Bookie the Dorkie Velveteen Rabbit

Over the last few years, you have heard me talking about all my little dorkies, and I have posted lots of pictures of Twinkle, Sparkle, and Agnes Rosebud.

Someone I haven't talked about much is Bookie.  He's the reason I call my Yorkshire Terriers "dorkies".  Because when he was just a pup, he was so silly, I'd always tell him that he was a big ol' dork.   He was such a goofy, little odd ball.

I don't have a lot of pictures of him, because he didn't like to be bothered.  And after fathering litters and litters of pups, I figured he'd earned his time to relax and be left alone.  Plus, the little guy was about 16, so he was around before I had a digital camera and was constantly snapping photos.

Last year, he was diagnosed with canine dementia, which is basically, doggie Alzheimer's.  The poor guy had been becoming more and more reclusive and confused. 

He started getting lost, in his own living room. 

He would go out the doggie door and not find his way back in, so that we'd have to check in bad weather to make sure he wasn't stuck outside on the porch freezing.

He didn't notice where he was peeing. One day he even lifted a leg and peed right on my foot, and didn't even see me standing there.

He'd pee in the other dog's food dish.  We got rid of every rug, and carpet, and kept vinegar and a mop nearby all the time, to clean up his messes. 

He had no teeth and had to be fed special food away from the other dogs who wanted to take it from him.

He always had a bad cold, and was congested and snotty, so he couldn't smell things very well. Which was lucky, because he was spared smelling himself, and he was always pretty rank.

There's more,  and its all sad.  The saddest part was that he lost that Dorkiness that made him so lively and cute.  He was just a worried, scared, little old man who just wanted to be left alone on his pillow by the space heater.

So, when he took a turn for the worse this week, and I decided that his time had come, and made a vet appointment for him to be put down, I thought it was the best choice and that I'd be fine about it. After all, I've complained and kvetched about his pee constantly for a couple of years.  And he was such a loner, that sometimes I forgot he was even around, until I had to get the mop out again, that is. 

If I tried to pet him, he'd panic.  I think he associated me with baths and hair cuts, things that he hated.  Plus I was always the one who took care of him when he was hurt, or sore, so when he remembered me, he remembered pain.

I've been  cracking jokes for two years about his odor and said that he already smelled dead, I nicknamed him Zombie Dog because he looked so bad. No matter how often I bathed him, he was crusty with drool and snot.  

It had been so many years, since he'd been my little fuzzy Bookie Bear, my original Dorkie, that I really thought I'd be fine taking him in to the vet today.

For over a year, I've been struggling with the guilt of wanting him to be gone.  I might offend other dog lovers with my honesty, but it really isn't easy living with a dog with that many issues.  And its such a hard decision, just how do you know when the time is right?  He wasn't still part of the family in a very active way, and he was a lot of work and trouble, but still, we owed it to him, to let him live out his life comfortably.  When you get a pet, its a big commitment.  Pet ownership isn't just for the adorable puppy stages, its for the smelly old man phase of life too.

But man, at what point do you say, enough is enough?  I was so paranoid about the pee, I was mopping 5-6 times a day.  This is for a couple of years.  That is a lot of mopping. 

This week, the question was answered when he wouldn't eat, and had some other problems come up. 

I was relieved.  I wasn't happy that he was not feeling well, but I was happy that the end had come.

 

This is how he looked on his last day.  And how he looked most days.  Beth said thhe nicest thing about him, that he looked like the Velveteen Rabbit who was all worn down from so much loving.  Much nicer than me saying he looked like a zombie.

I took him into the vet this morning and said all of his favorite words, things that I though might bring back happy memories.  I whispered, "Sparkle, lake, boat, go for a ride, newspaper, treat," and "cheese", over and over and over.   Words that used to make him jump up and down with glee and act like such a little dork.

And I cried.

And now I miss his stinky little self.

Comments

[Lulus Lovlies]

Oh Karla, You have me in tears, that is so hard and I hate to think about the day when it will come for my girls and I have (2) 10yrs old. He is better off but you feel the absence and I understand. I'm so sorry you are sad, now I am too as tears roll down my face. Hugs and tomorrow will be a little easier and at least you have the others and Sugar wings! Marilou xoxo

[Joan]

Karla, so sorry to hear about Bookie. Your story brought tears to my eyes. They do become like children to us. Take care and remember the good times.

