REMEMBERING MATY
.....CONDOLENCES.....

This page will always be treasured, as we will always be able to look back and see how many wonderful friends were here to support us in our grief. Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts......
Laura and Randy


Laura,
I just read the news of your brave decision about Maty. You and Randy have my deepest condolences - I'm so sorry for your loss.
love & hugs
Linda Edwards


Hi Laura,
I'm so very sorry that you have lost another companion. Sounds like you and Mattie put up a good fight. Having helped Gracie cross just three months ago, I know how hard that decision was for you to make. Gracie told me when she had had enough, as I'm sure your wee loved one did. Picture her as she once was Laura, because that's how she is again!
Hugs from Wisconsin,
Deb & Grover


Laura, Randy:
I'm so sorry that the time had come for Maty to leave. I saw her picture. What a little treasure. She knew her time was coming and almost certainly took her sad farewell gratefully. The poor little thing must have been so confused by what was going on. Take care of yourselves. Laura, be sure to let me know if tomorrow is too much. I want to see you, but also want to be respectful of this time.
Vicki


Chelle,
Please, tell Laura and Randy, that I've asked God to surround them in His loving, healing light. I will continue praying for them.
Jan Ernst


Laura... no other words right now... than you and Maty are in my prayers - I have lit my hedgie candle for you.
Big hugs.
love
Linda Edwards


Dear Laura and Randy,
I am so very sorry about Maty's crossing. Your decision to help Maty cross the Rainbow bridge was very loving and compassionate. I had to help my beloved dog Chrissy cross the bridge and I know the kind of pain you're in. Know that Maty is free of pain now and able to enjoy life once again. I've asked Chrissy to help Maty find the best places to run and play and find the most delicious food ever. She will have many friends to play with. Remember too, that Maty's spirit can be with you if you just silently whisper her name. She loves you with all of her heart and knows how much you loved her. You did everything humanly possible to help her.
You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Jan Ernst


Laura our thoughts and prayers and sincerest sympathies are with you and your family at this time of loss, if there is anything we can do please let us know.
Teresa Babcock


Take your time, take a deep breath, and know you have tons of people around to lift you up when need be. I didn't get Michelle's post until this morning that you were not accepting calls, and so I am sorry that I bothered you guys....You both have my love and support.
hugs,
Yolanda


Honey I understand....I am here when you want to talk. I love you too.
Michelle


Oh Laura,
I am so sorry about your puppy! I was pulling so hard for her! I know it is a very little comfort right now--but all my love and good thoughts are being sent your way. If you need ANYTHING--let me know!
HUGE HUGS!
Susan Sarnataro


Dear Laura and Randy,
I am so sorry about Maty. I realize no words can express what you are feeling, but I just wanted to add that I feel your pain and loss and send you loving and healing thoughts as you go through your grief.
Hugs,
Naomi


Hi Sweeties,
I am so sorry about little Maty. She was such a cutie & I fell in love with her as soon as I met her. I know how hard this is on you & Randy. So many things you have had to deal with these last few months. Just keep hanging in there okay? I worry about you. Write when you feel you can.
Love you muchly,
Jacque
xoxoxo


Laura and Randy,
I am so sorry to hear of the crossing of your beloved Maty. If you guys need anything at all, please don't hesitate to call...
Warm thoughts and lots of hugs,
- Yolanda


Laura, and Randy,
I'm so sad about Maty. I will still say, of the THOUSANDS of dogs I have known, Maty was definitely in the top 10...if not the top 5! She was very, very, very special. In case you haven't received it yet...a few days ago I sent a "get well" card to Maty. I feel terrible about it. You know my heart was in the right place...just bad timing. I'm sorry if that upset you.
Love and Hugs,
Donnasue


