Sunday, July 22, 2012

The End of an Era

These are the hardest, most painful words I've ever had to write:  In typical Red Dog fashion, Shiva decided the party was over yesterday morning, and she left this world while in the loving care of Dr. Cheryl and the gentle embrace of Shiva's Mom and me. 

She exited our lives the same way she entered them: in decisive fashion, and with barely a look back.  From swimming Wednesday, car rides and Voodoo Thursday, to a subdued Friday, and finally earning her wings Saturday, hers was a blessedly short transition with little time for pain.  Never one to shrug off a challenge, Shiva remained true to her nature and charged headlong into her next assignment, granting us the one final gift of a graceful and sudden exit.  No muss, no fuss and - most importantly - no suffering.

And so we are left with a wreckage of emotions, knowing in our minds it was time, that Shiva had wrung every last drop of joy out of this broken body and miraculous lifetime, but feeling in our hearts the seemingly-irreparable pain of separation, the dropping of the veil between us and  - in many ways - our best friend.

As we come to terms with this gut punch and move through our grief, we'll add more details to this latest chapter of her story.  Until then, thank you for loving this crazy dog half as much as we did - and do.  Seeing her reflected in each of you showed us - without a doubt - the impact she had on her world. 

If there's one thing you can do for us and for Shiva, it's this:  Please support the fine folks at Tripawds.com, as they guide people and their pets through the post-cancer diagnosis and post-amputation world, and the wonderful team at Morris Animal Foundation, a dedicated group of people working diligently to kick canine cancer's butt once and for all time.

6 comments:

  1. Oh no! I'm so sorry to read this.

    I'm glad to read at least that she didn't suffer. I hope you have some peace in that. She will make a beautiful angel, and will live on in your hearts.

    I know how hard this time is for you, having been there not long ago. Sending condolences.

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  2. We are so saddened by this news. Shiva will always be a huge inspiration, a true Tripawd Hero. May she forever be in your hearts, and her spirit by your side. Peace.

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  3. we are crying as I read this ... our love and hugs to the two of you - i am so very very sorry...what a hell of an inadequate sentiment- love to you both - i hold you close to my heart
    Doc and Maria

    PS red Dog's blog was the first one i ever followed...her legacy will live on

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  4. very sad am so sorry,

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  5. It's so sad to hear the bad news, but it gives me peace of mind that it is resting, make only 6 months we lost my girl Diamond, and I still feel much pain his departure. I want is to thank you and all who have gone through this pain, give them theresignation thanks for all the attention, love and dedication that you had to that member in your case SHIVA! It is resting in peace, in the gardens of heaven.

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  6. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. July 21 must have been a golden day at the Rainbow Bridge. We lost our golden boy Apollo that day also. Like Shiva, he went suddenly and didn't suffer. I hope you are coming to terms with this. We already have a puppy. While he is not Apollo and cannot replace Apollo, he has filled the empty spaces in our hearts and homes.

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