[LindaSonia]

Oh my I'm so sorry Bookie was so much trouble for you in his later years. He's no trouble to anyone now. Thanks for caring for him through the good as well as the bad. Let your story be a lesson to all of us pet owners.

[Claudia]

My heart is breaking. And tears are in my eyes. How terribly hard for you, Karla. I have a special needs dog and I dread the day I will have to make that decision. He has bad hips and has trouble holding in his poop at times. And I get frustrated. But, you're right. We adopted these dear ones and they deserve our best love and care until it is time to say goodbye.

I know a lot of people say dogs are like children to us, but my dogs are my children. And each time I have to say goodbye to one, my heart breaks and I mourn.

Bookie is free and happy once more. I'm sending hugs your way, Karla.

[Janet Ghio]

Oh Karla-so sad--we're never prepared for death no matter what the circumstances. Such a hard decision to make even when it is the best decision. Hugs

[Holly R. Moore]

You have truly touched my heart and soul with the honesty of your words and the sincerity of your spirit. Bookie was loved and really that's all you can do. Hugs, and comforting thoughts for you. Holly

[Wanda @ Just Vintage]

Oh, Karla. I'm so sorry. :-( There's nothing that makes that decision easier. Nothing. He might not have been an active member of the family for awhile, but he was still a member. A loved one. You gave him a wonderful life - especially getting to father all those babies!

[Lisa]

Oh Karla ~ I'm so sorry.

[Kelley]

Good bye little man :( tears... I have a 16 y/o cat that is my wake-up call and I swear will trip me and cause me to break a hip some day and looks much like an overloved stuffed animal with her worn and dulling coat. Hugs. You did the best for all. Hang in there.

[Debbie Beracha]

Karla, I am so sorry, I have one of those little old men dogs too, 12 years old or so. It's soo hard to see them age. You gave Bookie such a wonderful, wonderful home and life for many, many years. Bye Bookie, you were lucky to be so loved, and now so missed !!!!

[LiLi M.]

Oooh, how sad, though I think that you've made the right decision. That is the one disadvantage of pets, they should last one day less than their owners. You did a great tribute Karla. Here is to Bookie!

[Other Karla]

I'm sorry there wasn't a bumble bee with Bookie's name on it and you had to make the decision yourself. He does look worn out, although much loved. You did the right thing.

[Beth Leintz]

Oh my gosh, you've got me crying again. Bookie was a part of your family for so long and you did a wonderful job of taking care of him even when he wasn't the easist dog to have around. You loved him even when he was all worn away. You did right by Bookie, and now he's in a place where he's not scared anymore.

[Glenda]

Karla, I'm so sorry about Bookie. I'm crying too. All I can say is (((Hugs))) you did the right thing.

[Annie Joy]

Karla, I'm so sorry about Bookie, and understand those mixed feelings. You're only human, after all. And sometimes we have those mixed feelings about human stinky old men, don't we -- and for the most part, they don't pee on the floor (well, some of them do). Anyway, you gave Bookie so much love through the years, and I'm sure that he knew you still loved him to the end. Annie

[Mary Green]

"Sparkle, lake, boat, go for a ride, newspaper, treat," beautiful list and beautiful post, now stop making me cry.

[The Gypsy Magpie]

Oh what a hard thing to have to decide (and even tougher, to do). My heart aches for you and little Bookie. He was a lucky boy to have such a caring home to spend his last days in- we should all be so very loved.
Hugs to you. Now go give all those little dorkies some kisses and celebrate that you've still got each other. I need a kleenex.

[Karen]

Oh Karla, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your sweet little Bookie is free now and both of you can rest. I know you'll miss him like crazy but he'll always be right there... in your heart.

[kim]

I'm so, so, so, so, so sorry...and I send a big hug.

[Cindy]

Karla,
So sorry about Bookie. I know exactly what you are going through...we had to let our Yorkie-Poo go a couple of years ago for the same reasons. I felt so bad for him, but it was also hard on me cleaning up after him for almost two years. So sad watching him not be the cute little dog that he once was. And the day came that he didn't want to eat anymore and I knew that the time had come to say goodbye. Today...my heart is heavy for you and I cry tears for both of us and the little dogs that we have loved and lost.
hugs,
Cindy

[Soarenth]

Oh, Karla! * hugs!! * I am sorry you are lonely for Borkie. Even the best endings are sad. There is no doubt of your love and caring. I moarn with you for this ending.

