Year 2011 Tributes

For pet names beginning with "G".

G2 your battle with rental failure is over. Your now whole again and pain free. Run in the the green meadows. We will dearly miss you. You have touched our lives with your lovely presents for the pass 22 - 23 years. We love you, Karen, Mike, Jamie and Ryan Corcoran.

Dearest Gabbie, today you would be 9 years old. So many things bring you back to us, another dog, a store window, a comment, a thought - and there you are and the tears flow. The other night, I got down on the floor to play with our little grandson and it was like you and I would play before bed. I would reach out and you, lying down, would move just enough to lick my hand - the sadness returned - we still miss you so much. The walks, the play, the running........it's been six months and still the deep sadness is so close to the surface. You will always be there with us......We hope you are running and pulling just as hard on the other side of the rainbow.

Everyday our heart mourns for you, our beautiful "gentle giant". You were so special to us and everyone you came into contact with. You brought smiles and hugs from residents in the nursing homes who so looked forward to your weekly visits. Children loved you when you visited their school, so much petting and so many hugs, which you loved. I took you to school with me and also to do responsible pet ownership programs in other schools, as well at the Boys and Girls Club. You participated in parades or we were always together watching the parades with you wearing your keg around your neck. What you always heard was, "wow, she's so big" and "she's so soft" and "what's in the keg"! Your life was spent traveling and being a pet therapy dog and you were one of the best! You will never be forgotten and you will live on in our hearts and everyone you came into contact with forever. We love you, Marilyn and David

There are no words to convey your loss, Gaston. You have left a gaping hole in our hearts.

Grevy:  
Mommy loves you and misses you already. you were my little general and kept the other cats in line. i'm so sorry i feel asleep and you died without me holding you in my arms. marshmelo will miss you and all your bothers and sisters. In August, the vet said you wouldn't make it through the night, but you fought hard to stay with mommie until you couldn't fight anymore. I wish there was something else I could have done to help you. Leandria, Larry and I will always think of you whenever star wars is on. it will never be the same watching it without you. You're at peace now baby, your struggling to breathe is over. you're at rainbow bridge with your brother Raven and all mommie's other kitty cats who have died. I look forward to the day we are all reunited. Goodbye my general. I love you always.

When I read your sad story on Petfinder I knew I had to try to make your remaining years happy and I was so happy when you joined my little feline family. You had been rescued from certain death by a wonderful lady who has become a friend. Dearest little Georgy…I hope you could feel how much I loved you. I think you did. That day when I visited you in hospital and you pushed your head into my face, you knew I was telling you it was OK to go if it was your time, but I didn't want you to leave at all. I was not ready, never would have been, but you became sick so suddenly and then you were gone. I see you everywhere in the house. As I sit here in the office there is an empty space on the floor beside me, where I would always reach down to tickle your ears and say "hi Georgy". You were such a brave little cat, living mostly on the street for 8 or more years in spite of having only one eye. You deserved so much more, my sweet little man. In the days since you left us I have felt your presence numerous times. I think you are trying to tell me that it is OK, that you are alright and that I should let you go and I have but I know that a tiny part of you will be always in my heart until we meet again, with all the others that I have loved so dearly. You were a wonderful cat, Georgy. I love you.  
Carolyn

Gertie Girl,  
I love you and miss you so much my sweet devil. You were the best thing I didn't even know I wanted or needed. You were an amazing girl full of love, humor, courage and strength. I hope I can live the rest of my life half as good as you lived yours. You made me laugh everyday. I will forever miss feeding you and seeing you bounce for your food and following your bowl around the family room. The house is so empty without you but I know you are with Gypsy again and you will take care of each other. Be good and have fun, Boogie. I can't wait to see you both again. I love you and miss you with all of my heart and soul forever and ever, LIttle Bug.

Love,  
Mommy

TO OUR BELOVED GIDEON!! WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS. WE HAVE BEEN SO BLESSED WITH YOU...

LOVE  
MOM, DAD AND KIRA

When we found Gimpy on the side of the road on a dark rainy night, she was badly injured, and covered in mud and sand. We believe she was hit by a car. Her face looked smashed in and her leg was definitly broken. We took her to a vet who wanted to put her down but my husband, Frank, said no thanks, we'll take her home to give her a chance at life. We took her to another vet who put a cast on her front leg. After caring for her for 3 months, treating her eyes, force feeding, cleaning up after her, carrying her everywhere, we noticed she was becoming a beautiful long haired orange, black and white cat. We thought she was brown, but that was the mud. It became obvious she was getting better by starting to groom herself and we noticed evidence of her using the litter box by the grains on the floor leading back to her soft bed. After a short time, Gimpy now was walking and exploring and eventually became the tyranical boss of the house. We had 2 other rescue dogs and another cat, who was also found as a tiny tiny blind kitten, we believe abandoned by its mother. Gimpy was a terror to them. Gimpy had such a will to live and was with us for ten years until her little heart gave out. She was a totally amazing and smart cat, almost humanlike. She was family and will always be loved and missed very much.  
Frank & Karen Dolinski

