BustopherJones Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Missy was our baby, our “heart dog”. She was the sweetest, gentlest dog you could ever want to meet, and loved everyone and everything. She was a favorite amongst the neighborhood children, who loved to pet her and get “kisses” from her. Her visits to the local convalescent hospital brought joy and comfort to many elderly persons. In her glory days, before the cancer robbed her of her fur and her dignity, she was also a beautiful dog (as you can see from the picture below), a cross between a Border Collie and a Belgian Sheepdog with many beautiful physical characteristics of both, yet possessing a docile and ultra-affectionate personality that was not generally typical of either breed. After a protracted and valiant battle over the last couple of years against the combined ravages of cancer, Cushing’s Disease, and heart problems, our beloved 14-year-old little girl was finally unable to go on. Despite weekly visits to the vet’s office, the vet finally told us last week that, even with the weekly shots and the multiple daily medications, she could no longer keep Missy pain-free and assure her a comfortable quality of life; our “miracle dog” had already survived far beyond what was originally expected. The vet gave us special pain medication so that Missy could come home that day and be spoiled rotten in relative comfort for a few more days. We knew that we had no choice but to do the humane thing out of love, and we know she has gone on to a new plane of existence, free of pain and disease. That is what my mind tells me; how do I explain it to my broken heart? I wish I could be more eloquent, but right now all I can do is cry. This was Missy in her glory days before the cancer (along with Tiffany, another of her sisters who had already made the trip to Rainbow Bridge before Annie came into our lives): DW is devastated, even though we knew in advance that this day would come; no matter how much we tried to prepare ourselves, the foreknowledge did not lessen the blow. She asked that I post this poem as her tribute to the dog that she loved so much: So this is where we part, my friend, And you'll run on, around the bend, Gone from sight, but not from mind, New pleasures there you'll surely find. I will go on. I'll find the strength. Life measures quality, not its length. One long embrace before you leave, Share one last look, before I grieve. There were others, that much is true, But they be they, and they aren't you. And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought, Will remember well all you've taught. Your place I'll hold, you will be missed, The fur I stroked, the nose I kissed. And as you journey to your final rest, Take this with you....I loved you best. And this is my tribute to our baby, a beautiful eulogy originally posted on this board by Baby’s Dad when his beloved Zeke made the trip to the Bridge: Go in peace, my valiant friend. Suffer no more; sweet sleep has come. Be welcomed by our friends; they have blazed a path for you to follow. Wait patiently, for I will join you again, your keen vision restored to lead our way, your strength renewed, for we shall journey on together forever. I learned from your courage in the waning of your days. You fought bravely through the pain, a whimper never passed, always by my side as I was by yours. Your battle is over, our grieving begins. Your place in my soul will always remain filled. So rest now in peace, my gallant companion, knowing how much I loved you and will miss you at my side. Missy will be cremated, and her ashes will be buried with DW and me when the time comes. When Annie’s time comes, she will join her sister in the same way. And someday there will be a joyous reunion for all of us at the Bridge, including all the other beloved pets that have gone on before us. Thanks to all who thought of, and prayed for, Missy through her difficult days. I can think of no greater tribute to our baby than the number of people who cared about her. Via con Dios, beloved little girl… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G. Festerling Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I am so sorry. She was for sure one lucky girl to have had you guys on her side. Treasure her memories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I'm very sorry to hear this. She was a lovely dog and was blessed to have had a wonderful life with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisK Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Tears are being shed for you in this time of sorrow. Thank you for sharing Missy with us and know that we also share your pain and sorrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdarling Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 My heart breaks for you. God speed, Missy. Jodi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiegirl Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I am so very sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancy in AZ Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I am sincerely sorry for your terrible loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aBC4me Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I am so sorry for your loss. You will all be in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixie_Girl Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Missy fought long, hard, valiantly, and with dignity. She will be long remembered. Knowing she will no longer be in pain helps your mind. The heart takes longer. I'm so sorry y'all have to go through this. My thoughts will be with you and DW. RIP Missy, you were so loved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSmitty Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Bustopher, I'm so very sorry. She was beautiful, and obviously had a spirit to match. My thoughts are with you and your DW right now. Rest in peace, Missy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sassy Girl Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I'm so very sorry....what a beautiful tribute...I know there is nothing I can say to make it easier, but please know, I too just lost my heart dog on 4/2 and though I cry almost once a day for the lovely girl I lost, I know we did the right thing as you did by your girl. Please know she is definitely in a place where she is pain free and running happily once again.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donna frankland (uk) Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 i am so sorry you have been parted from your baby girl, there are a great many good dogs gone to the bridge this year already rest in peace missy, give my tikki a snuggle from me xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afrancis Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Bustopher, I join the others in sending you and DW my very best wishes. Hearing of another's loss always brings me to tears because I know exactly what you're going through. Missy was indeed very lucky to have such wise people standing by her and taking the last step with her when it was time. You guys are in my thoughts. Ailsa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewie'sMom Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 My deepest sympathies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShoresDog Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Gosh, she was really beautiful. I'm so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Bustopher, I'm sorry to hear that Missy finally lost the fight. Your words here show just how much you loved your girl. Rest assured that she also knew just how much love you and your wife had for her. She'll be waiting for you. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach BCs Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I am so sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace, Missy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DixiesDad Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 All of us send our deepesy sympathies. Missy, RUN FAST, RUN FAR, Till you all meet again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gypsy84 Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I am so sorry to hear this. Missy was a beautiful dog, and it sounds like she couldn't have had a better life. I'm sure she's thankful you and DW were strong enough to know when to let her go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aljones Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I am so very sorry, Bustopher. You and DW will be in my thoughts as you mourn your dear Missy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurae Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I'm so sorry, Bustopher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalesred Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Oh Bustopher, I am so very sorry for your loss - your second in such a short space of time Run free Missy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Root Beer Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I am very sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carson Crazies Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I'm so very sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OffTopic Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I'm so sorry. I hope you and DW are able to find comfort in each other, peace in the knowledge that you were strong for a dear friend, and joy in your memories of Missy. She was a beautiful girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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