Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Gomer Has Crossed The Rainbow Bridge

Last night, at 7:15 p.m., I held Gomer's head as he quietly walked across the rainbow bridge.

He noticeably hadn't felt well for about a week, which I attributed to the stress of moving to a new place, then leaving on vacation, then bringing back a puppy from Ohio to live with us for a week. But, when he wouldn't eat at all, I noted that he was severly jaundiced and rushed him into the vet at Pet Crossing Animal Hospital. The bloodwork, of course showed very high liver values.

I tried very hard to ignore his pleas to let him go; I wanted the analytical me to win. To run all the tests and get all the information before making the ultimate decision. But, after five hours of treatments and IV fluids, I looked into his eyes and he asked me to please let him go. It was one of the most difficult things I've had to do. But I know in my heart that I did the right thing. Maybe not for me, but for him.

I miss him horribly and expect that I will for a very long time. I take comfort in knowing that I am a much better person for having accepted the scared little dumpster dog into my home, my life and my heart.

To steal a post idea from Hercules' dad when Herc crossed the rainbow bridge, here's a short list of things that I learned from Gomer. As those who knew him will understand, he taught me so much more than the items listed below... but these are the things I remember today.

Things I learned from Gomer...

  • This world is a scary, dangerous place. But, with the right people to watch your back, everything will turn out ok. That... and a lot of the things that we fear the most aren't really all that scary once we understand them.
  • Every single being, no matter what their faults and how mean they can be, has value. Even the guy who threw Gomer in the dumpster had value… if he hadn’t, I wouldn’t have had Gomer as a part of my life for the past nine years.
  • With the right encouragement and acceptance, every single one of us can excel at fulfilling our purpose in life. Gomer’s first evaluation was that he’d always be feral and never be a good pet. Luckily, enough of us believed more in him than in the opinions of the “experts.”
  • Don’t always act in the way that someone else believes is appropriate. Sometimes you need to run around like a crazy person and release pent up energy. And, sometimes you just need to lie down and let someone who loves you rub your belly.
  • Life is what you make it. You can be scared, dissatisfied and blame others for your problems… or you can accept what it is and hold onto the hope that the rewards and treats will always come later.
  • If your people can’t hear your words, talk to them with your eyes, your paws and your tail. And keep communicating how much you love them until they understand.


Opie and I are doing fine, all things considered. Thank you for listening with your eyes today.

Dogmom

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dogmom, you're strong in doing the right thing for Gomer.

Peanut said...

We are so sorry about Gomer. You did what was best for him.

Ari_1965 said...

A beautiful post, Trish. Best wishes.

KEY WEST COLLIES said...

We will spread the word. Gomer will be missed as much good was done in his name.

The Collies

Jans Funny Farm said...

We read about Gomer on Essex & Deacon's blog. It sounds as if you got a terrific friend the day you found Gomer. And then Opie. We know Gomer will be greatly missed. Warm purrs and tail wags.

Asta said...

Dear Dogmom and Opie
I nevew knew sweet Gomew, but would like to thank you fow giving him all youw love and a wondewful home. I know his time wif you wasn't long enuff, but he must have packed a lot of adventoowes and fun and joy into the yeaws he had his fuwwevew home wif you.
I hope youw heawts heal.
Run fwee Gomew. you awe an inspiwation. I hope to meet you paw to paw and snout to snout someday ovew the bwidge
smoochie sad kisses
ASTA

Opy - the Original GruffPuppy said...

Hi,

Having just gone through the same with Charlie - I know what you are going through and my heart breaks for you.

Take care - and run free sweet Gomer, you have earned your angel wings buddy.

Love

Brooke, Greg, Angel Charlie, Opy & Benson

Jake of Florida said...

We visited you way way back -- and remember how touched we were at all you do for us doggies.

Our pals Essex and Deacon wrote a beautiful obituary for Gomer -- and, in reading your post about all the things he taught you, we feel recharged to try to be better dog citizens.

Those belly rubs sound pretty cool though.

We hope our healing thoughts from 90-degree South Florida will be of some comfort to you way up there in Minnesota!!

Wirey woofs,

Jake and Just Harry

texaslauren77 said...

I am so sorry for your loss!! I'm actually in tears at my desk after reading about this because I know how wonderful our pets are and how much they mean to us! Gomer is happy and playing on the other side of the rainbow bridge and will be there waiting for you one day with tail wags and big doggy kisses!