Ginagirl, I miss you and love you so much. I still can't believe you are gone. You let me take one good close picture and I treasure it so much. I can see your intelligent eyes. It is hard to live without you, without your humor, without your gentleness. My life just isn't right if I look and I don't see you laying near me or in your bed or in your spot at the foot of the bed. We walked a long way together. I gave you the longest life I could and it still wasn't enough. I can only face forward each day and take the steps I do hoping that we will be together again. I miss your beautiful face. your ears, your beautiful coat, your feathered tail, and those eyes. You are not here to look at me. You were so willing to work, to be with me, and to wait patiently when you weren't working. I pray there is a God in heaven and She will reunite us. You and Bailey and Tyler and Otis and me. I still cry a lot over your absence, life just isn't the same. But I walk bravely on knowing this is the only way to be together again. I miss you so much and I love you so much. My girl, my dear, dear girl. Take care, be at peace, and wait for me. I love you.

Ginger was very special to all her knew her. She was the happiest dog and loved everyone. She especially loved to play with her frisbee and was so smart that she seemed more human than canine. She is missed by us all so very much.

We will always love you Ginger!!!

We'll see you again someday at the Rainbow Bridge.

All our love,

Mommy & Daddy

He liked to kitchen dance. He loved his race car bed the most. He would never turn down anything to eat, except lettuce. He loved his crunchy cookies bought special for him.

Gizmo was killed August 2, 2011 around 1030 pm.

I can't believe he's gone. I can't believe I'll never cuddle his body the way he likes, I'll never get another ear lick and I'll never watch him get so excited that he can't sit still and does this whole body dance.

I can't stop crying. I can barely breathe. I don't know how to get through today. I don't know how to live without a Gizmo.

He just turned four years old in June.

My heart is broken. It feels sore in my chest and sometimes I can't catch my breath. It feels like my baby died. I feel responsible. I feel guilt and a grief so violent that it threatens to tear me into pieces.

Gizmo's favorite toy is a rattle that he stole from James when my nephew James was a baby.

It doesn't feel like someone took a limb, it feels like someone stole my soul. Gizmo was the most loving, kindness, sweetest baby boy, with not a single bad bone in his body. I feel like he was all the good things in the world. He was all the good things in me. All my good things are gone.

He has to sneeze at least four times before he can bark and he has to be very excited.

I have lost my child. There is a hole in my body and deeper into my spirit that will never quite heal. Losing him this way is devastating. I don't feel broken apart, where I could put myself back together. I am unsalvageable. I will never be the same.

After two years Gizmo still can't work the dog door.

Time is a great healer. I know this, but I don't know how to get through this time. It hurts. It hurts so much and I don't know what to do. I am completely lost and with no Gizmo to guide my way I don't know how I'll ever find the comfort of home again.

Gizmo loves to kitchen dance.

I look my age today. Maybe older. They say that happens when you survive a traumatic moment. I feel very old and broken down. I feel defeated. I am lost.

We were on our way home for a dog rescue meeting. All three pups in the Smart car heading towards home. Brent called and met me in the driveway. I parked in the barn like usual and he took Taz and Poco and started walking towards the house. We've done this off leash walk hundreds of times.

Gizmo hates to be outside. He loves the comfort of his soft bed and the safety of the house.

Gizmo was still in the car and I pulled out the stroller and put him in and started pushing it to the house, but he was very excited and wanted out to follow his big brother and big sister to the back door of the house.

Gizmo and Taz are a bonded pair and have been for at least two years.

At the last second a rabbit darted out from under the car and Poco, Taz and Gizmo gave chase. The rabbit darted right for the road. I called out to Taz who immediately stopped chasing and came back. I called to Poco, but he kept going. I called to Gizmo and couldn't see him in the dark, but I could hear his bell.

We put a cat collar with a bell on Gizmo because sometimes you can't find him right away even in the house.

I grabbed Taz and threw her in the house while Brent was chasing the boys. I heard it. Like a muffled popping sound, and I knew. I knew immediately without seeing and I ran across the lawn screaming "no. no. not Gizmo". He never cried out once.

Gizmo hates to run. He hates grass, especially wet grass.

Gizmo was chasing his brother. Gizmo thought it was a game. Gizmo ran over grass and towards the road. These are all things Gizmo never does, except this one time.

Poco was still lose on the wrong side of the road and I saw him running over to us as we crouched over Gizmo's lifeless body. I picked up Poco and handed him to Brent.

There was one car on the road. She stopped. She apologized. She cried too.

I gently pick up Gizmo and carried him cushioned against my chest into the house. I thanked the girl for stopping. I was part way across the lawn when I started talking. I was crying and saying things like "oh god no. no. no. not my baby Gizmo". I think I repeated these words over and over again for an hour as we sat on the kitchen floor with our Gizmo for the last time.

Gizmo will never eat another one of his favorite heart shaped grain-free cookies.

Brent and I sat on the kitchen floor taking turns holding our dead puppy. At first we just held him and cried. Wailed. Uncontrollable, near fainting, hyperventilating, deep in the core of your soul grief. I stroked his head and his ears trying to make a memory of the texture. I looked at his face and watched his eyes for any sign of life. There was no pulse. There was limited signs of trauma.

