Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Boy, it's been a busy, stressful and sad week

I have a lot to say, but no time to say it. But first, I want to share an experience that I had this week and am wondering if others can relate.

Jim had to put down his dog, Jasmine, on Saturday. It was one of the most difficult things I've ever done. She was such a beloved friend, and after 12 years, she had cancer in one of her bones. I'm sure she had it in other places as well, but the cancer attacked her leg and left her unable to walk.

I don't want to go into details, but being in the room with her was very hard. Thankfully, she went peacefully, but it was terribly sad. I think Jim's whole family is depressed by it--they had been taking care of her in St. Louis, and she really became a family dog!

Anyway, we all miss Jasmine, and I wanted to write about it since she was a big part of our lives...

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sorry for you and Jim's loss, Michelle.
I was always a big fan of Jasmine.
Well, not always.
She was a Rottweiler, after all.
When I first met her I thought, "this dog could rip my throat out."
I stayed at > arm's length until I was confident she wasn't looking at me and envisioning a hamburger.
It took awhile, but eventually I came around.
Jasmine was the sweetest "bad-ass" dog ever.
She was Gahndi in a bear suit and I am glad she had you two as her caring owners.
JJ

Michelle said...

Thanks JJ. Jim used to play this trick on Jasmine and me that made me laugh but also scared the bejeezus out of me... he'd be in one room, and i'd be in another. He'd say "ouch"... and Jasmine would run into the room where I was and start barking at me. She was very loyal to Jim and he loved to show off with her! But she never hurt me...she just had a loud bark!

Anonymous said...

My condolences to you and Jim. It looked like Jasmine was a beautiful companion. I know what it is like to have to put down a pet. I had to put down my cat and dog the past two years. Pets are one of the family and it is very hard when they pass. They are more loyal than people and all the want in return is to be loved...

Very sorry.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry. You and Jim really loved that dog.
Megahn

Michelle said...

This is a poem from Erika, Jim's sister-- I thought it was sweet.

Rainbow Bridge


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.
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 you life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge Together.....