[Zita - Mlle Magpie]

Oh, Karla, it's always sad when someone's time has come, no matter what. You were so good to Bookie. Sending you lots of hugs...

[Becky H]

Hugs sent your way. It is so hard to make that final decision we have all been there. I feel for you and will be thinking of little Borkie running and chasing all the dogs in heaven.

[Terri Gordon]

Hi Karla, I am so sorry, I have had to do this too, it is so hard, our dog became so afraid of everything, and also the peeing thing, it was so sad. It is never easy to make that decision. You will be in my thoughts. Hugs, Terri

[natalie hansen]

Oh Karla,
I so know how you feel...but now he is jumping around, being dorky as ever, in doggie heaven. Xoxo

[Kelly]

My heart goes out to you.

[Eileen ELder]

Oh Karla, you made me cry with you. He was so lucky to have someone love him so much. Many animals will never know that feeling. I have been where you are, making the same agonizing decision in the past regarding a pet I loved so much. Loving an animal enough to say goodbye is never easy. Take care.

[september]

Oh Karla, What a wonderful mama you are! You knew it was the right time, and regardless of how stinky and confused your boy was, he knew you loved him in the end, and that is one thing that made it the right decision for him...your love
September

[Tiffany Steers]

My heart truly goes out to you. We too have a sick dog, a 3 lb. Chihuahua that was diagnosed with Cushings Disease. Basically she has a cancerous tumor on her pituitary gland. She was the youngest and smallest dog that the Auburn Univ. Vet Clinic had ever diagnosed. She was diagnosed at 8 months old and was given a life expectancy of 2 yrs. old. This coming up July, our lil Ruby Doo will celebrate 5 yrs. old. She had "death breath"; has lost most of her hair; looks like a starving dog from Cambodia; & has "accidents" often! Dont feel guilty though...you gave your little one love and devotion for a very long time. Remember, all dogs go to heaven. Tiff @ http://thecrankyqueen.blogspot.com

[Lena]

Oh Karla, I'm so sad that you're feeling sad. I can't think of a pup that could be better loved that one that is a part of your family. Hard times can bring all sorts of feelings, all wrapped up together, but love, I tell you, it always is that one thing that remains, and gets us through. Sending lots of love and peace your way today.

Take care.

[kana]

They do add so much to our lives. I know you will miss him!

[Suzie Q]

I'm so sorry about Bookie. I think about him all the time and had wondered why you weren't mentioning him on here. I knew he had to be old and tired, and I remember him hiding under the bed even when he was young, so I can't imagine how scared he must have been as a confused old-man dog. Poor thing. It breaks my heart that he's gone though, he was always my favorite. So cute, he could have been a calendar-puppy. I like the Velveteen Puppy idea. Maybe the Blue Fairy came to bring him to a place he could be young and whole and frolic in the fields and chase chickens. My condolences.

[Sandy]

Karla,
I'm soooo sorry that you had to put Bookie down and I certainly know the feeling. We had to put Holly down about a year ago. When I found her laying in her own pee twice in one week I knew it was time. She had hurt her back several years ago and had a dificult time getting around. But you know we are not afraid of the word disability at our house so we accommodated all her limitations. But when she couldn't get up and couldn't hold her bladder any more we knew we had to do the obvious. The vet thought I was crying so hard he was afraid I wouldn't be able to drive home.
You did what was right for him, and that is what is of the utmost importance. Wish I could be there to hand you the kleenix but just know that there is a whole world out there of dog lovers that know you did what was right and merciful.
Sandy

[Bunny Rose Cottage]

Oh Karla, I am crying so hard right now :( It is sooo hard to say goodbye to a pet. They are such a part of our lives. And I always loved Bookie. Poor guy :( You did the right thing and now he is back to his silly healthy self. I love that Beth called him the velveteen rabbit, that is just what he looked like! I feel like hugging him.
Big hugs to you sweetie,
Amy

[Cindy Is Crafty]

Karla, I am so sorry! But just take heart. He is stinking up and marking Heaven for you!

[Rochelle Gaukel]

So sorry Karla....no matter how old and smelly they may be, they wrap themselves around our hearts.
Hugs
Rochelle

[Jenny Sellars]

Awww, sweetie, I am so sorry! Please know I am thinking of you!

