Goodbye, Hannah
Pet owners facing the end of a pet’s life often ask the question, “When do I know that it’s time?” My answer has always been, “they’ll let you know,” but I could never quantify what that meant until early this morning.
Our Collie, Hannah, who loaned us our namesake “Spooky Blue”, passed away this morning at the age of 12.
In these later years, painful arthritis made walking difficult for her. She had suffered a type of nerve damage that took away her bark and sometimes made it hard for her to breathe. All this she took in stride. She adapted, and barks became “hoots”. Although it hurt to get up, she still got up. No matter how long it took to trudge up the little hill where she liked to sit and survey, she trudged, rested, trudged, and always got there. She swiped Georgie’s toys and paraded around, blatantly daring her Sheepdog sister with her trademark swagger, but always letting her win the duel.
However she felt, whatever her troubles, she never failed to have a smile ready with a faceful of kisses. And if that wasn’t enough to get your attention, she might gnaw your arm or steal a sock.
When that reservoir of endurance runs low, and when she has nothing left for smiles and hoots, then it’s time.
She kissed us both thoroughly this morning before going to sleep, peacefully, in our arms. And even though this hurts worse than any goodbye I’ve been through yet, I don’t believe anyone ever got a better send-off.
Dear Heart, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and Mrs. Spook. *hugs*
I am so sorry to hear about Hannah! Those pictures sure show a gal with all kinds of personality! You are absolutely correct, they let you know when it is time. But oh how hard it is to let them go!
I know how devastating the loss of a beloved pet can be and my heart goes out to you & Mrs. Spook. I have been a lurker on your site for quite some time now, but reading of your loss prompted me to let you know that even though you and I have never met, and I know you only vicariously through your writing, I feel your loss and wish you peace of mind.
Thank you very much. Mrs Spookyblue and I both appreciate the kind words and peaceful thoughts.
So sorry for your loss – it is as hard as losing a member of your family.
I am so sorry. It is soooo hard.
I am so sorry.
My heart breaks for you. I had to send my beautiful Beckett, my best friend ever, to Rainbow Bridge in April. I am so sorry for your loss of Hannah – she was so beautiful and her memory will forever remain in your heart but one day you’ll meet again at Rainbow Bridge.
Very sorry for your loss. She’s beautiful. Would it be too painful to make her memory a permanent part of your display with a nice tombstone?
Goodbye sweet, beautiful Hannah. I know I will face this one day as I have a 4 year old Pom, Kiwi, with arthritis, as well. She is my heart.
You will find the strength to get through this because of all the beautiful memories you have of her. It is comforting to know she is not suffering any longer as I know you would not want that for her.
We will see our beautiful pets again one day.
Much love- sunlover1