Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Mar 9 - Sadness and Acceptance

Many of you have noticed the sporadic emails in the last few weeks, and for that I sincerely apologize. I'd hoped to share with you the finished polo ponies, but in utter amazement, I cannot FIND the painting! In the chaos of doing a major studio cleanout, I put it "somewhere safe". Have you ever done that?

But today I am very sad for having to put down my companion of eighteen years--Qso, the German Pinscher--shown here with Pesto the studio cat.

Pets connect us to our past, living lives of scant more than a decade, and linking us to events and people from earlier times. As they age, we see our own lives (compressed) of youth, prime and then, if we are lucky, and if the animal is as well, we carry them through their old age, giving them the gift of care and a final exit with dignity and sadness.

So today's message is one of communication to all animal lovers out there, those of us who have lost a beloved pet, and to all who share with me the sharp pain of the memory of their last days.

Animals have a prescience and acceptance of death that we humans can only envy. She told me it was time, and her passing was peaceful. I have always said that if we lose a pet, we have a hole in our heart waiting to be filled by an eager newcomer, whose future may be uncertain if we stay within our pain of loss. I am not sure when that achy place will be filled, but fill it will.

So, beloved Qso, I sent you to the Rainbow Bridge today as my last gift to you, and buried you just outside the studio door where you'll always be in my thoughts, and nearby. Safe journey, my companion. My heart is heavy tonight.

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5 comments:

Charlotte McDavid said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It seems like just a short time ago when I had to let my 16 yr old and then my 18 yr go. Now my baby is already 12 years old. It is so hard to let them go but they enrich our lives so very much.

Nancy Goldman said...

I'm so sorry you've lost your friend. Anyone that has animals knows how they enrich our lives. It just doesn't seem fair that their life spans are so short compared to ours. When we get a new furry friend, we know in advance that our hearts will be broken far too soon when their short lives are over. She was lucky to have a loving home with a human that knows that dogs are a blessing.

Linda Shantz said...

Such sad news, Elin, I'm so sorry. You've sure been through it lately. Take care.

Corrie Scott said...

Dearest Elin,

This made me weep. I cannot imagine how you are feeling over Qso. The loss
of a most beloved friend and companion. Always there for us.

You have helped me keep my babe Clio on this earth a little longer with
information you sent me a while back on Cottage cheese, and flax seed ground
up ( which i toss in a few slivered almonds as well..every morning for my
babe.

I treasure each day with my babe as she is living on borrowed time.

I send you a most enormous hug.

Corrie

Jeri Thorpe Artwork and More said...

Dear Elin,

This hits close to home. We lost our wonderful Jake (Rampart Crackerjack) at 13 years last January. He passed overnight in his little bed very much like the one pictures. We miss him so much still. Hugs to you in your loss. I know how hard it is . . .

Jeri