death

When Izzy Dies. Grieving for animals « Bedlam Farm Journal

Posted by Barbara Techel

Is it morbid to think about the time when Izzy dies? I’ve been writing all week about grieving for the animals we love, and I though it might be helpful – and honest – to share how I think about it. Once in awhile, I make sure to think about when Izzy dies. How he was abandoned on a farm and lived mostly outside for years and on his own, this intensely social and attached creature. How he drove me crazy when he first came to the farm, jumping fences, tearing the house apart. How he has seen so much life and death in his hospice work, see so many people he loved fade and die. Been so gentle and faithful to the people in his care, gone to their funerals, sat by their caskets.

via www.bedlamfarm.com

I love following Jon Katz and his thoughts on animals.
To answer his question, "Is it morbid to think about the time when Izzy dies?" No, I don't at all think it is morbid. Death is part of life. We all have to face that. Maybe if we could all realize the beauty of death, we would never use the word morbid.
Thinking of the eventual loss of our pets, I think, is healthy. I want to live in all the glorious moments I have with Frankie, but at the same time, I want to give thought to her not being here someday. I don't dwell on it, but rather think about what will my life look like without her?
We spend so much time together and because of her I have found my purpose. What will my purpose look like when she is gone? I found a bit more peace with that lately and believe I will always do something around dogs… sharing their stories… being with them… and bringing another one into my life to care and love.

Baxter’s Tribute Poem written by his Loving Mom, Melissa Joseph

Posted by Barbara Techel

A memorial service was held at San Diego Hospice where Baxter, the World's Oldest Therapy Dog worked his magic, up until the last day of his life on October 16th at the age of 19 1/2.  I still get choked up reading updates about this beautiful dog.  Video footage of the memorial is coming, so stay tuned.  But Melissa shared this poem on her website that she wrote for Baxter and read at his memorial tribute.  My heart continues to be with Melissa and her husband, Dennis as they move forward with Baxter firmly in their hearts and now as their spiritual guide.

A Dog’s Way

A dog’s love is so uncomplicated.

It‘s a relationship that consoles rather than upholds agendas…

It’s a relationship that gives and never takes.

It’s a relationship that fulfills rather than empties.

It’s a relationship that is loyal, never giving way to abandonment.

It’s a relationship full of many hellos and only one good-bye…. when they die.

Their love is magical, spiritual, pure and constant. When all else seems unreal, overwhelming, and perplexing, a dog’s love puts it in perspective.

Their fires for you never wane; they always burn and burn for you.

They get excited when you come home and sad when you leave.

They always want you. There is no debate about anything.

Their conversation is read through their eyes. They never tire of your voice. They are attentive, willing and relentlessly there for you.

They really only leave you one time…And, when that time comes, the love affair does come to an end. But, you know that you have been graced with an angel on earth.

They don’t judge you; they don’t ignore you; they don’t abhor you; they don’t hurt you.

They are true until they take their last breath.

There is no love like theirs.

To have a relationship with a dog is to have a taste of bliss.

And, to have a relationship with Baxter is to experience perfection on earth.

I love you Baxter!

How We View Death in Our Society… and What Animals Teach Us

Posted by Barbara Techel


I was just blown away by a post I found on the blog Hospice 4 Animal’s and one vets life changing experience she is having regarding hospice and death.  It struck such a chord with me that I had to share.  Being involved with hospice work with Frankie has opened my eyes and my heart to view death as not something dreadful or scary, but a time of transition.  And for me, personally, I don’t believe animals fear death… and wow, as you know me by now, I believe they teach us about living.  So without further ado, I share a portion of the blog post that blew me away and at the end invite you to read more at their blog, as well as invite you to share your thoughts.

“I have learned in our culture , especially in the USA, we AFRAID of death.  Sharen Myers quoted Margaret Mead who said “When someone is born, we rejoice.  When someone marries, we celebrate.  When someone dies, we pretend nothing happened.”  Death IS the equal and opposite process of birth.  If we want to live well, we need to die well and vice versa.  We may try to ignore this for ourselves, but we are faced with death full force with our pets.  We love them so much and they love us so purely.  We are responsible for them, feed them and take care of them, but in reality  they take care of us. I know there is an amazing spiritual, pure love connection with our animals.  I know I am being loved when I look into a kitty like Zoomi’s eyes.  There is a message there, and now I am not afraid to admit that, and thrive in that knowledge.  The Hospice Symposium has validated the path and the truth that I feel in my gut.  I have found the courage to change my life from that knowledge.  Something about dealing with the moment of death teaches us how to well live our lives.  There is the very kernal of sacredness here, and the lesson is to experience it. ”

Read more… and please do share your thoughts.