Saturday, July 10, 2010

Sweet Meeka

Meeka 2001-2010


On Thursday, July 8th at 7pm we sent our sweet Meeka on his final journey. Although we knew in our hearts it was the kindest gift we could give our beloved friend the pain for us is overwhelming.

Very recently Meeka was diagnosed with a mass in his abdominal region. Within a very short period of time it had grown extremely large. Rather than subject this proud boy to painful surgeries and treatments none of which came with any guarantees, we opted to bring him home where he belonged so that he could spend his final time with his pack. Sadly our time was very limited. We barely had time to come to grips with the reality of life without him. His mind was intact....his body was failing. I don't think there's anything more heart wrenching than that. I have to say that Meeka handled all of this much better than I. To the end he maintained his Alpha status and I could see the others communicating with him. It was subtle but it was there if you watched. They rarely left him alone yet respected his space, lying a few yards away.......ever watchful.

Our hearts are broken. The pain is tremendous. I feel him everywhere yet it's not a comfort yet. I want to reach out and pull him back to me. But I can't. I know that in time it will get easier. Every second feels like hours. I miss his gentle nature. I miss the way he took your breath away when you saw him. I miss his joy when you came through the door, even if you were only gone for 10 minutes.

The outpouring of kind words and prayers has been amazing. One never knows what to say when this happens. I read every email and message left, sometimes only a few at a time because my tears get in the way. I will save them all and will put them in his scrapbook. One of the most profound messages came from a close friend of mine. It's from a book called The Art Of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein. It is written from a dog's perspective:

"My life seems like it has been so long and so short at the same time. People speak of a will to live. They rarely speak of a will to die. Because people are afraid of death. Death is dark and unknown and frightening. But not for me. It is not the end.".......... "after a dog dies, his soul is released into the world around us. His soul is released to run in the world, run through the fields, enjoy the earth, the wind, the rivers, the rain, the sun, the - When a dog dies, his soul is released to run until he is ready to be reborn. "



For now I'll hold on to that thought. It will get me through the day. I thank all of you for loving Meeka as much as we did.




46 comments:

Teddy Westlife said...

Run free sweet Meeka. Wherever you are, I know there is lots of snow for you to build forts with.

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Meeka has khwite a pakhk of pals akhross The Rainbow Bridge -

When woo shared the plans with the SMS humans about his trip, I spent time under my tree asking my SibeStas to get ready -

I'm sure he and Tucker made khwite the entrance -

We khommend woo fur giving him the dignity he deserved - that truly is the most special gift any of us khan evFUR give/get -

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Steve, Kat, & Wilbur said...

We are so sorry about Meeka and know that you did what was best for him. We know he's happy in heaven, where there is always snow for Sibes and lots of other wonderful dogs to play with.

Steve and Kat

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

So very sorry to see this sad news. We know that our sister Dakota was there with a lot of our great pups to greet him at the bridge. You are so right about how hard it is and how much it hurts. Time brings peace and healing and the good memories flood in to take over the sorrow. Lots of good thoughts and hugs from all of us.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara and Mom

Khady Lynn said...

Our hearts are breaking for you and the tears are flowing. We are so very sorry for your loss.

Godspeed sweet Meeka.

Holly and Khady

Lorenza said...

I am so sad to know about Meeka.
I will always remember him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Take care
Lorenza

Joe Stains said...

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We are sending you lots of hugs.

Jack & Moo said...

Time will wear the edge off losing him, but time takes time. In the meanwhile, we're here to listen and hold a sacred space for his memory.

Thanks for sharing him with us.

jack, moo, & Pat

TimberLove said...

soft husky wooos,

RA

Shmoo said...

you will be missed

sad woo

Meeshka

D.K. Wall said...

So incredibly sorry for the loss of Meeka. We had the candle lit for him Thursday as soon as we heard, but it sounds like some Siberian pals from around the world went with him that day, We are thinking there must have been a heck of a Siberian party North of the Bridge.

And I know how you feel him everywhere. An alpha has to keep the pack in order - even from beyond.

♥I am Holly♥ said...

