R2D2: Most Precious Furkid #1

                                                                          

                                                                      R2D2

                                                                1997 - 2010

This morning my precious R2 crossed over the Rainbow Bridge where Bear Bear, Betty, Rusty, Maxx, Kaiser, Patches, Popcorn and all the other family and friend furkids were waiting to welcome him.  Letting him go was almost more than I could bear so soon after losing my sweet baby Bear.  This time was especially hard. 

In 1997, 2 days before our Connor boy was born, I had to let go of my first Sheltie, Rusty, 14,  who suffered a massive stroke.  It was a crushing blow.  A week after Connor was born I wanted to fill the void that my Rusty had left so I found a lady who had one 10-week-old Sheltie puppy left who needed a loving home.  When I first saw R2 he was standing at the railing of a playpen, wagging his tail so hard I thought he would fall over.  It was love at first sight.  It's hard to remember a time without him now.

Connor and Sam don't know life without R2, always foraging for food, barking and having some part of his body in most every picture we ever took around here.  I just assumed in my heart that he'd always be here with me, sleeping on the foot of my bed, looking for food and chasing squirrels and cars and people on the inside of the fence with Bear and Smokey.  Getting old sucks; so does losing the ones your love, human or fur. 

How could I lose both my beloved furkids in the space of 2 months?  I don't expect an answer.  Life and death happen.  What matters now is how much love and joy R brought to my life.  I can't imagine not having all the wonderful memories that lie on the other side of the pain I'm feeling right now.  My life would have been much less rich without either R or Bear.  The heartbreak of losing them both will ease in time and the memories will make me smile and laugh, not cry as I do today.

Ironically, the new pup Spanky, came to me via the lady who brought R2 into my life.  Little did I know a week ago when I got Spanky that I would be losing my precious R.  In spite of the pain I need to focus on the new, naughty sweet little bundle of fur.  Sadly, I haven't had much time or emotional reserve to spend on him this past week of realizing my R was failing and there was nothing the vet could do.

So, this morning I had to say goodbye to my #1 furbaby.  I held him and talked to him for over an hour before it was time to go.  I held him in my arms as he left me.  The last voice he heard was mine saying how much I love him.  I told him he would be home soon and never leave again.

I have my furkids cremated and they come home to stay.  Soon he will be back with us where he belongs.

I love and miss you, my precious pup, my sweet old R!  You'll forever be here in my heart.