Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Gretel The Nobel Dog 1992-2006


It's a very sad day here. This morning it was clear that Gretel's tumor was growing and her condition deteriorating rapidly. El Jefe and I took her to the vet who has taken care of her since she was a puppy. He agreed with our difficult decision to release her from pain and return her to her Maker.

Let the bunnies in heaven beware! Thank you, God, for the companionship of this wonderful dog for these past 14 years.

28 comments:

DogBlogger said...

Prayers with you in your grief, QG. And, even amid the grief, thanksgiving for the blessing of Gretel's life upon you and your family.

Michael Kruse said...

My heart goes out to you guys. Three years ago we had to put down our 14 year old cat Judah. He had a tumor as well. These furry guys sure get under your skin and into your heart. May God be with you in our grief.

Karen Sapio said...

O Grace. I'm so sorry.

Becky Ardell Downs said...

So sorry to hear about old Gretel, QG. She was quite a girl. Prayers arising.

Anonymous said...

I'm very sorry to hear that.

zorra said...

Oh friend, I am so sorry.

Jules said...

Oh, you poor thing. So sorry. It's been a bad month for pets, I'm afraid.

reverendmother said...

Oh, no. I'm sorry.

Jan said...

My heart is with you. I know how hard this must be. ((0))

Anonymous said...

Oh my! Sorry to hear about the loss of such a fine companion. Dogs do teach us so much about the meaning of unconditional love.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. She was indeed a noble dog.

Princess of Everything (and then some) said...

That silly bunnies better be really careful!

I can just HEAR the angels singing the Gretel song.

I am so very sorry.

Unknown said...

About a year before our 14-year-old Australian Shepherd died of old age, she ran down a rabbit that foolishly strayed into our yard. They are not just animals...

hip2b said...

I am so sorry.
What a wonderful photo to remember her by.
Condolences.

St. Casserole said...

I'm so very sorry.
Losing a pet is dreadful.

Goodbye, good and faithful Gretel.

(o)

Anonymous said...

When we lost our cat Ninian back in 1998, I was totally devastated. You see, I was the new cat in the house, married into the family in 1991, and wasn't a cat person. Ninian adopted me, hopped in my lap when I sat, curled up next to me in the bed, trusted me as I cradled her in my arms as the vet sent her away. A good online friend sent me this, as the screen gets all blurry just reading it again. Its not theologically sound, its not logical, but it gives an irrational hope that maybe, just maybe ....

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...
*Author Unknown*

Lori said...

My condolences to you as well. My mom, son and I had to put my dad's beloved 15 year old cat down last month, also from a tumor, and it was hard.

They are more than animals. They are our friends.

Gannet Girl said...

Oh, QG, I am so terribly sorry. There is nothing quite like the joyful companionship and loyalty of a dog.

net said...

So sorry, QG! Keeping you and El Jefe in prayer.

Anonymous said...

I too am really sorry for your family in this loss.

As so many of the comments here show, we lose good and faithful friends when we lose our dear pets. Even the word 'pet' is not right, for we all know that they are family, through ties of affection.

Good animal friends are nothing short of a blessing from God in this life. They make every day a little more special.

Anonymous said...

God bless all of the QG family. I am so sorry about Gretel. Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant might make you feel a tiny bit better.

Susie/Nueva Cantora said...

I'm so sorry, what a very sad day. Peace and good things to you all.

mibi52/ The Rev. Dr. Mary Brennan Thorpe said...

This is so sad! Poor QG, and poor El Jefe...but Gretel was so lucky to be a part of such a loving family for 14 years. She was a lovely girl, and a boon companion. We are so very blessed by our animal companions.

Hugs and prayers across the miles.

Mkellynotes said...

We lost our beloved friend and family member, Alex (cat) over a year ago. May the presence of the Holy Spirit be felt by you and your family during this difficult time.

spookyrach said...

Oh, man. I am so very, very sorry.

Unknown said...

I am sorry, I just read this two days later. What a loss, and ow hard. I know you will miss her.

Theresa Coleman said...

(o)

Anonymous said...

I just came to your site because I remembered I hadn't been here in a long time and wondered how Gretel was doing. I am SO SO sorry. It is a real heartbreak to lose such a loved one.

Y'all are in my prayers LATE!

See you soon - Mary Beth