Friday, October 22, 2010

FLY FREE, SWEET "APPLES"!

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!!!
MAXMOM and TOBY here...

Dear friends...

Today I am dedicating this blogpost to a special cyber-friend...
"NADINE "

Please allow me to explain:...

As bloggers we might not realise,  that our community is much larger than what generally meets the eye.  Usually we interact with other bloggers who make themselves visible through the forum of the blogs, but there are others - often called 'lurkers'- who frequently visit our blogs, but who choose to not have a blog of their own.  They are our readers 'in the background' and are often deeply affected by the stories and anecdotes which we post.

It is for this reason, that my blogs have always been about
'sharing, caring and positivity'.
(one never know who you will touch with your words!)

 I have been acutely aware of the thousands of people out there who, like me, hesitated to start a blog of their own. Often my posts have been subtly directed at these 'anonymous' friends in the hope that one day they might become visible and be able to partake and contribute to the wonderful friendships within
'The Power of the Paw'. 
 Often however, they choose to remain anonymous and stay in the sidelines.

During Maxdog's 'Days of Grace', some of these folks were so affected by the plight of my beloved companion that they indeed made contact with me behind the scenes.  Many of them shared their own stories of pain with their canine/feline companions.  Their plights were real to me, despite them not having blogs of their own. I so wish that one day they will come on board and be part of this powerful cyber- phenomenon called blogging!!!

One of these 'anonymous' people on my blog is a reader called
 'NADINE'
She has been a faithful follower of my blogs for many months and will often comment under the name "MySpecialDoggies", but she doesn't have a blog of her own . 

Sadly, Nadine wrote to me this morning and I would like to share her note with you: 

---xXx---

"To everything there is a season...


I let my Apples go this evening - 8:40 p.m. at the University of Pennsylvania hospital. I gave her peace. My doggie was struggling - she couldn't stand up anymore - we had to help her with walking. She was crying in the car as we drove to the hospital - my doggie was a fighter. The pain and emptiness is intense. As her heart beat for the last time, it broke mine. My doggie is gone forever...




Run free sweet Apples - free from pain & suffering. My little rescue doggie - I love & miss you so very much..."

---xXx---


Since Nadine doesn't have a blog of her own, I have no idea how to enable her to experience the incredible love of...

"THE POWER OF THE PAW"
and
"THE CIRCLE OF PAWS"

For this reason, I have decided to enable Toby's blog today - for her benefit and in trust - so that she may experience some of this love and support. I have full faith in the blogging community that we will do this for her.

I have also lit a candle for her and "Apples"
If you like, you can view it there...I have initialed it "MM" .
I also want to dedicate the 'comments' section of this blog today
... to Nadine
so that she can experience the love which the cyber-world has to offer.
 
Please would you consider leaving a note, NOT FOR ME, but ...
FOR HER today...

---xXx---

 "FLY FREE, SWEET APPLES!"

---xXx---

My message is also to ALL those anonymous folk who read our blogs....

WE LOVE YOU TOO!!!
THE POWER OF THE PAW IS BIGGER THAT WHAT IT SEEMS!!!


Sending lotsaluv to everyone


41 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bless you Nadine - for giving your rescue doggie Apples a wonderful life. She will live in your heart forever! All our prayers, Margie and the Danes (Saxy & Obi)

verobirdie said...

So sorry Nadine that Apples is no longer with you. You know she has met all our friends who have already crossed the bridge, and they are all chatting together!

Maxmom said...

Dear Nadine...
I am so sorry for your loss! May the beautiful memories you have of 'Apples' remain with you always but get stronger daily.
We love you!
Lotsaluv
MAXMOM IN SA

Unknown said...

Dear Nadine,

We know that feeling of heartache and pain and we're so sorry you had to go through with it. The pain will always be there but with it, you will grow stronger everyday.
May Apples run happily in the rainbow bridge. Our thoughts are with you today.

Kasha The Dainty Great Dane said...

Hello Nadine,

I'm so sorry for your loss of Apples, I don't know either of you but if you are a cyber friend of Maxmom then you are a friend of ours. May your sweet Apples run free with my Bootsie who left us last December. Our thoughts are with you during this sad time.

