No more dog bed

Today we gave the last of Winston’s dog food and dog biscuits to our housekeeper for her family’s dogs. We finished washing the pillowcases for his doggie bed and put them away in a closet. I had to fight back tears when we put away his pillows.

But it will be a happy day when we get them out again for a new dog.

Feeling sad after putting away Winston’s things, I lay down to take a nap. Then my kitty curled up under my arm to comfort me for more than an hour -- something she has only done once before, the night Winston died.

Meeting my dog on the Rainbow Bridge

A beautiful website that is helping me handle the grief of Winston’s death is PetLoss.com. They have an unbelievably great description of what happens to pets after death. The Rainbow Bridge Story tells how we will meet our pets again at the "Rainbow Bridge" on the way to heaven.

There’s also a great video of the "Rainbow Bridge.”

The authorship of the Rainbow Bridge is unknown. Apparently three different authors perceived and wrote the same story.

Now he can touch the stars

A catalog arrived recently with dog memorial products. I didn’t even order it.

My favorite item is a silver-dipped memorial coin with this message:

“I will always live within your heart
And now I can touch the stars and moon.
Celebrate my life with yours.”

It really touched me because at the end Winston was dragging his butt so much, and he seemed so depressed at not being able to run and “go-go-go” like he used to do. It helps to think that he’s now able to go farther than he ever could even as a puppy. Now he can touch the stars.

On the other side is a picture of a bone with a heart and a star.

The catalog is called “In the Company of Dogs.” I did some online research and found out that the quote is attributed to Sara Bethell.

Remembering the good times

Life since Winston died is sad and lonely beyond words. Dillon and I keep watching this old video of him over and over. It shows Winston running and playing in his prime back in 2006.

In Loving Memory

Winston

July 4, 1996 - Feb. 15, 2008

10 ways pets help our health

I found this beautiful list of 10 health reasons why pets are great for seniors. Although I’m not a senior, these apply to me, too!

I especially can relate to “easier to make friends” and “pets are friends,” as well as the concept that the pet leads you to become more active. Three cheers for pets!

Old Dog Winston

Here is my favorite recent photo of Winston. I think he looks wise and gentle as only an old dog can.

It reminds me of a lovely quote that I discovered on a site called the Senior Dogs Project:
“Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog.”
- Sydney Jeanne Seward

Winston’s health is continuing to decline and we are trying various solutions. One that’s working out pretty well is creating new beds for him out of plastic tarps covered with newspapers in his favorite areas.

But today for the first time I sensed that he is withdrawing from the world. It’s too hard to post more details.