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

Hurro, I just came by from the collies and wanted to give my sorries for your sad loss. :(
~lickies, Ludo

Moco said...

We are so sorry to hear about Gomer, but know that he is at the Bridge playing his heart out at this very moment. Thanks for all the beautiful thoughts.

Lacy said...

sad woofs, we is sooo sorry...dang its sooo hard to let them go..Gomer is a puppy now, playing wiff my sis Lacy and all our other friends..u had a bute ti ful friendship with him..ur in our thoughts and prayers...RIP Gomer, run with the wind..

a sad,
rocky
bear
angel lacylulu
and mama..

The Airechicks said...

Very sorry to hear of the loss of Gomer.

We know your hearts are broken..we'll hold you guys tight in our prayers.

What a wonderful gift you gave him!!

XXoooXXoo

Molly the Airedale said...

We are so very sorry to hear about Gomer. We wish we had gotten to know him! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Sorry to see the sad news on The DWB Blog...

Woo showed him the best gift of all: listening to him and letting him go...

Woo are to be khommended!

I know C$ is showing him the sights already!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Anonymous said...

I don't know who was luckier ... Gomer, because you rescued him, or you, because you had so many good years with Gomer ... maybe it was a tie. I do know you loved each other and he'll be reunited with you some day ...

-- Your friend Angel

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Oh no...we just read about this and wanted to come by to offer our support and love...

It sounds like you know you made the best decision of Gomer, but it's so hard to watch them go...

We want you to know that you are not alone in this time of sadness...you have the whole DWB's community here wishing you well and keeping you in our thoughts...


Lots of love


Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley...

Terriers from PA

Raising Addie said...

...tears... our hearts are breaking for you. Take comfort in the fact that he is free of pain and watching over you.

Lots of Luv & Kisses
Addie, Lucie, and Hailey

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

So very sorry to hear of your loss. But know that you did the best thing you could for Gomer. We were in the same place as you only two months ago, so we so understand your heartache.

Hugs, the OP Pack

River said...

We hadn't visited your blog in a while and we are so sorry to hear that you have lost Gomer. It's the hardest thing on the planet to decide to let go, so hard and so painful. It always seems too soon for them to go. We are thinking of you and sending hugs!

love & wags,
River & River's mom, Stephanie

Princess Patches said...

We are soooooo sorry! Run free, Gomer, and play with all our buddies who met you at the bridge!

Aire-hugs,
Poppy, Penny & Patches

Mango the Maltese kiddo said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Gomer's passing.
Thanks Dogmom for giving Gomer a beautiful life, he will be missed!
((((Hugs))))

Murphy Dogg said...

Sorry to hear about Gomer, but it sounds like you gave him a beautiful life while he was here on earth. What a great Dogmom!

Teddy said...

You gave Gomer a beautiful life after his rough start. I can't imagine how anyone could throw a puppy in a dumpster. It sounds like you were blessed too. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Teddy, T-man Angel, CC-man and mom

heatnhumidity said...

Gomer now runs with Sam, Honey, Mac and Bobby!! Be strong.

Agatha and Archie said...

We didn't know Gomer but can tell he had a wonderfull life with you..He is up at the Bridge with a lot of very good compnay. Our hearts ache for you..Agatha and Archie

Ruby and Penny said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Run with the wind Gomer.
Hugs to you.
Love Ruby & Penny

Various and Sunday said...

Big hugs to you and yours in your time of loss... I understand all too well, and wish your heart the warmth and time it needs to heal. What beautiful lessons dear Gomer taught. They are so wise, so evolved, i think even more so than we humans sometimes. thank you for sharing - Robin

Pippa said...

Thinking of you, and sending condolences your way and good thoughts to Gomer at the bridge.

Katherine and Pippa

Jason said...

This is a great site that you have here. I have a blog myself where anyone can freely express their opinion on controversial topics. After looking at your site, I know that you have some valuable insight that you can share with us.

Keep up the good work. Maybe we can do a link exchange.

Sincerely,
Jason

Golden Samantha said...

I am so sorry about Gomer. I haven't known you, but thank you for teaching me how to be a better dogmom myself. You are incredibly strong and have tremendous respect for you for having made the right decisions.
Hugs xo
Sammie,Miche and Bill