Wednesday, February 20, 2008

My Caleb's journey on earth is over



My beloved Caleb went to the Bridge today, at home in my arms, with the assistance of our vet Dr. Federici. He went peacefully and quickly.

Caleb, you were the best of the best. Despite your sad past experiences which led to life in a shelter for seven months, you never held it against anyone and you were the calmest, sweetest, most cuddly dog I have ever known. You liked to lean up against people, to climb into their laps and their cars, totally confident that no one would mind in the least.

You loved swimming in a lake, running in the pasture, long walks on the dike, hiking Sumas Mountain with Kelly, visits from your friends Ellen and Kinley and Toby, any kind of treat, any kind of food. You were the daycare's "model student" getting along with everyone, always respectful - well, except that one little altercation with Shep! What was that about, eh???

You slept beside me and eventually learned to lie lengthwise, head on my shoulder, rather than smack dab across the middle of the bed. You obsessed over the cat and tormented her, but at last you learned to get along with her just fine, even letting her kiss you and bat you on the nose without retaliation. You accepted any and all species of animals (hmmm... maybe not the squirrels), and even though you were a bit boisterous around the piglets you never tried to harm them in any way.

You were my strong, silent boy. In the eight months you were with me, I only heard your voice three times, and then just a single woof. You whined only twice - both times at the sound of a gunshot in the distance. I wonder what sad memories that sound recalled?

Caleb, you forever changed my life. I shall so miss your funny, toothy grin when I arrive home from work, and your long-legged bouncy-kangaroo behaviour when you thought I'd been gone too long. I shall miss your snuggles and snoring and counter-surfing and even the drool on my pillow. I shall miss your beautiful topaz eyes and the cute little worry lines on your forehead. And most of all, I shall miss you, my beautiful brindle boy. Your presence in my life was truly an amazing gift and you left this world far, far too soon.

Run free, Caleb. I love you so very, very much.

Your mom.

Caleb: Adopted May 24, 2007, at age five, from Cowichan Valley SPCA. Died February 20th, 2008 of lymphosarcoma. Forever missed by mom (Jean), Charley, Belle, Allie, and many, many friends of all species.

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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...

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Run free precious Caleb, take our love with you and watch over your Mom and us, your friends... You are now whole again.

Lots of love from Ellen and your bestest buddies, Kinley aka "Dooood" and Toby

Karen said...

Jean, I am so sorry for your loss. You gave Caleb the very best life he could have had.

sobe said...

Caleb had Heaven on earth with you Jean. I'm soo sorry to read about his illness and now his passing but i know one thing, Caleb was incredibly loved from the day you laid eyes on each other and he would tell anyone who'd wanted to hear that his mom is the very bestest in the world!!!
My heart goes out to you, I hope your other babies will surround you with love and help your heart heal.


(((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))
Caroline

Joelle said...

Jean,
I'm so sorry. His months spent with you I am sure were his happiest.

Joelle

Anonymous said...

Run free, buddy. You were so brave, so loving--you and your Momma inspired me so much. I admire you so much, Caleb and Jean.

And, Caleb, we know you'll be watching over us to make sure that no one eats the handle of the Furminator. Or the acupuncture needle. You keep MP in line for me, OK?

Jean, you gave him such a great life and passing. You had the strength and the bond to listen to his heart, even through all the confusion and uncertainties.

I watched the eclipse tonight and felt Caleb running free. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story with us.

xoxo,
Nana & MP

Erika said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Caleb had such a great life with you Jean, I am sorry it was cut way too short.
Erika

Anonymous said...

You did the best you could for him and listened when he said enough. We should be so lucky!

If you cannot talk to humans at present we understand. Let the other animals comfort you with their warmth, affection and antics.

Big Sis and O'Bear

vad said...

Jean, I am so sorry for you loss. I know Caleb he loved his new forever home with you, who could not all those piggies to see and the kitty to chase and to play with and the extra dog pals, those walks out the back 40 to find carl..WHAT A LIFE!!! the car rides the swims WOW he was king!
Take care of your heart,Jean.Caleb is in a better place pain free and running with the wind.

vadie

Anonymous said...

Hello Jean,
I'm very sorry about Caleb passing away.I felt like I was getting to know Caleb through your eyes via the blog. I will miss the stories of Caleb (sad sometimes).
I look forward to the many more stories of all of your other critters. Who gave you a big welcoming home today?

Lou
Abbotdford

Colleen said...

Jean, I'm so very sorry that Caleb has passed.

I believe it was fate that brought you two together. And because of that, Caleb will never leave you. He's beside you, behind you, in front of you....he's everywhere.

Tend to your heart as it grieves.

Hugs, Colleen

Jean said...

Thank you, everyone, for your kind comments, love and support.