I truly believe that she was sent to me directly from Heaven. She was my best friend, my loyal companion, my angel. The nearly eight years that we spent together were the best of my life, and I can’t imagine my days without her in them. Miss Cruella was a blessing in every way.
The past three years were difficult for us. Cruella battled and defeated cancer, peritonitis, Cushing’s Disease, and Addison’s Disease. She stayed strong and endured much. She valued the close bond that we shared, and she fought hard to preserve it.
A new and sudden illness presented itself on Tuesday. Cruella’s doctors worked feverishly to cure her, but in the end, there were no medical options. I went to the hospital on Thursday to pick her up and take her home, hopeful that we would have a few more days together. By that time, she had taken a turn for the worst. My heart was broken. I knew that she was clinging to life just to be able to see me one more time. So with a heart overflowing with love, and in the most selfless act of my life, I chose to let her go.
I have never known such a feeling of loss. My heart is empty, my eyes full of tears, and my world is forever changed. I pray that one day we will be together again. Until then, rest in peace my sweet, beautiful angel. If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
March 6th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
I know that there is nothing I can say to ease your pain. It’s one of the hardest things in life to know that we will out live our dogs. You feel it almost the first day they come into your life. As my Daisy’s future becomes much shorter than her past, as the fur around her eyes begins to go white an her legs aren’t quite what they use to be, I sometimes contemplate life without her and find that my tears begin to well. I can only tell you this, some dogs are destined to find their owners, fated to see them through the good times and the bad. We can only cherish them while they are here and take pride in the fact that we did the best we could to repay their unconditional love. My condolances Tish.
March 6th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Tish, my Buster is going downhill and just this morning, I layed in bed and thought about life after he goes. And it might be soon. I don’t know if this helps but I am soon to face what you are facing now. I loved your last sentence. You are supposed to feel the pain right now because of the love you have for her so I won’t pray that it goes away, just that you weather it.
March 8th, 2010 at 2:26 am
wow. I’ve read your blog for years and this is so terrible. I’m very sorry but i believe you will see her in due time.
March 8th, 2010 at 11:39 am
Tish,
If it weren’t for Cruella, I never would’ve even gotten to know you at all. I still remember stumbling upon your blog the first time, reading your About section and learning you have a Dalmatian called Cruella. That totally cracked me up, and made me stick around.
Your post is a really beautiful tribute to Cru and if she could read, I’m sure she’d agree with you in every way and let you know that she loved you just as much in return.
Also, through your memories and your sharing of your memories of her through this blog, you know that Miss Cruella will live on forever and ever.
My most sincere condolences, Tish.
March 9th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
I’m sitting here crying at work reading this. I’ve read about Cruella’s battles over the years, and I always hoped/knew she’d pull through. I understand exactly how you feel. Summer 2008 I lost my youngest cat and oldest dog exactly one month apart. I still think of and miss them every day, but it gets a bit easier.
There’s a special place in heaven for Miss Cruella. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
March 21st, 2010 at 8:48 pm
tish,
my heart and love go out to you. i trulytruly believe the spirits of animals ARE angels–they are here to teach us so much, comfort us when life’s unfair and make us giggle when we take life too seriously. i know cruella was all those things to you and more. thankfully, her spirit will ALWAYS be with you. all the good you did for her will come back to you as well. hang in there. (((hugs)))
March 21st, 2010 at 9:04 pm
[...] week after turning in my notice, I lost my sweet Cruella. It was by far the most traumatizing event I have experienced. God had entrusted me with her care [...]