Pacos Mama
Registered User
Posts: 18
(2/7/04 11:58 pm)
Reply My Dear Jacki and Pete --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Until we meet again..."
I will never know what I did to deserve such an awful life full of abuse and neglect. My life had become so sad and lonely it was like living in an endless, dark tunnel. I remember looking up one day and seeing a bright light shining at the end of the tunnel. The light was so bright I thought that God must have sent an angel to finally end my suffering.
God did send an angel, he sent you. The bright light I had seen was your smiling face. You promised me that my days of neglect and abuse were over. My battered body and broken spirit hardly dared to believe it was true.
You opened your heart and your home and gave me more love and comfort and safety than I had ever known before. You gave me the softest bed my tired, aching bones had ever felt and more toys and attention than I had ever dreamed existed.
I no longer cringed when a hand was raised near me, because your hands had only kindness and treats to offer me. I no longer feared the sound of feet approaching, because your feet had never kicked me, they had only taken me on wonderful adventures to exciting new places.
Although "quantity" of time can be measured in days and weeks, there is no way to measure the "quality" of time. So there is no way to really measure just how deeply your love and devotion affected my life. But sometimes, even love & devotion and all the medical attention in the world can't heal a body that has been battered and broken for too long.
So please do not be sad that I am gone. You performed a miracle in what little time we had together. You made my spirits soar and helped my soul find peace and contentment. From the day I met you I never suffered again, not even at the end.
Just knowing that my memory would live in your heart forever gave me the strength to let go and find my way to Rainbow Bridge. So go forward from today with only happy memories of me in your heart and let them give you the strength to keep on lighting up sad, lost lives.
Remember I will live forever in your heart and in the stars up above and my star will shine brighter with every life that's touched by your love.
Sara and Joe, with all the Spotted Wonders
By Karen kmullin@mulberry.com
Brockville, ONTARIO, CANADA
___________________________________________________________________
CyndiIMOM
Moderator
Posts: 231
(2/8/04 1:10 am)
Reply In loving memory of Bug... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm Still Here

Mom, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I'll never wander out of your sight-
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach-
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.
I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.
I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.
I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, mom, I'm everyplace!
~ Author Unknown
Edited by: CyndiIMOM at: 2/8/04 1:19 am
____________________________________________________________________
Rottendogs
Registered User
Posts: 288
(2/8/04 1:25 am)
Reply Bug at PetLoss.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I took the liberty of adding Bug to the list for this week's Candle Ceremony at
http://www.petloss.com/ . If you would like to post a tribute to Bug, please fill out the form located at fs6.formsite.com/petloss/...index.html Use the name: "Lady Bug (Love Bug) (Bug)" (omit quotation marks) and show the owners as Jacki and Pete Hadra. The Candle Ceremony is at 10 pm Eastern, 9 Central, 8 Mountain and 7 Pacific; additional time zones are shown at
http://www.petloss.com./ A copy of the ceremony is located at : www.petloss.com/ceremony.htm .
Celia

___________________________________________________________________
kkit
Registered User
Posts: 5
(2/8/04 3:06 am)
Reply Re: My Dear Jacki and Pete --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh, no!!!! Jacki, I just finished posting an update about Crash Gordy and saw for the first time the story about Bug! I am SOOOOOOOOO sorry!!!!! I lost my little Scamp to kidney failure too; by the time his first symptoms appeared, it was too late, and we had only 3 weeks together left after that. I was stunned to learn that it is one of the most common causes of death in dogs today!!
There are so many beautiful poems and prayers on this forum; I was crying too before I was halfway through even the first one!! I hope you can find some peace and comfort knowing that Bug is not really gone; she has only gone on ahead, and she is waiting for the day when you will be reunited once again. In the meantime, I can only tell you that, when Bug was set free from her failing body, her spirit was whole and healthy and that she is no longer suffering while she awaits you at the Rainbow Bridge. And, as others before me have said, she is frolicking in good company as they all await our eventual reunion.
But for you, Bug would NEVER have known any love or kindness in her whole life....even your releasing her from her final suffering was an act of love that SHE appreciated, given that there was no possibility of restoring her physical body to health. I know from experience that that knowledge isn't much comfort when our grief at losing them is still so fresh, but I pray that it will eventually give you some comfort.
Like all of us, having to choose to between letting a loved one suffer in order to delay our own pain of losing them and ending a loved one's suffering and taking the pain onto ourselves in their place -- there really is no other choice anyone who really loves could or would make.
My heart just breaks for you and the grief that you are going through. There are no answers known to any of us still here as to "why" certain things happen. We can only know and have faith that our partings from our loved ones, be they human or animal, are only temporary and that we will, indeed, be reunited once again.