We just heard from Khyra about your loss of Meeka. We wanted to stop by and tell you how sad we feel for you for your loss. Meeka is at the Rainbow Bridge running free with the wind and meeting up with so many new friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry. Lots of love, Debbie and Holly

Biloxi and Siber-sibs said...

We is so furry sorry bouts Meeka. He knows he was furry well loved by his hoomans and pack.

Dance among da stars Meeka in your new beewootiful harness. Your paws will be furever upon your family's hearts. And may you be waitin' fur your family at da end of der time, so y'all kin continue your journey together furever.

Husky kisses,
Biloxi, Maw and Siber-sibs

Donna said...

Rest in peace.

The Army of Four said...

Sometimes the kindest thing is the hardest thing. Thank you for the love and care you showed Meeka.
With love from all 6 of us -
K & M
and the Ao4

Anonymous said...

Khyra sent us over. I have a sibe. she's the first i've ever had. i've had various dogs over the years, but the siberian breed is "one of a kind." i always melt anytime i meet one or see one online. Meeka's picture on FB melted me immediately. we're so sorry for your loss.

Lots of soft tail wags to you from juno and loki,
wild dingo

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

We just read about this on DWB's news...

Please accept our condolences on the loss of dear Meeka...we can just visualize Khyra's khomment with him and Tucker crossing the Bridge....we know there was rejoicing in Heaven for his sweet soul arriving.

And we so know what you mean about feeling him around you...losing a dog is unbelieveably difficult...

We want you to know that you don't walk your journey alone...you have a global community walking with you!

We will be keeping you and Meeka in our thoughts and prayers...

Hugs and khisses,

Scruffy, Lacie, Stanny and their Mumsie

The Brat Pack said...

Run free and happy, sweet Meeka. We're so sorry for your loss and know he had the best possible life with you.

Hugs,
Maryann & The Brats

Asta said...

WE send our love and sad wet kisses to you..loosing a beautiful, wonderful part ofyour family is so so hard. Meeka was very special and magnificent and I know that someday those many memories will fill you with smiles , but for now, we know the pain.
sending smochie kisses from ASTA'loveAmi

Mango the Maltese kiddo said...

Dear Meeka's family,
We didn't have the chance to meet Meeka and his pack before, we just learned about Meeka's passing in DWB News.
Stay, if only Meeka could!
Big hugs to all of you, there's no words could fill the emptiness that Meeka left in your heart, just to let you know we care and feel the pain that the family has been through.
Meeka, see you later!
Hug

The Black and Tans. said...

Run free Meeka. We are so sorry you had to cross to the Rainbow Bridge.

Hugs from Molly, Taffy and Monty

Ruby and Penny said...

We are so, so sorry for your loss.
Love Ruby & Penny

the many Bs said...

we are so very sorry for your loss. we didn't know Meeka, but we understand your pain at losing such a beautiful creature. we hope that you will find comfort in your memories and that you will feel his love and presence with you always.

sad woofs from the 4Bs and our human

Molly the Airedale said...

The tears are running down mom's cheeks. What a beautiful tribute to your special boy. I'm so sorry we never got to know him. Our hearts are breaking for you.

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Raising Addie said...

We are very sorry for your loss.

Lots of Luv & Kisses
Addie, Lucie and Hailey

Casper and pals said...

We are so sorry to hear of this sad news of Meeka. We never did know Meeka but we do know how important each member of our fur families are. We know too how painful the loss is when they cross the bridge.

Run Free dear Meeka

Take care

♥♥♥♥Team Husky♥♥♥♥ said...

We are so so sorry to hear about Prince Meeka. I lost my precious Prince two and a half months ago, I know exactly how you are feeling right now.

Wear your silver harness proudly Meeka, have fun with all the other fur angels and please tell Prince how much we miss him!

Southbaygirl said...

Wooooooofffffffff......Rest in Peace Meeka. We hope you are running free and pain free now!!! You will be missed dearly!!!