OMG you guys, This is so sad and heart breaking!!!!! I don't know what to say. Please forgive me, I'm not good with this at all. I know Maty was more than part of your family, but more like your world. Laura I am so terribly sorry. Maty had a wonderful and very full filled life with you and she is so very lucky that she had that. I'm not sure why God makes our pets lives so short. Maybe it is his way of saying, "Hey they are back home with me now. If you want to see them then you better make sure you make it up here to." Heck, I don't know. I took yesterday off and today off from work to be with Butterbean. It is only a matter of time now before she goes. It is so sad to watch. I just stroke her little face and kiss her. It never gets easier, never. Give all your other critters a huge hug and tell them that you love them. That always helps me a little big.
Hang in there,
Love,
Shonda


Hi Pretty Ladies,
Thinking about you & wanted to send you big hugs from me & my kids.
Love you,
Jacque



Hi Auntie Laura,
I want to send you big snuggles & hedgies kisses by myself! If you were here I would cuddle wif you.
Love
Juniebug
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo



Laura,
I am so very sorry about Maty. I saw the title of your email and dreaded opening it up to read. I remember well your posts about Maty's pancreatitis and how you were taking her for IV's daily and bringing her home at night. I also remember how they suspected some kind of back problem. I know Doxies are prone to disc trouble so that would be a logical diagnosis. I know you are hurt and still have so many unanswered questions. Some you may never really know the answer to.
You did all you could for Maty and did the final act of love that a devoted master does for his or her beloved and faithful friend. You put her out of her misery and uncertain future that could have been so hard for her. You're in shock I'm sure since Maty was so young. One doesn't expect to lose a pet who is only six years old. Give yourself time to grieve and in time you will be able to remember only the good times and not the events that ended her life. Everyone has their own timetable for grief. When I lost my Misty I couldn't really talk about her without tears for a decade. I finally was able to write a poem about her and stayed up all night doing so. I got it out of my system and my heart was healed. Of course I'll always love and miss her but time has a way of healing. Give yourself time.
(((((HUGS))))
Brenda & Buffy


Boy, I am so so sorry. I know the feeling of loss. I am confident, and very sure, you guys did all you possibly could. When God decides to call us home, and that includes our loving "kids" that we are so blessed to have share in our lives, well, quite frankly, there is nothing we can do, when God calls them home. The best thing we can do, as they would want us to do, is remember the fun, loving, and funny things they did to make our lives so blessed. For we truly are, when they touch our lives.....I will search for some photo's, I know I have them, however I haven't changed, and where I may have put them will be a journey, but I will search, and send them via email attachment to you.....Just know, that no matter what you feel you may have done, well, God pulls the shots, and we can't do anything to change that....Be sure to honor her life, by living and keeping the fun memories..that she gave you to remember, in your heart. Miss her, but live for her, and the brother, and sister she left behind. You were blessed...what a joy there is in that.
Much love to you,
Jan and Lovey


Dear Laura,
I am so very sorry to hear your sad news about Maty's passing and I do know what you are going through as I have been there myself with my beloved Springer Spaniel. 5 years on and I still cant think about him without a lump in my throat. Poor sweet little Maty will know how much you loved her and fought for her right to the very end Laura and it sounds like there is absolutely nothing else you could have done for her other than what you already had. Even if you had been able to get help sooner when you found her in the playpen, you would probably not have been able to save her. You had no choice other than to have her put to rest. It was a kindness and you could not bear to see her suffer any more. I believe she knows all this and how much you grieve for her. She will always be close to you in spirit as the bond between you can never be severed. Think of the happy times you had together and how lucky she was to be so loved and cherished by her human family. I will ask for healing for you in your sadness and also for your other dogs who must miss her so much too.
love
Jan Higgins UK


Dear Laura,
Gosh, I am so very, very sorry to hear your Maty is now in dog heaven. I have 2 male mini-smooth reds, Slinky (4) and his son Jasper (1.5), and the love I feel for these little guys is vast, so I can truly sympathize with you. I think you are right, that this is the frame that is perfect for Maty's picture. It is so much prettier than the scan, I know that you will love it! Thanks so much for your wonderful email. I hope you have a lovely Sunday.
Best Wishes,
Christine


