A few weeks ago, my family experienced the great loss of our 13 year old miniature schnauzer, Brody. There are so many forms of loss and grieving, but with an animal, there is something so isolating and so sad about them being gone. Their helplessness, their candor, their honesty. The pitter patter of their paw pads, the squeaky bark they provide for a treat, their heads lying in our laps, their zany personalities making them all so individual…it’s taken away from us just like that. And there is no real preparation for that kind of loss and no easy way to deal with it. I am just learning to accept it and to not cry a little everyday thinking about him. His gray beard, his aloofness, his regal stance, his evil and spiteful side, his neurotic-ness, his love of music. He would sit next to my Dad while he played the guitar, lulling off to doggie sleep. And my Mom? Forget about it. She was the apple of his eye, the reason for his existence. My sister was his shoulder to rely on, and me his torturer and playpal and his second ‘mama’ in many ways.
Sure he was a nuisance at times, barking uncontrollably, mini bladder like his breed requiring many, many walks, his shifting and snorting in his sleep while lying next to you, his illnesses upon illnesses and various health issues…but we too share these traits! And the amazing thing about animals is the unconditional love that they give to their owners. It’s a kind of love that rivals no other. My Mom, in healing, was given this poem that says it all:
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….
Total tear jerker because it personifies exactly what we want for them in passing and for us in the future.
So this world bids ‘adieu’ to Mr. Brody Kai Pastore and the beautiful life he shared with all of us. May you carry our love with you and share it with all the other loves we have lost…
flaxen tawny story board 