Denise & Kasha the Dainty Great Dane

Martine said...

Dear Nadine,
What a heartbreaking story... As I am a "dog mum" too, I can understand your pain...
You and your baby Apples are in my thoughts and prayers.
Martine from Alsace/France

TimberLove said...

soft husky woooos Nadine,

RA & Isis

houndstooth said...

I think that there are a lot of aspects of owning and sharing your life with a dog that are universal, no matter how you got your dog, what kind of dog he or she is and no matter what social status you live in. One of the hardest and most heartbreaking is when we have to let them go. Even though I don't know you, Nadine, I have been there and our hearts go out to you today! I am sorry for your loss and wish you peace. The only thing that keeps dogs from being perfect is that they don't live forever!

The Heartbeats said...

The power of the paw is pretty awesome Nadine! We all feel your pain and share in your sorrow over Apples.

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

Dear Nadine,

We are so sorry to hear that Apples had to leave you ~ we know you will be hurting a lot right now. (((((hugs))))).
We noticed that you said Apples was a rescue dog, and it fills our hearts with joy to know that this means that the last years of his life will have been happy and loving and his needs will have been met, as he was part of your family. For that we thank you.

Milo and Alfie, and our Mom Jan.

Emma Rose said...

Dear Nadine,
Through this painful time please know there are others thinking of you and praying for you. We understand, we truly do.

The Duchess

Sheila and Bob said...

Dear Nadine;
We know the heartache and tremendous loss that you feel. At this time their are no words.
We have been there and we offer you our sympathy and love.
You did the hardest and most loving act by assisting Apples to the Bridge.
The below words have brought us comfort in the past, we hope it will offer some comfort for you.
God Bless,

Sheila & Bob
Hamish & Rescue Sophie



A Young Dog Once Again

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing when your
best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic that will
Once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.
That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner till the end.
Please, understand just what this gift
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it, too.
So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.
And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.
I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever-faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
... a young dog once again

KT and Easton said...

Our hearts are heavy for Apples and Mom Nadine - our condolences for the loss of your rescued fur-kid. The power of the paw is truly amzaing. Apples is pain free and waiting at the bridge.

KT and Lady

Suka said...

Dear Nadine,

My heart breaks for your loss and my eyes are damp from the tears after reading your sad story. Please accept my deepest heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your precious Apples. You were very brave to let Apples go and free her from her pain. Please know that Apples will always live in your heart and memories, and will always be at your side.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and may you find and receive much strength to get you through this difficult time.

Run free and play and bark sweet Apples!

Peace,

K and Suka

MySpecialDoggies said...

Dear Caryl & friends

I cannot express my gratitude enough for your kind thoughts & prayers & candles for my Apples & me. Caryl - you are a wonderful generous person for sharing your blog and pet companions with all of us. I can't thank you enough for this posting and I have sent you a picture of sweet Apples.

I rescued my Apples when she was 10 1/2 years old - from a "neighbor" who abandoned her when he moved. I brought her home to be Keelee's(1995-2008)K9 companion. She was suffering from mastitis, which was followed by an emergency pyometra spay. Apples & Keelee were the best of friends - Keelee & I taught her how a doggie should live - with love, companionship, good nutrition, etc. Apples' and my life was shattered when Keelee died in 2008 from a brain tumor. She was sad and moping around. We brought golden Neeli into the household as an 8 week old puppy in October 2008. Apples perked up - she had a playmate & a young puppy to train. (I know she gave Neeli many tips - like doing potty up a hill:)) Life was good, but all those years not being spayed & taken care of took its toll. Her mammary tumors started in 2009 - diagnosis - malignant cancer. As time went on, Apples got weaker, but she fought and we gave her the chance to live. My mom & I would carry her up & down the steps in the house, and outside to do business. We experienced 70 + inches of snow this year, one of the most hottest summers in Philadelphia history and then fall crept in. Time wasn't on Apples side - this past Sunday she wasn't able to stand on her own and I knew it was almost time.

