Saying Goodbye to Joia...

JOIA TURTLE NELSON
July 18, 2002 – November 3, 2008

My beloved first dog passed away today from cancer. Close to 3 years ago she was diagnosed with Mast Cell Sarcoma cancer with an estimated 2 years left to live. After her diagnoses she did not have any problems and seemed in great health with as much energy as she had as a puppy. About a week ago she started acting slow and not eating and the vet told us she was in her final days and to think about putting her down as all her organs were shutting down. She seemed in high spirits the last week of her life as we spoiled her with love and treats (which she did eat!) and I thought I would have more time with her and more time to decide when it would be best to stop her suffering.

Today, on November 3, she passed away today in my arms quickly and quietly without suffering. I had just made an appointment for tomorrow morning with a cancer specialist to see if there was any real hope and to get a second opinion on her condition to ensure I did not make any premature decisions. After I put Shayla down for her afternoon nap, I went to spend time with Joia and pet and play with her. She laid her head in my lap and I was petting her for about a half an hour. Her breathing became very heavy all of a sudden for about 10 seconds and then she took a deep breath and was gone. It was so fast I didn’t realize that it was even happening and I am glad she did not seem to be in any pain as she went so fast and without struggle. I was comforted with that and the fact that she was in my lap and she knew she was loved.

She was ready to go and it was a final gift to me that I did not have to see her go through any more tests or make a decision on how to decide about her passing. Tyson (who was outside at the time) came inside to “say goodbye” and spent most of the rest of the day howling (as did I…)…we did lose a member of our family today who was with us for over 6 years. This is a beautiful poem that makes me think of Joia in a happy place and I look forward to being reunited with her again someday I do believe in doggy heaven!)…

THE 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 to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her 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 the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

-Author Unknown-