With a heavy heart and tears in my eyes... I am so deeply sadden to say that our beloved friend and dearest companion Harley passed away yesterday afternoon- May 28, 2009. My parents, Jami & I had to make one of the hardest decisions to 'let him go' at Friendship Hospital for Animals. Two days ago, little Harley started acting funny and he was not able to keep his food down. We thought he may just be out of sorts, because he was staying with Brian and I while my parents where in Utah. However, yesterday morning he took a terrible turn for the worst and I rushed him to the hospital. Blood work was ran, xrays were taken and an ultrasound was performed... we soon discover that our little old man had a tumor (most likely cancer) near his spleen. It had grown to over 3 inches by 3 inches- surgery was out of the question for our little 12 year old baby. Our doctor was unsure if he would even make it through surgery, because his kidney's were failing and he had inflammation of his little lungs. Dr. Cross gently and quietly told us that it was Harley's time...
Gosh, I love that little dog- Old Man Winter. It was so hard to let him go; yet I know we made the right decision for him. My mom held her little baby as he left us for the big dog park in the sky. Dogs are such faithful companions and love you all their little life's- that in the end we as pet owners need to do the responsible and loving thing for our beloved friends. As hard as that decision was... it was the right thing for Harley.
Goodbye old friend... we will miss you.
I Haven't Left At All...
"I saw you gently weeping as you looked through photographs. You paused for just a moment at one that made you laugh. But as you turned more pages the tears began to flow. You whispered that you missed me but I want you to know; I softly licked those stinging tears that down your cheeks did fall. I want to help you understand I haven’t left at all.
On those days that you are overcome with sorrow, pain and grief I rest my head upon your leg to offer some relief. When you take our walking path I’ve seen you turn around. Because I know you surely heard my paws upon the ground.
At night while you are sleeping I snuggle at your side. You stroke my fur as you touch that place where I used to lie. You said it’s just your heart playing tricks upon your mind. But rest assured I’m really there, my spirit’s left behind.
I know your heart is hurting; it’s like an open sore. You think my life has ended and you won’t see me again. But for those of us bound tight by love, death is not the curtain call; It’s really the eternal beginning that waits for us all. So, my dear Master as you live your life I patiently await. Await for us to be together when you pass through Heaven’s gate."
~ Author Unknown