Oh Laura,
I am so sorry. Tears are streaming down my face reading your post. I feel so much for your loss. You had tried everything you could but I guess it wasn't meant to be. I'm sorry that you and your Maty had to go through such a terrible ordeal. Maty had more going on with her other than just pancreatitis or it may have been complications resulting from pancreatitis. Numbness, rage, and sorrow all feelings that I know too well and ones that I like to forget. Unfortunately only time will heal those emotions. Maty was very much loved and who can ask for anymore than that in this life. I'm so sorry. Take care of yourself. My thoughts are with you and your family. Maty is fine now.
Abbey


Laura, So sorry to hear about Maty. I know how hard it is to get over our little loves, sometimes never. I know I still cry over Katiya's blanket, and I am sure when Savannah goes, even though I tried not to attach myself so much to her, I will cry on her blanket too.
Pat


Laura and Randy,
I'm in still in Ithaca and have had limited access to my mail. I just read about your little Maty. I am so sorry. I wish for you peace and comfort in knowing that Maty lived a wonderful life. Even a short life filled with love is heaven on earth.
Judie


Laura,
I'm so sorry about Maty. You're really had a rough few months. I hope you feel better soon but I know how hard it is. The only real comfort I can offer is to remind you that you aren't alone with your pain. You have many friends to help share the burden. I have you in my thoughts and prayers.
Rae
PS: Please don't feel you need to reply. I know every time you try to send a thank you it just opens up the pain.


Laura and Randy,
I am sooo sorry.... I think you did the best thing for Maty. I know it was so hard for you. Please remember that I am here for you two and am always just a phone call away.
With Love Always,
Tanya


Hi Laura,
I am so sorry to hear of Maty's passing. It makes me very sad for you, but I believe Maty is in a better place, free from pain and discomfort. I know how hard it is when a beloved pet transitions, as I have been through it myself. I will send some healing reiki energy to you and Randy if you like. Let me know, as I always get permission before sending reiki to anyone. Blessings to you all, Peace, love and light, Elizabeth



Hi Laura,
I'm so sorry to hear of Maty's passing. Remember you did all you could for Maty and that she's at peace now. I understand about making the decision to euthanise a pet. I had to have this done to my cat because of an accident in which I ran her over with my car.
Perhaps remember the good times with Maty, take that with you as you continue along your life's journey and also remember that Maty was given to you as you are a special person. Letting go can be difficult.......
Love and hugs
Lee-Anne Hayes eahibel@yahoo.co.uk



Laura,
I was so sad to learn about Maty. My heart is breaking for you. I wish I could think of something the least bit comforting to say, as I can only imagine how much you are hurting. I know these few months have been horribly unkind to you and Randy, with the loss of so many beloved animals. I am thinking about you both right know, and praying for god to give you both the strength to endure all of this hardship. You made the right decision for Maty, someone once told me that euthanasia is sometimes the kindest gift we can give our animals. I know going through things never seems it, but I truly believe that. You did the kindest, nicest, hardest thing you could and in doing so you helped her to find peace.
Thinking of you both.
Much love and hugs,
Dana



I just read your post about Maty. It was so heartbreaking. Your grief was just spilling out of every word. I feel so far away. I would like to just hug you and let you cry on my shoulder. Maybe if we could both imagine it might make you feel a little better. And after the wonderful things you sent me. Sending all those things while you were in such pain. You really are a strong person even if you feel totally deflated right now. You will cope and get on with things. But for now, cry, scream, sleep, eat ice cream, whatever you need to do. And imagine my shoulder when you need it. It's kinda boney but there's enough there to soak up a bunch of tears. And I do thank you from the bottom of my heart for your gifts. They are WONDERFUL!!!!! Of course I haven't started your curtains yet, but that isn't anything new. I'll get there!
You take care of yourself and Randy eh?
Lenny



Dear Laura,
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for your loss. Maty is at peace and happy now, there will never be anymore suffering again. Please let that give you some consolation.
I know too well all the questions and doubts and anger and pain, reliving it again and again and wondering what you could have done better. I had to make the same difficult decision less than two years ago, and I know I will never have the answers. Laura, know that there were no right or wrong decisions. You tried your best for Maty and she knows it and she knows you love her and that's what's most important. She will always be with you in your heart, and you in hers.
My love I send to you and Maty and all who are suffering at this dificult time.
Alicia



