At the age of 5 she had an apparent fall while outside after a heavy ice storm and was found to have 4 ruptured thoracic/lumbar vertebrae, basically a broken back. After the emergency surgery they said she might never walk again. She was paralyzed on her hind end for almost 4 months when she gradually began to regain her ability to walk. Her gait never quite returned to normal… in fact when she ran she looked like a bunny rabbit bringing both hind legs up together, but she loved life and managed to do most anything she wanted through sheer determination.

The years passed, and health issues continued to rise, which at times seemed to harbinger the end for Libby, but to the amazement of her vet and many others she always managed to find the strength and willpower to prove them wrong. If sheer determination was all it took, Libby would be with us still, but time stops for no one, and Libby’s body was wearing out.

This last year she had been unable to walk at all without assistance. We managed to take her for "walks" in her little red wagon and she loved visiting the neighbors and her doggy friends during nice weather. My husband and I knew that we would let Libby tell us when it was her time to go. As long as I saw those inquisitive eyes, wagging tail and eager appetite I knew that she still had some quality of life. Long belly rubs and playing with her stuffed bear were still some of her favorite pastimes.

But as it sometimes happens, Libby was fine when she went to bed last night, but this morning the change had occurred. No wagging tail to greet me, listless eyes that bespoke of pain and sadness, unable to raise her head to greet me. My heart sank as I listened to her labored breath, because I knew her time had come. The vet said she most likely had some internal growths causing bleeding and pressure.

My husband and I were with her, holding and talking to her right to the end. Her passing was peaceful and I wholeheartedly believe that she is now finally free, healthy, happy, running and jumping as she had not been able to do for so long.

We will miss her dearly, as we do all our pets. She was a part of our life for almost 15 years and will always be a part of our hearts. Thank you for letting me share her with you. I know that those of you with beloved pets will understand how we feel.

Here are a few pics of our girl. They will always remind us of the many good times we shared with her.

Libby in 1998 before her back injury:

Libby always with a smile!

Her favorite mode of transportation along with her Buddy Bear:

Libby making the rounds in the neighborhood:

Laying on the deck, soaking up the fresh air and smells:

Our Sweet Girl to the very end. Finally Free on July 12, 2008:

Patti

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Labs are so special, I love my black labbie boy with my entire heart ...

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Hugs to you.

Furrball Whiteshadow Bandit RIP 9/26/07

Cathy

I loss my Catahoula Leopard Hound, McKenzie, in 2005. She passed away when the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina entered our house. It was extremely hard to deal with, by far the hardest of everything that happened to us because of the storm. But now three years later I still think of her often- It still saddens me, but its easier. Its good memories.

RIP McKenzie, my sweet fat girl (The younger darker one) along with her sister Marley (on the left, barely survived Katrina - 3 weeks in a flooded house w/ no food)

All my sympathies!

You were so brave to help her at the end. I had to do that for my dear pug Chobie in January of 08 and it was the hardest and yet the best thing I've ever done.

Again, I am sorry for your loss.

Anita

HUGS!

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Bless you for sharing such love with Libby. She, too, was blessed.

I'm passing along a short poem which has comforted me...

They will not go quietly,
the dogs who've shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.
Old habits still make us think
we hear a woof at the door.
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And, sometimes, coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.
And although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts
belongs to them ... and always will.

-by Linda Barnes

Mai Lynn

My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. Libby was lucky to have you, and you, her.

(((HUGS)))

Libby looked like she could have been the litter mate to ours. It is always very difficult to lose a pet after so many years.

My heart goes out to you and your family!

Thank you so much for sharing your story as I am going through a similar time with one of mine and it has helped me know that as of now, I am still doing the right thing by him--"As long as I saw those inquisitive eyes, wagging tail and eager appetite I knew that she still had some quality of life."

My DH walked into the office and found me tearing up. He didn't know what to do so he bolted. It's because I am NOT a crier. I didn't even cry at my own wedding.
But when someone loses their pet, it really tugs at my heart.

Because my first baby is my Chinese shar pei "Ruud". He just turned 11. Supposedly his breed doesn't age past 10 years, so I feel like we're on borrowed time. So I cry just thinking about how we will go on without him.
My children have never known life w/out Ruud.
I find myself staring at him, trying to memorize him.

I'm crying so hard right now, I can barely see my screen of what I am typing.

Again, sorry for your loss.
Amanda

You gave Libby the best home on this earth---she knew she could count on you and your family to keep her best interest at heart. She outsmarted ill health all those other times based on determination AND the big dose of LOVE from her human family.

We lost a special cat a few years ago and like Libby, one night he was holding his own and the next morning there was no mistaking that the time had come. My husband cried and blubbered like a baby when he held "Gus" on his lap for the vet to take care of things.

I can't even watch the news when they introduce a report on animal cruelty---it's just too much.

We'll all be thinking of you over the next few days as you try to adjust.

Anne

I have spent the day washing her bedding, collecting her toys, feeding bowls, leashes, looking through the many pics I have of her. Each item brings a flood of memories, sweet glimpses of my girl as a pup and the joy it was to have her in our lives. I currently have no plans for another dog. I know that might change with time, but we still have our two 15 year old cats and they give us lots of comfort now.

My husband and I have been married 36 years and no children of our own. So you can imagine that our furbabies are indeed greatly loved and part of the family. Our hearts are saddened, and yet I smile, knowing my lovely Libby is young and whole and fast as the wind now.

Thank you all so much for your supportive and understanding comments. They really do help.

