Saturday, December 6, 2014

In memory ....

In Memory of Princess Isabella
March 14, 1999 - December 4, 2014 



I am grateful to the staff of the Casselton Veterinary Clinic for their professionalism and compassion this week.   There is no easy way to let a pet go, but they certainly made it an infinitely better experience than I had with Dee Dee.   I am at peace with the decision, and grateful that I was able to hold Princess throughout the procedure.   She died in my arms, and the veterinarian and tech sat with us for another 20 minutes and we chatted about our dogs and the love they bring into our lives. That meant the world to me. 

This week marks the end of the "Princess, Dee Dee and Elvis era".   The memories of the times we shared with all three dogs are precious.   So much life happens in the span of fifteen years.  Princess was with me through upheaval at work, through the loss of my parents, through other changes in my family and in my own life.  For fifteen years she slept pressed against the small of my back.   I can hardly remember life without her.  

I look at Scarlett and Zak now and try to imagine what they will be like in 12-13 years .... what memories we will make together and what those years will bring.  I'll be in my 70's (yikes!!), retired, quite possibly living in some other place.   Dogs are amazing creatures.   They know more than we realize .... and they love unconditionally.   I have marveled at that over the years.   I shudder to think of how many mornings I was running late and snapped at Princess and Dee Dee or failed to give them the attention they needed.  And yet when I came home at the end of the day, they were at the door to greet me - butts wagging, so happy to see me; and I, them.   

I miss Princess terribly.   She brought more joy into my life than I would have believed possible.   She was my first corgi, and the reason I got the others.   She changed my life, and I will always be grateful.    Rest in peace, sweet girl.   You are forever in my heart. 

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Beth, both of your last two posts have just moved my heart so deeply. Each dog of our hearts leaves their indelible paw print....but when you have one pressed into your back (Princess "had your back, didn't she?) for well over 15 years,as you have so well said, that's a LOT of life! Clearly, Princess truly CHANGED your life.....she opened the door of your heart in so many ways, it's plain to see. I picture your precious Princess now.....HER story would be something like..."My mama Beth is the BEST....you all just wait and see - she and I were there for each other no matter what. She and I really knew how special our days together were.....and I wouldn't have missed a moment of our time together for anything! She held me in her arms and showered me with her love right up to my last breath. I am the luckiest dog who ever lived in the world!" Oh sweet Princess....sweet dreams, beautiful one.

Beth said...

Thank you Jackie for your kindness. I miss her terribly. It just takes time, and I will get there but the ache in my heart is very deep.

Unknown said...

Still thinking of you Beth.....and praying for that ache in your heart that dear Princess couldn't help but leave behind. I just hope the days are a wee tad "softer".