For my part, I try to dwell not only on the happy memories but the fact that "they" who have gone on ahead are happy and whole now too even though we are, for the time being, denied their company. It is only we who, for the time being, are left behind who are still suffering and in pain. I would rather bear the pain myself of having lost my beloved Spooky than to have had her suffer in order to ease my pain, and I'm sure that every one of us who has been through this would agree with that.
The best way we can honor their memories is to, in spite of our tears, look around for another of God's little creatures who need us now and here. I don't mean to imply that another little animal in need can ever REPLACE the ones we've lost; but when one holds a candle in one hand and then lights another candle from it, the flame from the first candle is in no way diminished; yet the second candle burns just as brightly as the first. That is the way I think of love. Just as your love for Magic has not and never will diminish, you were able to light another candle for Bug and love her too.
I personally can't imagine how God can even let evil people do the unconscionable things they do to innocent and helpless animals in the first place, but I do know that those poor, abused little hearts and lives need us to rescue them and to give them all the loving care we can for as long as we are able to.
If I understood the story correctly as I read it through my tears, you are the founder of this wonderful organization, and it is through your selfless devotion to all of us who are doing all we can for God's dearest creatures, large and small, that so very, very many of us, human and animal, have had our lives enriched because of your efforts, your courage, your love, your devotion to this noble cause. Every little critter who has benefited from IMOM has honored not only Magic and all the other dear hearts but you as well.
You are a blessing from God to untold numbers of people as well as to animals; I can personally assure you of that. But for you and all the Guardian Angels you have inspired through this organization, little Crash Gordon would not have been able to receive the care he needed after he was left in the street after having been hit by a car. I thank each and every one of you Guardian Angels and send blessings your way every time his furry, purry little heart responds so lovingly to the first real kindness and care he has ever known, every time he nuzzles and tries to push himself into me so we can become one and I CAN'T leave him, every time he reaches out and pats my face with little velvety paws in gratitude and love.
I wish I could know what to say or do to ease your pain at this time. You have done so much for so many. If it helps at all, please know that you are all in my prayers and that my gratitude and appreciation for all that you do just simply defies description. God bless you....
Kit 'n Crash
____________________________________________________________________
Jacki IMOM
ezOP
Posts: 701
(2/8/04 9:00 am)
Reply
ezSupporter
My "LuvBug" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Of all the emotions I feel, the strongest is an unbearable grief. Next is anger. A fierce, uncontrolable anger.
My girl was too young to die. Since the very first time I saw her she won my heart. I always chose to forget about her first two years and to believe that her life began on that wonderful day when she decided to put all of her trust in me. I believe that day was the happiest in both of our loves. What a very special gift she gave to me.
Some say there is a reason for everything. There is no reason to justify the death of such a dear sweet creature. We didn't have enough time together for her to overcome all of her fears. Yes, she knew love - but she still knew fear. At times we thought she had overcome them all, only to discover some were still there.
One day Pete was getting ready to take her to the park to run. It was cold outside so he went out and started up the Jeep to get it warm for her. It was then that we discovered she was afraid to get into a vehicle if the motor was running.
My tears are not for myself. My tears are for this dear sweet girl who wanted nothing more than someone to love her and to grow old with.
I miss that Dally smile and those gentle hugs and kisses.
IMOM.org - Helping people help pets
Community Forum
Edited by: Jacki IMOM at: 2/14/04 1:36 pm
____________________________________________________________________
cyburowl2
Registered User
Posts: 3
(2/8/04 9:50 am)
Reply For Bug --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacki,
I am so so sorry for your loss. I know what it feels like to lose one so young, it just isn't fair and there is no good reason for it.
I will continue to say prayers for Bug and for your family. And though it isn't fair, she is at the Bridge with all of our babies, patiently waiting for to be reunited. I'm so sorry. Tonia
___________________________________________________________________
Rottendogs
Registered User
Posts: 289
(2/8/04 12:10 pm)
Reply Re: For Bug --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
to believe that her life began on that wonderful day when she decided to put all of her trust in me. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacki,
It did.
Celia
____________________________________________________________________
cathae
Registered User
Posts: 67
(2/8/04 12:32 pm)
Reply Re: Bug at Rainbow Bridge --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am so sorry to hear Bug has lost her battle. Far too many of us understand the heartbreak of such a loss. It seems so little to extend heartfelt words. I know Bug has been greeted at the bridge by many wonderful furkids that have made that journey and they will all be romping young and healthy together. Sending warm and gentle hugs. May good memories and gentle time soon replace your tears with a smile.