On Thursday, 10/21/2010, we made the painful decision to let Apples go. She cried in the car the entire trip to the vet - and I honestly believe it wasn't from pain - but from not wanting to go and leave us. My little rescue was a fighter and I am grateful to God that I was able to give her a chance to live and that He graced me with her presence in my family (human & K9).

As Patricia Burlin Kennedy said in one of her books:

I will carry with me always, the love I saw in my Apples' eyes.

Run free my sweet doggie - free from pain & hurt. Keelee & MaxDog & other doggies are with you now.

Once again, THANK YOU CARYL and THANK YOU all so very much for your support & love.

Tears, hugs & woofs,
Nadine & Neeli
Angel doggie Apples (12/06/1994 - 10/21/2010)

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

Nadine, we are so very sorry for the loss of Apples. You gave her the very best, you rescued her and and gave her a great home, and loved her. Then you gave her the greatest gift of all, you helped her cross and removed her from pain-you let her go. We are sending you many purrs at this time of sorrow.

Junior, Orion and Meowm

D.K. Wall said...

Nadine - We are so sorry for your loss of Apples. Dogs are just the greatest gift to us humans, but they do ask that we help them at the end. It is so painful, but also is the ultimate act of love.

Molly the Airedale said...

Our hearts are breaking for you, Nadine. We wish we could have met Apples. She sounds like she was a wonderful friend to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love ya lots,
Maggie, Mitch and Sue

♥I am Holly♥ said...

Dear Nadine, we are so very sorry to hear about your loss of dear Apples. We truly understand the loss and how hard it is to go through. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Apples is now at the Rainbow Bridge, running free and making lots of great furiends and one day when it is time..you will be together again. Lots of love, Debbie and Holly

WFT Nobby said...

Nadine
So very sorry to hear that you've lost a treasured friend. In time I am sure that your memories of Apples will bring you pleasure that outweighs the pain you now feel. As I experienced earlier this year with my much loved elderly Westie Hamish, it takes great strength of mind to take the decision to relieve one's beloved pet from pain and suffering.
I wish you peace, and time to absorb the loss.
Best wishes,
Gail.

meowmeowmans said...

Dear Nadine,

We are so sorry for your loss. The incredible love you have for Apples is so evident. Thank you for making this painfully difficult, but loving decision. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

The crew at Animal Shelter Volunteer Life
http://animalsheltervolunteer.blogspot.com/

The Life of Riley said...

Dear Nardine,

I’m so sorry to read about Apples. The last visit to the vets is so incredibly hard to do, but from your comment above it sounds like you gave Apples a wonderful life with good care, lots of love and family. She was a lucky dog the day you rescued her, and both your lives are richer because your paths crossed.

May the memories and love that you shared continue to always be with you in your heart.

Thinking of you and sending gentle woofs,
Riley (and his mum)

brooke said...

Nadine, it breaks my heart to hear your story about Apples. You gave her a wonderful life and she can now run free with Maxdog and Keelee.
Hugs and giant Dane kisses from Seattle.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Nadine and family, we are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Apples. She was a very beautiful pup. It is so hard to lose a beloved pet and we understand how sad you are today. But do remember all the good times you had with your sweet girl. It really does help with the pain in your heart. Hugs to you from all of us.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

How Sam Sees It said...

We are sending hugs your way, Nadine.

Sam

sprinkles said...

This post made me tear up. I've lost a beloved pet too. The pain never truly goes away but it does get easier in time.

I'm so sorry for your loss. You gave Apples a beautiful life. And I thank you for that.

Draco and his Mom said...

Dear Nadine, you gave the greatest gift of love to your beloved Apples. I hope in the days to come you will find some peace. RIP pretty girl Apples.

Maggie Mae and Max said...

Miss Nadine,

Mom and me is so sorry fur your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are wif you. Apple had a wunderful life because of you.

Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Sending you lots of Golden LOVE, Thoughts n Prayers ... Nadine. I know it's hard but for sure great precious memories that you'll treasure forever. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Anonymous said...

Nadine, you are a wonderful person to have adopted a companion. To have loved her so very much is fantastic!

