We sticked to our daily routine and our usual places, while showering Viva in special treats, play, cuddles, and undivided attention - alright, Kenzo got his part as well.
Avoiding anything that could add stress, like anything new, we went for all things she knows and loves, just a lot of it, cramped together in a few days.
We invited some of Viva's favorite people to stop by for a last hug, if they, for Viva's sake, could make it passed the "sobbing not allowed" sign by the door. At one point Viva was being cuddled by three of her favorite persons at once. I could swear I heard her purr like a cat.
Each morning we took another deep breath to kick-start the new day, got charged by the fun Viva was having, send her positive vibes and more fun in return, until the upward spiral crashed the entire family exhausted on the couch to see a bad movie to fall asleep on.
It was good, these last few days. Viva was happy despite her nose, and I feel blessed to be given the opportunity to say goodbye to Viva while she was still feeling good, with fun, instead of tears. They will be allowed to flow later.
While I write this, she is sleeping peacefully beside my desk. She is dreaming, and talking in her sleep, and by the sound of it, she might very well be on an epic squirrel hunt.
Tomorrow - today when you read this - Viva will fall into one more sleep, and will rest in our hearts.
Then we will take one more very deep breath, and embark on Operation Support Kenzo, to help him through his grief first.
Thank you all, for the love you send to Viva and the family. Your kind words, poems, comforting messages, prayers and support, are all deeply cherished. It warms me tremendously to know Viva touched so many.
Oh Viva :( my sincerest condolences to the whole family
ReplyDeleteLove this phrase ... "fall into one more sleep, and will rest in our hearts." Love and support you in your time of grief.
ReplyDeleteI will be thinking of you all. I am so sorry you have to say goodbye but glad you could spend these days with her so happily. Thank you for sharing a part of her lovely life with us so we can all remember her.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. I'm keeping you and Kenzo in my heart during this difficult time. I second Kristine's sentiment: Thank you for allowing us to be witness to her wonderful life.
ReplyDeleteThank you all once more, sweet friends, for all your kind words. Viva went peacefully, and rests in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry for your loss. Viva for sure had the best family and home that she can ever get, so she had such a good life.
ReplyDeleteI did my best trying to translate the most beautiful polish poem ever, by Barbara Borzymowska. I hope you find it a little heartwarming.
"It's just a dog, only a dog you say
and I tell you
that a dog is sometimes more than a man.
He has no soul, you say
look again
dogs soul is greater than a dog
and when you smile to her
she swings on a dogs tail.
And when its time to say goodbye
and dog is going to its heaven
it comes out, it's not that far.
'Cause by your side is his 'forever'.
You were and always be his heaven."
How beautiful.
DeleteI'm so sorry. I'm glad that Viva went peacefully and had such wonderful days at the end.
ReplyDeleteViva, run free with Jasmine now, she will take care of you. (((hugs)))
ReplyDelete" My eyes look for you but cannot find you
My hands seek to touch you but your fur is nowhere to be reached
Then I stop searching the world and look into my heart
And there you are, my love "
I am so sorry about Viva ' & I know she will be in your hearts forever' and happy to celebrate her last few days in just plain having fun' & loving her family ' they give us so much love!! Polly
ReplyDeleteI know how hard it is to send her on that final journey and our hearts go out to you--my tears are falling as I write this. Viva will always be in your hearts and I know Kenzo will miss her. Sage watched her Toby take his last breath and I know it helped her accept his absence. RIP Viva.
ReplyDeleteI made myself wait to read your post until I got home for fear I would be a sobbing mess. All I had to do was look at Viva's picture and read your title and I was in tears. I knew I needed time to read and absorb and comment.
ReplyDeleteI have no words of comfort that differ from anyone else's here. I feel like Viva and Kenzo have been a part of my family. Through you, I have gotten to know them and their personalities. To know that Viva has been spoiled and been able to enjoy the love of everything and everyone she loves made me smile. To know that she may already gone by the time I write this makes me so very sad. I am so sorry Leo. Please give Kenzo a hug from me and know that I am sending you and your wife hugs too.
Run free Viva. Enjoy the sun and the beach as they were meant to be enjoyed. Play in the sand and the surf and bark with joy. Godspeed. You will be missed.
Sending our condolences your way.I'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteFour paws over the Rainbow Bridge, but all the love left in your heart.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs to you all. RIP sweet Viva.
ReplyDeleteSending sympathy and hugs. You've made a decision that is never easy with such grace and love.
ReplyDeleteYou made sure that sweet Viva knew she was loved in her final days, and I cannot think of a more wonderful gift that you could give her. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I'm sending giant hugs and condolences.
ReplyDeleteThat photo of Viva is so gorgeous. Thank you for sharing it and your journey. I will keep you and your family and Kenzo in my thoughts. Much love to you all.
ReplyDeleteThank you for leaving such kind comments and poems. I really appreciate it very much.
ReplyDelete