Sending rottie hugs and kisses,
Cathy and Rumor
___________________________________________________________________
Lori Domingos
Registered User
Posts: 3380
(2/8/04 1:22 pm)
Reply Re: Bug at Rainbow Bridge --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jackie, I am so upset and broken hearted I cannot think of what to write. I can't see through my tears anyway. Just know I loved Bug through all your stories about her and I will pray God will strengthen you so you can get through this difficult and sad time. I know my Tony too welcomed Bug at the Bridge.
God bless and help you and Pete.
Love,
Lori, Prince, Queenie and Princess

___________________________________________________________________
joedonb
Registered User
Posts: 23
(2/8/04 2:07 pm)
Reply For Bug --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dogs Don't Have Souls, Do They?
I remember bringing you home. You were so small and cuddly with your tiny paws and soft fur. You bounced around the room with eyes flashing and ears flopping. Once in a while, you'd let out a little yelp just to let me know this was your territory. Making a mess of the house and chewing on everything in sight became a passion and when I scolded you, you just put your head down and looked up at me with those innocent eyes as if to say: "I'm sorry, but I'll do it again as soon as you're not watching." As you got older, you protected me by looking out the window and barking at everyone who walked by. When I had a tough day at work, you would be waiting for me with your tail wagging just to say, "Welcome home. I missed you." You never had a bad day and I could always count on you to be there for me.
When I sat down to read the paper or watch TV, you would hop on my lap looking for attention. You never asked for anything more than to have me pat your head so you could go to sleep with your head over my leg.
As you got older, you moved around more slowly. Then one day, old age finally took its toll, and you couldn't stand on those wobbly legs anymore. I knelt down and patted you lying there, trying to make you young again. You just turned your head and looked at me as if to say: "Thank you for taking care of me."
I thought, "No - thank YOU for taking care of ME."
(Author unknown)
____________________________________________________________________
Debi Smith
Registered User
Posts: 1
(2/8/04 4:38 pm)
Reply Re: BUG - Heaven's newest angel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacki,
I don't know what to say except that I feel your pain. From reading all the posts, I think we all do. Bug knows how much you love her and as someone so eloquently said, she has not left you, she has just gone on ahead. Most of us have followed her story from the day that you started trying to win her trust. She knew then that you were her angel from the start.. now it is her turn to be your guardian angel. I don't know if you remember, but I told you when you rescued her that falling in love with a Dalmatian would change your life. Even though I know your heart is breaking right now, you will remember the good times and how much you meant to each other. Bug wants you to go on, to continue to do all the wonderful things that you do to help other animals in need. She will also help you to heal so that you can share yourself with another Dalmatian, another one that needs you. She will help you know when that time is right.
If there is anything that we can do for you, anything at all, just let us know.
Debi
Dalmatian Rescue of Southwest Virginia
___________________________________________________________________
tadkay
Registered User
Posts: 9
(2/8/04 6:44 pm)
Reply Re: BUG - Heaven's newest angel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacki,
Your strength and character are what helped you start this wonderful organization that helps so many fur babies. That same strenght is what will help you thru this. Know that our hearts are breaking not just for you but with you. Our prayers are going out to you.
Missy

___________________________________________________________________
Mutz 1139
Registered User
Posts: 151
(2/8/04 8:04 pm)
Reply Re: BUG - Heaven's newest angel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Jacki,
I just found out by a post on Mutz's forum that you loss Bug's this weekend. On behalf of my family and myself we extend our sincere sympathy. This has indeed been a very bad week for both of us after earlier I loss Mutz who as you know was dear to me also. I as I am sure you are also, feeling extreme pain which will never vanish. As result of seeing how Mutz started to suffer last Monday and Tuesday, I can see now and should have realized that the doctors at Cornell were honest in their evaluations. I just didn't want to believe that Mutz was seriously nearing the end that I knew I couldn't accept. However, rather than him being in pain I knew come last Wednesday morning that I had to accept the pain so he could be relieved of his. It was the most emotional and hardest decision I ever had to make in my entire 64 years of life. I just didn't want to let him go despite anything. I do feel your pain, believe me I do. I want to extend my gratitude for all the help you, IMOM and its supporters have done for Mutz. God bless you from the bottom of my heart.
Mutz & Daddy

___________________________________________________________________
SydSchnauzersMom
Registered User
Posts: 1
(2/8/04 9:19 pm)
Reply LuvBug --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You're right, Jacki, it is unfair. I'm so sorry. I've thought of a million things to say, and nothing seems right. We love you, and your are in our prayers.
Laura
____________________________________________________________________
AandKReed
Registered User
Posts: 59
(2/8/04 11:17 pm)
Reply Re: LuvBug --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacki and Pete:
We have no words to express our sorrow, and it's difficult to see the computer screen through the tears. You're both in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything...anything at all...you have but to ask.
