Despite being at the Bridge, and passing 11 years ago, I am still shocked by death.
I love all my friends online. They still make me smile every day, even at the Bridge, and after my passing, and Pocket’s then River’s’ they have been a great support for my family.
I thought all of that would end when I was tossed off the group Doggyspace after the great purge of 2008, but now I know I owe a debt of gratitude to the weasels who made that decision because it led me to blog and friends I never would have met.
One of my closest friends was Bouncing Bertie, a dog who lived an exciting life. Bertie and his mom Gail lived in Scotland, by the water, and while I considered myself an active dog I had nothing on Bertrie and Gail.
They took long hikes by the water, through the fields, and the forest. Gail would bike too. Mommy wondered where this woman found the energy. Of all the people in our bogging family, she was the most active. A true force of nature who would be around forever.
Bertie joined the Bridge, and quickly found his replacement, Nobby, who had new puppy energy and was able to keep up with Gail.
Until December of 2024 when Gail slowed down, needing more rest. I thought it was one of those illnesses that people get, that sidelines them for a bit. But when I saw Bertie preparing a new room at his cottage on a cliff.
It was inconceivable to me that the strongest and most active dog mom I knew could be coming to the Bridge, but the first thing you learn about the end of life is that it never makes sense and is rarely fair.
Gail always put her dogs first so it was no surprise that before she passed she made arrangements for Nobby to have an equally caring family and to still be able to go on the walks he loved.
When Gail crossed the Bridge she did so with her old vigor, and she was met by all the dogs she had loved and lost, led by Bouncing Bertie.
And when I go to the river’s edge I see them happily walking together exploring her new world just as she had on the mortal side.
When Gail passed it rocked Blogville, leaving a hole, but it will be filled by another, and the world will keep spinning.
If a little less joyfully
She had one bad ass cancer - thankfully quick - but still just not right -
ReplyDeleteH&K&W
Willow&Phyll
Yeah, those holes do get filled up, but somehow it's never quite the same, maybe the hole isn't filled all the way up? There's a small space that holds that memory ...
ReplyDeletesuch a beautiful tribute to Gail from Dallas and Belle
ReplyDeleteGail was a beautiful person and cancer is horrible. We miss her and Nobby terribly♥
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to Gail. We were stunned by her passing so quickly after falling ill.
ReplyDeleteMy dear sweet friend...this is absolutely beautiful. I agreed with ever single word you wrote and have spoken them many times. Gail was so vibrant and kind and fun and taught me lots. You are correct her pups were her priority. The were all well trained and socialized and loved Gail to the moon and back. Just this weekend I read her post from last year this time. ....everything was perfect. Life is fragile
ReplyDeleteand I for one knew this but dear me has it been reinforced. I loved the part of your post about Bertie preparing a place for her at his cottage OTRB. Thank you for writing this difficult post in honor of Gail...
Maybe Nobby find peace in his new home and quickly learn this is his forever home...no more moving.
Hugs,
Cecilia
Purrs and hugs to Gail's family.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute to a wonderful dog mom and friend.
ReplyDeleteThat was so touching and a wonderful tribute to a special lady.
ReplyDeleteWe will all make new friends, but Gail and Nobby will forever be in our hearts - friends forever, right?
ReplyDeleteWoos - Misty and Timber
Mom says she hopes that when it's her time, me and all her other pups (and horse and duck) will meet her on the other side. I hope so too! XOX Xena (And not for a very, very long time!)
ReplyDeleteJava Bean: "Ayyy, so sad and so fast, but what a welcome Gail received once she got to the Rainbow Bridge!"
ReplyDeleteA very lovely tribute. Yes, #cancersucks. Big time.
ReplyDelete