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My little Spirit journeyed peacefully to the Rainbow Bridge on Wednesday, June 24.
Spirit was an ancient Lhasa cross ... probably at least 14 if not older. He came into our shelter last year and wasn't considered adoptable because of his age, bad teeth, poor eyesight and poor hearing. When he came in he was so filthy, matted and smelly, you could hardly stand to be near him. He literally came within minutes of leaving this earth before the shelter thought to call me, and I went and got him.
A few baths and a haircut later, he looked (and *smelled*!) much better. Despite my best efforts, though, I discovered that his hair literally *grew* in mats! No matter what, he had a bad hair day. It made him all the more charming. I had dental work done on him and got rid of the really bad teeth. He started to gain weight shortly after.
I don't think he had ever been shown much affection and at first, he didn't like to be touched, at all. So I just let him be. It took about six months before he started jumping up on the couch (always asking permission first!) to lie next to me. Then, a short time after, he decided sleeping on my bed was okay. He was not a very demonstrative dog, but every once in awhile, he would surprise me with a gentle kiss. Those kisses always made my day.
Coming into my very hectic household never bothered him ... cats, dogs, he really didn't care. He was more interested in getting regular meals (the one time I got a great deal of enthusiasm from him!) and he loved to putter around the yard.
Losing him was a shock, because he hadn't been sick. I guess it was his time to go, and as a good friend wrote to me, he waited for me to get home. I'll always be grateful that I had the chance to be with him and say goodbye. He didn't suffer at all. Normally a very fidgety little dog, he was very calm; he was ready.
Enjoy your life at the Bridge, my funny, sweet man. You will always hold a very special place in my heart.
After Death
Farewell, friend, yet not farewell
Where I go you too shall dwell
I am gone before your face,
A moment's time, a little space
When you come where I have stepped,
You will wonder why you wept.
--Edwin Arnold
