Archive - 1999

A Little Dog Angel

High up in the courts of heaven today
a little dog angel waits;
with the other angels she will not play,
but she sits alone at the gates.
"For I know my master will come" says she,
"and when he comes he will call for me."

The other angels pass him by
As they hurry toward the throne,
And she watches them with a wistful eye
as she sits at the gates alone.
"But I know if I just wait patiently
that someday my master will call for me."

And her master, down on earth below,
as he sits in his easy chair,
forgets sometimes, and whispers low
to the dog who is not there.
And the little dog angel cocks her ears
and dreams that her master's voice she hears.

And when at last his master waits
outside in the dark and cold,
for the hand of death to open the door,
that leads to those courts of gold,
he will hear a sound through the gathering dark,
a little dog angel's bark.

Author Unknown

I watched a loved one pass away today.

Amanda was just like other dogs. She sniffed, barked, smelled, howled, and scratched herself just like a proper dog should. Sure, she was mentally slow, lacked coordination, and barked at her own reflection but she was just like other dogs. There was nothing overly special about her, except the way she loved. She was reserved in her love, quiet and meaningful. She never licked. She never gave kisses. She just stared into your eyes and sniffed your face. She always made sure you knew that she was truly there.

I watched the suffering lift from her eyes.

She was born in our house and she never left. The cutest puppy you would ever have seen. She was black with splotches of tan colouring around her face and feet. She was a dog. Never would I have guessed she would be one of my most memorable pet companions.

I watched her finally rest.

She had fought for life many times before. But this battle, I knew she had lost. It had never been worse than this. I felt completely helpless. All I could do was talk softly and scratch her head. All I wanted was for her to sit up and stare blankly at me. Sniff like she always had. Bark like she always had. Walk into things like she always had. I wanted nothing more than for her to stand up and sniff my face as she always had. But, now, it was my turn to stare into her black eyes and let her know that I was truly there.

I stroked her until the end.

But, standing there in the veterinary hospital operating room, I knew she wouldn't be coming home to hobble around in the backyard. I knew this was the end of her short, hard life. She had always had health problems and she had bounced back each time.

I was there when she died.

Her tongue was hanging out. She was no longer alive, yet, she still rapidly breathed. She still twitched, but I knew she wasn't completely there. I looked into her eyes and saw a dog in pain. I held her limp, fragile head when the overdose was injected. She went quietly, only a slight tenseness - and then relaxation.

I hope I did the right thing.

I have had many pets and I am sure I will have many more. But Amanda will always be in my heart. She will always be that special pet which I will never be able to shake. I cherish the times I had with her.

I will love and miss you forever, Amanda.

Date: Thursday, November 11 at 10:10 PM
Name: Mags Simek
From: Victoria
Awww...the memories...."who would name their dog Amanda?" ha ha.....Talk to ya Later Kristen! Call me if you ever need to talk...I lost Sam last year...I had him since I was born.....I've been there babe.

Date: Monday, November 08 at 06:45 PM
Name: Erin Ford
From: Victoria
Remember her spirit will always be within you and looking over you.

Date: Monday, November 08 at 05:15 PM
Name: Corry And Dave
From: Victoria
She who has gone, so we but cherish her memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present, than the living.

Date: Monday, November 08 at 04:06 PM
Name: Julene
From: Sooke
A toast to a good dog. Cheers.

Date: Monday, November 08 at 04:02 PM
Name: Maryann
From: Victoria
I love every member of your crazy family, including Amanda, and if you guys need me I'm here :) Thank you for making me appreciate my own dog a little more. Love always, Maryann

Date: Monday, November 08 at 10:29 AM
Name: Audra
From: Victoria
This is a very sweet and touching memorial to a loved pet. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Date: Monday, November 08 at 10:17 AM
Name: Dwayne
From: Victoria, B.C.
Never met your puppy but I wish I had! She seems very special. Sorry about your loss.

Date: Monday, November 08 at 09:00 AM
Name: Alan Ford
From: Victoria, B.C.
Really cool memorial, dude. I too will miss Amanda. She was one special pup.

Date: Monday, November 08 at 04:30 AM
Name: Paul Patton
From: Orlando
Shane, This is a very touching memorial and shows how much Amanda meant to you. I'm sure she'll be in heaven running around but without the pain. Take care, Paul.

Date: Monday, November 08 at 12:04 AM
Name: Sarah
From: Victoria
Shane, sweetheart, what a hard day it has been for you. What true compassion and selflessness you showed. Amanda knows you loved her and wanted only the best for her. She is in a good place now -drooling down at you from above. This page is a lovely way to cherish her memory. I too will miss her.

Date: Sunday, November 07 at 10:47 PM
Name: Mom
From: Victoria
That's a really nice memorial for Amanda. She was a sweet doggie and we'll all miss her. Jennie can use a little extra love right now too.

Date: Sunday, November 07 at 10:39 PM
Name: Paul
From: Victoria
Shane, I know the pain of losing a friend, it is never easy!, Godspeed and rest assured that she will wait at the gate for your call, all the whil;e she lives in your heart and in your memories. Sorry to hear the news :>(

Date: Sunday, November 07 at 10:02 PM
Name: Shane
From: Victoria, B.C.
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