I am so glad that Apples lived such a nice long time. It sounds like she had a wonderful life!

I know how much it hurts, but she is always with you. Time does heal all wounds.


Tessa and her Mom Blu

Scout and Freyja said...

I know that I have no words to ease your pain, Nadine. I know because I have been where you are and I will be there again. When we take those lives into our hearts we know that we will have to part one day but we always believe that is far off into the future. But the future has a way of creeping up on us and shaking us to our core. Looking at Apples and knowing the immense love she experienced with you was so bitter-sweet. She was loved and she gave love - no better legacy any of us, human or animal, to leave behind.

Be kind to yourself in these next days - be kind to yourself. Apples would want you to give yourself some love.

Ina in Alaska said...

So sorry about Apples, you are forever blessed for taking that sweet dog home after many years of neglect. She knew you loved her, you did your best. Hope your heart heals soon. She will wait for you at the Bridge with a happy heart. xoxo

Anonymous said...

You are so correct in that your blogs touch even those of us without a blog of our own.

I'm so sorry Nadine. Apples was beautiful. She is running free of pain across the Rainbow Bridge now.

-Tiffany

Becky Andrews said...

Dear Nadine;
May you feel the love and support of so many who understand and are thinking of you and your sweet Apples. Your tribute is so touching and apparent the deep love you have for this beloved friend. May you feel the support of so many. It has helped sustain us through the loss of our Missy, pug.

KB said...

Nadine,

Letting your sweet Apples go was doubtless one of the hardest things that you've ever done. But the love that you and Apples shared will live on inside you and shape you for the rest of your life. I am sending you my most positive thoughts as you navigate this loss. Remember the love that you and Apples share - it is what makes life worth living.

MySpecialDoggies said...

Hello Caryl & Friends
Once again, I just want to express my heartfelt thanks for your support and love during this difficult time in our lives.

I know that my Apples is running free from pain & suffering. Her shining eyes & smile could have lit the sky.

My family, Neeli & I say thank you all.

http://apples.pets-memories.com/

Hugs to all
Nadine
Soft woofs from Neeli

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Dear Nadine
I wish I could hug you. I along with others are crying right now. I know that your eyes have tears too.
Can I say that I,and others care about your broken heart?
We have the Circle of Paws surrounding you in this sad, sad time. We understand how you feel.
We understand how you miss sweet little Apples.
We are so sorry that the nasty "C"
robbed time from Apples... Time that belonged to you.
Your heart was so big, when you took Apples in. You loved her with all your heart. She knew you did.
And when she got so sick...I know her heart was saying,,, please help me, and you did. You did the kindest thing ever for her. As I write these words, I know the pain is real, because we have all been there. It is never easy,,,
In fact its the hardest thing your heart will ever do..
Let us encircle you within our paws. Let us love you.
Run free little Apples, until we meet again
love
tweedles

Jed and Abby in MerryLand said...

Dear Nadine,

Like you, we don't have a blog but we feel very much a part of the dogblog world thanks to the kindness of those who do blog and let us share.

We all share the love of our furbabies and the pain of loss when they get sick and die. But we all feel the love is worth it; why else would we keep inviting more furbabies to share our lives? The joy of the love surpasses the pain of the loss.

We are so glad that the last years of Apple's life were filled with love and companionship, both human & canine. That's a blessing on you both.

Wishing you peace.

Jed & Abby's mama

George The Lad said...

Nadine, so sorry to hear of apples passing to the bridge. I do know the pain we have to go though when a furiend goes.
Our thoughts are with you.
Run free dear Apples
Jan and George xxx

Golden Samantha said...

Our hearts go out to you, Nadine, and we send prayers and love. Apple's story is amazing and we know how hard it is to let a loved one go - you had to give her the gift of painlessness in exchange for the pain you are feeling; a hugely generous act of kindness.
Run free dear Apples.
In Peace,
Sammie, Avalon, Mom Miche and Bill

MySpecialDoggies said...

One year later sweet Apples - Neeli and I miss and love you so very much.

Run free my sweet doggie,

Love always,
Mommy Nadine & golden Neeli