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View Full Version : Furred Children - A Final Tribute



Selenelucina
February 23rd, 2001, 06:43 PM
Since in my last post, I referred to you all as my family, in one way or another, I want you to know that my old lady doggie, LucyJoeCocker (a Spaniel), so named to honor the Sun Goddess Lucina, because I am Selene, the moon, and a Libra who needs balance, and also because, "she was so beautiful to me,"....died today at 8:25am.

Lucy was my furred baby, my familiar, and an old, crotchety, sickly lady, whom I loved more than I can express. She was perfect for our family. The kids were going, going, gone, and I found her at the shelter, about a day away from the lethal injection. Not perfect, lots of medical problems, but the same ones I'd dealt with, with my children, so she just slid right into my heart and our lives. A psychic astrologer, who didn't know me from Ceres, told me that I had acquired a dog, who would be my angel. Not all dogs are angel dogs, she said, and her's wasn't, but mine was, and would be who kept me alive during some hard times in the next few years. And she told the truth.

Lucy started losing her mind a few months ago; subtle things, but when she attacked me last week, over a dish that fell out of the freezer, and I had to assume a submissive floor posture to get her out of my face (this was not my first challenge from her lately for Alpha Bitch position, and I rarely lose, with anyone, human or otherwise. LOL), I got scared. I felt that, again, she didn't recognize me, and I made an appointment the next day to talk to our wonderful vet, a Goddess herself, Dr. Anna. She reminded me that she'd told me the day would come when I'd have to make "the decision" and that she knew (she did) how much I loved Lu, but that THIS was the final gift I could give her. And for whom was I keeping her at my side? Without trust, and knowing now that this once sweet old doggy viewed everything at her level as prey, how could I let her sit outside with me, and watch the neighbors' kids in the coming Spring? We decided on today, and after a semi-sweet day yesterday of goodbyes, we did our blessings on her at home this morning, first, committing her little soul to the Goddess, anointing her with sea water and salt, and in the little green room, at the vet's, gave her a piece of candy, so she would cross the Rainbow Bridge and meet the Lady with a final sweet taste in her mouth. It was over fast and she just put her head in my hand and stared into my eyes as she truly, went to sleep.
My husband and I did the Devotion for the Dead for her, there, put a sterling pentagram in her mouth, and left her. Doctor Anna is going to take her to her farm in West Virginia, and bury Lucina there, only the 2nd pet in the practice in 15 years to be honored in this manner.
How else do I give thanks for the almost 7 years of love and devotion and challenge and joy? And for the pain also, of knowing what that love means? I can only ask that the Lady bless us again, with another creature in need, in time, because Momma Selene needs to nurture. Today our hearts are broken, and the pain comes in waves. I have lost loved ones before, human and critter, but never one who was truly my soulmate. I know I'll see her again, but please excuse me for going on like this, and please excuse me if I don't write for a few days. And if you have an extra
blessing or two, send it to my furred child, confidant and companion. I can't remember the singer, but the song goes, "If there ain't no dogs in Heaven, then Heaven ain't where I want to be." Ditto. In Mourning, Selene

Shatav
February 23rd, 2001, 06:58 PM
My prayers are with you, as are my tears. I'll make special offerings to Yinepu and Wepwawet tonight that her journey to the afterlife will go unhindered and she will find happiness in what awaits her.

*hugs*

Yvonne Belisle
February 23rd, 2001, 07:07 PM
My heart cries for the loss you have felt. I know how much it means to loose a furred child that is part of you. I had to make that decision several years ago. At the time I did not understand that she was my familiar just that I loved her and that when she needed me I could hear her. I miss her still. She took the decision from me because when I called my Father to tell him of it he couldn't bring himself to take her in she died in her sleep 48 hours later. I believe she knew that it was ok to let go.

Mariposa De La Luna
February 23rd, 2001, 10:17 PM
I'm sorry for your loss. I send you all blessing.

*HUGS*

Mairwen
February 23rd, 2001, 11:20 PM
My heart and tears are with you, sweetie.

eaglewolf
February 24th, 2001, 12:32 AM
You are in our thoughts and prayers as well... your loss is our loss in spirit.

