1.13.2015

January 13, 2015

White Dog and the rest of the White Dog Army rushed to the windows and let out a long low plaintive howl. It chilled me to the bone with its haunting sound. I knew.

Candace came in this morning, tears rolling, to tell me that Jupiter was having a seizure. I immediately sent her out to bring the happy little papillion mix in...just as quickly as I gently wrapped the little old girl in my arms, I sent her back out to get shoes and car keys as I called Dr. Julia's office.

We bundled the barely conscious 12 year old girl in a blanket and Candace set off the 5 miles it is to the vet's office. Cindy, Dr. Julia's number one, was alerted and waiting. Jupiter snuggled against her hu-mom's chest.

They rushed in, Candace verbally filled in a few vital details and Cindy rushed Jupiter to the back. But it was too late to stop the cluster of strokes. Jupiter gave a final gasp and started her journey across the Bridge.

Just yesterday, she was trotting through the dog door like always, as if everything in the world belonged to her. As she routinely does, she came to visit and spent the afternoon under my desk sleeping against my foot and complaining if I moved. That she is gone hardly seems real. Candace, Skye and Daisy are in shock.

The four months Jupiter was part of our extended Army were significant in so many ways. She was Candace's symbol of a new beginning...adopted from the shelter partially blind; Candace had to argue to adopt the girl the shelter felt too old and feeble to adopt but in the end Candace...and Jupiter...celebrated days of joy at second chances and found love. This confident little girl strolled in and immediately fit into Candace's family as though fate had decreed it. She was small in stature but huge in character and heart. She had the composure and calm Candace needed to draw strength from as she, too, started life anew.

Tonight there are tears and lots of extra hugs. Once again we are reminded of the fragility of all we hold close.

Safe travels, Sweet Girl, we watch for the glow of your star.

10 comments:

The Slimmer Pugs, Kitties, and Mama said...

My prayers are with you, Candace, as you mourn the loss of your Jupiter. Thank you for taking such good care of her.
God Bless,
Mindy

KB said...

I'm so sorry... I was coming over because of the good news that I'd heard word of (of your new adoption) but I found such sad news. My heart is with all of you as you mourn.

TimberLove said...

Pawing condolences and respect,

nuk, isis an timber

rottrover said...

Sending steady rottie love where needed.

Bart, Ruby and Otto

JudyMae said...

Hugs to Candice and all of you.

The Daily Pip said...

What a beautiful girl ...sending much love and support to Candice. Run free, little Jupiter ...

Random Felines said...

we are heartbroken for Candace. but....what a wonderful end of days Jupiter had being loved by ALL of you and living in a home where she was special

Brian's Home Blog said...

We have been thinking of that sweetie and Candace since we saw your post on Facebook. We all send tons of love and hugs to Candance.

meowmeowmans said...

We are so sorry that Jupiter had to go to the Bridge. Sending Candace and all of you purrs, prayers and gentle hugs.

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

A bright shining star that left knowing so much love. Run free little one x