Losing her sight years before losing her human, whom she lost last week,
with that loss came a loss of appetite
for food, for life,
a loss of lung capacity and cardiac function,
and all those things that people tell you life needs
to survive,
to throb,
a loss of her own purpose.
That's a lot of loss.
And a lot of grief.
The time had come.
My darling girl, I pledged a lifetime.
I sliced that pledge in two
like some knife open plump fruit bellies whose time has come.
I had no option.
I had no option.
I had no option.
Until I did.
And when I did, and called for you, you remained unready,
unbelievably, unerringly unready,
your bond with a new clan, your new normal, holding firm,
conflicting me,
dismantling me.
When do roots strike soil?
I wanted you still.
(I am greedy for time - remember!)
But you and sense prevailed, and there you remained.
No longer mine, yet never not mine.
My darling girl.
We knew her only
for the first two years
of her life
of grace and soulful eyes and getting away with rather a lot!
She crammed
into those two years
eternity.
She made us feel like we had more than we had
or knew we had
or needed.
A rare quality.
She made us feel.
Shiks' companion for life,
our always girl,
forever on a mission
unfathomable and obscure!
You became
an ache in hearts that thudded your name
as we missed you,
silently, defiantly, constantly, relentlessly
down the hammering years.
But
what we missed more
and miss still
is you saving us
from harm
and from ourselves.
No greater gift.
Written by
TheDrivenSnow
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76 Replies
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I am so very sorry, I feel your pain, it is so sad when our beloved pets have to leave us. Some say and I personally believe it, that our pets always stay near us in spirit. ❤️❤️❤️
I was compelled to leave my Chloe behind when I exited a certain life situation. The pain was and remained excruciating, although I knew she was loved and very well looked after throughout her life by a family I trusted.
Two families are grieving sorely today. She was that kind of dog...
It's so very hard...
but you're right: I have Chloe near me in spirit, alongside our beloved Leia, who left us in 2015.
It takes time and gentle healing to get past this awful illness; please be patient with yourself and take baby steps.
I am OK; thank you for asking 🙏🏻
It does seem to me that each one of us is akin to a little dinghy out on the high seas, the waves buffeting us about, overwhelming us as we try to steer straight and true, as we try to maintain an even keel.
How much can one little dinghy take?
It's a rhetorical question, really.
I am both intrigued and buoyed up by your messages - always. They strike a note of optimism and positivity; it's as though you can see - or rather sense - the things that are to come...
I just know the one who loves me, carries me through all the worst in life. For which I do what I can for others. It is a wonderful experience when you feel better about yourself. Which in turn makes my life worthwhile.
God works in mysterious ways it’s very true, believe me.
In 2016 after an eight hour operation, when I felt like giving up. I was taken on a journey to heaven. I promise it’s true. It was so beautiful. I soared above gardens filled with beautiful plants, and a vast sea it seemed unbelievable, but I assure you it was real.
I have always done my utmost to help others, it is a wonderful pleasure helping you. You will be fine, just remember that no matter what happens.
There is a reason why things happen. It will become apparent.
I’m so sorry for your loss, but she is now on the other side of the rainbow 🌈 bridge just waiting to see you when God calls you home. In the mean time she is joined by Josy, Joy, Benji, Symba, April, Cutie, and Precious just to name a few whom I know who there to play with your little girl out in the open fields with the mountains in the distances. She is having a wonderful time knowing that she will one day be reunited with her human family. Know that her sight is back, her heart is strong, her lungs are clear, her pain is gone and that all those things that people tell you that you need for life to go one is now restored for all eternity. Just know this wasn’t good bye but see you later in a better place. Take comfort that she is not alone. I know there is an empty spot in your heart and home but this is temporary. The
Every time you spot a rainbow you'll know she's waiting for you there on the other side of the bridge, she's there now safe and sound bless her and you too lots of love🌈xx
• in reply to
Chloe shared my birthday every January 20th I'll think of her❤️
I feel your sorrow, your terrible pain, your unbelievable loss of your very precious little furry bestie friend.
People say that ‘time heals’, for me it does not heal, at times it makes the pain even more unbearable. We lost our beloved Tiffany a Westie at the end of last December, the sadness never leaves us!
We wish you strength and love over this very difficult time. You are suffering so much already, if it is possible stay strong.