Bright Blessings

~ew and ~ss

Maggie
February 24th, 2001, 12:36 AM
Selene, m'dear, you know how I feel. I've got something going for you that I hope will help. In the meantime, the Hearthkeeper is sitting you by the fire with a warm shawl. Watch the flames and remember Lucy, she'll be watching you back.

Love,

Maggie

Penny
February 24th, 2001, 11:30 AM
I joined this board last week and have just checked back today..and how i reached your post first is anybody's guess. But I belive the Lady has her ways.
Today,my dear old cat,is passing on,she has been fading for the past few weeks and although I don't think she is in pain,today she had a seizure and I thought that she had gone..but she rallied and is now in her basket by the fire. I am faced with the decision that nobody wants to make..to keep her until she goes or to have her put to sleep.My other cat died last year and my dog as well...it never gets any easier and and is such a sad time here
I am so sorry for your loss,Selene,but we know they will never be forgotten,
So frail
Yet strong
What's right
What's wrong?
I am glad to have found a place to share this.
Blessed Be
Penny

eaglewolf
February 24th, 2001, 11:44 AM
This is a decision I have never had to make... I have lost familiar friends in the past, but it has always been quickly. I pray that if the time comes, I can be strong and hope to learn something here to ease the pain.

Our hearts go out to you and yours, and we wish you luck and light.

Warmest Regards ~ew

Selenelucina
February 24th, 2001, 10:15 PM
Two things happened in the last two days, for which I was not prepared: First, the unbelievable waves of pain I feel, at the loss of my sweet Lucy, but I know that time is what is needed to heal, and I am willing to give it that. I know that each second of pain is nothing compared to the hours and years of joy that came from being given the care of such a dear creature. And second, the love and support I feel from this community, the personal stories, the shared tears and the wisdom offered, have all touched me more than I can ever tell you each, individually. So let me say for myself, and for Michelangelo, Lucy's "daddy", that when we fell, you caught us, and when we cried, you cried with us. And you assured us that our decision was right, a gift to be given, not a life taken. And to my sister Maggie: What you give cannot be measured by any standards. With all you have been through, you continue to reach out, and heal, denying that you are doing "anything special" every time. You help keep my head above water, and have from the day we met.
Again, thank you, Eaglewolf, Maggie, Shatav, Penny, Mairwen,
SAHM, and Yvonne Thomas, for your words, your blessed offerings and your generous hearts.
May you always walk with the Lady, in Peace,
Ever Grateful, Selene

Wyrdsister
February 26th, 2001, 05:04 AM
Selene, your post has touched my heart in several ways.

First, I am so sorry for your loss. It is so clear, the deep love you have for Lucina. I cried for your loss, and I cried for the most beautiful goodbye I have ever heard of for a furred child (what a wonderful term!). You have honoured her so much!

Second, I am so happy to see that you felt comfortable enough to share this large life experience with this group of people you have never met in person. We do indeed love and support you and I'm sure we all appreciate the fact you could share this with us.

In Love and Light
Darkness and Sorrow
We are with you
You are not alone
Blessed Be.


Holding you and Lucina in my heart,
Wyrdsister

Yvonne Belisle
February 26th, 2001, 05:34 AM
Penny if your companion has not left for her journey yet you can talk to your vet about sleeping pillls. One option for smaller friends is to learn from the vet what would be a fatal dose of sleeping pills. This gives you the option of being with them in a place that they feel safe in. This is not the option for everyone! I am not sure that I could do it myself but, I did have a vet talk to me about it when I was looking into saying goodbye to what had been my best friend. It's just an option and one not many people could do but I know I wanted my friend to be with us to the last, she thankfully took that choice from me so I didn't have to do it.

Selenelucina
February 26th, 2001, 09:46 AM
To Wyrdsister, thank you. I've found that (my own personal prejudice here) Pagans have a love for animals, for critters of all kinds, that I have not found in the general population; they just understand. It was suggested to me that since Lucy came to me at a time when I had soul-work to be done, and the urgency of that time is past, it was time for her to move on, because someone else needed her. THAT, I can understand. It doesn't make the meltdowns any easier, but a guardian spirit comes in all forms, and stays with you until you are ready to stand alone. Maybe this is a signal that I'm ready to do just that. I can deal with my "issues", and being here, with all of you, I never really am alone. And for that, I thank you all, again.
Selene