"Call Me The Breeze"

"They call me the breeze...I keep rolling down the road. I've got that green light baby... I gotta keep moving on. There's no change in the weather... ain't no changes in me. I ain't hiding from nobody and nobody's hiding from me. Well now they call  me the breeze...I keep rolling down the road."

 --Lynyrd Skynyrd

This was the perfect life and theme song for my sweet 13 year-old dog Pfeiffer (we had to euthanize her last Thursday night) (see above picture). Despite having two terminal intestinal diseases, she was tough, brave, and still managed to stay casual and calm during rough times. She was an inspiration to our family because she always took whatever adversity she faced in stride. Yes...she had the wisdom to keep rolling down the road because she knew how to take each day as it came, never worrying about yesterday or tomorrow.

It would be an understatement to say that it was difficult for my family and I to euthanize Pfeiffer. As a grief counselor, I'm aware of the nauseous roller coaster that pain and grief can create. Yet, despite all this, I can take some comfort in knowing that this decision was the right one. We gave her a peaceful, loving and dignified death free of needless suffering. It was a hard day, but one I'd like to briefly share.

After the kids got home from school, we took Pfeiffer over to the Garden of The Gods. There are terrific pathways there for people and dogs to walk on (this was one of her favorite spots). It was snowing that afternoon (which we were very grateful for since Pfeiffer has always loved the snow and cold).  Although she had trouble standing up and walking, she was able to walk a little bit with us supporting her. After spending some time sniffing the bushes and listening to the birds, we took her home (after treating her to several Arby's roast beef sandwiches on the ride home). Once home, we put her on her most favorite blanket in our living room and then surrounded her with our own blanket of love.

I'm always hearing from people how helpful World by the Tail products are in working through grief. Last week, I experienced this first hand as we were able to memorialize Pfeiffer right away. We made four ClayPaws® prints (one for each of us). My son chose to use the heart shaped cutter while the other prints were the traditional circle shape). All four prints came out beautifully and were unique to each of us (by using the many charms, ribbons, and stamps available to personalize our prints). We also used one of the large body care bags to transport Pfeiffer's body to the crematory. Later that night, we all sat down together and read both Dog Heaven and A Special Place For Charlee.These books and our subsequent discussion afterward was very healing. During the next few weeks, we also plan to use the Sweet Petatoes® Pet Memories Box, The Photo Brag Books as well as the Deluxe Dog Scrapbook kits. All these products will help us with our grief and keep her close to us.

Like many of you, I'm grateful for the wonderful people and products at World by The Tail.  I'm also grateful that I could talk to you all about my dear, sweet, old lady. Who knows.. with World by the Tail's guidance and our family love, maybe someday I can return to rolling down the road.

--Dana

 

Comments

[Laurel]

Oh,Dana,thank you so much for sharing this lovely tribute to Pfeiffer and telling us about the courage and consciousness you and your family had that day. I know how difficult it is to suspend your own "nauseous roller coaster" of feelings as you do the final things you know your sweet dog loves to do. Your account reminds me once again of the sheer bravery and absolute love required to be present when our pets are euthanized. Truly, I think it's one of the most, if not THE most, loving and selfless act a person can carry out.

Thank you also for expressing your gratitude about World by the Tail and the tools we offer to help with pet loss. You know that we see our efforts not as a business, but as a mission. We are passionate about helping people get through the very experience you describe here and I can't tell you how grateful I am to know that we helped you is some small ways.

I am here if I can help as you heal...blessings now to you and your family as the love you showed Pfeiffer returns tenfold to you!

[turtlecookie]

What a beautiful tribute to Pfeiffer, Dana. She knew she was loved, and you and the kids all got to say goodbye and then memorialize her in a special, unique way. I love that you all were able to honor her. Hugs to you through the "nauseous rollercoaster" of grief. (That's so descriptive!) Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Turtlecookie

[Ingrid King]

What a special tribute to Pfeiffer - and what a wonderful photo! She looks so happy with that big smile on her sweet face.

It sounds like she had a beautiful and gentle journey at the end. Now it's time for you to be gentle with yourself during this time of grief. I wish for you that in time, memories of your years with Pfeiffer will replace the pain of missing her. You and your family are in my thoughts.

[Dana]

Thanks ladies for your support and kind words. It means a lot to know that there are people out there who care and who I can talk to. You all have such kind hearts and in the end, it's kindness that gets us through the grief process. Thanks again (from me and my family).