Sage Ueffing (2002 - 2009)
It's never easy saying goodbye to someone who has shared your life for a long time, but today I had to do that exact thing with good friend of mine.
Over the past couple of days we noticed Sage's behavior change from bouncy and outgoing to sullen and withdrawn. Our fear were unfortunately confirmed last night when we saw that his ears were yellow... combined with his other symptoms (not eating, weight loss, etc). The trip to the vet this morning confirmed it: these symptoms were the same ones we saw with Munchkin and we knew what would happen. (http://excaliburca.livejournal.com/291192.html). After a tearful conversation (on both sides) with jynx512 we decided that we didn't want to put Sage through the same thing. The decision was made that Sage needed to head on to greener pastures. I don't wish that decision on anyone.
The vet / vet assistants were very good about the whole thing and I was able to spend some time with Sage to say my goodbyes. I'm thankful for that.
Sage was one of the original two that I picked up from the NS SPCA when I first moved to Dartmouth, NS. He and Bailey came to the pound together and left it together. They got along like peas in a pod. They chased each other, gave each other bathes, and were generally best buds. As we got Satin, then Munchkin, and finally Tom he affected them all in various ways. Sage also took a lot of my "abuse" (lifting him in the air, pouncing on him, etc) and still would hop up onto my (and later out) bed every night we were in it.
Losing a "child" is never easy, but I know (in reference to the poem below) that Munchkin will be waiting for him and the two will be playing with each other for eternity.
The Rainbow Bridge
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of it's many colours.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, and lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the best goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.
There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person(s) who loved them on Earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly looks up! The noes twitches. The ears are up! The eyes are starring! And this one suddenly runs from the group!
You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you will take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.
Author Unknown