December 22, 2012 our little Gracie Girl was taken back to heaven. She was our 13 year old Yorkie...a whopping 4 pounds of love and loyalty. Piper's buddy and the love of Bryce's life.
She had no idea she was little. She was the Princess of this castle.
She had gone down the deck stairs to go potty. While returning back up the stairs, she must have become disoriented and slipped through the top of the stairs and fell to the patio below. She was still alive, but badly broken and screaming in pain. Blood was coming from her mouth and we knew it was a matter of time. Tom and I rushed her to the closest vet, where we had to say our last goodbyes to the pup we've had since before we had our babies. We held her in our arms as she was put to sleep.
We wept, not only to lose her, but to have her leave us in such a cruel way. It was horrible to see her tiny, limp body...screaming for an escape from the pain. Tom and I were glad that we could be with her when she left this world and that she didn't have to suffer alone.
I have tried to write about this several times...and I always get to this point and stop.
It was such a heartbreaking experience to bring her tiny body back home in a box. The kids were sure we would take her to the vet and she would return bandaged with a promise of a full recovery.
We wanted to bring her home so we could bury her on Donkey Hill and the kids could gain some closure.
We all wrote messages on her box.
Bradley brought us the sweetest note. This was an emotional experience for him, yet he was worried about how WE felt. He is an amazing young boy.
We went to Donkey Hill and prepared her resting place next to Charlie Cat, They sleep under a big tree...with wind chimes that play a constant song.
Karah and Bradley found rocks to stack on top of her resting place. Bryce would not come down to the tree. He rode his bike back and forth down the driveway. He said he was angry...and we let him deal with it in the way that was best for him.
We marked her grave with a paw stone and said a prayer.
The finality of it sunk in with Karah and she wept for the loss of her doggie and friend.
Grandma was a great comfort to her.
We continued to grieve the loss of little Gracie. So many times, we would mistakenly think we saw her running through the room...or expect to see her perched up on a pile of blankets in the corner. We would bring her up at random times and talk about how we missed her.
Every night. Every single night...Bryce would tell us how much he missed her when we would tuck him in. She was the last thing he thought about before he went to sleep.
While we began to move on - we knew that Bryce couldn't.
He had such a special relationship with Gracie. He asked questions about death, about the resurrection, and how sad he was that she was gone.
This went on for a year and we knew it was time that we helped him heal that spot in his heart with another tiny bundle of fur. While Gracie couldn't be replaced...we knew there could be a reprieve of his aching if we could fill his heart with complete love and excitement.
We had intended on getting another little Yorkie. I met with a breeder who had Yorkies and one Yorkie Poo (Yorkie Poodle Mix).
It was love at first sight. She was the one.
We surprised the kids with an early Christmas gift.
Meet Francis...also known as Frannie Mae, Fransisco, and Shark Bait.
Immediately Smitten.
Francis was named after my favorite children's book: "Bread and Jam for Frances".
I just like the other spelling better :) Franc....is.
Bryce has done so well since Francis came into his life.
He has another "tiny buddy" to cuddle...give rides in a laundry basket...and play with.
Piper is her biggest fan. They were instant friends and love being together.
Our family is so thankful for animals and the tremendous blessing they have been in our family. They have helped us in teaching our children about responsibility, work, love, patience, gentleness, and companionship.
You will forever be in our hearts, Gracie.
You are a part of our forever family and we treasure the years we had with you.
Thank you for your loyalty. For your tiny, peaceful, presence that always brought comfort to our souls.
We love you.
“He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me… whenever… wherever – in case I need him. And I expect I will – as I always have. He is just my dog.” - Gene Hill
