"Life isn't long enough to do all you could accomplish. And what a privilege even to be alive. In spite of all the pollutions and horrors, how beautiful this world is.
Supposing you only saw the stars once every year. Think what you would think. The wonder of it!"--Tasha Tudor



Thursday, August 19, 2010

Goodbye, My Sweet Indy

My dear Indy lost his heroic battle with lymphoma yesterday. He died peacefully in my arms at home. He let me know it was time. I made the difficult decision to put him down that evening, and then went outside and prayed. Sobbing, I asked God to please take him now because after losing Bridget too, I just didn't think I had the strength to do it, even though I knew it was the right thing to do. I came back inside and laid down with him, held him close and kissed him as my tears fell into his soft warm fur. Just like so many times before when he's been there for me through different events in my life. Except this time, my tears were for him. God answered my prayer. Indy looked at me and I told him that it was OK to fly to heaven with his angels, not to be afraid (he could be a chicken at times) and that I would be OK ~ he was my protector. John couldn't even kiss me without a big woof from Indy. Within fifteen minutes or so, I felt his breathing change and felt the strong, beautiful heart of a champion slow down. His ears that had twitched with every teardrop that fell on them, suddenly stopped and I knew he was gone. I held him for what felt like forever. I put him on a soft cotton baby blue blanket and covered him with a little blanket with hearts. He still had his little plush Christmas toy in his paws that he would not share with the other Corgis. I lit a candle next to him and waited for Mary Elizabeth to come over so she could say goodbye to him too. Indy always answered to 'Sweetie.' And a sweetie he was. My heart is broken and I can hardly breathe. Dear God, please take care of my boy until we meet again. Find Bridget, Indy, she won't be too far ahead. Run free little man. Run free. ♥ CS

CH. Windcrest Zip'N Indiana Jones

"Indy"

12/30/97 - 8/18/2010
Indy, you taught me so much. So much.

You were the BEST dog a girl could ever have.

I will love you forever.




51 comments:

RevCindi said...

Cathy, I'm crying with you. You have had too much grief the past few weeks with the loss of both beloved corgis. They do wind their little paws around our heart, don't they? Please know we offer our most hearfelt sympathies and offer you up in our prayers. May you find comfort in your memories of Indy and Bridget. Gentle hugs...
Cindi & Patti

Anonymous said...

I am so, so sorry for your loss of your sweet boy. Hugs to you.

Sarah Sullivan said...

Aw Cathy I am so sorry! So hard to lose them..we love them so! Sending hugs to you hon! Sarah

Kelly said...

I am crying too :( I am so sorry Cathy! Just know that he is in a better place and out of pain. *hugs!*

Unknown said...

I too share your tears.... too much loss... so difficult to realize that the future will bring such sweet memories of both.

They are together caring for each other ....

We mourn your loss with you...you are not alone

xo

Unknown said...

Cathy,

I too am crying along with you, real tears...my heart is heavy for your double loss.

Your sweet puppems are together, healthy, young and free...

It is so difficult to believe that down the road the memories will be sweet and bring a smile.

Tootsie Roll and I are sending Corgi Power and gentle hugs...

Sandi

Lois said...

Dear Cathy...just too much. After learning of Bridget, and wondering then about Indy..Oh sweetie, again, " a stranger's" heart breaks for you....we love them so...

^..^Corgidogmama said...

Cat, your poor heart~to lose two of your corgi kids so close together. You've barely begun to heal...now you're going to go through it all again.
That video is wonderful and shows Indy at her best. Young, strong, and a loving mama. They touch our lives so...why can't they live longer...we need them so!
Hugs, and please know that the corgi community is sharing in your loss.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry!

Be fine!

Anonymous said...

My thoughts are with you tonight. Two in such a short time is truly heartbreaking.
Sheri, Zoey and Rusty in Indiana

Angela said...

Oh Cathy, I am so sorry about your loss of Indy. I can't imagine having just lost Bridget and now Indy. May the Lord give you Peace in knowing that they are no longer in pain and running and playing in heaven together.

((((Hugs))))
Angela

Dillydoodle said...

Cathy,
I am so very sorry to hear about Indy. Your blog post has me crying along with you. I am sure you must be overwhelmed with grief with the loss of both your sweet corgis only a month apart. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers and I am sure that the Indy and Bridget have found each other at the bridge and are running free until you are reunited.
I am going to give my corgis an extra hug and kiss tonight in memory of Indy.

May you find some peace.

