My Personal Story
Recently, I lost five animals to old age and cancer. Each one had brought many
years of joy. The yellow tabby cat lived to be twenty-one years old
and my horse lived for an amazing thirty-two years. They were all
my beloved companions and members of my family. The loss I felt was
overwhelming. I kept finding their bowls, toys, halters, horseshoes,
and leashes, but I wasn’t able to part with any of them. Everything held a special memory.
While I was learning to make fused glass jewelry and other decorative pieces,
the perfect solution came to me. If I fused a few specks of each animal’s
ashes or hair in the glass item, I would have them near me forever. I made
a rainbow tile with a paw print for my desk. I also made a beautiful heart
glass pendant commemorating their lives and how much I loved them. I wear it
close to my heart. It holds all the loving memories they each gave me.
This is my gentle and devoted Sadie Girl. She was 9 years old when her 17 months
long battle with Squamous Cell Cancer ended our time together. She
told me with her eyes when it was time to let go. My vet came to
the house and we toasted her with champagne. I held her as she slipped
away.
Rumor has some pretty big paw prints to fill. Sadie had a huge presence and was
a cherished companion. I don't believe you can ever replace
a pet. But, you can honor them and their devoted friendship by sharing
your
life with another. Rumor and I are involved in Obedience Competition
and Delta Society Pet Partners. He makes me smile and enriches my
life. His tail never stops wagging.
Beeper liked to be held and put his head on my shoulder, especially after he
had a seizure. He was Pappillon, Poodle, and Corgi. I didn't do it.
I just loved him.
Here
is Chewie hogging Sadie's bed. He came in a small
package with a big "punch." He usually got his way.
A Bedtime
Story? Punky, whose real name was Moon Spirit, didn't always
remember he was a horse and belonged in the barn. On more than
one occassion
he opened the sliding glass door, with his nose and walked
right in! Once the pet goat and goose followed him into the livingroom.
It was tricky turning him around the glass coffee table!
Punky
lived in Redmond for 32 years with 2 families. I got
him when he was 15. He was buried in the pasture and the whole neighborhood
came to say goodbye.
