can't write about her either. She was my constant companion and the garden is just not the same without her. I know time will heal but right now the going is pretty tough. I'm sorry to hear about Julik.
ReplyDeleteI lost my Sophie in December. It really hurts a lot. I know. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteTatyana,
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss, a pet that is at your side all the time is missed a lot. Hope you have many happy memories to keep your spirits up.
I too have experienced this loss. My heart is with you, as we all are.
ReplyDeleteTatyanna, I am so very sorry for your loss. He was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJen
Such a lovely post. I lost my dog about 7 years ago but still say hello to him every day. They become part of the family. Sympathize with your loss.
ReplyDeleteThey are such a part of family, often being our first babies and we love them just as much. I'm so sorry for your loss. Our Milo left us last month and it's still sad to think about him.
ReplyDeleteTatyana, I'm so sorry your loss. Loosing a good friend isn't easy. I know how it feels / Hugs, gittan
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. :( Animals, especially dogs, are so precious. I really do believe that we will be reunited with our beloved pets one day. In the meantime, Julik is having a blast in doggie heaven. This post was a reminder to enjoy every day with my two wonderful dogs who are no spring chickens. Again, so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteOh...I'm so sorry for you, Tatyana...
ReplyDeleteBig hug
/Tesa
I'm so sorry you lost your friend. I know how hard it is. We lost our Schatze last year. Seems I had barely gotten over losing Prissy 14 years before her. Now they are up on the hill and I have a garden started over their graves. It's the least I can do for my babies.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that you lost your furry friend. I know it is very hard.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry. May your memories help you through.
ReplyDeleteOh, Tatiana, I am so very sorry about the loss of your friend Julik and hopping that he's having a good time with my dearly missed Bulka, Roma, Charlie, Baba and Tiger and Puss. My dogs come and visit me now and then in my dreams (but not the cats) and I wish you many beautiful night voyages.
ReplyDeleteMy dear friends, thank you so much for your kind words! They mean a lot for me. Julik was my first dog. He showed me what an unconditional love is. We went through good and bad times together. He was good till the very end: he lived longer than the average age for GS, allowing me to believe that his life was good; he died as I asked him, himself, without vet's assistance. Happy memories should help. Go and give a hug to your furry friends for me, will you?
ReplyDeleteDear Tatyana, I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful relationship you had for 13 years. Thank you for sharing the sad and moving poem.
ReplyDeleteNo comments. I am just crying for him with you.
ReplyDeleteTatyana, I am so sorry. Our pets become like children and part of our families to us. It takes time to get over the lose of a companion after you have had them for so many years. I lost mine two years ago after 14 years and there are still times when things will remind me of my old pup.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so sorry, Tatyana;-( It is so hard to lose a pet. You have my sincere sympathy. We had to put our 13 yr old miniature poodle to sleep about 4 years ago, and my son STILL cries everytime he mentions him:-( I love that poem, too. The veterinarians office sent that on a card to us when we lost Max. It made me cry too;-(
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for the loss of your friend. It is always such a hard thing!
ReplyDeleteTatyana, I am so sorry. It is one of the hardest things we have to face in our lives. When you feel up to it, please come and tell us some of your stories about this special friend. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss of Julik, Tatyana. Dogs all seem to have such beautiful souls and it is very hard to say goodbye to them. The picture of him with the sunglasses brought me a smile - he looks like a good sport with a sense of humour, a great companion.
ReplyDeletePlant Lady
Hi Tatyana, I'm just now catching up with your previous posts and am so sorry to hear you lost your beloved Julik. Everyone loves him through the pictures you share so it's personal for us too. He would be proud...what a wonderful tribute you wrote :)
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Lynn
So sorry to hear about Julik. Thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteI just found your lovely blog today and wanted to tell you that I am so sorry for your loss! 13 years is a long time, but with someone so loved, there's no such thing as "long enough". I lost my first hound, Eric, in 2000 and still think of him often and look forward to seeing him at the Bridge one day. Ditto my 2nd hound, Blazing Eliza Jane. And now I have Monster, a collie/ samoyed mix. They are all so different from each other, so special in their own ways, so unforgettable. Your Julik is beautiful. I hope he's having a good romp and feeling youthful and free! You will write about him when you are ready.
ReplyDeleteI hope that some day soon you'll feel up to writing about him and telling us his story. I for one would love to read it.
ReplyDeleteOur dear Scottie Dawg passed away a couple of years ago and I still miss him very much. He was also 13.--Randy
ReplyDelete40 days...
ReplyDeleteHe was with us and we were with him. Julik, see you at the Rainbow Bridge. Meet us!