SAPPY Pet Loss & Grief Support Group of San Antonio: June 2011

June 1, 2011

Healing happens in the morning

Yes, healing does happens in the morning! I can remember the day my husband and I had to say farewell to our little Chihuahua Sappy. It was such a horrible experience. Driving Sappy to the vet to do something I never thought I could do.

Sappy was diagnosed with bladder cancer in early June 2003. When I got the news, it was like a ton of bricks hit me. How could this be? My little dog has what? Oh my gosh! Was I dreaming or was this real!? It was real. The grieving kicked in. The vet kept talking, and all I could do is look at Sappy's eyes stare into mine. I could hear him speak into my heart, "Mommy, it'll be OK. God is with us, remember? God is with us!" He helped to calm me, and he also reminded me of our God who has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

After the vet was done talking to us, we walked out of the clinic in disbelief. I carried my little white longhaired, 6 pound dog in my arms and sat in the car in silence. I felt numb and very sad. For the next three months, I grieved. God allowed me to love Sappy for three months from the diagnosis. I kissed him more than usual. I had long conversations with him about Heaven. And, he listened. Sappy was extremely special.

So on Monday, August 4, 2003, with shaky knees and sweaty palms, I carried my little Sappy boy into the vet's clinic to help send him safely home (Heaven). It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. He quietly fell asleep and ran into eternity with God. He was ready. He knew God. There wasn't one day we never talked about God. My fur baby is with God now. :)

I miss him so very much, and the tears are rolling down my face as I write in my blog. And, even after crying for several months, healing came! I still remember him and I'll never forget him ... NEVER!!!!! But, God has healed my broken heart enough to allow for me to love another dog. He's not Sappy, but he is very wonderful too. I adopted another fur baby in honor of Sappy. This little dog has helped me grieve and love again!

My Sappy: I will love you, forever! And, I will see you again in Heaven. That's a promise from God.

After a night of crying, healing came in the morning!

Carol at Tribute to Tails 06'

Carol holds a poster-sized photo of her beloved Junior. Little Junior passed away in 2006. The following is a poem she wrote in honor of Junior. Here it goes: "This is a poem I wrote about Junior. He was born into my hand over 16 years ago and passed away a little over a month ago. Junior, my baby; my little man...you were my heart’s delight, the day you came into my life. Born in my hand, you looked so grand. I knew right then, you were my little man. Even though you only had three legs and no tail, you were going to be the best dog ever, I could tell. All odds were against you! The doctor said you had no chance, but you learned to run, bark and sing. You even learned how to dance! A happy life you did lead; that is why I find it hard to believe. Out of my sight,but not out of my heart. My precious baby, we will never be apart! We will never say good-bye! Just see you later, my little guy." By Carol Fink

Gracie "Gremmo"

Our precious Grace. She came into our lives in 1994. I was driving through a neighborhood and noticed this little creature crossing the icy cold street. It was very cold and dark that night. I had gone to my sister's house to pick up something and on my way home, I met Ms. Grace. I got out of my car and reached for her. She came quickly to my arms and I brought her home. I bathed her in warm water and soap. Cleaned her up, dried her and fed her a nice warm meal. She was so grateful. I remember seeing her little tail wag, wag, wag with gladness and thankfulness. She was my little Gracie girl. In April 2006, she passed away. She's now in heaven with Jesus, resting in God's beautiful pastures. She's with God and Sappy! My husband often called her "Gremmo," short for Gremlin.

Frieda

The following is a special poem written by my dear friend Maureen. Maureen wrote this beautiful poem shortly after Frieda went to heaven. Maureen and Frank are a special couple and I love them lots! A Tribute to Frieda: You walked and ran us thousands of miles,Greeted us with full body wags and smiles,Regarded all humans you knew as your peers,Comforted Grandma through her final years,Accepted your decline with dignity and grace,We’ll never forget your sweet, loving face.Monday, June 3, 1991 – the day we found you – and joy in our lives.

Pets Leave Pawprints

When the day arrives for us to say farewell to those beautiful creatures God called us to take care of here on earth, it's very difficult. I remember feeling empty and crushed inside. My heart was broken in millions of tiny pieces. I really felt a huge hole in my heart. That afternoon felt like the world was ending for me and my husband. It's been three years since our Sappy went to heaven with God. I still miss him and I find myself crying at times when I think of certain things about him. He was quite the gentleman. He was a handsome boy and very polite. I sure do miss him, but I know that he's in heaven with God, Almighty.
Have you ever read the Bible? There's some scripture that strongly indicates that our pets do go to heaven. It's true! They do go to heaven. I'll share more with you soon. Until then, keep your eyes on God and trust that your pet is in heaven too.

SAPPY Pet Loss & Grief Support Group of San Antonio

June 1, 2011

Tribute to Tails 2006

Tribute to Tails 2007