[Natasha Burns]

I'm so sorry Karla.... Bookie was a little shy guy when I met him, it has been hard on him and you and now that he's gone it's hard too :(
Sending you hugs xox

[Barbara]

Sniffling here, too - I'm sorry for your loss, and sorry for all that led up to it. You gave him a long, good life and lots of love.

[Jane]

Karla, you did the right thing, knowing when the right time had come. You wouldn't want him suffering. I'm sure you miss him. Remember the good times when he was your happy little Dorkie!
Jane-Jacksonville

[Riased In Cotton~Carol]

Oh Sweet Bookie~ Little guy has a special place in heaven.
Hugs,
Carol

[Elaine L.]

Karla, this is so sad, but I think you did the right thing. Poor little guy was ready to go. I think he's in doggy heaven without any limitations living free.

~elaine~

[Samantha]

Oh Karla, what a rough, sad day you've had. Isn't it amazing how our fur babies become another member of the family...and how heartbreaking it is as they get older? He had a nice long life, full of love...I'm sure he's at peace now.

[Charlotte Smothers]

I came over to your site expecting the usual wacky fun, and wasn't prepared for such heart wrenching sharing. But I immediately got on board: because you express your feelings, both the good and bad, so well, and because we are struggling in much the same way with our 16 year old border collie mix. Over the years we have made the decision to say good bye to quite a few dogs...I don't want to play God again. Yet, I totally agree that we dog guardians still need to be ready should the quality of life plummet. Thank you, Karla, for putting many of my feelings into words. By the way, my mom has a terrific, natural cleaner she mixes up. I'll email you the recipe.

[Kathy]

He's lucky he had you - and you him. Everything you said was so true. That decision is one of the hardest in life I think. You made the right one. Cry your heart out. You loved him. You did everything right, Karla. Hugs - Kathy

[All Things Beautiful]

So sorry about Bookie. You of all people should know him best so I believe you have done the right thing for him. Be at peace Karla. He knows you loved him.

[lululiz]

i am crying with you now.

[Shirley]

Karla: Your experience is so much like the one I had with my little Gaela two years ago. She had dementia also and could not remember why she had to go outside. I finally had to confine her in a room with a tile floor and throw rugs where she could pee at will and I could clean Up easily. She became very fearful; I couldn't even reach out to touch her because she would flinch each time. Nevertheless, it was heartbreaking for me (I'm crying now) to put her down. I still miss her everyday even though I now have another dog. She will always be my little Gaela Marie, a very special little Norwich Terrier. I am so sorry for your loss.

[karen]

Oh I so know how you feel! We had a cat neamed Boswell that lived to be 22 yrs old but his last year and a half he was almost blind and hard of hearing and I believe had kitty dementia. He would get lost in the back yard and caught up in things and we always had to worry about him. He was a mess and he stunk but we loved him all the same...I was relieved when it was his time but then was soooo sad!
So sorry for your loss! Little Bookie was a lucky pup to have you! hugs! karen...

[Evelyn]

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's never easy, no matter how prepared you think you might be. Hugs and prayers to you.

[Saucy Chick Sherry]

I cannot imagine your loss even as I struggle with the choice I too must make some day soon with my aging 17 year old furchild kitty. May your memories help and bring you peace. Thank you for sharing.

[Kristi]

Karla I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sitting at work in tears after reading your post. I know all too well the heartache that comes with losing a fur baby. My sweet kitty Sugar was 12 and had several health issues that led to the most difficult decision of letting her go. The pain is still here and I still catch myself watching for her or thinking I see her out of the corner of my eye. These amazing little furry creatures are truly gifts from God & bring so much laughter and companionship into our lives. Be easy with yourself and remember your sweet Bookie knew he was loved & had you whispering his favorite things in his ear as he left this earth, what a precious way to go. Be gentle with yourself and give lots of hugs to your other little dorkies. Love & prayers to you.

[Sharon, Morrison Mercantile]

:-( it is not easy to be a responsible parent.
You did the most humane action, even though it
breaks your heart. Thoughts are with you.
Sharon

[Myrna]

What a sweet and poignant post, Karla. I am so sorry for your loss.