-Emilie

Emily said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful boy, and a true companion. A part of him will always be with you, and you gave him the best life a dog could hope to have. What an angel.

Susan said...

Oh Cathy, what a hard summer this has been for you. We share your tears and you are in our hearts and prayers as you deal with your loss. Hugs to you from us.

jetstarone said...

Cathy,
My eyes are leaking big tears for you . just today I ran across a picture of my beloved Brandy, my first Corgi. Even though she's been gone for 15 years, and Cinnamon & Princess who we loved after Brandy left are gone now, too...I still dream of them & hold them in my heart. I know that Bridget & Indy are frapping with them in Heaven now... God Bless you. Emily Davlin

dining room tables said...

It is a saddest story of your life. I am in tears right now. I wish I can visit you personally. I am sure that everything has a purpose. I hope that you move on sooner.

Enchanted Forrest said...

Cathy,
I'm so very sorry. Please know that you are not alone in your grief and tears.
Sue in Raleigh
Forrest & Morgan

Enchanted Forrest said...

Cathy,
I'm so very sorry. Please know that you are not alone in your grief and tears.
Sue in Raleigh
Forrest & Morgan

Gail said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I'm gonna go home and give my Elwood a big hug and kiss and mourn with you.

Zanna Russell said...

Cathy,

I am so sorry for your loss. Like many who came to read your blog today, I am in tears along with you.

Hugs to you.

Zanna and Tegan

Cassie said...

My heart is breaking for you, Cathy. You are in my thoughts! *hugs*

--Cassie

Judy said...

Cathy,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Saying goodbye to a friend and great companion is so hard to do.
Judy & Max

Jane and Violet said...

I am so sorry to hear of this. Losing one is horrible, and losing two in such quick succession is unimaginable. Hugs and healing to you.

JoAnne said...

I am sooo Sorry for your loss of your Two Corgi Babies...Always remember they will be with you...Sending Corgi Hugs,JoAnne, Otto, Wyatt & Piper

Anonymous said...

Along with everyone else, I too and sobbing like a baby for you. Just know your brave little trooper will be waiting at the foot of the rainbow bridge waiting for you, to shower you with kisses. And he and Bridget are probably frapping to their silly corgi-content. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Leonora, Sir Dyddamus, and Libby.

Anonymous said...

Unbelievable, but almost 2 years ago I was in your same position. I lost both my 7 year old Corgis within 30 days. The pain was so huge I didn't know if I would ever get over it. Both died of cancer and I went over every place I had ever taken them, everything I had given them to eat, every medicine I had given them. I kept thinking maybe I could have done something differently and the results would have been different. That is wrong-these things are out of our hands. We can only love them and care for them the best way we know how. Now, 2 years later, I still miss them terribly but I feel lucky to have had them for a brief time.

Evie said...

I am so very sorry for your losses. Unable to put the sadness I feel for you into words. God Bless.

Alyssa said...

I'm really sorry for your loss. You and your babies are in my prayers. I'm glad he was able to go on his own though and you didn't have to make that decision for him. He's no longer in pain and he will always, always be looking after you. I hope you will find the strength to move forward and I know it will eventually happen. I know it can't be easy, but it has to get better. We're all crying with you and we're all here for you. In case you need a support group, it looks like you have one right here.

Alyssa said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, but I'm glad that he was able to go on his own and he saved you from having to make that decision for him. He's no longer in pain and will always, always be looking after you. I hope you can eventually find the strength to move forward. I know it can't be easy, but it has to get better. We're all crying with you. In case you need a support group, I think you might have one right here with all of these comments that people have left with kind words and condolences. You and your babies are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it was to lose one beloved corgi, I can't imagine losing two in such a short time. My heart breaks for you, I lost my beloved Footsie on December 17th, 2009, tears are running down my face reading this. I do have a new little corgi to love-Brodie, who fills my heart with joy everyday, but i will NEVER FORGET FOOTSIE, she will stay in my heart forever!! Corgis are really special little dogs that god has given us the priviledge to know and love.Sincerely, Laureen Janeczk

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your losses. Corgis truly are angels with fur, and they always seem to bring their families unconditional joy and happiness; and even though they're gone, that joy and happiness will stay with you forever. Corgis leave paw prints on our hearts :)

Anonymous said...

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....

Tracy said...

Cathy,

I sat at my desk and cried for you... I cannot imagine your grief. These little dogs bring so much love and joy, we truly do not know how we lived for so long without them in our lives. May your heart heal with time, but never forget what you all shared. All the best from another Corgi lover.....

