A CRUSHING GOODBYE

[April McMillan, CRR, RPR, CSR]

At 9:30 last night I had to make one of the most painful and difficult decisions ever. And today, I'm feeling so lost, quite empty and crushed by the weight of that decision.

My dog Bam-Bam is gone. Forever. And it was totally unexpected.
I've never loved an animal like I love him. He loved me unconditionally, was a great friend and the best keeper of secrets. Smart too. I miss him so much it hurts.

I've had cats throughout my life, but Bam was my first dog. Sought out by me, chosen by me, and whole-heartedly loved by me. I know time and many wonderful memories of this great dog will help me and my family in our grief. He will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Good boy, Bam. Good boy.

11/9/2000 - 5/17/2009




Thank you so much to everyone for giving us comfort with your kind words and thoughts. Our family and close circle of friends always teased me because of the way I treat my dogs, my children with 4 legs. I knew we weren't alone in how much we love our pets. And with so many responses to my blog, well, I know we pet lovers are some big-hearted people.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

April

[Janet]

Hi April,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know what it's like to love and be loved a dog. They really are part of the family, a really special part.

My thoughts are with you.

Janet

[Alexis McCutchen]

My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I started getting weepy when I read your blog then I saw the picture and I totally LOST it! We have always had big dogs and when our lab was stolen in 1997, I took it so hard that I couldn't bring myself get another dog.

Well, after all these years later I took the plunge and brought home a puppy last Thursday. She is a nine-week old AKC Yorkshire Terrier and we absolutely are head-over-heals in-love with our little Emma. It's just what the doctor ordered. She became a part of our family immediately.

Our pets do bring us great comfort and love us unconditionally. Healing thoughts go out to you.

[Debbie Taggart]

Oh, April, I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my baby dog last December, and while she wasn't the first pet I'd ever lost, she was one of those really special ones. I couldn't believe how much I grieved for her. In fact, even though I've got a new little fur baby, I still miss her and fight like heck not to compare my current dog to her. Sounds like Bam-Bam was one of the special ones, too. Like everyone else has said, it just takes time to get through it. Be glad that you were lucky enough to have such a special little being in your life, even for such a short time.

[Anthony D. Frisolone]

Oh, jeez, April I'M so sorry for your loss.

[John E. O'Sullivan II]

I am so sorry. I've lost animals a few times in my life. It doesn't get any easier. My prayers are with you.

[Linda O'Hearn]

April,

You don't know me, but I truly feel your pain. Our family lost our beloved 14-year-old beagle a few weeks ago to Cushing's disease/kidney failure, and I am still in tears every day. Animals are true, heaven-sent friends. A website that has helped me is www.petloss.com. There is an especially beautiful poem on that site entitled, "The Rainbow Bridge" that is very comforting. Take care, and know that good thoughts are being sent your way, April.

[Wendi Thourson]

Thinking of you during this hard time.

[Jane McGill]

My heart hurts for you. Your grief for this beloved pet is the same as it would be for the death of another family member. I can only say this because we lost three dogs in a year's period, two to cancer and one to old age, and we had to make the decision of when on each of them. We waited until none of them could get up on their own, and there were days I prayed that they wouldn't wake up so their pain would be over and I wouldn't have to make that decision. The Rainbow Bridge poem was given to us by the crematorium and it made things easier. You are in my prayers.

[Jennie Ann]

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope as time goes by, your sadness will be replaced by happy memories. This poem, "Rainbow Bridge," always seemed to comfort me when I am feeling down, missing mine.

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....

[Brenda Rogers]

So sorry to hear of this, April. Patty too.