[Paula]

I am devasted for you and your family. We had to make that hard decision last year with our beagle, Chelsea. I too have a photo of her last day. It's on the frig & sometimes when I look at her eyes, I wonder if she wished I had made the decision sooner. I believe Bookie, Chelsea, and all the loved ones we have lost are truly fluttering above us playing happily in the fluffy cotton candy clouds... looking down at us silly humans:) Love ya

[elaine]

Hugs to you....he was a lucky dog to have found such a loving and caring home to support him through the last few years. It's never easy to take care of an ailing older dog...you've shown amazing love.

[Tabitha]

I'm so sorry, it's hard to do, but it was the best thing for him. We have an older golden who's "on watch" right now--she's stinky and muddy and needs help getting up stairs, but we love her so much. I have a Charlie Brown cartoon that appeared in the paper the same day that we had to put our last dog down. It was Linus & Charlie Brown sitting out looking at the stars and Linus is talking about how amazing it is that there are billions of stars, etc. and how that really put things into perspective, huh? Charlie Brown's reply, "I miss my dog".

[marilyn]

Oh, Karla, I'm so sorry! Bookie...what a lucky little guy he was to spend his good days and his rough later days with you;) Sending you hugs!!!

[Cathy Kizerian]

Oh my, I am crying too. How hard it must be to wrestle with conflicting feelings. Deep down, the love never dies, but it’s hard when they get older... You expressed the feelings (so well!) that many of us have with our aging pets.... how do you know when THE time comes? My heart goes out to you, dear one! Bookie was loved, and his needs met as best as you could understand them. Big hugs, Cathy

[Sheila R]

Tears just stream down... for you and your family. It is not easy as these little guys get old. He was such a lucky dog!

Sending hugs your way...

[Vicki]

Oh,Dear Karla
No words can sooth the pain,no words to explain that I have been there will help the pain,really neither will time. They are always in our hearts!
Each one that we lose breaks our hearts,and a tiny patch with Doorkies name is over the break...at times that pain will leak out,tears will fall...but he had a home,food and love

[cheryl liberty]

We love our pets ,don't we Karla, as they are our family. It is the hardest and yet kindest thing to do when the time comes. We sob our eyes out, are hearts are empty, and we always love them even when we have other dogs that come after them. Life. I hope you are not sad for too long, let your two other dorkies cheer you up and the outpouring of sympathy from friends near and far. cheryl liberty

[Theresa Smith]

awh! Sweetie I'm so sorry!
Theresa
aka:tot

[Charlene]

Karla,
I'm sorry you had such a rough day/time with your sweet/stinky Dorkie. You made the right decision because when he could no longer eat... And what is life being lost, scared, confused, alone? That's not living... You have the other Dorkies to help with the loss but, he was your first Dorkie so it's OK to be sad for awhile. HUGS
Charlene

[Irma's Rose Cottage]

Oh Karla, I'm so sorry to hear about Bookie, tears are rolling down my face as I read your story. We just brought our own dog back from the vet as she had surgery to remove a cyst and she too is in her old age, with her stinky little smell...well her big stinky smell. She sometimes loses control of her legs and falls down, but I don't think it's her time yet.

((Hugs))

Irma :)

[Julie]

Karla - we lost our best boy Gryphon unexpectantly last September. He was 14 and had his "issues" too. I know your loss. I still think he is waiting outside my office door for me to trip over - we miss him just like you will miss Bookie. But if he had a happy life (apparently cheese was a big part of it) thats all that matters. All dog lovers grieve with you today. J

[Sharon, Morrison Mercantile]

Still thinking about your little Bookie.

[jeanie]

Dear Karla -- I'm sitting here with a lump in my throat the size of a grapefruit. Your story is wonderful -- and I think you were brave to share it. And, I can say it's a story many have experienced. The frustration, the love, the longing for what was, the knowledge of what will be. We can say it's part of life -- it is. And part of what to expect when you have a pet. It is. And that it's better for the animal. It is. But they are part of our families and they hold a huge place in our hearts. I cry for you. I cry for all of us who have said goodbye. And I cry for all of us who someday will say goodbye again. I count myself in those numbers, hoping it isn't too soon. I've gotta go now. I'm so sorry.

[Sandy L.]

Oh Karla, I know how hard it is. Many years ago I had 3 Yorkies and one got stinky like your Dorkie. It hurts so bad to say goodbye to a sweet old friend. Those tears help wash away the bad times and will help us remember the good memories more clearly. Time will help you heal and you'll remember Bookie for all the good times.

