by Katharyn Powers
Sherry of Little Angels Pug Rescue; introduction to "Farewell" -- A little more than two years ago, Little Angels volunteer Katharyn Powers looked into the beautiful face of a precious Pug named Button and immediately gave away her heart to this baby. Katharyn become a devoted advocate of the joys and pleasures that are unique to adopting a senior Pug. Button is at the Bridge now and Katharyn wanted to share the wonder of her time with Button and encourage others to experience the miracle of being owned by a senior Pug.
Farewell Sweet Button
Adopted February 24, 2001
Died June 20, 2003
My Dearest Girl,
Its a month today since you crossed the Rainbow Bridge and only now can I begin to have the courage to write this letter. I miss your funny little self so much. I always will. You were such a sad old girl when I met you and you couldnt hear or see, and many I knew thought I was nuts (thats human-speak for insane). Boy, did they change their mind when they met you. You asked for so little and gave so much! I could never hold you longer than 30-60 seconds because you were so afraid to fall had to have those four paws on Terra Firma. But we made a language between us of touch-signals, and within the short span of 3 days after coming home, you knew where everything was and could ask to go out by standing at the sliding glass door negotiate the deck with its three different levels run up the three little stairs and down the long hall to snuggle down in your bed at night (on the floor next to mine) and of course you knew where the kitchen was, with the magic food cupboard that held yummy stuff to eat. You had a problem with aggression seizures for awhile but we straightened those out with mild medication. You had to take that every night and, being a writer who lives in her head and the many other worlds I create, I sometimes forgot the exact time. Never mind! You knew exactly when you were supposed to get that medicine! Id hear a bark coming from the kitchen there you were, sitting on the mat by the sink, crooning for your meds that always came wrapped in a treat. You loved being stroked and kissed and getting down on the floor (not easy at my age and condition) was worth seeing your face light up with happiness as it always did when I rolled you on your back and tickled your tummy. Youd stretch your forepaws above your head and your rear legs the other way until you were twice as long as usual. Then youd stand up, shake and do that great Pug-Snort that always acts as an exclamation point! I still see you every time I go out to the garden taking your morning sunbath as I see you in your bed each night when take the other Puggies to sleep with me. Your illness came on so suddenly that I really didnt have time to prepare myself for your departure. We had just brought you home from the Vet and were getting the oxygen tent ready for you. I put my hand over your muzzle as I always did to let you know I was near and your little tail went wag-a-wag-a-wag. We placed you on the soft little rug and put the clear box over you so you could breathe easier. I slipped my hand underneath to touch your head you had just put it down, as with a sigh and I knew you were gone. I thanked my gods you waited until we brought you home. You went peacefully surrounded by those who loved you. You were only here for 2-1/2 years, dear one, and I didnt know what I could do for you except make you feel safe and peaceful and, hopefully, loved. When I adopted you, I promised you would be with me forever. Even though your Spirit has gone, I keep your ashes in a lovely urn decorated with a heart, on each side, in which is painted a Lotus flower, the symbol for eternal life. I think of them being our two hearts, bound together always by that promise. Until we meet again Mama (Katharyn) 7/20/03
Little Angels Pug Rescue
www.lapr.org