Laurie Eno said...

Cathy, we are all pulling for you at The Daily Corgi, knowing how deep and wide your grief must be.

Your babies will live on forever, in the safest place of all: in your heart.

Laurie Eno

Anonymous said...

Cathy

What a beautiful tribute. I'm so sorry for your losses.

Julie - Pem-L

Unknown said...

We feel so sad for your loss... again. Our sympathies and prayers go out to you. "Hank" and Mike will raise their Corgoyle mug to Indy. Thank YOU for all the joy and smiles you bring to Corgi-lovers everywhere.
Mike, Debbie & "Hank"

Marian said...

We are so sorry for your losses--first Bridget and her pups and now Indy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you--
Marian and the Girls
Abby and Molly

macqueen429 said...

Oh Cathy, I am so, so sorry about your wonderful boy. The tears are falling on my keyboard as I type this. I know how you feel - we lost our Libby after 14 years and I thought my heart would break. Just know that he had the best life ever with you! My heart goes out to you (HUGS)
Anne

Kristin M. said...

I confess, I teared up a little reading this post, and watching the vid. Losing a furkid is really hard. It's very apparent that "Indie" was well-loved & cared for, and I'm positive he's still being looked after.

And I don't mean to ramble, but I hope an experience of mine in losing a furkid can help, if just a little: In short, my Grandma just LOVED dogs & always said that in Heaven she'd look after the furkids. My uncle, not knowing any of this, told us about a dream he had shortly after our "Bambi" passed. In it, he saw a room filled with little wooden beds. The one he saw up close had Bambi's name etched into the wood on the headboard. He heard my Grandma calling out for her, and then speeding into room was our sweet Bambi just smiling and happy as could be.

So I have no doubt that your little Indie is being watched over, too. I really do believe that there are A LOT of loving souls up there, just like my Grandma, looking after our departed furbabies.

(((HUGS))) to you and your family.

Kristin

Sandy said...

Tears streaming down my face and my heart breaking for you!! So very sorry for your loss. I hope you find peace in your wonderful memories. I cannot express enough words that could comfort you as I know the its rough to lose a beloved pet. My thoughts and prayers are with you!!

Anonymous said...

So sorry about your baby's,I'm sitting hear crying thinking one day I will too be in your shoe's. Wish animal's too, Had longer live's. They alway's leave a paw print in our heart's. I'm sure God has a place in heaven for them. Big hug's from Dena and her baby's Max & sammy.

Jan J. said...

I've never commented but have been reading and enjoying your blog and your Corgis. I am so sorry that you have to suffer so much pain so close together. Hopefully it is some comfort these two are frolicking together in heaven - I firmly believe that! No more pain or suffering for them but I know a lot for you. Wishing you peace.

Kallista said...

Cat, I am so very sorry for you all. When you feel their hearts stop, you want yours to stop so you can go with them. He was a Good Dog and there can be no higher praise for him.
I will say a few prayers for you all...
Love,
Millie

ocmist said...

My heart is breaking for you, too. Your description gave me hope, for whenever I think about OC's leaving, I pray that God will take her quietly, Himself, because though I've been with so many of my other loved pets at their passing, and known I was doing what needed to be done... I don't want to have to "do" it for OC, though, I will if need be. The point is, If your prayer about this could be answered, it gives ME hope that mine will be...

Ivy@PaperElixir said...

So, so sorry for your loss of Indy... must be such a difficult summer for you and your family. Please know that we're all thinking of you.

Bailey and Cali - Two Pups, One Tale said...

so sorry for your loss :-(

B said...

Cathy, I am so sorry!!! My heart aches for you over these losses. =(

Lily said...

Cathy, I follow your blog and came to know you and your dogs. I am so, so sorry for your double loss. May you find comfort in our Lord and knowing that you are surrounded by people who love you. Thanks for sharing your joy and sorrow with us and we cry and laugh with you.

Cathy ~ Tadpoles and Teacups said...

There is just no easy way to let go or to say goodbye. We had a very similar experience with our beloved Australian Shepherd/Border Collie, Georgia, several years ago.
Sending warm thoughts your way.


Cathy

Eugenia said...

What a blessing and a joy our companions are...they teach us so including the bravery to let go and to go in peace.

They will always live on in our memories and in our hearts. You are so strong. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Natalie said...

Oh Cathy! That is so difficult, we completely understand that loss. It is just so unfair that they have to leave us. Lots of hugs and good thoughts your way!