Norma, what a lovely tribute to Keebler. He looks like he was a real sweetie. The pictures of him with the grandkids are priceless. I also got a good chuckle out of the letter to God.

Michelle

A wonderful tribute to Keebler. The pics are so special, and I appreciate the humor in the letter to God. May you find healing soon.

Norma, I agree.....a truly lovely and loving tribute to your Keebler. Thank you for sharing a bit of his life with us. He looks to have been a very special and important part of your family. I am sure his passing leaves a huge hole in your heart.

I enjoyed the Dog's letter to God....

My best to you..
T.

A handsome boy indeed, Norma.

The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must 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.

-- Unknown

A beautiful tribute, Norma, and a beautiful boy. Such sweet and gentle eyes.

Old Dogs Do Not Die

We have a secret, you and I,
That no one else shall know,
For who but I can see you lie
Each night in the fireglow?
And who but I can reach my hand
Before we go to bed,
And feel the living warmth of you
And touch your silken head?
And only I walk woodland paths,
And see you ahead of me,
Your small form racing with the wind,
So young again, and free.
And only I can see you swim
In every brook I pass...
And when I call, no one but I
Can see the bending grass.

Author Unknown

Mr Unknown sure is one smart dude!

hi norma. what a wonderful tribute, it just brought tears to my eyes... we had to put down our dog of 14 years a month ago and i feel your pain so fresh again... your family album is just beautiful. i still remember when you lost your horse... animals bring so much joy, i just wish they lived so much longer... i hope your heart heals soon, your added humor was a wonderful touch.
i just read a book last week that had a wonderful concept of death, seeing keebler by the river reminded me of it. the thought was our souls are all collective, like in a river. when they tumble over high waterfall, like in yosemite, the water turns into spray or droplets, the individual souls living, its still water, just unique. when the water falls, it recollects into a river again to continue on. seeing keebler by the river made me think he is not alone now...

Thanks everyone for acknowleging my pain. He was a good dog. I am grateful he was able to care for himself till the end and went before I got up yesterday morning. I have had to make the decision for other pets in the past and found it much harder.

Jain, I am sorry you had that sorrow recently too. I like the concept of death you related. I remembered how you always planted a tree or something for all your pets. Keebler now has a small memoral garden.

Sue and Eden , thanks for adding your poems.

Bob and I just read the book "Marly and Me " a month or so ago. A good read about a dog and his owner , but I dreaded reading the end.
I can't imagine my life without animals. Thankfully we still have Rebel and Jasmine.

I'm sorry you had to bid Keebler adieu. I don't think there's anything tougher in the world.

The "baby pictures" were wonderful, and he was a lucky dog to be received into such a loving home for 14 years.

Very few dogs can actually "smile"!

Your photography is absolutely gorgeous. I feel like I know his soul just by looking at his picture.

Saucy

Norma this thread is bringing tears to my eyes. Keebler looks like he was a happy, loving and well loved pet. I'm so sad for your loss. No matter how much we know they aren't as long lived as we would wish for we are never ready to say goodby.

Deanne

Norma...what a lovely, *loving* tribute to Keebler and what a beautiful dog! Gosh he's even gorgeous in those awkward "teen years"! At about 6 months old all of my dogs always looked like they were just ears and long legs. :-)

I especially love the pics of Keebler with the grandchildren - it's so obvious that they loved him and he them. The pic of your grandson looking into Keeblers eyes and Keebler looking into his says it all about wonderful Keebler. I know it's not much comfort now, but Keebler really was a lucky dog and I can see in his eyes that he knew it too! He had a good life! :-)

I loved the letter to God too...that was so cute! And the beautiful tributes from Eden & Sue. So I hope you don't mind but I want to leave you with just a few of my favorites too:

Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. LOL, I have to remind myself of that *all* the time! :-)

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.

We wonder why the dogs always drink out of our toilets, but look at it from their point of view: why do humans keep peeing into their water bowls?

EPITAPH TO A DOG
Near this spot are deposited the remains
of one who possessed Beauty
without Vanity,
Strength
without Insolence,

Courage
without Ferocity,

And all the Virtues of Man
Without his Vices.

