Today is one of the toughest day of this past year. Who knew that one year ago today that I would be working and Sassy would be spending her last day at home with me. I just still can’t believe she is gone. These anniversarys are tough but I think this one is the toughest for me. Yesterday a happy day celebrating Jazz & Snickers 1st birthday but I knew this one was right around the corner.
Sally told me when we got Snickers & Jasmine that Sassy had a hand in picking them out. She probably did. I want everyone to know without all of you I wouldn’t make it through days like this. Each and everyone of you are special.
New members if you are reading this also I want you to know that just because your baby is on a journey weather its with cancer or not this “Family” as I think of them is awesome. Let us be there for the happy & sad times too. Don’t feel bad for posting great things about your furbaby even if there is something sad that happens that day. We want to hear the good things. We need to hear them.
As I look back I try not to think “what if I did this or did that” “could I have done something different” If I added more supplements, did a different chemo regimen would it made any difference?? I know we all think that and its hard not to think that way. We try to “Be More Dog”. That was something Sassy taught me in this journey. Live for the moment. Forget all the bad things that are going on because she didn’t know she was sick. There are many many days I wish she was still here for me. I know she is watching. I feel her, I find her pennies, nickels & dimes from heaven so I know she is guiding me.
I stole this poem from Libby’s mom Amy. I thought it fit perfectly for today. So, like I did on my forum post I am going to post it and some pictures of my baby.
sassy giving me kisses
A Loan From God
God promised at the birth of time,
A special friend to give,
His time on earth is short, he said,
So love him while he lives.
It may be six or seven years,
Or twelve or then sixteen,
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for me?
A wagging tail and cold wet nose,
And silken velvet ears,
A heart as big as all outdoors,
To love you through the years.
His puppy ways will gladden you,
And antics bring a smile,
As guardian or friend he will,
Be loyal all the while.
He’ll bring his charms to grace your life,
And though his stay be brief,
When he’s gone the memories,
Are solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But lessons only a dog can teach,
I want you each to learn.
Whatever love you give to him,
Returns in triple measure,
Follow his lead and gain a life,
Brim full of simple pleasure.
Enjoy each day as it comes,
Allow your heart to guide,
Be loyal and steadfast in love,
As the dog there by your side.
Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call,
To take him back again?
I fancy each of us would say,
“Dear Lord, thy will be done,
For all the joy this dog shall bring,
The risk of grief we’ll run.
“We’ll shelter him with tenderness,
We’ll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we’ve known,
Forever grateful stay.
“But shall the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we’ve planned,
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.”
And here is a video I did to honor Sassy
Hugs to you and Snickers and Jazz during this difficult time. Almost a year coming up soon for Roxy, the same week we got Zeus. I plan on having a little memorial BBQ to honour Zeus Gotcha and Roxy’s angelversary.
Oh, beautiful tribute! Perfect!!! Love the poem. Sassy was well loved. Hugs! Lori and Ty
Oh that poem…. so much for my mascara today!!! Sassy was so loved … and she loved you SO much!!! You can see it in her eyes. What an awful month August was for our Tripawds family (just read about Roxy too). Hugs and love!~
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart
How i n the world do you find words to describe what we just saw? How do you do that? Especially when you’ve collapsed into a puddle of tears on the floor!
Michelle, the songs, the pictures, the video…OMD, the video…it just could not be a more perfect celebration!
Sassy sure is “the right one” for you and you sure are the “right one” for her!
And you darn right, nothing kept her down!! She loved her life to the fullest and loved every second she was with you!!
And you BOTH are survivors and you BOTH continue to make such a difference in the lives of all of us!
I love the way you blended THE portrait pictures together….I love the way you blended everything together! A professional editor could not have come close to doing such a splendid job. That’s because every single thing you did here was guided by your love for Sassy…and her love for you.
Thank you for remembering her buddies too. That was so kind of you. We are definitely all family here.
You just captured the essence of Sassy Sugar Bear just brilliantly! Such a beautiful soul, inside and out! And ALWAYS so happy….well, maybe a tiny weeny less happy when she had to wear her antlers!
I loved seeing her take off on that long leash with such grace…”don’t need no stinkin fourth leg!”
Michelle, thank you for sharing this magnificent tribute! It means the world to us! We all care so deeply about you and Sassy. This whole community is enriched because you are here…BOTH of you are HERE!!
And you better believe Sassy planned all along for you to get TWO bundles of puppy joy to help you laugh again! She loves it when you laugh! And she knew Bosch would help you raise them!
And that poem…oh my…yes, our dogs and kitties are just on loan, but knowing that doesn’t make it any easier!
I shall light a candle tonight and place it by Sassy’s picture. It is a reminder to all of us that her bright light still shines on us and can never be dimmed!
Surrounding you with love and Sassy’s eternal grace…and huge smile!!!
Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
What a heartfelt, lovely poem Michelle, thank you for sharing it.
When Sassy and Brendol left us on the same day, it was the worst day in Tripawds community history. I still can’t believe how it all happened. Our hearts shattered into a million pieces.
In one year though, you have helped so many people see that life can continue in our furkids’ honor, that we can keep their spirit alive by helping others and showing them what’s possible if they can do their best to stay pawsitive and Be More Dog. Thank you for all you do here, to help others even when you feel awful, to open your heart to new members, to share Sassy’s life with us even though it’s not the easiest thing to do on days like this. We are in awe of your strength and courage and send you lots and lots of gratitude and love today, and always. THANK YOU. Sassy is so proud.
Absolutely LOVE that poem!!!
and yes girlfriend.. we have all “Chosen Tears” here.. haven’t we?
Today is such a sweet, special, bitter, painful day. I am
sure that a year to them at Rainbow Bridge probably only feels like hours!
I found myself always looking at the clock on May 15th.. and saying to myself.. “a year ago at this time.. I was doing……… ” I am sure you are doing that too! And that is ok… cause we understand…
What a great video!!! and how special to include everyone who has taken this journey with you!! how sweet to see my Frank’n’farter up there.. and in such a special moment where were just loving our dawgs! Thank you.. for including that!
A year flies by sooo fast.. and although we miss our furkidlets like crazy… we have so much to look forwad to creating more memories with our furkidlets we have now!
hugs my friend…
Christine… with Franklin in her heart♥
Dear Michelle,
I know today must be a very hard day for you!! I’m sure Sassy is with you in all forms and shapes and hopefully she is providing comfort to you that she is doing great.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Stirling and Tahoe
I’ll be brief Michelle, because you know how I fell. “Hugs”
Karma
Michelle,
As you know, I am in the same boat as you during this time frame. Hugs to you, my friend….that poem is absolutely a tear jerker and one that really rings true, doesn’t it.
Hugs to you…
Tracy & Spirit Maggie