Tuesday, February 26, 2013

It's Over

Almost 10 months after her diagnosis of having four weeks to live, our little Maggie is gone:





At almost 15 years old, she was ready to go.  David and our son Will took her to the vets this afternoon and she went peacefully.  

Like anyone who has lost a loved one, my heart hurts.  I've been anticipating her death for months, so maybe it should be a relief.  But it's not.  The last month meant daily accidents in the house and carrying her up and down the stairs.  We heated "people food" for her and there was nothing she asked for that she didn't receive. We wiped her face, wiped her butt and wrapped her in warm blankets at night. 

So now we grieve. 

A friend posted this from an unknown author on my Facebook page a few moments ago.  (Thank you, Renee - it's beautiful:)

"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."

---Unknown

21 comments:

Caroline said...

Hi Beth, My heart goes out to you and I have tears in my eyes typing this.

Debbie said...

I lit a candle for Maggie to see her way to the rainbow bridge
Huggs

Marg said...

Oh gosh, we are so sorry. That is so sad but she sure sounds like she was well loved and had a wonderful home. I love that saying. It is so true. My components of my heart are pretty much full of cat and dog and horses. You sure are in our thoughts and prayers.

Connie said...

What a beautiful poem. Warm hugs to all of you - losing a member of our family has to be by far the most heart wrenching experience.

Smartypants said...

So sorry for your loss, Beth. I have loved every story about Maggie on your blog over the years. Thank you for sharing her with us.

Sparkle said...

Gentle, sympathetic purrs to you today...

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

I am so very very sorry. Many purrs to you and your family at this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Wow this is such sad news. Sorry to hear that Maggie is gone. I really enjoyed the pictures you posted of her. She always looked happy and smiling. Hugs to your family during this tough time.

Deb said...

I'm so sorry, Beth. No words will help right now but time will heal. What a lucky dog she was to have one family all her life to love and be loved by. If all dogs had that... Hugs, Deb

Anonymous said...

She was there with you through some of the toughest parts of life. I think on some level she waited until David retired so she knew you would never truly be "alone". She is not alone on that side of the bridge- I have many four legged friends waiting for me there, and she is waiting for you in the far far away future!
Karin

Anonymous said...

Oh so sorry for your loss. What a lucky pup she was to be a Turner.

I was a wreck when my golden pup Zander died. A chat room at http://aplb.org/ really helped a lot.

They have trained grief counselors moderating and everyone in the chat room has lost a pet.

You will see many different stages of grief there, they are very welcoming and non judgemental.

Virtual Hugs,

Sandra

Danielle St. Pierre said...

I am so sorry to hear about Maggie. She was a very lucky dog to have such a nice family that cared so deeply for her all these years.

Emsworth Girl said...

Dear Beth,

what a lucky dog maggie was to have such a loving family. my prayers go out to you and your family you have lost a part of you family. i'm so sorry for your loss. She's now running in heaven maybe chasing my dear old whitney! hugs sweetheart.

Tina said...

*Tears* My heart goes out to all of you Beth. Must go hug my senior kitty Harley now....I'm thankful for each day as I know his time is drawing near :-(

Colehaus Cats said...

Sending purrs and hugs and the hope that peace will find you in the knowledge that Maggie knew she was very loved.

The Island Cats said...

We are so sorry for your loss. We send you comforting purrs and headbutts.

hmacross said...

So sorry for the loss of your family's beloved Maggie. No matter how long we have with our pets, it is never enough.

kb said...

I'm so sorry Beth. I know you've loved and lost many, but it is still so hard. I lost my own Maggie 2 years ago. I found some comfort in this little article- http://blogs.bestfriends.org/index.php/2011/01/11/saying-goodbye-to-the-love-of-my-life/

Anonymous said...

Oh Beth , I was so sorry to read this. Poor sweet Maggie... she was such a pretty little girl... I have been through this so many times and it never gets any easier...She was given much love right to the end and you can take consolation from that . A lot of animals ( as you very well know ) aren't as lucky. Just keep her memory in your hearts and she will always be with you.
Love Gail

Strayer said...

What a beautiful little dog and what a life of love she lived. If we could all be so lucky.

Random Felines said...

I am sorry I missed this when it first posted.....so sorry for your loss