Friday, June 12, 2009

Forever Friends -


"Banjo"
At 4:30 p.m. today my sweet, faithful, companion, best friend and work mate of the last 9 years was laid to rest. He has been battling with diabetes since last June and had recently developed a tumor behind his right shoulder which was determined by our Veterinarian to be bone cancer. It was quickly spreading. He had lost the use of his right leg and it was spreading to his other legs, making it extremely difficult to get around. He never complained and still accompanied me everywhere even though he limped on three legs. I have never nor will I ever again have a dog with as much courage and loyalty as Banjo.

at 7:15 we had a slight shower and this beautiful rainbow appeared. Perhaps it's just my mind trying to ease the enormous ache in my heart but I believe my friend has crossed the rainbow bridge and is now at peace. I believe I will be reunited with him someday and until then, he will be happy with with his friend, Barney whom we lost a few months ago.
I feel his presence everywhere I turn on this farm. I'm sure I will look for him around every corner for quite some time. I will be forever grateful to have had 9 magical years with this incredible animal. He taught me so many wonderful life lessons.
Thank you my friend. I shall miss you always ~


27 comments:

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

I love your blog. Anything about farm life makes me smile.
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your dear friend. We lost our beloved 21 year old siamese last year. I still hear Maverick "yowl" in that siamese voice and think I see him curled up on the bed.
Animals love so fiercely and unconditionally. I am a better person because of all my four-legged kids.
Many blessings to you while your heart tries to mend.
Misha

Candy Duell said...

I am so sorry to hear about your dog. It is a terrible ache, and loss in your life. I had to do the same thing last year, and I still feel bad about his passing.

I hope you feel a little better soon.

Joanna@BooneDocksWilcox said...

When I first started reading this post, I was thinking you had lost your other dog not too long ago. Gosh, so sorry.

Jody Blue said...

So sorry, its just hard when they are gone.

Unknown said...

My thoughts are with you Deb. Sometimes the bond between a person & their dog is so hard to explain as it is really found within the heart and words just can't explain it. That rainbow is a gift from him.....what a wonderful way for him to say good-bye until you meet again.

Sharrie said...

I am sharing your grief because I have two tri collies here at my side, and I can't imagine losing one of them.

My thoughts are with you.

Gayle said...

Oh, Deb, I am so very sorry for your loss. Not many things bring tears to my eyes, but this post did. I'm hope the ache in your heart lessens quickly.

Sue said...

I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. Dogs are such wonderful friends...they never ask for much, but give back soooo much.

threecollie said...

Oh, Deb, I am so sorry. What a lovely tribute you have written for him. He must have been a wonderful boy.
The rainbow is such a right and fitting thing.....and I think there is meaning there. When Ralph's mom died in his arms here at the house (we had hospice so she could stay at home) we walked out the back door when it was all over to go home to the kids....and there was an amazing moon bow like a stairway to the sky stretched across the heifer pasture hillside. It gives me chills to this day to remember that sad but beautiful night.

lisa said...

I'm so sorry, I know how you feel! The rainbow picture was great!!

Moms Musings said...

I'm so sorry about your loss. There are no words of comfort when your pet dies. I hope the rainbow helped to ease your pain.

Paintsmh said...

Oh Deb. I am so sorry! Hugs! Poor family and poor Banjo.

Country Whispers said...

So sorry to hear about Banjo. It's so hard to loose a special friend, let alone two of them in such a short time of each other.

Adkins Family Farm said...

I just wanted to say that I'm so sorry to hear about Banjo. I always loved his pictures you posted. When you lose a family pet it's like losing a member of the family. He seemed like a great farm dog and companion.

Leenie said...

<:(!

Christy said...

I'm sorry, it is so hard to loss them.

Nancy K. said...

There are no words that can erase the pain of losing your beloved friend ~ nor any that can take away the years of laughter and joy that he brought into your world!

RIP, Dear Banjo ~ until we ALL meet on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge...

Tammy said...

Deb,
So sorry to hear about Banjo. There are always those special ones that you bond to a little deeper. Making the decision you had to make is one of the hardest things we have to do for our beloved animal friends. My collie, Ariel is 12 now and totters about, but she is such a tough old thing and keeps up with most of what is going on around here. But I know it won't be long now.
Take care,
Tammy

Deb said...

A HUGE thank you to all of you for your wonderful, heart felt comments. It really, truly does help ease the pain in my heart :)

When I first started this blog, I really didn't know what to expect....how lucky I feel to have met so many wonderful, caring people.

Thank you all again!

Debi & family at Tylerfarm

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about Banjo.
Losing a friend, person or animal, is always hard.

I know he will be missed.
Pam

Joanne said...

Oh Deb, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. A dog can be such a loyal and dear friend. I wish you peace as you adjust to life without your constant companion. I will be thinking of you.

Throwback at Trapper Creek said...

Oh Deb, so sorry to hear about Banjo! I am sure he is right there with you everyday - all dogs are special but there are some that are extra special. So sorry - rest in peace Banjo!

Michelle said...

Goodness, I just read about a dear dog passing on another blog. Too much heartache; too many tears. I'm so sorry.

kentuckyagrarianwannabe said...

Sorry for your loss, they are truly mans best friend.

Tim

Linda said...

Oh, I feel my heart breaking for you. We had to put the best dog we'd had, Buck, and Australian Shepherd down also. He was an amazing dog & we've had several since, but never another one like him.

DayPhoto said...

Oh, Deb! I am so, so sorry! I hate it when we lose our furry friends. They are just not with us long enough, not ever!

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/

DayPhoto said...

The rainbow bridge....so many of our friends are there, just waiting for us.

When my grandfather died, he came to me, I knew he had passed just before the phone rang to tell me.

I am sure you will see him again. I am sure.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/