Rainbow Bridge Crossing

[Trek-chick]

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 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!!!

[OakLeaf]

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.

[indysteel]

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

[spokewench]

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

[beccaB]

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.

[Brandi]

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

[TsPoet]

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

[missjean]

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



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[Trek-chick]

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) 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.

[Norse]

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.

[Reesha]

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.

[Selkie]

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.).

[Owlie]

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.

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

[PamNY]

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

[pll]

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