I raised my children without animals, too. When my older two kiddos moved out, before the ink was signed on their rental agreement they had adopted pets. No joke. This past January, my daughter moved in and out within a month leaving me with a four month old silky terrier. We've now grown to love and appreciate this little guy. I hate how we've missed all these years without pets. I'm learning every day how to be a better pet owner.

I feel your pain for your loss and hope that your heart and memories remain full and comfort you as you recall all of the funny, warm times you shared together.

What a blessed home you provided for a wonderful companion. I know you cannot replace Libby, but you can still love another. The love you have in your heart is like elastic....ever expanding. Your home is a haven of love. Don't do what I did and avoid stretching your heart for a long period of time.

I hope you are blessed immensely. And to each of you that have shared the love you have had for your pet. It's a beautiful, touching read. Albeit messy over coffee. Blubber and coffee don't go together.

Our vet gave us a copy of this poem and we have found it comforting:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

-Author unknown

Maybe Lucy and Libby are playing together...

...worth the double post though. So comforting to imagine our pets running and leaping and alert again.

Had my wife read it, too..... and then handed HER the paper towels, as well.

We lost our beloved black domestic shorthair Louie a year ago back on the 9th. In late 2005 he developed vaccine associated feline sarcoma on his right rear leg. We made a very difficult decision to have his leg removed and nursed him back after he came home with staples where his leg was. I second guessed that decision time and again but he seemed happy after recovering and adapted to the loss of the leg. Never failed to come down every night around nine as always for a snack and to curl up and have his stomach rubbed.

Spring of last year I was rubbing his stump and felt another lump and knew it was back. I knew then that there was nothing more we could do. We made him as happy and comfortable as possible and gave him as many of his favorite treats as he wanted, to hades with the daily allowances.

He got skinnier and skinnier, then two weeks before he passed he took to sleeping in the bonus room downstairs under a slipcover. I knew his time was coming and it did soon. One day he was (relative to his condition)fine, the next he was almost gone. We rushed him to our vet and sent him home. I told him, "If I knew this would happen today, we would have done this yesterday." It was all I could do to keep from crying as we drove him there but I couldn't help myself once we got there. We were silent the whole way home and when we got there, there was his cat tree, his toys, upstairs the house I rebuilt so he could lay in his favorite spot when the sun came up.

I still second guess the decision for him to have that surgery at times but I know this: We loved him and right up until the end, he loved us. He was one of the most affectionate cats I've ever seen and it was months before I got used to him not being around. Even now I sweep my feet across the step out of habit if I wake up in the night and go downstairs to make sure he wasn't sleeping on the step waiting for us.

Libby, say hello to Louie for us.

Rest in peace, beloved Libby, Louie and all their friends in this thread.

I lost Libby just over 2 weeks now and I still think I hear her and see her all the time. I picked up Libby's ashes at the vets office last week along with her little red wagon and other items that were left behind the day we had to say goodbye. Libby got one last ride home in her wagon as the staff placed her ashes there, tears in their eyes because they loved her too.

I still have my 2 wonderful cats, Boo Boo and Socks at home to love, but I can't bear thinking about having to say goodbye to them one day too. So I try to make the most of each day and be grateful that I have shared my life with so many wonderful animal friends.

Thank you to all of you who have shared your own stories of loss and your heartfelt condolences.

We love all our pets and they are each unique in personality and demeanor, but Boo was such a bright, intuitive, affectionate and totally mischievous little soul that there will never be another like her. Always demanding the center of attention, but in such an adorable fashion that no one could deny her.

She was the best companion of my husband, who historically was never a pet lover. Yet his heart was won over within the first moments of her arrival to our home, when Boo immediately crawled onto his big chest, wrapped her paws around his neck and began purring her acceptance of her new family. From that moment they were inseparable and shared a lifelong bond of love and affection, mixed with mutual joy as they practiced the art of "play battle". Boo hiding and pouncing on my husband from all possible angles of attack until he would pin her in his arms, smothering her with hugs.

As her battle with cancer caused her body to thin, tire more easily and struggle to control normal functions, she still remained our loving, affectionate, ever present companion who continued to insist on being the focus of our attention. She spent long evenings cuddled in our laps, telling us it was ok to just sit and enjoy our time together, the chores and schedules could wait...our time together was limited and thus more precious.

We are so grateful to have had the honor and blessing of sharing our lives with our beautiful Boo. The pain of parting is so sharp and intense, we continue to see her in our minds eye around every corner, in her favorite sunny spots and waking us in the mornings with her soft paws upon our cheeks. As much as it hurts now, the years of shared love and memories make it all worthwhile. Someday we will cross that Rainbow Bridge, warmly greeted and surrounded by our precious companions who wait for us there now.
Some pics of our little Boo Boo Kitty:

Her gorgeous eyes

Precious Boo

Sleeping Boo

Curious Boo

Lazy Boo

Her Highness Boo

I hadn't been by this forum either for a couple months, but came around for some reason tonight. So sorry to read you have had another loss. Sad for your husband too, as he was so taken with Boo Boo. No wonder. Beautiful animal.

Thanks so much for your comments. We do miss Boo and Libby as I know you must still miss your Lucy. We have one cat still with us, Socks who is also going on 17 years old but still healthy. It is a comfort to have her with us when we get sad over missing Boo. Hopefully, she has many good years left.

Life is full of loving and having to let go. It doesn't ever get easier even though we know it is unavoidable.

A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me.. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued,

''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''