Eight months to the day that they had to send their 15 ½ year old cat Red over The Rainbow Bridge the peeps were once again faced with that decision. I heard Mom talking on the phone.
MOM PEEP: “I love him too much to let him suffer.” Her voice cracked. “It’s because I love him that I have to let him go.”
Dad and Mom had talked nonstop about Rex and his quality of life. The vet thought he had some type of cancer, and Mom and Dad didn’t want to put him through any more trauma, like when he struggled to recover from his surgery for a torn ACL. Everyone knows that for big dogs like Golden Labs to make it to 11 or 12 is a pretty good life. Some beat the odds and make it to 15 or even 16. Of course, we all hope we can be here forever, but the fact is, we aren’t.
Mom and Dad had loved many pets in their lives. And this part is never easy. To me, the young rascal that I am, death and dying seemed a very long ways away. At first I romped and played that morning as usual, yet the somber mood wasn’t lost on me. I grabbed my stuffed squirrel and retreated to a corner of the sofa.
Just after lunchtime Mom put a collar and leash on Rex and said goodbye to me.
MOM PEEP: “I’ll be back soon, Charlie Bear. Be a good boy.”
And off she went. She didn’t tell me it was the last time I’d see Rex, but that was okay. I knew about the place called The Rainbow Bridge. All dogs know about it, even cats do too. And I knew I’d see Rex there someday.
* * *
LIKE FREE STUFF? Me too, and I have a secret to share with you. Female peep is writing a book about me and she’s going to give away free copies when it’s released later this year. Want to be a lucky winner? Just comment DIRECTLY on this BLOG SITE and you’ll receive one chance in the drawing for EVERY comment you’ve made since I started posting the “Something to Chew On” series. It won’t be long before my posts on LAA will be finished, so the more comments you make, the more chances you’ll have. Woof!
Ny dear Charlie Bear, I have tears in my eyes. I feel so bad for you and your peeps. Love them more than ever now, Charlie. Your friend, Honey Bunny Hubler
Honey Bunny,
I’m giving Mom Peep extra loving for sure–licks on her face, nuzzles into her side when she lays on the sofa, and wiggles of my cute tail. Nothing seems to make her really happy right now, but that’s okay. I can wait. Thank you for the condolences and the love.
Woofs,
Charlie Bear
It was hard for me to end the suffering of my Sheltie after 14 years but I knew he was in pain and surgery was “iffy.” My heart goes out to you on the loss of Rex. I am sure he will be enjoying the joy and peace at “Rainbow Bridge.” Embrace all the good memories you had of Rex and realize how much he enriched your lives. That was the only way I could get over the loss of my Shelter, Lightning.
General Kat,
Mom Peep and I are sad you lost your Sheltie, Lightning. For some reason, our life here on earth as dogs is much shorter than most of yours. I guess that’s why I look for all the gusto I can. I’ll bet Rex is up there in doggie heaven with your Lightning, probably romping up a storm.
Woofs to you, and thanks for the kind words,
Charlie Bear & B.J.
You and Charlie are breaking my heart, BJ, but beautifully. I’m so sorry and so grateful for the Rainbow Bridge and your sharing it with all of us so someday, when we need it, we’ll feel better about it…maybe…
luv you,
Jean
Jean,
Thank you for the love for Female Peep/Mom. I think of her as Mom now ever since she gave so much loving to Rex. I can tell she feels like he was one of her closest family members and that’s what makes it so hard.
Woofs to you and Granddog Crosby,
Charlie Bear
I watched ‘peep mom’ as she read the story bout Rex having to go to “Rainbow Bridge”, she was crying & snorting around while reading; i crept up to her side and licked her leg, she seemed so sad. I asked her by whining if something was wrong and she told me that Rex was going to take his final trip to ‘Dog Heaven’ and was going to have to go by the way of “Rainbow Bridge” but would not come back across it. Everyone is so sad; including both my ‘peep moms, me, you Charlie Bear, your peep mom, peep dad. the cats as well as all your friends youve made. Just take your squirrel; Charlie Bear, make yourself scarce by doing things that will cheer peep mom & peepdad up & make them smile until time eases their pain. B.J. from me (peep mom) i feel for you for i had to do that same thing a couple of years ago, and wheere we “Do Not” get over it, the pain does get easier to bear. We & all your friends will pray that God takes care of you and gives you comfort & strength during the trying days ahead. Woofs, meows, hugs & loves to all of you.
Beaugie & Piper..
Beaugie and Piper,
You have it exactly right. She cried so hard it scared me. The depth of love she felt for Rex was real. More real than the love for some people I tend to think. Thank you both for sharing in our sadness. It makes it easier when others understand. I’ll tell her about your prayers for strength and comfort.
LIttle woofs to both of you from me,
Charlie Bear
B.J.
It’s always so hard for us to say goodbye but thank goodness for caring vets who help us know when we need to let our beloved pet go so he won’t suffer. I hope that Charlie Bear helps comfort you — and you comfort him as he will miss Rex, too, as my Emily mourned two doggie friends of hers. Am sending a prayer of comfort to all of you — and Rex, have a great time up there in Heaven until you see your family again!
Barbara Cameron
Barbara,
You know about sweet fur babies, because Mom Peep told me you have some. She’s having a really, really tough time and I know she’ll get her smile back, but not today, and maybe not soon. Thank you for understanding what she is going through. I can only give her licks and little wiggles right now.
Woofs to you,
Charlie Bear
I am so, so very sorry for your loss.
Caroline, aka DogMom to Gus, Buster, Hobbit, Abby & Gus
Dear Caroline,, aka DogMom to Buster, Hobbit, Abby & Gus,
Thank you for your sweet condolences. We will all miss Rex a lot. Particularly Female Peep/Mom, for she loved him so much.
Woofs to you all,
Charlie Bear
So sorry that Rex is gone, but it’s comforting to know that he’s happy and healthy again at Rainbow Bridge. Just waiting, ever so faithfully. You’ve got some mighty big paws to fill, Charlie Bear. Take good care of your peeps, just like Rex did. He’ll always be in their hearts and memories. The good ones keep us peeps going. Furkids always leave too soon, but always show us how to live a good life 🙂
Kimi,
I hear lots about Rainbow Bridge. Even being a young whippersnapper, I can’t wait to go there. It sounds beautiful. Like a place I would love. Rex is there now, and I know Dad and Mom Peeps are really sad. I’m hoping they don’t stay sad forever. And yup, I’m planning on showing these peeps a thing or two. You’ve got that right! Thanks, Kimi, for understanding.
Woofs to your CCI doggie,
Charlie Bear
I have to go and clean my glasses now. They just fogged up.
Toni,
I know what you mean….well, I would if I wore glasses, but my Mom does when she reads and hers are always getting fogged up lately too. So do her eys.
Thanks for the sweet comment. I know you understand.
Hugs,
Charlie Bear for B.J.
Charlie, this is Rascal, my peep’s childhood dog…Even though it’s been what my peep says is 31 years since I crossed the Rainbow bridge to go to Heaven, my peep sees me in her dreams and sometimes cries. Peeps never forget the dogs they love! Your peep will never forget Rex and when you go she’ll never forget you. Keep close, Charlie. My peep will pray for your peeps and I will too.
Love,
Rascal
Rascal,
Rex is probably up there in Doggie Heaven with you right now! He’s a Golden Lab, and he loves running on the beach. Watch for him there, and say hello for me. Tell him I miss him already! I’m sorry your peep cries for you. I have a feeling my female peep/mom will be crying tons over losing the big dog. Thanks for praying for all of us.
Woofs to you Rascal,
Charlie Bear