The Roller Coasters Of Life

I'll be thinking of you and Lily, and your family. I know what this rollercoaster is like- we lost our 12 year old "princess" 3 years ago, and then this past January, my 6 year old cat passed away after we found out she had heart failure. For such tiny creatures, they sure leave huge holes in our hearts when they go. There's this passage that brings me a lot of comfort when things like this happen (we've got two more furbabies that are quite old- 15 and 11). I hope that it's ok that I am posting it now, and I really hope that Lily pulls through. But whatever happens, whatever decision that you may need to make, know that she knows how very much she is loved.

Here's the passage:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... ~(Author unknown)

Thinking of all of you at this time and wishing you well.

Ali, I am thinking of you, your family, and Lily.

Our pets truly become our children as well. Almost 5 years ago we had to take that same difficult road and make a very difficult and heartbreaking decision with our cat, Zeke. He was only 7 when he developed a very rare cancer. There isn't a day I don't miss him, but I am so grateful that he was with us, his family, through it all and especially at the end.

My heart goes out to you and if I was there I would hug you. Lily is a very lucky dog, and she knows just how much she is loved.

Praying for your sweet family member.

Awww, I am so sorry! I will say a prayer for your sweet dog.

Hugs! Hope everything turns out alright.

my prayers are with lily and your family, ali. i imagine how you feel - i've been there twice. i hope she gets better soon.

Prayers for Lily, you and your family.

My family has two senior dogs. We'll be keeping your family and Lily in our prayers.

When those wonderful soles get sick, it's like a stab in the heart strings. Sending you prayers for a good recovery. :) Peace be with you and your family.

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. It's so hard to see a furry family member's health decline. I'm sure you have tons of happy memories to help you through this tough time. God bless!

Our family went through this 2 summers ago. We are near Tacoma, and seriously if you need anything please let us know by email. We have two kids who can provide distraction or empathy. You provide great support to our family goal of memory keeping through your blog and so if we can support you back. We'd love to.

Hi Ali: My thoughts are with you and your family. I lost two labs to cancer in the last year and it was heartbreaking. They both lived wonderful lives and gave us their everything. I still get misty thinking about them. I thought you might like this quote.

Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened.
-Dr. Seuss

ali, i'm sorry to hear this. it just sucks when our furbabies aren't feeling 100%. glad she's on the upswing today. sending prayers to you and lily.

My prayers go out for Lily and your family, Ali. I have an 11-year-old Yorkie who is a love of my life and I will pray for the best and keep you and Lily in my thoughts.

we love our "babies" and it's so difficult when they struggle... with you during this tough time with prayers Ali...

Went through this ride last week with our kitty with not good outcome. It is so hard to watch that pet who so depends on you feeling badly. I love Janet White's quote above. So very, very true. Thoughts and prayers from me and my dog Lucy.

Thoughts and prayers for you guys and Lily. Lily, hang in there.

Animals ARE such a BIG PART of a family it seems. Hugs to you and yours.

Praying for all of you and hoping that Lilly can make a recovery. I know what you are all feeling and know that we all here are thinking of everyone. :)