Tuesday 30 September 2008

Just to thank you........

Last evening I went into the garden to watch the sun set........I took my camera......
I took these photographs to thank you all..........
for your kindness................

your caring and compassion.........
I would particularly like to thank Susie and Dawny P for rainbow bridge......a source of comfort........


and Leanne for Old Dog.....................Polly was indeed old, nearly 14........she was 6 when she came here.........she had spent a solitary life.......was neglected.....and overfed.....................when the charity took her in her coat was matted, her claws overgrown and distorted, and she was overweight. When I saw her my head said she will be hard work, walk away................my heart told me differently, give her a home, help her. It took two years to settle her.....suffering severe panick attacks.......and numerous other problems. My home and indeed my garden became her sanctuary...........she would sit with the birds, rabbits and any other creatures that came here........she turned right around into a gentle and sweet dog. Yesterday she fell asleep in my arms......there was no fear, no pain.................she captured my heart from the moment I saw her............and she will stay there..............
I leave you with a quote from ncmountainwoman.......................
Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened......................
I'm smiling..................




28 comments:

NCmountainwoman said...

Lovely tribute to your dog. The poetry and pictures make a great post.

Cheryl said...

Thank you ncmountainwoman.....you are very kind....

Jackie said...

Cheryl, It is so very hard to lose a friend who has been a companion for years. It may take months for the pain to subside a bit, but the memories will always be with you. Your photos and poem are a wonderful way to memorialize your dog.

Rose said...

A lovely post, Cheryl. I've read the poem "Rainbow Bridge" before and found it very comforting, too, when our dog passed on. Your Polly sounds a lot like our Roco--he was 9 when he adopted him from the shelter, was underweight, and very nervous from the environment he'd been in. But he soon captured my heart, and though he was with us less than 3 years, I like to think that we gave him a very happy life during that time. You can be thankful, too, that you gave Polly a wonderful home and a happy life for the past few years.

I'm giving you a big hug, Cheryl!

Cheryl said...

Thank you Zhatee....all you say is so true......

Cheryl said...

Thank you dear Rose......received with warm thanks......

marmee said...

oh cheryl,
i know how hard it is to lose such a longtime companion. there is a definite emptiness. i will keep you in my prayers while you are grieving. thank you for sharing this most personal moment in your life. what a nice way to honour your friend. take care and know i am with you in spirit.

Cheryl said...

Thank you Marmee....that is so kind.....the blogging community have been so caring.....

beckie said...

Cheryl, a lovely thought 'smile because...' I hope you can. Taking Polly in like you did sounds just like you. Always caring for nature's beings. I know your heart is heavy but do try to remember the joy Polly gave you. You can always carry her close to your heart like that. Take care dear Cheryl.

Morning Glories in Round Rock said...

What a sweet post, Cheryl. I am so sorry you have lost Polly, but your description of her peaceful end was so uplifting and comforting. It's hard to say goodbye--our pets are so selfless and giving. But ncmountainwoman is right to focus on the blessing of having had her in your life. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jenny

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
Thank you for the pictures. Your gardens bring comfort to me as they do to all sentient beings.
I am caring for a tiny kitten today that was abandon on our driveway by her mother. My husband brought her in last might. We have taken turns feeding the little one with an eye dropper. She is weak. She does not seem to be thriving. I will sit with her. If she passes I will be with her. Young and old we love them all. Dogs and cats, birds and bees these are my friends too.
Blessings for the joy Polly brought to the world. Blessings to you for the love you give every day. Blessings to this little kitty.
Namaste,
Sherry

Cheryl said...

Thank you Beckie.....I have taken long walks with my other dog these last two day.......just thinking and coming to terms with the changes life brings....Polly was and will always be a joy to me, she is in my heart.....I will be fine.......

Cheryl said...

Dear Jenny....tku, people have been so kind....I am touched by their caring......

Cheryl said...

Dear Sherry....thank you so much...you are right, young and old, you and I will always care for the creatures that need us.

I know the kitten will be safe in your arms....thinking of you.....

SweetAnnee said...

I love a visit to your blog..lovely photos, kind words..
thanks for being a blog friend..

I know how it hurts to lose a furry friend..Rich and I can now smile when we think of our Boppy

love to you, Deena

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Cheryl I am sure Polly is wagging her tail and thanking you for the most wonderful part of her life. She was indeed a lucky dog to land in your lap. I am glad to hear that you are coming to terms with her passing. Keep on smiling.

Baker Watson said...

Dear Cheryl,

When I read of your loss I really did not know how to respond. I can see many of your old and new friends here on-line have been able to express so well some of the feelings I share. I know the feelings of loss as I have had many special friends come and leave over the years. Some days when I am on a walk I want to turn around see them running up with their tails wagging ready for a little romp or adventure. I treasure the times I had with them. It seems they all left too soon, but I truly believe they treasured their time here as part of the family as I'm sure your Polly did with her family.

Take care, my friend.

Baker

Wendy said...

Dear Cheryl, I feel your tears, your heavy heart. We have to grieve before we come to accept the loss, the hole that's left in our lives...
Polly was lucky you rescured her and gave her a loving home. I am sure she is happy now, at peace..
Blessings my friend.

Cheryl said...

Dear Baker....you always know exactly the right thing to say.....and without a doubt you always leave me smiling....

Cheryl said...

Lisa Wendy and Sweet Annie tku for your kindness.....

Dawny P said...

That is just right Cheryl. You would, I guess, rather have had her for 7 years than not had her at all and I think it is the most wonderful way to look at it. I am just so glad she found you xxx Hugs, hugs and more hugs xxxxx

Cheryl said...

Thank you Dawny xxxx

Libbys Blog said...

You have obviously given a neglected dog a wondeful caring home, your payment if there is such a thing is wonderful memories, happy and sad!

Yolanda Elizabet Heuzen said...

Polly can't say it anymore so I will say it for her: thank you Cheryl for bringing such happiness in her life. You see, it's good to follow your heart.

Take care my dear, let there be lots of smiles but it's ok to cry too simply because you miss her.

BTW I'm glad the pic of my new puppie to be made you smile and comforted you too.

((HUGS))

Ruth said...

Nature is soothing and healing. So sorry for your loss. We are enjoying our 5th dog and every time one has died, I vow I will never go through it again. But we get another...

Anonymous said...

Bless you Cheryl...
Cherish the memories...:)
`Keep Smiling`~X~

Roses and Lilacs said...

It's very difficult to smile when you will never see your beloved friend again. I'm going thru the same thing with my cat who has kidney disease. I will always be sad that his life was so brief--16 yrs and that I will only have memories instead of a warm, purring companion.
Marnie

Cheryl said...

Libby Yolanda Ruth Terrie and Marmie,

Each and everyone of your comments has been such a comfort.....she was a lovely dog, and will be much missed, the house is a lot quieter.......when she fell asleep she would snore so loudly....strange, I miss that so much.......