Banjo

Wilbur
Wilba-Loo. Wilba-Dee. Wilba-Lee. The first time Wilbur sang for his supper, I was a goner. While my four ridiculously eager Labradors ran in circles, whined annoyingly, and raced from room to room in anticipation of the moment they’d hear the kibble hit the stainless steel bowl, Wilbur stood calmly in the middle of the den, utterly still, and lifting his head, trilled his blessing on the meal to come! He sounded like a bird, a bird with a slight growl. From there, he charmed his way into everyone’s heart, fervently wagging his entire body, and even managed to worm his way into a coveted spot on the couch. Dogs aren’t allowed on the furniture. Weren’t allowed on the furniture. He stopped singing for his supper a few weeks before the moment he was diagnosed with cancer and immediately allowed to die peacefully. Thanks to TARA, that moment took place only after a long, secure night in front of the fire and a last supper of warm turkey pot pie, saved from Thanksgiving leftovers - that, and four fun-filled months being a farm dog. We all love you, Wilbur, and your big ol’ head. It matches your big ol’ soul-searching eyes.

Ruby

Fuzzy
Dr. Burden said: “He’s gone” at 9:13 am on June 16, 2011. Thus ended the life of Fuzzy Cornell. Memories abound. Life is symmetric, reflecting beginning and ending elements. It starts: “Hello world” as a new active life emerges; helplessly getting its first breath; wiggling, crawling to obtain his first nourishment and then taking tentative steps that quickly become a gleeful gate as eyes open to sense his newfound world. Fuzzy was found bedazzled, shaking and possibly epileptic, wondering in a Kansas City shopping center - that no longer exists. A kind soul delivered him to TARA, a no kill shelter, who posted his picture (I can hear Fuzzy yell “I’m famous!”) and short story on the Internet. Attached is that picture that captured my heart plus three photos of his first mountain trip. Boy, could he ham for photos no matter what role you wanted. I drove to KC and adopted him on a bright Saturday May 16, 2007 just prior to 10 am. Our agreement was that I could return him within a couple weeks following a Memorial Day trip to Iowa. Fuzzy never saw Kansas City again. Looking back on the video of that morning, I see a playful exploring future friend and companion almost shouting: “I’m Fuzzy. Let’s have fun. What can I do?” Meanwhile Peaches was uncertain what life-changing event was occurring. Peaches assumed an unexpected brother role. Every few weeks, he alerted me that Fuzzy needed more food or had to go outdoors. A month ago, Fuzzy still accompanied Peaches and me on walks a couple blocks to the woods. Fuzz always trailed behind –smelling each blade of grass marked by other dogs. He never seemed to sense the idea of a chase, whether it was a rabbit or squirrel. He’d join in barking as I restrained Peachy on leash. Fuzzy also never understood that you don’t challenge much larger dogs. It’s termed the Napoleon complex. Fortunately, those dogs did understand that a 13 pound Tibetan Spaniel really isn’t much of a threat. Two years ago the vet advised me that Fuzzy was in kidney failure but he never developed symptoms. April 2010, I was advised to expect death in July. That didn’t bother Fuzzy who simply lived his normal life through the fall, winter and spring. Seven weeks ago blood test revealed a significant deterioration in his ability to provide oxygen to his body. It was simply weeks, possibly months. Ten days ago I foresaw his demise. The bedtime three-block walks became two blocks, then one block and finally ended Sunday. A week ago he still jumped into the car but I had to lift him into and out for our Saturday trip to my parent’s grave. I wanted a photo of him sitting there. He ate normally Saturday and Sunday but refused food Monday and significantly cut back on his water intake – a frightening sign for a kidney distressed creature. Monday he climbed down stairs, relieved himself and fought to climb back into the house late night. The last three mornings he lay next to me for hours on the sofa. It was nice feeling his body warming me as if a blanket. Peach was distressed; his low moans indicated knowledge that something was very wrong and that I should help. Out family was sharing more love. Tuesday and Wednesday heroics of daylong IV flushes could not cleanse his system. His quality of life was gone. I cried all Tuesday. Thursday was closure and relief knowing Almighty God had cut his suffering, added 11 months and let him accept me as his final caregiver. I had been here before with Pete in August 1998. Pete injured himself and spent his last night in obvious pain before easing off to a restless daze about 4 am. It was if he induced sufficient doses of painkillers to ward off what distressed him. I carefully picked him up and placed him in the car for what to me was a most painful final trip to the vet. I could see in Pete’s eyes a plea for mercy and dignity. Meanwhile, tears filled my eyes. I watched the vet carry him away for his final minutes on this Earth. Until Peachy’s emergence as a special brother these last four years, I’d considered Pete my most precious and special dog. Symmetric elements of life have their ultimate ending. There is the last meal, the last elimination of body waste, difficulty in moving, a final closing of the eyes, that clutching of breath, a final beating of heart and passage of neural signals before the body surrenders; giving up the ghost. What a stellar performance. Time to bring down the curtain and say Good-bye. Announcing the best award for a Tibetan Spaniel in a supporting role. Applause!! Go in Peace. Sleep well my faithful and precious friend. I loved and treasure every minute. A place next to Heaven is called Rainbow Bridge. When owner and special furry friends spot each other they run free; healed of earth’s ailments. They meet with hugs and kisses, never to part. Written on my checks is “Joy is Reunion at Rainbow Bridge“ Folks speak of pets during a near death experience. If Heaven allows pets, I look forward to seeing Fuzzy along with my other furry friends as we cross the Bridge. I will never forget you.

Lizzie
Perfect. And as Lizzie was...Purrfect. I've spent the last few days thinking so much about Lizzie. From when she and her litter mates first arrived at 95th st, my gosh more black/white kitties. Hoping that their adorable personalities would shine thru and they wouldn't be overlooked like so many because of being black. Especially little Lizzie, solid black,so tiny,but what a little motor-what a sweet little cuddler,I really hoped that someone would see how special she was and her days in a cage would be short. You came and after much discussion, you chose this little darling. I thought how lucky you are as she was certainly a little gem. When I read the first email that she wasnt well I hoped it was just the move, something minor. I prayed she would recover. When you said it was FIP My heart sank. There is no recovery- I cried, was sad, frustrated, even angry that such a kitty with so much affection and love to give would be so sick and suffering. I wanted to be with her. When you said you would be with her when she left, it eased my pain a little. I knew that she would be at peace,that you would protect her,keep her safe and that she would feel that love deep down. As I read the emails and tried to come to some kind of understanding of the reason why this happened I then realized that you were drawn to her for a reason. You saved her, you gave her a home, a lap,arms to curl up in and feel safe and secure. I can't put into words how grateful I am that out of all the deserving kitties you chose this little angel. I am saddened that you both had to experience this at all but I feel you were put there just for this little angel. She certainly has touched me in a way no other has. I'm still frustrated,sad,still asking why but knowing how much she was loved by you,that she brought happiness to so many in her short life gives me some peace.