Hello Stampers,
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season – I can’t believe it’s already two weeks into 2008!
Sadly we had to say goodbye to our beloved dog, Finnegan, just after the New Year. He was just an awesome pet. We’ve been remembering stories about him and digging up old photographs which I’m going to put together in an album for each of my kids. My son, Ian, had a strong bond with Finn and so it’s been particularly hard on him. I know people who don’t have pets find it hard to understand the grief we "pet owners" feel when the time comes to say goodbye to our pets. Since I’ve lost both of my parents I can say that it’s not as hard and long lasting as losing a human loved one but the pain and sadness is like losing a family member just the same. They play such a huge part in our day-to-day lives that it feels so eerie not to have him sitting by the door or sleeping at the side of our beds or letting us know it’s time for a walk or to be fed. He had a great life and we were all richer for having had him in our lives these past 10 years. This is one of the last pictures taken of him just before Christmas.
Here is a picture of the family (well except me because I’m taking the picture) of us this past
summer at Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver – Finn enjoyed the walk but it got pretty steep in places – he just puddled along at his own pace.
Golden Retrievers love the water and the snow (just frozen water to them) – here’s some pics of Finn enjoying two of his favourite pastimes – swimming and playing in the snow!
I’ll be back tomorrow with our regular scheduled programming – Stamping!
Cheers,
Alison
Alison, and Family,
Please accept my condolances on the loss of Finn. It will not be the same comming to your house and not having to stop to give the dog a big belly rub before we can enter!
Rachel
Alison, Des, Carly and Ian,
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Finn. Hold onto the memories and remember the joys that he brought to your family!
Hugs,
Bev.
Awesome tribute to a great dog! I’ll miss having to walk OVER Finn to get past the front door.. lol He was a giant puppy at heart.
I’m so sorry for the loss of a wonderful friend and family member.
So sorry to hear about Finn, Alison. He was
such a big old sop and just plopped down anywhere for a good old tummy rub. I’ll miss him greeting me and walking me up the
driveway.
I’m sorry to hear about Finnegan Alison. I know you must have many, many happy memories of times with Finnegan that will help ease the pain in the days to come. I made something for you popped it in the mail – hope it makes you smile. Take care.
Alison, Des, Carly and especially Ian..
A friend sent this little poem to me when we lost our beloved Kimba a couple of years ago..
“The Rainbow Bridge”
Just this side of heaven is a place called the 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 you all with much love
Allison
I am crying all over again reading this Ali.
I can’t imagine not seeing him when I come over. He really was a special one…but you all know that 🙂
(((hugs)))
Sue (& Finn’s friend Cara)
I know you will miss him, but his memory will be in your mind, your photos and your love. I have a golden retriever too, and this is my 4th retriever..I love them dearly…(we actually have 2 right now) Rockie, and Roxy(aka Amber)