Losing a beloved pet is something that we will all likely experience at one time or another. And although we understand that their time with us will come to an end at some point, it's never easy to let them go.
Our family recently said goodbye to one of our darling little dogs, Gracie. We were all devastated to lose her, and never imagined being so heartbroken by her loss. She captured our hearts from the time those four little white paws hit the floor, and this spirited little diva kept us amused with all of her antics for the past ten years. She was a little spitfire; with a mischievous attitude and a playful heart, entertaining us every day. Never too ashamed to play with a cat toy (an orange mouse who was the perfect size for her!), or beg for belly rubs, or fall head over heels for a little stuffed purple elephant-never a dull moment with Gracie in the house!
In January of 2013 she was diagnosed with diabetes and Cushing's disease, and since we already had another dog with the same challenges who coped just fine, we were determined to see her through her tough spell. The Cushing's disease caused complications, and during this time Gracie also lost her sight. Our vet reassured us that many dogs manage just fine without their sight, and usually take 4-6 weeks to adapt to their surroundings. So our feisty little darling slowly regained her health, managed to find her way around the house, and even enjoyed our evening walks with her big brother Theodore.
By early December we noticed a sharp decline in her. Tests confirmed that the Cushing's disease was taking its toll on her organs and that her health was deteriorating quickly. We decided to take Gracie home to spend a few last days with her and on the 12'th we said our final goodbye.
I wasn't sure if I would have the strength to go through with it, but my husband and I held her in our arms wrapped in her favourite blanket as she left us peacefully. Initially there was such a sense of relief to see her suffering end, but the tears and pain quickly caught up with us, and we were lost for the next few days.
With less than two weeks left to get ready for Christmas (including our shopping and decorating), we were forced to carry on which in many ways may have been a blessing. We're also grateful to still have our second dog Theodore, who's doing just fine, being smothered with loads of love and attention. His sweet little face has been the best therapy for our broken hearts.
On Christmas eve, our daughter Patricia also surprised us with this beautiful shadow box to help us remember our darling Gracie.
The verse is lovely, and although we cried when we read it, seeing Gracie's sweet little face peaking out from the frame helps us remember the joy she brought to our lives.
We've decided to keep the box on the mantle in our living room, her favourite room for napping and sunbathing....and cuddling with us.
The perfect way to keep her close.
Take care.....Marian xo
