Glimpse of Yesterday

Glimpse of Yesterday

Friday, November 20, 2009

Sweet Abigail


A couple of days ago, we had to say goodbye to our sweet Abigail. She was a young foxhound that came into our family at just the right time and touched our hearts forever.

Abigail loved each of us so very much but in very different ways. At four o'clock every day, she sat right at our picture window waiting and watching for Peter to come home from work. And every day she did a happy dance when she saw him. He was the one she woke up every night to take her out and she woke him up every morning at 5:30 - even on the weekends. She loved being with him when he was working out in the yard. Whenever our son, Geoff, sat or lay down on the floor, she was right on him. Literally, she would plant her butt on his back or lap so that he wouldn't be able to get up, trying to give him kisses. And whenever he left his bedroom, she would sneak in to try to get up on his bed. Sometimes she would be my shadow, following me around the house and hanging out with me, keeping a close eye. But Lacey was her true love. They had a special bond. Abigail loved Lacey so much - she would snuggle with her and she was extremely protective of her. Whenever I tried to hug Lacey, Abby would squeeze between us. If I walked into Lace's room to wake her, Abby would race to her side to get to her before me.

But, Abby developed epilepsy this year. At first the seizures were occasional. Then they became more frequent, and in September we put her on medication. The seizures continued and another medication was added. The seizures persisted and became more intense. A couple of weeks ago, we even rushed her to an animal hospital in our state where she stayed for a couple of days. We were so hopeful that an increase in the meds would be what she needed. Sadly, though, the meds were ineffective and she continued to have intense seizures, just hours apart.

We know that Abby was too good and sweet to have to live this kind of painful life. She was changing.....I could see it in her eyes. She was there, but not really. We were afraid of leaving her alone; afraid of what we may come home to.

On Wednesday, Abby went to sleep peacefully. With Peter and myself holding her and loving her. We are so grateful that she was a member of our family. Our hearts are broken, but we know that we are all better for having her love. I know that, in time, healing will come to all of us.

--Liane

6 comments:

  1. Oh Lee.....ever since I spoke to you the other day you have been in our thoughts. All of us were so saddened to hear about Abby. She left her paw prints on all your hearts didn't she....what a special silly little girl she was and you were meant to have her, even though the time was short.

    I wish I could hug all of you, my heart hurts for your loss.
    LOove,
    Rob

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  2. I am so sorry about the loss of your sweet Abby. I know what it is like to lose a dear family pet. Here is a link that might give you comfort.
    http://www.rainbowbridge.com/

    I know it has helped me. God bless you and comfort you.

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  3. The Rainbow Bridge


    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...

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  4. So sorry...I know to well the pain of losing a beloved pet....blessings

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  5. Dear Liane, I am so sorry to hear about Abby. :( Pets become so much a part of the family. I cannot imagine how we could love our Annie any more than we do now, but I am sure as the years pass we'll add more and more memories and she will learn us each a little better. I just can't imagine how hard it would be to say goodbye after all that.

    Hugs,
    Lynn

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  6. How heart breaking to lose your dear Abby.
    Our two cats are 10 years old, and we very much adore them, yet we don't dare look ahead too many years for them.
    I read that when we enter heaven, all of the animals that we were kind to will be there to welcome us, which is a beautiful picture to imagine.

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