This Praise,which would be unmeaning flattery if inscribed over Human Ashes,
but is just a tribute to the Memory of "Boatswain," a Dog
who was born at Newfoundland, May, 1803, And died at Newstead Abbey Nov. 18, 1808.
- Lord Byron -

Norma, I wish there were something I could say to make you feel better (though I know at the moment there is not). It's so hard losing our loving companions. And so sorry to hear about your loss too Jain. It's been eight years since I lost Spike and almost 10 years since I lost Willie and though of course life goes on, still, every time I think of them, I wish I could have them back here with me. It's kind of weird cause the love and the grief is so real, but you think a lot of people wouldn't understand, would think "it's a dog". But, luckily, we have this place and these people to talk to, right Norma?

Shannon is playing in my head...

Ei

Norma, what a beautiful tribute you have done for your Keebler. And what a lovely boy he was--you can see the total love in his eyes, and how great he was with the grandkids.

He is waiting, with my Boomer and all the other beloved pets, for you at The Rainbow Bridge. So sorry for your loss. Until you meet again, I hope you enjoy the link below, and take some small comfort from it as I did...

Taryn

Here is a link that might be useful: The Rainbow Bridge

Hi Norma:

Keebler definitely had some Golden in him. Isn't it wonderful when a happy accident occurs, we find a pet maybe when we aren't even looking for one, or it finds us, and they turn out to be such a nice one?

Ei, that was a great poem, it really struck a nerve with me. I am going to save it, and you also reminded me of my dog Ginger, who was a very special pet for us. She was a dog like no other. She has been gone 8 years, and we all still miss her, and share Ginger stories, eventhough Max and Maggie are good in their own way.

jain! so nice to "see" you. Sorry about your guy too. I miss your posts and wonder how your garden is going.

I am working on a post for the regular idyll.

D.

Norma, you have composed a lovely memorial to Keebler -- everyone has already said such lovely things as well - I hope they are a teeny comfort to you -- Keebler was a lucky fellow to have found such a wonderful family. I am sure he rewarded you in a fitting fashion just as well. I hope you all find peace in this hard time.

--Cindy

I knew you would all understand. Ei I like the cute quotes as well as the serious ones. And just think Lord Byron felt the same way about his dog almost two hundred years ago. Thankfully we had Keebler over twice as long as he had Boatswain.

Taryn, I have read The Rainbow Bridge before, but never saw it illustrated and with music. It was very touching.

Saucy, he never liked having the camera pointing at him so I always had to catch him off guard. I think Sue has that problem with her dogs too.

Deanne, this post wasn't meant to make anyone sad, just to share. But animal lovers that we are all just can't help shedding a tear or two.

Woody, I thought you had lost a dog recently too, but wasn't sure. I'm glad you have room in your heart for another one. I hope it works out.

Drema,Marian, Chelone and anyone else . Thanks for caring.

I think the other dogs are grieving a bit too. But life goes on. I think we will all go for a walk and enjoy the crisp fall day. Norma

Hey Mom,
This is a great tribute to "Keebie". I'm really going to miss his wonderful welcome home greetings. Every time I came home for a visit it was like he was saying "I know you, were have you been?" I hope your memory is as good. LOL I was watching a dog show last night on TV with Tony and had taken the day off today to get some things done around the house. I had a great time just a little while ago throwing the ball for Tyson and Clover. Then when I logged in and saw your email it must have been a sign to appreciate the loyality and companionship that our animals bring us. I'm so thankful that I grew up in a family that had pets. Even living in the burbs is a little easier when there are animals around you.

In loving memory of:
Honey, Teddy, Sugar, Jaybo, Cody, Zelda, BJ, Cody, Snowflake, Fritz and Keebler.

By the way, Virginia was beautiful!

Love you,
Kelly

Norma, what a beautiful animal Keebler was. How could you help but fall in love with him? I'm so very sorry for your loss, I know how painful it is. ((((Hugs))))
Brenda

Norma, Thankyou so much for sharing your special friend with me. He was so beautiful. and the "Dear God" brought some fond memories of some of my special friends. and the other posts esp the Rainbow Bridge really brought some bigtime tears not especially of sadness but of the joy and love of knowing these loved pet friends and i beleive i will see them all again. Be glad you knew Keebler.Thankyou again
vickie