When a pet dies, it is often one of the saddest things a person can go through. One day there’s a furry creature at the door or jumping on the bed to cuddle, and the next day it’s gone. It’s a sad and lonely feeling. It’s even worse having to make the decision to put a pet to sleep. I’ve had to go through this too many times. Everyone seems to handle it differently.
I recently learned that a friend of mine, Don Stokes, had to put his beloved Indigo to sleep because she had cancer. I met Stokes and Indigo at a dog photo-shoot fundraiser a few years ago. Indigo was a rescued pit bull and Stokes fell in love with her gentle soul. The two were inseparable. Indigo finally became a loved and cherished pet. Stokes would take her hiking, to the beach and on long car rides. I loved the way she looked at him with such love in her eyes.
With a deep sadness, Stokes told me, “I’m spending the remaining hours with Indigo, the best dog ever. She is going to meet God tomorrow because her lymphatic cancer is getting the best of her. Indigo will forever be remembered.” Hearing that reminded me of all the animals I’ve lost over the years, and of the many friends who have gone through the same grief.
My dad had to put his best friend to sleep more than 10 years ago. His name was Thumper and I brought him to my dad because a college roommate was tired of him and getting ready to take him to the pound. He was a gorgeous Sheltie and the minute my dad met him, the two were joined at the hip. I guess I know where I received my love for animals. Thumper was one spoiled dog and he deserved it. I’ll never forget the day my dad told me Thumper was gone. His eyes were full of tears and his voice shaky. I’ve only seen my dad cry three times in my life: when Thumper died, when our horse Peaches died and when his father died.
Petey and Jackie were my New York City cats. They both lived long lives after we moved to Culver City. I’ll never forget either one. And I’ll never forget the horrible decision I had to make for both. Petey had lung cancer, and I didn’t know it until it was too late. Many times, animals hide their illness. It’s an ingrained trait left over from years in the wild. I had to decide whether or not to put her down in a matter of hours. It was the weekend and the veterinarian wouldn’t be there, and Petey was taking a turn for the worse. I couldn’t bear the thought of her lungs collapsing and being in severe pain, so I chose to let her go peacefully.
Jackie was another story. We had taken a trip to visit friends and when we returned (at midnight on a Sunday), my sweet one-eyed cat was lying on the floor, barely moving. The minute I saw her face, I knew something was terribly wrong. I bent over to pet her and she let out a gut-wrenching wail. I picked her up and cradled her in my arms. She wouldn’t stop crying and neither could I. I called my veterinarian at home and he graciously made a trip to his office to put sweet Jackie out of her misery. Just thinking about it gives me a lump in my throat.
My heart goes out to Stokes and those going through similar experiences. It’s never easy but it’s comforting to know that all my pets knew how much I loved them. The bond between a pet and human is something that everyone should experience – the unconditional love and companionship. I’ve learned from experience that the heartache does fade and the hole in one’s heart eventually gets smaller.
Indigo, I’m so glad I got to meet you. This is for your daddy:
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, with your beloved pet by your side, you cross Rainbow Bridge together.
(The Rainbow Bridge, a poem inspired by a Norse legend.)
Lori Fusaro has been voted the best portrait photographer by FoxTV three years in a row. She lives in Culver City with her husband, four cats and dog. Contact: Lori@FusaroPhotography.com, FusaroPhotography.com.