I'm so sorry that you've had to endure your bereavement, too... Our loved ones don't leave us if we keep them in our thoughts. Take comfort in that: Tiffany will always be with you 🙏🏻
Oh my dear, I'm so sorry I can barely type through the tears. So many of us know exactly what you are going through right now and will be for some time. She was so beautiful. You had the joy of knowing her and that is an honour. Thinking of you. xxxx
That is a beautifully understanding message, and I thank you - not just for your thoughtful words, but also for the depth of your perception and for your empathy. ❤️
Oh dear. I’m so sorry for your loss. 😢 Keep her close with you in mind and spirit. It sounds like she had so much love in her life. You’ll meet her again at Rainbow Bridge 🌈
So sorry for the loss of your dog but I know they mean so much more than you can tell. After we lost our dog Jack I found a poem online which i thought was beautiful. Its called 'A pets peace' . I hope you find some comfort in reading it. ❤
Wow, you certainly know how to bring a tear to my eyes, truly beautiful words.
What would our lives be without these truly amazing and such beautiful creatures. They mean so very much to us, the emotion that they can create is beyond words. It is always an honour to have a four legged furry friend, our time together is too short.
No two of our furry friends are the same, always so very different, always loveable..
That's absolutely right: they have distinct personalities and leave their own special imprint on our heart. Losing them breaks us.
Oh what a tragedy for you TheDrivenSnow. I am so sorry and feel so bad for you. I see there is a story in your poem that tells of more pain than this, your permanent parting from your darling Chloe. Of course there often comes a time when we have no choice but to release our beloved pets from further pain and distress and it's a very brave person who does what they have to do. Take consolation from knowing that Chloe knew you loved her deeply and that you always cared for her as best you could. May time offer you some solace. 🙏
Thank you, Sue. Yes, our journey with Chloe has been chequered; we were denied the privilege of spending much of her life with her - and that is time that we cannot recoup. I'm grateful for your understanding and empathy. ❤️
So sorry to hear about your loss, I have been sobbing like my heart is breaking, your words paint such a visual image of your grief. Sadly their is nothing anyone can say or do to mend your broken heart . Please remember that she has not really gone because she will be forever in your heart. 💝 💕 💞 Gentle hugs & love Xxx Chris
You are so kind, Chris. I'm deeply grateful for your kind words and your empathy. You're right: as long as I keep her in my thoughts, as I always do and have done, she will never be gone. ❤️❤️
Also remember that she will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge to continue your journey together happily to a new pain free & healthy life. Take care lovely lady. 💝💖 Keep your star shining brightly so she can watch over you 🌟🌟⭐ Xxx Chris
I read your poignant post this morning and it left me speechless . My heart aches when precious pets have to leave us . I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. I have a younger group of dogs now 6 years old after our previous group passed away. I thought I could take good care of them for their lifetime and that this group will be my last to cherish. However at that point in my life I did not anticipate my life being shorter than theirs .. I don’t want to leave them . Especially since I can’t really explain what is happening. They see I’m slower with much less energy and yet they seem to love me just the same.... sending you love and a lasting embrace ..
Patricia, it is so very hard. We give them their rightful place in our home and our heart, and then are left to pick up the pieces when our heart shatters, as it inevitably does. None of us can know for sure when our time will be up; even if your doggy clan were to know that about you, they would not love you any less. Their love comes without strings. This you know. I'm so very grateful for your love and your empathy. ❤️
Thank you, Darrell. This past week has been very hard. On so many levels. I'm very grateful for your concern and empathy. My journey with Chloe was incomplete, and this makes it doubly difficult. I'm taking it slow. ❤️
Hi there, I'm sorry for your loss of Chloe I can understand what she meant to you , I lost my little Molly just before Xmas and it broke my heart as I had her since a pup and she reached 20 which is unbelievable age for a dog 🐕 I got her when I had to give up work and it was the best thing I ever did when I got her and she left me with a lot of memories , and she is always near me when I step in the garden . Clive X
Clive, I'm so very sorry to read about the loss of your trusty companion Molly; such a blessing, though, having the pleasure of her walking by your side for all those precious years... She is with you still: just close your eyes and let your thoughts drift...
