Dutchfield's Daisy Joyce Avalon 

(Daya)

Daya's last day at the beach

10th of December 1995 - 14th of August 2008

 

Daya has passed away.....

This month it is exactly 12.5 years ago that she walked into my life. So small, so sweet, so naughty. During the 12.5 years she has been my best friend. She needed me and I needed her. She trusted me and relied on me to protect her. Unfortunately I could not protect her against the cancer that hurt her. And eventually I have had to take the decision to let her go.

We went to Holland in June. She had a great holiday, and even worked my sheep, moving them from one field to another and looking so pleased with herself. We took her swimming in a real doggie swimming pool and she enjoyed herself so much. On the way back she became ill. Pancreatitis. I was convinced she was going to die (and so was the vet) but she pulled through. Only to get ill again a few weeks later. We suspected the same, but test showed that this time it was more serious. A cancerous growth in her chest, no cure possible. No idea how long she had to go. My worst fear had become reality. We considered chemo, but due to circumstances 
this was no possibility. All we could do is wait.

 Her last few days were reasonably good. She slept a lot at home and had difficulty breathing. Her body gave up. She couldn't come for walks any more but at the beach she looked like her old self. Ran after the ball, ran up to other dogs, challenged us to throw a stick. On her last day she found a ball on the beach, and we played with it for a while. And even though you couldn't see anything on the outside, we knew she'd had enough. At home we made prints of her paw in plaster. We lay on the bed for a few hours and said our goodbye's. I explained to her where she would go, and how nice it would be there.                                                                  

At the vet she had her last biscuit, and then it was time to go. She was gone within a few seconds. On her way to the rainbow bridge.

After we went home I asked for a sign, so I would know I did the right thing. I asked for a rainbow....
Daya's Rainbow

Andrew suggested to go back to the beach, to say goodbye and have some time to ourselves. I am so glad we went. Because when we arrived at the beach we suddenly saw this big, most beautiful rainbow. It rose from the sea, into the clouds. It stayed with us for over an hour. The three of us (me, Andrew and Charlie, Daya's grand daughter) sat in the sand and watched it. It felt good.
                                                                                           

Now I feel pain, grief, emptiness.  I miss her so much.

If I ever had any doubts about the existence of the rainbowbridge, the small miracle of seeing Daya’s rainbow has taken those away.

Sleep well, my sweet girl. Until later....

 Annette

 

 Daya's pawprint in the sand

The memories of me that you keep in your heart are forever.

Just like the paw prints I left here….

 

(anonymous)

 

 

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. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him 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...

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