Welcome to the Hearth

Welcome to the Hearth

Monday, June 2, 2008

When Angels take their leave......



This seems to be a time for Angels, I guess. A special Angel who has been my companion for the last 5 and a half years took his leave this day about noon. I inherited him, a white with brindle patches, greyhound from my friend, Cindy, who preceded him by 5 years, as she crossed the rainbow bridge. When he first came into our household from the greyhound adoption program he carried a winning racer Name:" Nebraska Chief." He told us he wanted to be called Toby. He carried his name in a gentle way. Everyone who ever met him notice his regal beauty. He had an unusual diamond shaped mark on his third eye, that is called a "monks hood" and it is believed that a dog carrying that mark was touched by the hand of God. All of us who knew him, felt that way too. The many times I took him to the beach he was an ambassador of peace and welcome to all he met. He once pointed out a heart shaped shell fossil and so many times helped me find heart shaped rocks. It was only right that we two walked together looking for hearts. His very fir coat sported a heart shaped brindle patch, so his mission here on earth was to remind us all of the power of love in our lives and to lead lives where matters of the heart were first and foremost. What I liked most about Toby was his quiet presence, he never demanded attention but was content to be near by, keeping me company. One of the great things that he was for me was an exersize coach. Because of him, I walked each day and made time to get out and see the world around me as he did, sniffing the salt sea air and looking for something furry to chase. I loved that he stayed by my side when we walked. I never had to worry if he would run away when he walked or ran on the beach without a leash. When we would take our long walks up the beach he stayed just a pace behind me, "following his leader," like a good dog should. What an easy person he was to be with. During the 3 short years he was a racer he experienced many things that left him scarred and scared. I don't even want to think what it must have been like living in a cage during those years. When we adopted him he became a 45 mile an hour couch potato. I'm not sure if my couch will ever be the same without a greyhound on it. For the next three days, the gate to the yard will be left open in recognition of his newfound freedom. Run free, Dear Friend, you are free to chase any rabbit you like now and eat all the chicken strips you want. Thank you for coming near for a while.

13 comments:

taliana said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Kim Campbell said...

I am so sorry. A beautiful tribute to your friend.

Patty said...

I am so sorry you lost your beloved pet. They are like our babies and I know your heart must be breaking.

Sorrow said...

There is something so poignant and moving about leaving the gate open...
I hope that Love and more Angels come through that open gate...

Miss Robyn said...

xoxo so sorry dear Sr.K - now Toby is with Cindy and I am sure it won't be long til he starts barking at you from the other side xoxo

Rebecca said...

I have to echo Miss*r's comment - I predict Toby will be sending you messages very soon. And, I for one will be very interested to hear what he has to say. Your post is lovely and loving. Toby was blessed in your home.

Rebecca

Anonymous said...

Oh I am so sorry too Sr. K !
I love your leaving the gate open . . . what a wonderful idea.
I don't really understand why dogs that give such unconditional love can only spend such a short time with us. Obviously they are here to give, not learn, and maybe that is the answer!
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Kel.

Monique Kleinhans said...

Toby is welcome to come and visit us here in Montana too should he feel like running this way. We have left the gate open for so many wonderful companions in the past year that you have to wonder if they are all gathering together for something grand.

I just happened to look up from my computer in the night sky and the moon is shining like a large grin up there in the deep blue of dusk. I can only think that that grin is meant for us as we think on those we've lost in this world, knowing that they are so much freer in the next.

I would say of all the hearts that Toby pointed to, he was most happy to have found yours.

Blessings to you and much much love during this transition.

Brandi Reynolds said...

both my babies are rescues-one came to us in VERY poor shape and I am honored that they chose me to be their guardian.

namaste to your toby and to you and I honor his life as he crosses the bridge.

Anonymous said...

Such a sweet gentle spirit. I know you are missing his presence -- words fail me, so just know I hold you in my heart. Much love!

Julie said...

I am so sorry to hear about Toby. We have lost four dear dog companions and one cat in our married life (34 years).

Right now we have two dogs who are the opposite of Toby. They are rowdy and demand attention. Gracie the German shorthaired pointer broke a hurricane glass candle holder tonight in her rush to the window bark at the people who had the nerve to walk by on the sidewalk. But we love them and they love us in return.

Anonymous said...

Hi, very interesting post, greetings from Greece!

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