Yesterday was a very bad day. We had to put our beloved 13 year old yellow lab, Skeeter, to sleep. She had a large tumor growing in her brain and another in her lungs and there was just inhumane to keep her alive any longer. Newt decided that he needed to be there with her when she died and after careful consideration we allowed it. He was the one who cared for her and it was important to his grieving process to help her pass on. He did very well and was very brave. He admitted it was the hardest thing he has ever done but he was glad he did it.
Daddy found a wonderful poem to read over her grave and we will place a birdbath over it to remember her by.
"Lend Me A Puppy"
"I will lend you for a while a puppy," God said,
"For you to love when she lives and to mourn when she's dead.
Maybe for twelve or thirteen years, maybe for two or three,
However, will you, till I call her back, take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you and should her stay be brief,
You'll always have her memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd life's land, I have chosen you.
Now will you give her all your love, nor think this labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take my dog back home again?"
He fancied that he heard us say, "Dear Lord, thy will be done,
For all the joys this dog will bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness; we'll love her while we may
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.
But should You call her back to You much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If by our love we've managed Your wishes to achieve
In memory of her we loved, please help us while we grieve.
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We'll get yet another dog and love her all her life."
(from www.ashestoashes.com/rainbow_bridge_poem.htm)
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