Chloe ... The Passing of a Friend

R.I.P. December 31, 2011

   

       Events happen suddenly, without warning....they say that death is part of the natural cycle of life; they say that death is a passing on to a better place; they say that upon arriving at the rainbow bridge there are friends, meadows, scampering friends; they say there is no suffering, no pain, just pure joy,  Many have written poems of consolation.

       Chloe came into our lives shortly after Adam's accident.  She never left our side, often sat in Adam's lap as we took them for walks along the ocean. Chloe was never the healthiest but always feisty.  She was loyal, an attribute that I could ascribe to only a few people.  She loved to explore outside, to wrestle with Ollie and staunchly protect her stash of food.  She loved to be with us and made the trip to Montreal for ABR training.  No one was ever more excited to see you than Chloe...enthusiasm always abounded even on the last morning.

       Chloe has a collapsed trachea, common to small breeds.  Every morning we woke to her "honking"; clearing the throat and lungs; every morning except this one...the first day of a new year.

        Chloe passed quickly, unable to breathe, unable to get comfortable last evening...suffering was not prolonged.  She knew, I knew.  She died snuggled in my arms, that is how she wanted it. It is how I wanted it to be.  I told her it was ok to leave, and to follow white and blue lights as these would lead her home. She knew it was ok to leave, that's the way it should be. She knew we would be together again. Death should be safe and secure.  It should be peaceful and chosen at the appropriate time...the time had come and it was peaceful.

        We did not lose a dog, we did not lose a pet....we lost a friend.  If there is a tragedy, it is that I could not feel the same level of anguish about most people I know because they know so little about unconditional love, about loyalty, and about "being there".  Yes, I lost my friend, plain and simple.

'Till we meet again, my friend