Wednesday, March 30, 2011

RIP Jake - I love you forever

I am writing this through tears --- our sweet Jake became a furry angel on Monday, March 28th, at 15 1/2 years old. He & Elwood came to us, litter mates, at just 7 weeks old back in August of 1995. We had just bought our first house a few weeks prior. I can't bring myself to post the photo I took of him the day before he died --- but if you want to check out our beauty he & Elwood are on my sidebar. Jake is on the left. He was gorgeous. He was SO sweet. He was my baby. I can't believe he's gone. He was diagnosed with diabetes back in March 2003 & he fought hard. He accepted his insulin & blood tests while sitting on my lap purring. There will never be another Jake.

I am really devastated --- in fact the whole family is taking it hard. I keep hearing his meows. I keep finding his fur on my clothes (yes I can tell his fur from Elwood's). I even have his snot marks on my wall, lol. I'm grateful I still have Elwood --- but it is tough coming home to one kitty after work, putting food in one bowl & hearing just one cry. I will be grieving for a very long time.

This poem has always made me cry, even before I lost Jake. Animals are such innocent creatures, always full of love. They are family members. In fact, I haven't cried this hard or this much since my dad died 8 years ago.



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....

Author unknown...


I will be absent for a while longer while my family & I try to work through this loss. Unfortunately my stamp area is right next to the spot Jake spent his last days, curled up in his bed, so it will take me a long time before I can even sit down there. I thank you once again for all the messages & support --- I love you all!! And most of all, I love you Jake. You were the best.

9 comments:

Kelly Schelske said...

Hi Michelle,

I just wanted to say that I am thinking of you and can totally relate. On Friday we had to have our kids horse out down and it was tough, tough for everyone. I don't realyl know that my kids realyl get it yet, but as soon as we get rid of all of this snow and they want to go riding, it will set in pretty hard I'm sure. Buck was one of those once in a lifetime kind of horses. He just knew when the kids were around, especially a certain little 5 year old that doesn't listen so well but Buck knew and was awesome. Landon could walk right under his belly and he wouldn't even move. He was a great babysitter, he really only had one speed and it wasn't very fast, so you knew the kids were always safe with him. He could open gates with his mouth and followed you around like a lost little puppy. He would even push himself so close to teh fences that it really must of been uncomfortable, but that way the kids could pet him and hardly had to move, he loved it. So while it hurts, I take comfort in those fabulous memories and know that he really was a best friend to all 4 of us, we loved him so very much!

Hugs to you my friend,
Kelly

Ila said...

Oh..I am So Sorry Michelle. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The poem is Beautiful..(sniff)..I can't even imagine how sad you must feel. My heart just goes out to you. Take Care...Love and Hugs, Ila

Squirrel x said...

Oh you poor girl, I am so sorry hunny to hear your news about Jake. Sending you the hugest hugs. I lost my precious little Mollie nearly four years ago now and I still think of her every day and miss her terribly. Thankfully we still have Vince to ease the pain. I hope Elwood looks after you. Although Jake is no longer here in body, his spirit will be in your heart forever. Hugs Sxx

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about Jake! We had to put our sweet baby down on March 1st and we still grieve her absence terribally! You are going to have a lot of melt downs ahead of you sweetie. Our Furr-babies bring so much love and joy to us that our hearts are completely broken when they must leave us. Just know that I am thinking and praying for you. And that you are not alone in your grief!
RIP sweet Jake

Carol Meadows said...

I lost Trouble almost 2 years now and she was a true friend and first furry friend for me. She was abused just like my daughter and I, but was always there for me through it all. Even when I was away in California and my daughter and mom called to tell me that she was ill, she was waiting and looking out the window until I came home. Later that night I had to take her to animal hospital and I knew when I heard the monitor that was going to be it, but still so hard to take it in. My condolences..

delightfuldaisy said...

I am so sorry for your loss! May God's hand and good memories comfort you during this difficult time.

Shannon said...

Michelle
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. We had to put our yorkie littlebit down 2-11-11 due to cancer and like you I hadn't cried so much since loosing my grandfather 12 years ago. They truly become apart of the family. Our littlebit slept with us and for several weeks I couldn't even sleep my bed. I received a card from our vet that has stuck with me that I want share with you. Angels who journey from our world, never leave our hearts. And it's true. They are forever loved and remembered.
Shannon

Anonymous said...

Hi Michelle, just wanted to stop back in and check on you. I know it still hasn't gotten any easier yet and your pain is still very raw. I am sending you BIG hugs and letting you know, you are still very much in my thoughts.

Tab said...

Awww, Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss.....I know just how you feel, it doesn't seem 5 mins ago I lost my faithful Billy dog....I still cry for him now :o(.....I hope that you can take comfort in the fact that you gave him a wonderful life and I am sure he will be so grateful to you and your family. Cherish the memories, sweetie.

I still can not read the whole rainbow bridge poem without crying, its such a wonderful poem too....maybe one day, eh?

Take care and hope to see you back crafting soon. It was baking I couldn't do when I lost Billy, cos he used to come and lie in the kitchen watching me, waiting for a tasty scrap to come his way, bless him.

Much love to you and yours!
Tab x

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