Hugs,
Amanda, Keith, and "The Wild Bunch"
____________________________________________________________________
sing2sarah
Registered User
Posts: 46
(2/8/04 11:57 pm)
Reply Re: LuvBug --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacki,
I cried and cried when I read about your poor sweet spotted Luvbug girl who has now joined your Magic Cat at Rainbow Bridge. I realize that no words could possibly take away the pain you must be feeling right now, but I just want you to know that I will be lighting 2 candles for you tonight, in hopes that Magic has already be united with Luvbug, and I'm sure they have already started swapping stories about having the greatest MOM in the world who loved them SO much and did everything humanly possible to make their lives with you as comfortable as possible. I know my Aya girl who has been helped so much by IMOM also wanted to send some hugs and prayers to you, because when I started crying as I read about your sweet baby girl, Aya came in to find me from another room and layed down on my feet as if to say "please send my prayers" also to Jacki, Pete, and all your other furbabies who I'm sure will also be missing their Luvbug and will do their best to comfort you as they sense your sadness. Please please know how much we all love you and all that you do for all of us PINs at IMOM, and if I could do anything to help make your pain go away, I would do it, but I also know that one day you will be given a HERO's WELCOME at RAINBOW BRIDGE and will once again be reunited with all the furbabies that you have helped at IMOM and of course, with your precious Magic and Luvbug, too. Take care of YOURSELF now more than ever, Jacki, and feel the warmth of 1,000,000 on-line hugs coming your way to help you through this painful time.
Hugs and angel wings, Sarah, Aya and Tigger
____________________________________________________________________
bittymac
Registered User
Posts: 1
(2/9/04 12:14 am)
Reply If there is... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a RainbowBridge or heaven, Bug is there free of pain and fear waiting for your reunion.
Jacki and Pete, I am so sorry for the untimely passing of Bug. And for the horrid pain you are experiencing from her leaving.
Although I know at this time there is little to offer solace, think not of what could have been but what had been. The joy you shared during your 14 mos. together. The joy when you and Bug became a family after the trying times in the field. Hold those times close to your heart.
I am unable to offer more than this as I like others feel your grief and am writing through tears.
Peace be with you and if I can offer anything let me know Jacki, please.
Linda Neff
____________________________________________________________________
Dobielover2
Registered User
Posts: 8
(2/9/04 7:49 am)
Reply Re: BUG - Heaven's newest angel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacki - I am so sorry to hear of Bug - She was special - and very lucky to have had you to save her and her babies from the woods. May God hold her in his arms until the two of you meet again.
___________________________________________________________________
Jacki IMOM
ezOP
Posts: 702
(2/9/04 7:50 am)
Reply
ezSupporter
Re: If there is... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Somehow I made it through the first 24 hours. I don't know how. I have cried until I think there are no tears left and then they start to flow again.
When I lost My Magic Cat I thought I couldn't go on. The difference between losing Magic and losing Bug is that I had 19 wonderful years with Magic and I knew the end was coming for him. I made the decision to allow his vet to release him from his suffering. The element of shock wasn't present.
We were so encouraged when we saw her Saturday. She was holding her head up and wagging her tail. She even rested her chin on my leg for a while. Her temp was rising close to normal, her heart rate was good and she had started to produce urine.
All we wanted was for her to get well enough to come home and we would have done what ever she needed to treat her renal failure.
I have a suggestion for everyone with young animals. I know when our pets get older we need to have a CBC frequently. I do that for all my senior guys. I had taken Bug for her annual vaccines in Nov. but because she was so young and apparently healthy, there was no CBC done. PLEASE, no matter the age of your pets, have a CBC done at least annually. I don't know that it would have made a difference, but it might have. There may have been an increase in her BUN and creatanine in Nov. to indicate a problem existed.
IMOM.org - Helping people help pets
Community Forum
____________________________________________________________________
SnoopyMom
Registered User
Posts: 5
(2/9/04 8:07 am)
Reply LuvBug --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacki-I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know your pain of an unexpacted loss. At least Bug had the chance to know unconditional love and acceptance while she was here. My thoughts and prayers with you.
Michelle
____________________________________________________________________
Nicole Hammel
Registered User
Posts: 42
(2/9/04 9:16 am)
Reply Re: LuvBug --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacki,
There are no words to discribe how sad I am for you and your family. I know how you feel and it feels like losing a family member. At least Bug is not suffering anymore. She will be in a better place. I know that it is hard to just let go, but you were a very loving owner "mother" and you gave her the best of everything and You'll be in her heart forever as she will be in yours...........Her foot prints will be on your heart forever.....
We send all of our love and deepest sympathy,
Nicole, Jake Hammel & Family
Edited by Antares and his mommy, 04 August 2006 - 03:49 PM.