Rainbow Bridge Crossing

My Black Lab Raven passed away on Christmas Eve. She was 12.5 years old and we found out late October that she had Lung Cancer:( This basically meant she had cancer somewhere else in the body and it finally spread to her lungs.

She was a great dog and, very easy to train for my first dog of my very own. I bought her at Otter Creek Kennels in Waltham, VT (lived there 3 years) and initially went in wanting a male Yellow Lab. I actually had the pick of the litter. Nine puppies to be exact. Raven ran right up to me with a huge splotch of mud on her forehead (I should have known LOL) and kissed my hand...that was it...I fell in love:D I wanted a dog that loved to swim and boy did she ever!!!!

Anyway, I can finally talk about it (mostly) without bursting in tears.

She died in my arms on Christmas Eve, on her new Orthopedic pet bed (we gave her early) under the Christmas tree. I am so thankful I did not have to take her into the vet. She hated the vet more that any dog I know. I was struggling with the fact that that may have to be the last place she saw.

We had actually decided that day that she was going downhill fast and her meds did not seem to be helping so, we called the Animal hospital to take her in that same day....... and she went on her own.

I believe she said "goodbye" to us before she left. She was laying on her bed and started wagging her tail and looked at me and then DH. She barked once at me and once at DH. We both told her "I love you too" Not five minutes later she was gone :( It was like she said "Mom-Dad, this body is no good to me anymore..... it is time for me to go."

R.I.P. Raven
We love you and will NEVER forget you!!!

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Oh (((((((Trek-chick))))))) I'm so sorry for your loss.

It sounds like she had a wonderful life and as good a death as possible. May the day when you can be comforted by your memories come soon.

Oh, this breaks my heart. I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds likes you had a wonderful life together.

(((Trek))) So sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry for your loss. There is not any relationship on earth similar to a person and the dog they love. I sure wish they had the life span humans do.

I am really sorry to hear of such sad news during the holidays! (((((HUG))))) hope your pain eases up soon.

(((((((Trek-chick)))))))
I'm so glad you were able to give her a great life and a peaceful end.

Sorry for your loss Trek-chick. She was a sweet looking dog.



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Thank you every one for the kind words. She was an awesome dog with a great dog-inality (personality).

It's funny all those little things you miss about them (even the stuff that drove you crazy sometimes:p) She was a character, and I have tons of memories I will cherish...many that make me laugh out loud. Those are the ones I hold close to my heart.

Oh, I am so very sorry for your loss (((((((Trek)))))). She was definitely well-loved though, and she knew it and appreciated it. You guys gave her a wonderful life and she passed away surrounded by your love.

Your story has me in tears, Trek. I am also glad that it was a bittersweet end to what sounds like a fantastic adventure with your pup. I can only hope that my two doggies will be lucky enough to pass on like that.

What a beautiful girl. And your tribute to her is, likewise, beautiful. Raven is the dog of your heart. While she waits for you and your DH, my sweet goldens, Agnes & Maud, will keep her company (we lost Agnes to lung cancer, too.).

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

It sounds like she had a wonderful life and as good a death as possible. May the day when you can be comforted by your memories come soon.

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This. I'm so sorry for your loss. (((Trek-chick)))

I'm so sorry. Beautiful girl, and your writing about her is eloquent.

My condolences for your loss, Trek-chick. I read your post earlier today and I shed a few tears.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Trek-chick. Your story really touched my heart. RIP, Raven!

What a beautiful story about Raven. I'm so sorry for your loss, but comforted to hear that she was in your arms for that one last time.

Awww Trek-Chick, big hugs, so sorry for your loss. It is always hard to lose a fur-baby. At least she was able to pass comfortably and under her own terms. Especially if her vet's office was not a favorite place.

So sorry, trek-chick. Your post brought tears to my eyes. So wonderful how she said goodbye to you and DH! It is so hard to say goodbye to them, but having her die without a scary vet visit was the best it could be. Sounds like you have many great memories of her.

I'm so sorry for your loss TRek -chick! I wish you many happy memories!!

I lost my beloved Golden "Sadie" on 10/25/11, so I can definitely feel your pain!

RIP Raven and Sadie!!

So sorry for your loss (((Trek - chick))).

(((HUGS))) I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful and touching story. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your husband.

Another virtual hug. I had to wipe away a little tear too. I'm glad you were able to say goodbye at home.

I'm so sorry :(

I cried before reading this and had to come back to respond. I'm glad Raven was able to be in a happy, comfortable place at the end.

Thanks to all of you, for the warm thoughts ang hugs. The fact that Raven went with us, at home gives me such peace and comfort. Just knowing that she was not stressed in her passing means everything to me. It definitely helps us through this healing process.

Trek-Chick, I just saw this and it brought tears to my eyes, I am so sorry for your loss, and glad that you didn't have to make the decision to take her to the vet...such a touching story and the gentle passing will help as you look back on this sad event.

I'm so sorry you lost your sweet Raven! :( My heart breaks for you, as I have been down this road twice in the last year. Know my thoughts are with you, and that so many of our beloved furry children were greeting her at the Rainbow Bridge when she came to join them- free of disease and running again like a little pup! Hugs to you.

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Originally Posted by Tri Girl

I'm so sorry you lost your sweet Raven! :( My heart breaks for you, as I have been down this road twice in the last year. Know my thoughts are with you, and that so many of our beloved furry children were greeting her at the Rainbow Bridge when she came to join them- free of disease and running again like a little pup! Hugs to you.

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I can't help but imagine a flock / herd of furry beasts, and birds a'twitter waiting on the other side of a foot-bridge all saying: is it her, is it her? Then gently nuzzling their way forward to greet the new comer. And they'll be there too when it's our turn to cross that bridge.

:(:(
Was going to post yesterday, but my eyes welled up...
Seeing Raven with a stuffed toy just reminds me of my Kelev (a chocolate) who is now almost 14 and having hip issues; he has a stuffed toy collection of about 20 different animals. I worry about him all the time, and can imagine the difficulty you must have had through Raven's illness. I am so glad she went in peace, with you close to her, as I am sure it gave her love and comfort that she took across the bridge.

And I am crying again...

Yes, reading that made my eyes well up with tears as well. I'm sorry for your loss!