Thank you for your kind words and concern. I'm so grateful ❣️
So sorry for the loss of your dog TheDrivenSnow. Its really heartbreaking when you loose them. We have had 3 rescue Staffies. They all took a piece of our heart with them. Getting towards retirement age. And wanting more holidays. We decided the last 1 we lost 2 years ago would be our last. But still miss having a dog around. Take care. Brian
Brian, they absolutely do shatter our heart when they leave us. It's like a permanent weight on the chest and a yoke on our shoulders. And yet we readily invite them into our home and our heart, knowing full well that one day we will be heartbroken. When we lost Leia five years ago, sister to Keisha, we told ourselves we couldn't face adopting another. Eight months later, we got broody again and a little nutcase called Annie entered our lives. We didn't know what had hit us! I know how empty a house can feel: a dog somehow makes it a home.
Yes a home feels empty without a dog. Thank You for Personally answering every reply. You had so.many. Its good to know there are still lots of Animal lovers out there. Take care Brian xxx
You went to the trouble of writing words of comfort; it's only right that I should respond! And - as long as there are animals, there will be animal lovers! Fact! Stay safe, please. X X
I contracted Covid-19 at the end of March, and I truly believe God picked me up and carried me through to safety. Allow him to carry you through your pain. You don’t have to be a believer, God doesn’t work like that. Your beautiful Chloe is still walking by your side, there to greet you every minute of the day. She will never leave you, because the bond is too strong. Hold on to that and you’ll be fine. As for the cancer, I know you’ll be ok.
That is a rather astoundingly comforting message, and I thank you for it... Chloe is right here, right now. Watching over us, making sure we're coping, still hoping...
I'm intrigued that you say what you do about the cancer. Please tell me more. XX
ah you must be heartbroke she has gone over the rainbow bridge.its so sad we want our pets to be there forever.hope you are feeling better health wise as i know you are not well at all.god bless you and chloe may she rest in peace.you are in my prayers.take care sweet.hugsxxxxx
These are beautiful verses Driven Snow. I can feel your pain as I adore dogs more than any creature on this earth. I like to think that their spirit is in heaven and one day we'll meet again. People might not share my beliefs and I respect that but you have your memories of her and they will never be forgotten. I'm thinking of you. X
I'm counting on being reunited with my little brood again: it's the only way I know how to cope with the heartache, and I will cling to that for as long as it takes. Thank you. ❣️
May, we have three cavalier king charles spaniels here: Keisha, Annie and Bella.
Chloe, my miniature cocker spaniel, was a very special little girl. My journey with her was incomplete, as I had to leave her behind some years ago when I had no choice but to move on - and this makes the grief that bit more ephemeral, yet intense.
Our doglets are our world. Thank you for understanding. ❣️❣️
that must have been hard for you to leave your precious chloe behind.hope you are ok.i have not been on for a while.my fibro and god knows what all these things are that are jumping around in my torso and my muscle weakness and pain.just feel like nobody can help me.feel like i am squashed all the time just keep waiting for pain team and gp to give me something its like theirs no light at the end of the tunnel.i know you are a lot worse than myself but i do hope you as well as you can be.your words make me cry as they are always beautiful as you are.take care sweet love princessxxxxxxxx
I hear you... it's so hard, isn't it? What I tend to do on particularly bad days is allow myself a special treat, build up to it and then really relish it: it doesn't necessarily help with the pain or the discomfort, but it's an effective distraction sometimes, as is an impromptu sofa evening (legendary here at ours).
It's also wise to try to avoid engaging with people who drag you down and drain you with their negativity: you have more than enough to contend with. I hope you have something of your very own that works to take your mind off the pain and discomfort you're experiencing: maybe have a good think while you wait for the medics to get back to you, which they will do.
hiya not been on for a while,still no better in fact worse.still waiting to see neurologist my body is so tight and i have preserved power in my upper and lower limbs.feel so weak everyday is same.how are you,i hope you are as good as you can be.take care sweet love princessxxxxxxx
I am experiencing more widespread pain, unfortunately, with my hands now also being affected and my fingers so sore and stiff that even typing becomes a chore.
My legs and feet were bad enough - and now this! It saddens me, as it impinges - among more banal things (I find it impossible to dress myself) - on my ability to write/type and so limits my creativity.
I'm hoping for better days ahead for all of us xXx
You have a gift of writing beautifully even as You write something as painful as loss and death And letting go. This brought tears to my eyes. What a beauty she was.
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