Jan 26, 2009

SWEET CLEO


I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness. If it takes my dog being there [in Heaven], I believe he'll be there. (Rev. Billy Graham)



 Pets are family members in our home. They are a part of our daily lives, sitting right there beside us and joining in on our daily routine. From breakfast time, homework time, keeping me company in the laundry room to helping me check the mail, I've always had "someone" to keep me company. So this weekend when our sweet Cleo passed away (so quickly and unexpectedly), it left us all very empty and sad. Now that it is Monday morning and everyone is off doing their thing and I am here at home alone,  supposedly doing my thing, her absence is so much more evident and felt. I am really missing her, missing everything about her. 

We discovered that Cleo was sick and in pain Friday night around 11:45.  It was apparent that this was an emergency and she needed medical attention. After making some phone calls and getting a neighbor to come over and help lift her into our car, my husband took her to a 24 hour vet clinic. 

The diagnoses wasn't good. Cleo was suffering from Bloat. Bloat will kill a dog in as little as 2 hours if not treated and surgery is needed to reverse the complications. There are many things that can go wrong during surgery and chance of survival for her was 50/50. 

Cleo wasn't able to survive this. Our gentle giant is gone. She and my children grew up right beside each other. Quite often, she was like their Nana in Peter Pan, overseeing them and joining in on everything. From posing for sidewalk chalk drawings on the driveway many years ago to being the lifeguard last summer by the pool, she loved being in the middle of it all. Oh how she loved a slumber party! You couldn't convince that 180 pound baby that she wasn't the first on the invitation list. She loved family game night and movie night. She loved to play hide and seek with us outside, loved to go "bye-bye" and looked for "blankie" when she was ready for bed. Come Saturday mornings, she new that she and daddy were going to make a Starbucks run. I could go on and on and on....



Last night when I went to tuck #3 in bed she was crying so hard. She had all of her St. Bernard stuffed animals in bed with her. She was holding them in one great big bear hug. She and I just laid there together. 


Those of you who have pets know what we are going through and some of you may not understand all the emotional investment. 

We miss her and will be missing her for a long time. We love you sweet Clee-Clee and are so sorry that this happened to you.


10 comments:

Sandra said...

I am so sorry for you and your sweet family. And I know the days will be so hard for you when the family leaves the house. xoxo

Amy W said...

Oh, I'm so sorry for your family's loss. What a big sweetheart.... I loved the pictures of her and the girls.

Mary@Holy Mackerel said...

I am so so sorry. I know how you feel. Our pets are part of the family.

(hugs)

Love Being A Nonny said...

I can tell how very much you loved her. So sorry.

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

I was so sorry to hear about Cleo last week and actually cried for you guys, even though I don't know you personally. I just know how much we love our dog now and how much we have loved our past pets. They are just like "Children" in our families, aren't they? I talk to our dog just like she is a person. You are blessed to have such wonderful memories and pictures of Cleo. If you so desire, hopefully you can have another dog someday that will be a special part of your life, just as Cleo has been. Take care. Praying for your sweet family at this time. Love & blessings!

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

Would you mind sending me your address? My email address is:
EmptyNestTales@gmail.com
Thanks! Love & blessings from NC!

Adlibby said...

That is just heartbreaking. What a gorgeous face your Cleo had. I'm sad, sad, sad for your family and your girls. There's really no love like that of a good dog!

Darla DiStefano said...

Oh, my heart is breaking for you...so sorry for your loss...

CarolinaGirl said...

My mom lost her Westie last week, and I know how sad this can be. Cleo was a BEAUTIFUL dog! Again, I am so sorry, and I am so sad for your beautiful daughters too.

Formerly known as Frau said...

I'm so sorry my heart goes out to you and your family. I can't imagine the pain you are going through. I know you miss Cleo and with time your broken heart will heal. Hold your memories close to your heart.