My Black Storm

I can't even begin to express my sadness this weekend. My beloved Storm went for a big run earlier this week. When he came home he continued to run and play. In the morning he couldn't get up. I called the vet who came and checked him out. He said that he was in great shape for his age (13 1/2 yrs). He still had great muscle tone, great weight, good eyes and still had all his teeth. He was deaf in one ear though.

He told me that it would appear that he literally ran out of steam and his body needs alot of rest. He told me that even people overdo it when they are having fun and can be bedridden for days, even weeks. I was to give him some time to heal.

It broke my heart to watch him lay on the floor, unable to move or get up. I had to feed him, give him medicine, turn him over and clean up after him. This wasn't my dog anymore, even though he still was all love and smiles.

Then, on Friday morning I noticed something in his eyes. Something had changed. He started to bark and whine. Then came the panting. I just knew that he was in pain and I told myself that I would never be selfish and keep him around if he was ever hurting. I loved him too much for that.

I had kept the girls home because we had been so stressed and sad. We hadn't been getting any sleep. After I called the vet, I called them into the room to tell them that it was time for Storm to go and join Papa in heaven. Papa was calling him home. He needed Storm now.

The vet gave him some morphine and then administered the final shot. The girls and I sat around him, whispering our love and petting him as he left this world for the next.

We are so sad. I walk around the house lost and find myself crying at the silliest things and the weirdest times. Funny how we mourn the loss of a pet as we do a human. I am just as sad and lost as I was when Steve's Dad passed from Cancer.

I have had many dogs come and go throughout my lifetime but he was the most loyal and loving pet I have ever had. The bond I had with him was greater than all others. It is hard to come to terms that he is now gone from my life.

I have to be strong for my girls as their grief matches my own. They have had to deal with alot of grief already in their young years. They keep me focused and strong. I couldn't deal with any of this if it wasn't for them.

We still have Tess and I am grateful for her furry presence. She wanders the house restless and lonely. I am at a loss as to how to deal with her obvious grief as well.

Time will heal the pain. I do know that. It is just so hard right now.

If It Should Be

If it should be that I grow weak,

And pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then you must do what must be done,

For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand;

Don't let your grief then stay your hand.

For this day more than all the rest,

Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years -

What is to come can hold no fears.

You'd not want me to suffer so;

The time has come, so let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend

And please stay with me until the end.

Hold me firm and speak to me

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see

The kindness that you did for me.

Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve - it must be you

Who had this painful thing to do.

We've been so close, we two, these years -

Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

Challenge: I would like to hear some wonderful pet stories. I know that alot of you have pets or have had them in your lifetime. Tell a story about a special pet, something they did or a moment your shared. You can blog about it( 2 ballots) and provide a link or you can email your story to me at thynner5@yahoo.ca. You can also just post it below.

Bonus: Use your pet story on a layout for 3 ballots!!

Due Date: Sept 30th

~Tara~