Have I finally found my friends? (Palmer has crossed over the Bridge)

Susan,
There will always be a slight sadness in your heart but it will not be as great as the gladness having had Palmer in your life gave you.

The Last Battle


If it should be that I grow frail and weak, and pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done, for this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand, but don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest, your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years, you wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend, only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me, until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree, it is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved, from pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you, who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years, don't let your heart hold any tears.

-- Unknown

It is very sad that we all fight so hard to keep our wonderful companions healthy and happy but we can't win the last battle. I am a warrior when it comes to this battle, but I also know that Dexter couldn't have gone any further. He gave it his best and so did I. Just as you and Palmer gave it your best. Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Christy

Hi Susan!
Been away for a while but now am back - minus a gallbladder!!
Just wanted to check in and see how you are doing. I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying some smiles again. I read your stories about Palmer and you had me laughing out loud. Especially the story about him sitting on your head. What a guy!!
Please take care of yourself. Remember, your furrbaby is only a thought away.
Love,
Carrol

Hi Susan

Just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. You are in my thoughts.

Denise & Bonnie
xxx

Hi Susan,

You have such wonderful memories and stories about Palmer. How about copying the ones you wrote here and writing some more? You would have a great collection of tibits and thoughts of your Palmer which you could look back through and read whenever the need arises.

I bet you could write one memory or thought a day for quite awhile. :)We love reading them, you tell them so well.

All our love and hugs,

Addy and Zoe

When Palmer was 6 or 7, he had already recovered from his knee surgeries. His knee was no longer popping out on him.
We have one of those higher beds. It was too high for Palmer to get up there on his own, so I got a set of those carpeted steps that they sell for pets. Those worked great until the past 2 or 3 years when his jump was not quite as high and he kept hitting his knees on the foot board when he climbed the steps. (ouch!!) After that happened a number of times, I started lifting him up and off the bed. He was able to go down the steps longer than he went up the steps.
Well, this crazy dog was mad! He would get frisky while he was on the bed. He would decide he wanted to run. He'd suddenly take a flying leap off the end of the bed, and except for missing the cape, he was stretched out just like Superman! That was quite a jump since the bed is at least 3 times as tall as he was.
He'd be off and running and acting crazy. If you didn't have shoes on, but had socks on, he was going to attack your feet. If you dropped a sock, he was off and running and there was no catching him. He'd just shake his head with the sock in his mouth.....and almost be laughing at you.
I may be repeating myself-at bedtime, when the lights went out, he'd snuggle up against me or Bob. He'd stay there until he got cold and then he'd move up between the pillows. Next change would be to go completely under the sheets. He'd stay there until daylight. If it got too hot under there, he'd come back out.....and start the process all over again. One morning, I was awake but my eyes were still closed and all of a sudden I got this big kiss!! I opened my eyes and there was his little head resting on the corner of my pillow....looking so loving, with his deep brown eyes.
Because of his presence on the bed since forever, I guess, going to bed has always been kind of special. He knew when I came in that I would bring a little treat. He'd patiently wait for me to get settled and then I'd feed it to him in tiny pieces....because that way he would chew it. If you gave him larger pieces he swallowed them after only one or two chews. When we got through with the treat, he'd turn around and put his back against mine. For some reason, Palmer always wanted to have his back to you. No matter where he settled down, I'd be looking at his back. I'd like to say he was guarding me, but I know that was not the reason. I don't know the reason, but I often thanked him for sharing his butt with me!!
So-going to bed now is very sad. Every night I cry a little. I even put off going to bed because of that. Then when I wake up, sometimes I am sure I hear him at the foot of the bed. That was his morning spot. I get caught by surprise sometimes because I look expecting to see Palmer....and he's not there. I've even thought I heard him.
We're going away for a week. I'll be thinking about all you wonderful people....even though I won't be writing here. I'll get back to you when I return. Hugs and hugs to all of you and great thanks for all your comfort.

-Susan

Safe travels, sweetie! Try and enjoy the trip. ;) Just remember you have many folks here who love you and are looking forward to your safe return!

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

Susan,

Buddy has been gone for a while now and I have found that those sharp pains when I remembered things about him are not there any more. Sometimes it is a dull ache but mostly I now remember with a smile. I still think of him often and probably always will because he was such a big part of my life.

Palmer was connected to you and that tie is not easily severed. Times change and we move on but those memories are yours, I hope soon there are more smiles when you think of him,

Jenny

I think Palmer is visiting you in spirit and that's why you sense him while you are half awake. He is letting you know he is okay . . ..

I love your stories,

Love and hugs,

Hello friends and happy New Year!!

I'm bummed out, so I thought I'd stop in here. I had foot surgery on 12/15 and now have two pins in two toes and some kind of metal object in my big toe. They won't come out until the end of January. I'm supposed to stay down with my foot over my heart 24 hrs./day except for potty trips and eating meals.

We have been in contact with some folks in our attempt to get a Schnoodle. We thought we had one on the way, but the litter turned out 1 fewer. We now have first pick in a litter that's due around 1/18. I didn't realize they doc the tails of these puppies. I don't think I like that. I can get one with the tail not docked, but I have to pay in full by birth......so no judging based in personality. We live at the beach so there are not the resources there are in a metropolitan area for finding a new pup.

Once again I am experiencing a really rough time about Palmer being gone. He knows it too........I've felt him around.

=Susan

Update-I have had to back out of the Schnoodle adoption. :(

-Susan