grief...

...is like a shadow cast by a large cloud...but when you look at the cloud, there are rays of sunshine peeking through and those beams of light are our great memories.

Yesterday, we said goodbye to Thatcher.

He took a turn for the worse yesterday morning and we just knew what we had to do.

His recovery the day before allowed him to do some of his favorite things Monday evening--eating a bit of grilled salmon, running along the back wall, barking at the stranger at the door...and while he was resting on his wool rug in the family room yesterday, he was watching Babylon 5 with Ashley on her laptop (he was Ash's TV buddy and loved B5 for some reason).

We are grateful to God that He blessed us for almost 13 years with such an ideal dog.  He was definitely one of a kind.

Thatcher has been described by friends and family as a magnificent Bouvier, a teddy bear, a real gentleman, reliable and responsible, a caretaker and steady Eddie.  To me, Thatcher will always be "Mom's Boy".  He will be missed...and never forgotten.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, for your comments and emails...we appreciate them all.

Comments

[Cricket]

I'm so very sorry for your loss Carol. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Brenda Casady]

Carol,
I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless you all.

[Sarah F]

So sorry to hear about your loss of Thatcher. I too am thinking about you and your lovely family.

[pamelajane]

Saying goodbye at the right time is surely one last thing our pets depend on us to do for them, in exchange for such steadfastness on their part. But I know you'll all miss Thatcher, for he shared a lovely long life with you.

[Beverly]

Thatcher was surely blessed to be a member of a wonderful family.

I'll be thinking of you all going through this loss. I like to think that he might be somewhere playing with my little Murphy Brown.

[Terri Porter]

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. One of the most unfair things in life is that our animals can't live as long as we do. I've had to do it many times and it never gets easier. And it's doubly cruel when a child has to lose a lifelong companion. My son lost his cat of 13 years a few years back and my grief was doubled in witnessing his and trying to help him through it. The only comfort is remembering all of the good times we were blessed to have with them. I am hoping that those memories are a comfort to you now. Terri

[Melissa Cavanaugh]

Oh Ms. Carol
How sorry am I to read this post? My thoughts and prayers are with you my friend... I cannot think of the "right" thing to say, words are of little comfort when your heart is breaking... just know that I am sending good wishes and prayers your way...
Melissa

[Ginger]

Oh my goodness that is such sad news. I was just checking in to see how Thatcher was doing and to read of the news. It saddens me greatly. I lost my beloved Jack Russell Comet 1 1/2 yrs. ago. It just broke my heart. He was my mamma's boy, my constant companion, my protector, my foot warmer and morning coffee mate. He howled threw labor with me and annoyed me at times with his nourotic(sp) jack russell tendancies but he was my boy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Louise Murr]

Ah...so sorry to hear about your loss. It is so sad to loose an important part of the family. I have you in my prayers.

Louise

[Jeanette]

Rest in peace, Thatcher. So glad I had the opportunity to meet you. :)

[Carole]

It's so hard to say good bye to a pet who has become like a member of the family. When you are ready, there is a lovely story about the Rainbow Bridge at this website: http://www.superdog.com/petloss/bridge.htm

[Grace]

Oh my goodness, I just was checking in on Thatcher news and read this. I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. He was blessed to be in such a loving family. Big Hugs to you. Grace

[Dina K]

Dear Carol ~ I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[sherry bamsey]

Carol
I am so sory for the loss of Thatcher. He sounded like he was the "best"
Sherryb

[Regina]

Hi Carol. My heart aches right now for you and your family. He looks like he was such a nice boy. I read one of the posts about the Rainbow Bridge. That helped me get through the loss of my momma's boy in May of this year. Big hugs to you.

Regina

[Tasha]

Carol, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Thatcher looks like such a sweet boy and I'm sure felt very blessed to have a loving and caring family like yours to spend his life with.

[Shannon Coyne]

So sorry to hear about your loss...I have three dogs and a kitty and I know that my heart will break when something happens to them. So glad that you have so many good memories of Thatcher...those will get you through this.

[paige]

carol, i am so sorry.
loosing a pet is so painful. it sounds like you had a wonderful amazing companion.
my thoughts are with you today....

[Velvet Brick]

Dear Carol and family,
I am so very sorry that this moment has come for all of you. I always thought Thatcher seemed like such a compassionate, loyal companion as you wrote little bits of him. I will be thinking of all of you as you feel the loss of this beautiful animal. God bless you all. God's speed, Thatcher.
Carol

[Kim]

I was so sadden by your post today. We too have a remarkable yet old dog named Turbo. He is a favorite of all our family and friends. He is have been my favorite boy child (since I have 2 daughters!) for almost 14 years. I am dreading the end but blessed everyday by his presence and love.
I know Thatcher will watch over your family forever in spirit.

kim

[Jeanette Brooks]

So very sorry to hear of the lose of your sweet four legged family member. I know Mr. Thatcher will be terribly missed.

[cgs]

this makes my heart ache for you Carol...but hang in there...
lucky you to have had ~~and loved Thatcher.
Take good care.

coNnie GoVea StUaRt

[Violet Rogers]

So very sorry for your loss -- they do leave a hole in our lives when our pets go. They truly are members of the family. We had a dog that lived to be 13 and I know how you feel.

Violet

[Leonie - Australia]

I am so sad for you Carol he sounded like such a wonderful dog, I hope you can find some peace in all your wonderful memories of him.

[Judy B.]

I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet is very hard. God bless you and your family. God bless Thatcher.

Thoughts and prayers to you and yours. Judy