[debbie york]

Karla,
As much as I hate aging, it was harder to watch my Jakie dog grow old. I was facing that same decision when God stepped in and took him while he slept New Year's Eve. My heart is breaking for yours right now...I know how much it hurts to lose our little boys in fur suits. I will be thinking of your Bookie and my Jakie tonight when I say my prayers.
Debbie

[Cheri B.]

I don't know you. This is the first time I've even read your blog and here i am in tears about your dorkie little Yorkie.

Anyone that loves animals knows just how you feel today. Everyone taking the time to post is really wrapping you in their arms and rocking.

Something tells me your little boy had a great life..come on ..cheese??! Yep!

[Cheryl stoneham]

Karla,
Sending you a big hug. Bookie was so lucky to have you for his 16 years. It is so difficult to lose one of our fur children. Thinking of you and I can't wait to play at moulin with you next week! ....and I'm joining you in Asheville in October!!
Xo
Cheryl

[Lisa H.]

:-(

[Cassandra]

awww gosh, now I'm in tears, as I know the love you had for him. Big hug to you. Sixteen years is a long time, hard to let them go but I know you did what was best for him.

Thank you for sharing. Another hug to you.

[suzeeez]

Karla once again you have brought tears to my eyes. It makes me think of my own two little fur balls who are getting old fast. I too had to let go of a little one at 17 and on at 18 years old. It was awful. I'm so sorry that you've been going through this. The poor old baby, I'm sure he had a wonderful life with you. HUGS, Sue

[Diane]

Mt heart is with you! I have had several dogs put down to old age and it was never pleasant even tho it was the best for the pet. I still miss them all. I did feel guilty but I also knew that life as they knew it before would never be the same for them. They were at a point of no return. My yard is a doggie cemetary. I'm thinking about you, you had to make a very hard decision, but a blessed one for Bookie

[Gayla]

Thought I'd sneak in a little blogging and catching up during my last hour comp class. Oh, Karla. This is a beautiful tribute to your sweet dog. And I bawled all the rest of the hour. Thanks for sharing. I am sorry for your sadness and I know he had a wonderful life.

It reminds me of our Sasha, my dear friend's dog... Such a dear.

[Karen Bailey]

Dear Karla,
I am crying whilst writing this to you. I am so sorry about your little dog. It must have been so very hard to let go, but he is without pain and worries where he is now and I am sure he remembers you in a very good way and not to do with anything bad.
I send you my thoughts
hugs
Karen B. ~Todolwen

[GerryART]

Oh, how we love our babies.
Warmest of hugs,
Gerry

[Laraine Atherton]

I am crying...........

[Sherry]

This made me sad but now he's an angel dorkie!

[Laurie in TN]

You are so honest. That is not easy, but it is appreciated. I understand how you felt about your Bookie, your sense of commitment and responsibility, your honoring of the dog he used to be despite the dog he had become. He was one lucky dog to be a part of your family.

I'm sorry for your loss.

[Laurie]

*Sniffle* this is me crying on my keyboard. I understand. This is the reality of the end, sometimes. Hugs.

[jeanine mayden]

i cried with you. i don't care how ready they are and you think you are-guilt just comes into play always. so don't feel guilty - you gave him a great home- i like what beth said about him too. he looked so sweet even to the last. so sorry for your loss. God Bless you, Jeanine

[Susanne]

Alot of us pet owners have had to make that "when?" choice, never easy.
Sorry for your loss, prayers of comfort,
Susanne.

[sadie]

you've made me cry. No need for guilt. you did the kindest thing. Never and easy decision, but sometimes the only one. And I'm sure he had the best life with you .

xx

[Andrea at Opulent Cottage]

Karla, I am so sorry for your loss. We just lost our sweet girl in Feburary, unexpectedly, and I so wished that I had been able to get to the point of being fed up. But now I see that maybe it's not really any easier. I hope your other sweet dorkies are giving you comfort! Here's a sweet story that a blog friend sent to me:

Rainbow's Bridge
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...

[thrifty_misspriss]

Aww Karla I'm sorry!
So sweet you whispered his favorite words to him!
Xo
Robin

[Heather]

I am behind on reading so I am just learning about dear little Bookie. You were such a good mama to him and gave him so much. I am crying reading your post and sending you such big hugs and gentle words that you must not feel guilty. You did right by Bookie and he knew it and we all know it. Know that in your heart. What a sweet little old man dog. he will rest in peace.

HUGS