Woof,purrs and hugs,

Velcro, Kodak, 3 Perf, Blossom, Skye and mom Penny

Moondance Huskies said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. My mom understands your pain. He will always be around you...watch for the signs. I hope he meets up with my angel brothers & sisters and they go for a fun run together. Know that you are being held close in our thoughts.
Skye, the Moondance Huskies, kitties and mom Joan

Anonymous said...

Dear Meeka,
You will always be loved..as much much after you are gone as you were when you walked this earth. we are going through the death of our Grampy and we know how hard it is for evryone you have left behind.

but we must not forget the lovely family you have here on earth.
Khyra told us today is Echo's bday.
Wishing you a very happy day..may it bring you all the treats you wish for, Dear Echo.

keep safe,
wags,
Buddy n Ginger

Teddy Bear said...

We are so sorry to hear about Meeka. We are sending lots of love.

Love,
Teddy Bear

Lorenza said...

Echo!
Happy Birthday!
I miss you!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Moondance Huskies said...

We are so very sad to hear of the sudden passing of Echo. I hope he finds my angel brother Blaze, who went to the Bridge in August and of course Opy and all our other furrends who we have lost. They will have quite a sled dog team together! Wear your silver harness with pride--I am sure Meeka will greet you. Run with the wind, harness flashing!
Our sincere condolences to your family. A candle is lit and a sad howl will be raised in your honor.
Sad woos,
Skye, the Moondance Huskies, kitties and mom Joan

houndstooth said...

We are so very sorry to hear of Echo's passing! Our hearts go out to you tonight!

Bunny and her mom

Lacy said...

sad woofs, sooo sorry for your loss of Echo...him and Meeka will b together at the bridge..along with all our angeldogs...Thinkin of u all...RIP Echo, run with the wind..

a sad,
rocky, bear, jodee
and mama...

Dexter said...

Khyra told me about Echo. Heartbreaking. I watched for a new star in the sky and sent my thoughts over the Rainbow Bridge.

Mango Momma

Jans Funny Farm said...

We were so shocked to learn of Echo's passing through Khyra. We can imagine your pain. Hugs, purrs and tail wags.

Asta said...

Deawest Echo and Meeka's Mom
We awe sending ouw heawtfelt love and sympafy fow youw bwoken heawt Losing these two booties in such a showt time must be beyond painful.
I hope they awe togethew wunning wif the wind and that you will always feel them in youw heawt
sad smoochie kisses
ASTA

HoundDogMom said...

We are stopping by from Khyra's Khorner. First I am sorry for the loss of your sweet Meeka in July. Then to be hit with such a blow again with loosing Merlins Echo. Hearts are heavy as we all gaze at the new bright star in the sky. God Bless your family. {{HUGS}}

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I am a friend of Khyra,,, and I read the sad sad words of what happened to Echo.
I know your hearts are breaking.. and your eyes cannot stop crying.
My heart is also very sad for you.
I wish there was something that I can do, but there is nothing.
Echo had the best home in the world, and was loved so much,,and its sad to say goodbye,,,,
The world of furries is very sad for you,, and we are encircling you with our paws..
We also have a candle lit,,, we want to let you know we hurt with you. I will sit at your feet to comfort you,,,
love
tweedles

Maxmom said...

I am also a friend of Khyra's and I'm popping by to say how sorry I am for your loss of Echo...and after such a short time after Meeka's passing too. May you gain strength from the wonderful memories of your furkids and also from the knowledge that the blogging world really does care.
Sending lotsaluv and (((Hugs)))
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Just stopping by to tell you again that you are all in our thoughts as you deal with another loss. We are so very sorry.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Mom

Teddy said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Thanks for the sharing the quote from the book. I'm sure your Meeka is running free.

Teddy

Karen Jo said...

I was very sad to see on Jan's Funny Farm that Echo ran off to the Rainbow Bridge suddenly. I offer you my condolences, hugs and comforting purrs from Herman.

Brad Fallon said...

Meeka is now in the arms of the Lord. And he's happy now. I'm so sorry for your lost.

Roni said...

I am so weak to when it comes to my pets getting sick or ill... I have rabbit pets and it always makes me feel nervous checking the rabbit hutches every morning considering the short life span of rabbit. It is really a pain to set something special go so soon.