LIVING LOVE

If you ever love an animal, there are three days in your life you will always remember...
The first is a day, blessed with happiness, when you bring home your young new friend. You may have spent weeks deciding on a breed. You may have asked numerous opinions of many vets, or done long research in finding a breeder. Or, perhaps in a fleeting moment, you may have just chosen that silly looking mutt in a shelter--simple because something in its eyes reached your heart. But when you bring that chosen pet home, and watch it explore, and claim its special place in your hall or front room--and when you feel it brush against you for the first time--it instills a feeling of pure love you will carry with you through the many years to come.

The second day will occur eight or nine or ten years later. It will be a day like any other. Routine and unexceptional. But, for a surprising instant, you will look at your longtime friend and see age where you once saw youth. You will see slow deliberate steps where you once saw energy. And you will see sleep where you once saw activity. So you will begin to adjust your friend's diet--and you may add a pill or two to her food. And you may feel a growing fear deep within yourself, which bodes of a coming emptiness. And you will feel this uneasy feeling, on and off, until the third day finally arrives.

And on this day--if your friend and God have not decided for you, then you will be faced with making a decision of your own--on behalf of your lifelong friend, and with the guidance of your own deepest Spirit. But whichever way your friend eventually leaves you---you will feel as alone as a single star in the dark night.
If you are wise, you will let the tears flow as freely and as often as they must. And if you are typical, you will find that not many in your circle of family or friends will be able to understand your grief, or comfort you.
But if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through the many joy-filled years, you may find that a soul--a bit smaller in size than your own---seems to walk with you, at times, during the lonely days to come.
And at moments when you least expect anything our of the ordinary to happen, you may feel something brush against your leg-- very very lightly.
And looking down at the place where your dear, perhaps dearest, friend used to lay---you will remember those three significant days. The memory will most likely be painful, and leave an ache in your heart---As time passes the ache will come and go as it has a life of its own. You will both reject it and embrace it, and it may confuse you. If you reject it, it will depress you. If you embrace it, it will deepen you. Either way, it will still be an ache.

But there will be, I assure you, a fourth day when---along with the memory of your pet---and piercing through the heaviness in your heart---there will come a realization that belongs only to you. It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with each animal we have loved, and lost. This realization takes the form of a Living Love---
like the heavenly scent of a rose that remains after the petals have wilted, this Love will remain and grow--and be there for us to remember. It is a love we have earned. It is the legacy our pets leave us when they go. And it is a gift we may keep with us as long as we live. It is a Love which is ours alone. And until we ourselves leave, perhaps to join our Beloved Pets--it is a Love that we will always possess.
-Written by Martin Scot Kosins,
Author of "Maya's First Rose"



My Dear Laura,
I am so sorry about Maty. I hope you find comfort, as I have, in these poems.
My thoughts are with you.
Karen Thonet





If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain should keep me from my sleep Then you must do what must be done For this, the last battle, can't be won. You will be sad - I understand Don't let your grief then stay your hand For this day, more than all the rest Your love and friendship stand the test. We've had so many happy years What is to come can hold no fears You'd not want me to suffer, so When the time comes, please let me go. I know in time you too will see It is a kindness you do to me Although my tail its last has waved From pain and suffering I've been saved. Don't grieve that it should be you Who has to decide this thing to do We've been so close, we two these years Don't let your heart hold any tears.

SPCA News - England
Author unknown



Request From Rainbow Bridge
by Constance Jenkins
In Loving Memory of Isolde Jenkins

Weep not for me though I am gone
Into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul's sweet flight.
I am at peace, my soul's at rest
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years.
There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts,
In your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife.
Please do not dwell upon my death, But celebrate my life.

Copyright (c) 1992 Constance Jenkins
Reprinted by permission. All Rights Reserved.



Laura,
Murphy is a darling. I am so glad you have him. I am happy that you have someone new to love in this time of painful grieving for Maty. I think of you often and surround you with loving thoughts.
Hedgie love, Jan



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