November 19, 2012

White Dog and I sat together. I softly cried and she rested her head against me in reassurance. She didn't totally understand because the human resistance to being at peace with the cycle of life mystifies her, but she knew that I grieved.

Lisa, hu-sister to Isis, had written to us last night that this morning beautiful Princess Isis was going to be helped across the Rainbow Bridge and here was the sad confirmation that Isis was now, indeed on a new journey.

Isis was our very first blog friend and follower. When White Dog and I posted every day to no comments and empty space, it was Isis' "Hello, I am an Eskie diva, too!" that began a relationship that has seen us together through us becoming the White Dog Army and Isis becoming a Pup-Aunt to Lisa's first child.

Like WD, Isis was opinionated and a bit bossy (but only because she was usually right). She lived in Maryland and loved the beach; WD resided in New Mexico and loved hiking in the high desert mountains. Both were fascinated by her counterpart across the country. Lisa is an amazing photographer and through her images our family got to know Isis, Lisa, and the extended family of humans and kitties...and then Benny the Schnauzer came along...and then the baybee. Isis was our connection and tour guide through their lives and she followed the words (and fewer, less professional photos) of our journey with as much interest and care.

The photo that White Dog burned into her memory and has used as her "goal" image through every stage of life is one taken when WD was still a young girl and a calm composed regally elegant Isis lay stretched on a green park bench. Isis reclined on that bench staring straight into the camera and there was no mistake that she truly owned to world. I remember commenting that Isis had a lot in common with Cleopatra. White Dog was starstruck and saw a vision of the self she would someday create.

Time, especially the past couple of years, have been rough on Isis as she developed balance issues and began losing her sight. She became embarrassed about the toll on her former royalness and rarely posted. But she gracefully brought Benny into her home and accepted an energetic pup, teaching him the ropes of supervising the humans and the gardening and showing him how to have fun at the beach. When baybee came a little over a year ago, Isis looked forward to her visits as long as she was not mobile. Earlier this year, when baybee began crawling and then walking, Isis struggled to be accepting but baybee's energy level was tiring.

White Dog and I have shared with the Army the stories of the days before they joined us, so they know of Isis and understand that some of her issues were similar to Quinn's. They are seniors so they understand about being tired and achey and losing your edge. They have seen many photos of the beautiful girl running in the sand or bounding in the snow or posing for Christmas (her favorite holiday).  And that is the Isis we will remember.

Her family, in the ultimate gift of love, released Isis from a life where she could no longer stand, or eat or drink or relieve herself without help. They lovingly allowed her the dignity a Princess should have to make a graceful exit. In return, Isis as the sedation was taking effect, for the first time ever stood and walked over to baybee, whose hand she gently kissed several times, blessing the child. Then she kissed Lisa goodbye and began her journey oer the Bridge.

Tonight we ask the Universe to ease the pain her family feels even though they know it was the best decision possible. We send gentle woos to our friend to guide her on her path across the stars. The White Ones are accepting of my need to hold them closer and hug them longer and to cry, but they refuse to mourn a life well lived and well-loved...they tell me gently in little words a human can understand: Do not cry that is over, be glad that it happened. Maybe one day I will be better at accepting.

Run free, Isis,we will join you in our time. And know peace.