5.11.2014

May 10, 2014

White Dog and The White Dog Army formed a line to the door. They had already said what was in each heart as they gave Oso final nuzzles and lay down beside him. We shrouded him in the White Polar Bear Blanket and carried him to the van on his final ride.

You know that you have suffered too many losses when the kind man at the mortuary recognizes you and knows that you are the ones with the White Dogs. Oso is the third member of the White Dog Army to cross the Bridge since last August when Quinn, then in November Nuka, left us.

When we came home and collapsed into chairs the WDA gently surrounded us. "Oso The Fearless is now at peace;" We all agreed that was a blessing. "But I still miss him so even at his worst," White Dog said. "I would not have wanted him to linger in fear or pain, but I feel such emptiness."

"We all feel that, Little White Dog of My Heart," I told her. "We will feel grief and sadness for awhile as our hearts heal and then we will focus on the wonderful brother he was and the stories that made him unique and the qualities that enriched us all. But for now we will take one moment at a time."

The hardest moment for me is that time when we must remove the collar and tags. Suddenly, Oso was lying there naked, stripped of his White Dog identity. "I hope Quinn and Nuka will be able to find him," Puff sniffed. "Me,too," I answered tears rolling freely down my cheeks. "We must believe," YoYoMa said in strength.

For Steve dinner time was roughest. Leaving Oso's bowl unfilled was an awful reminder that we were now only five. He looked at the unopened jars of babyfood and choked back tears.

The WDA understands that Oso's leaving peacefully and without fear was a gift but it does not keep them from asking, like we are..."Why THIS sweet little man?"

23 comments:

KB said...

I am so very sorry that you have suffered another loss. In the midst of my own trials, I haven't kept up with you like I should, and thus, your loss caught me by surprise. Sweet Oso - he was so lucky to be enveloped in the love of the WDA for the last three years of his life. He had those years of unconditional love, the most amazing gift you could have given him.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

We are so sorry. You gave the best home possible full of love and compassion,,
You gave the best gift possible to set him free from his fears.
He has earned his wings..
We sit beside you as your heart heals from this sorrow
love
tweedles

Tweedles -- that's me said...

He knew it okay to leave.... He felt safe in knowing it was all okay... to go....
love
tweedles

TwoSpecialWires said...

We know your hearts ache. There is no way to prepare for the loss of our loved ones. So go ahead and grieve. Together. With the support of each other, your army and your friends. We grieve with you ... and we send our love. Thankfully ... we BELIEVE. One day, when the time is right, we'll once again be together.

24 Paws of Love said...

Our hearts are with you. Those little memories that remind you he is gone are always the hardest.

Thinking of all of you.

Casper and pals said...

oh so many losses in such a short time. My thoughts are with you.

Maggie May said...

So very sorry to hear about your sweet pup leaving for the bridge. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very sad time. (((hugs)))
Maggie May

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Run young and free again, little man. You will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Asta said...

My teaws mingle with youws sweetwhite dogs and family. Another sad loss..it's too much to beaw..go softly bootiful sweet feawless OSO..you will aways be pawt of the white dog awmy..it doesn't dpend on weawing uoow tag..yoow sweet angels will bethewe to gweet you and hold you and thewe will nevew be any mowe pain. We will aways keep you in ouw heawts along wif all yoow family..mommi and Daddi and I awe so vewy sad that you had to leave and that yoow family is gwieving once again.

Sad smoochie kisses
Asta

ThePainterPack said...

Gosh...we are so very sorry. I will be thinking of you all.

Painter Pack

Timmy Tomcat said...

Sending purrs and prayers of support to all. May dear Oso run free, young and pain free, in the land of warm sun and cool grass until we all meet again on that distant shore
Timmy, Dad and family

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

We know your hearts ache, with the loss of Oso. What a very special part of the White Dog Army he was. Purrs of comfort and paws of sympathy.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

It is just so hard. Even if you can't know the why, take comfort in the wonderful life you gave him in the short time he was with your family.

Hugs and Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning

Brian's Home Blog said...

Our tears are still flowing here too. Love and hugs dear friends.

Ozark Mountain Cats said...

It's been a hard year for both our white dog families. We know how you feel. Many hugs...

Old Kitty said...

We are so sorry to learn of angel Osu's passing. Please take care
x

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

What a magnificent dog Oso was. What great care and love and compassion you gave to him in his last days. Letting go is hardest. Being left behind and going on. It's hard. My heart goes out to you. Many prayers on your days ahead and now be assured that Oso is restored to his young healthy self running and playing at the Rainbow Bridge.

Pip said...

We are so sorry to hear of Oso's passing. He was so blessed to have spent the last best part of his life in the warmth of your (and the WDA's) amazing love.
We are purring for your comfort in this time of grief.
Love, TK and Pip

tweedles said...

We are still all gathered around you with our paws of love.
love
tweedles

FiveSibesMom said...

I am so truly sorry for your loss of Oso, the Fearless. You know my heart is with you, Steve, and the WDA. I know Quinn and Nuka are there waiting at the Rainbow Bridge's entrance for Oso, who is now reborn, free, and clear. All three furangels will romp together and watch over you, Steve and the WDA - their beloved family.

Sagira said...

We are all so very sorry for your loss. No matter how many you still have left the house always seems SO quite. Hugs to all of you.

Zoolatry said...

Farewell little one, may you forever be at peace. With love to your family.

haopee said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. I made sure to read all the stories until Oso's farewell post. Don't worry, WDA Mom and Steve. Oso will be found by the Mighty Quinn and Nuka... I bet they were waiting for him to form their own WDA across the bridge!