Thursday, August 14, 2008

Good bye


This sweet girl was a part of our family for the last 16 years. It was my first year of university when Mom and Dad brought her into the city from my Grandma's farm. The reason? To take her to the animal shelter. She'd been dropped off at the farm by who knows who and was unwanted.

She was just a pup and was scared and skinny and forlorn. She sat in a cardboard box in the back seat for the entire 3 hour trip.

The animal shelter was closed when they arrived so they brought her home with the intention of going back the next day.

She never left.

Until last week when my parents had to make the unfathomable decision to let her go.

Many people have expressed that having a pet is not worth the heartache when they go. I disagree, violently. Would we trade the last 16 years to avoid the heartache of saying goodbye?

Not in a nanosecond.




Her name was Kricket. We gave her the name because when she was a pup she would make this adorable squeaking sound when she yawned. It seem clever at the time and we certainly were not going to let my brother name her. His pet naming legacy is a cat named Kitty Kat. In my opinion, the fact that he was two years old at the time is irrelevant.

Her death also coincided with my son suddenly growing up about 7 years. When I told the boys that Kricket had died, Jack covered his eyes and then asked me to go away.

I did because I had to respect his need to grieve in his own way.

But it just about killed me that he didn't need me or want me in that moment.

Instead I answered the usual questions from Kamden about the fact that she wasn't ever coming back and we could only see her in pictures. There were no tears shed from this boy.

Jack, on the other hand, cried silently into a pillow for what seemed like an eternity. Then later in the day he asked to see pictures of her.

He's growing up way too fast.

Kricket was patient, loyal, obedient and had the sweetest heart.

She will live forever in our hearts and in my children's hearts for they loved her as much as she loved them.

Photobucket

20 comments:

mamatucci said...

I am so sorry to hear about Kricket,it is such a hard thing to lose a pet.

Natalie said...

oh it hurts my heart to hear when a loved pet is lost.

Kirstyn still cries for Snoopy at least once per week! It is so hard to be helpless as a mommy to make the hurt stop.

Anonymous said...

Oh Kami, I am so sorry :-(
Kricket sounds like she was a really wonderful pet and special companion. I'm sure you will all miss her heaps - big (((hugs))) from me to you, and the boys too.

Lori said...

I'm sorry for your loss, but you are right the years of joy outweigh the moment of sorrow.

Anonymous said...

That is so sweet, and so sad. Sending you hugs!!

Unknown said...

awe, so sorry to hear about Kricket...hugs

Unknown said...

Oh, I feel for you, the boys and your family. As you know, my parents/family went through this this year as well with our beloved Zeke. It's so hard. I cried when I got to my parent's house and he wasn't there. I love the name Kricket. May she rest in peace...

LVGurl said...

I am so sorry to hear about Kricket. I know how hard it tis to lose a family dog :( I still miss my childhood dig :(

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

Sigh... Just breaks my heart. I'm so sorry, but I'm glad you all had such a lovely 16 years with her.

It's incredibly hard on the kids to lose a pet that loved. Hope he finds peace with it....

R Royal Family said...

Oh Kami, I am so sorry. Kricket was such a sweet dog. Only those who have lost a pet can know how much it hurts. Hugs to you my friend

Anonymous said...

Oh, that just rips my heart out. It is soooo sad to say goodbye to such an important part of the family like Kricket obviously was. But I have to agree with you - the joy of having her for as part of your family was well worth it. You gave her a wonderful loving home that she may not have otherwise had and she in turn gave you as many years of her life as she could. Hugs to all of you, and an extra for Jack.

Kristin said...

Aww, that is such a sweet story of how she came to be part of your family.
Sorry she is not with you all anymore. :( You are right though, pets are worth it!

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry Kami.

She was one of the friendliest dogs I've met.

RIP Kricket.

Kellan said...

There is almost nothing more meaningful and special than a precious pet - they are so much a part of our lives and bring so much joy and love and fun! I'm sorry about the loss of Kricket.

Take care - Kellan

KATE said...

Awww, what a great story of how much joy she brought to everyones life! I'm sorry he didn't need you when he was sad, that is one of the hardest Mommy moments ever! I'm sorry Kricket is gone, truly!

Anonymous said...

SO Sorry :(

Ed (zoesdad) said...

How brave your little one is being. So sorry for you guys.

Misty said...

Sharing in your grief....

And crying tears, too, for you and the boys.

Karen MEG said...

Sorry to hear about Kricket, pets are a very important part of the family. Very sad news for your family, Kami.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about the loss of Kricket. I know exactly how you and the boys feel. Not a day goes by that J doesn't mention our dog that passed away this spring. Hugs.