Yvonne Perry and her special grandson, Sidney, who helped to inspire the book
Be sure to stop by Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dogs blog today with your child to learn about dealing with the death of a pet. This is one of twelve stories in Yvonne Perry’s new book, The Sid Series which is a collection of holistic stories for children that supports the whole child– body, mind and spirit, which will help empower your child and help them build self esteem.
So be sure to check it out!
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!
I recently joined the Rainbow Bridge group page on Facebook. They have this beauiful poem on their page, so I wanted to share.
LOSS OF A HEART-DOG
I stood by your bed last night,
I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying,
You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly
as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you,
I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here".
I was close to you at breakfast,
I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times,
Your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today,
Your arms were getting sore,
I longed to take your parcels,
I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today,
You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you,
That I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house,
As you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you,
I smiled and said "It's me".
You looked so very tired,
And sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know,
That I was standing there.
It's possible for me to be,
so near you every day.
To say to you with certainty,
"I never went away".
You sat there very quietly,
Then smiled, I think you knew…
In the stillness of that evening,
I was very close to you.
And when the day is over…
I smile and watch you yawning,
And say "Goodnight, God Bless you,
I'll see you in the morning".
And when the time is right for you
To cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you,
And we'll stand side by side.
I have so many things to show you,
There is so much for you to see,
Be patient, live your journey out…
Then come home to be with me.
Author Unknown