Gizmo favorite place to sleep is next to the kibble.

Time got very weird as we sat on the kitchen floor. Sometimes I'd look at the clock and it hadn't moved and other times I'd lose an hour. I don't know how long we sat there petting Gizmo's body willing it to come back to life. The reality has not set in.

Gizmo just got his therapy dog status.

Poco curled up right next to us on the floor and watched. He looked sad, but he almost always looks sad. Taz came over and sniffed Gizmo paw and then slunk away and didn't come near us for the rest of the night. I think they were confused.

Gizmo's bark sounds like he's a heavy smoker. Gruff.

I begged Brent to bring him back to life. I struck the floor and yelled. I begged god to bring back my little dude. He was so good. So sweet. So wonderful. Please, please, please. I begged.

Gizmo just learned to lay down.

We got Gizmo's favorite soft blue baby blanket and wrapped him up. We tucked his tail inside and I marveled at how soft and long his tail had gotten. He'd always had a lovely coat. We continued sitting on the floor taking turns holding our baby boy wrapped in a blanket until we could breathe.

Gizmo just got his teeth cleaned last week.

I ask Brent a question that we're still asking. "What do we do?" Brent said through a sob: we put him to rest. The eruption of tears threatened to choke me. I was struck with a wave of denial, anger, rage, grief and sadness all at once. I couldn't talk. I couldn't do anything but hold him tighter against my chest willing my heart beat to be his heart beat.

Gizmo had eye surgery over a year ago.

After a while neither of us decided to get up, but we did because it was time. Gizmo was no longer looking like our Gizmo. We were holding on to his body and his soul was gone. With heavy steps we walked to the backyard and prepared Gizmo's grave.

Gizmo had allergies.

With the hole dug, we stood together shaking and holding our boy. I whispered "this can't be happening" and Brent broke down for a few minutes. I was standing alone holding Gizmo for the last time.

Gizmo makes old man noises.

I whispered to Gizmo: "mommy loves you very much my baby boy and I hope you can forgive us for letting you down and not keeping you safe. We send all our love to get you to safely to heaven."

Gizmo hates the rain.

Brent held Gizmo while I positioned his favorite bed in the grave. Brent stood crying and holding Gizmo for a long time. Saying his own good-byes. I took Gizmo from Brent and securely wrapped him in his baby blue soft blanket covering his face as I laid him in his bed.

Brent threw the first handful of dirt and we cried and hugged. "Let's irish up this funeral" he said and we stumbled back to the house for a bottle or two.

Gizmo never goes near the road because he's afraid of cars.

We came back out and finished burying our baby. I knew he was going to die before me, but I thought it would be on my terms. I thought it would be my choice. I thought it would be different.

Life is not fair. Life is often cruel. Life is often ended without anyone making a choice.

We miss our Gizmo and this will change our lives forever. How will we get through today?

The post I wrote prior to this one is called A Gizmo Moment and I had no idea he was going to die that night. I think the video is the same day.

Gizmo,  
     You have been an incredible cat for the past 18 years. You were our first baby and have been there all those years, through good times and bad. You have comforted me through life changes and adjustments, always there rubbing your head on mine and cuddling by my side. It was so painfully hard to let you go yesterday, but I am greatful that your daddy held you in his arms as you were gently helped to pass on over to Rainbow Bridge. I am thankful that we were able to have you pass at home, were you belonged. I know you are now that young, strong, healthy cat once again running and chasing your two sisters, Jetta and Peaches. My heart aches so much, but I know that your body ached more and so we had to let you go. Now our house is quiet and at times I think I still hear you meow. I will never forget you Gizmo and you will be in our hearts forever. We love you very much "Mimo". Be happy boy and chase those birds.

To, Gizmo, my trusted friend and companion of 14 years. You have led a fulfilling life and have given me comfort, joy, and an undying love that only you could have given me. My precious Gizmo you have helped me through the bad times, sad times, and most imporant the good times!! You have filled my heart with love, laughter, and good memories. I will never forget the day I got you got and the days and years that followed. I will never forget the fun, laughs, and togehterness we had. You and I became one and will always remain one. We have a bond that could never be broken and will last forever. Gizmo, you are my son and I love you with all my heart and soul. My love is never undying for you!!

Love Always And Forever Your Mother!!

We got Gizmo from the shelter for my daughter. They guessed he was 9 years old and said he didn't like men. Well, they were probably right about the 9 years old but he bonded to me and became "Grandpa's boy". I think about him and miss him daily.

My dear, sweet Gizzy girl 
     It's been two months since your passing and the tears have slowed enough for me to write this memorial. I miss you terribly and so do your buddies, Fannie, Toby, Duchess, and Ridley. It was the saddest day when I found out about the mass in your abdomen. And you with an enlarged heart, which you've had for almost two years. You trusted me with your care for over 11 ½ years. And I did the best I could, gladly. But then I had to make the most painful decision of all. I stayed with you through the end. It was peaceful and horrible at the same time. It broke my heart 
     Sometimes it feels like our time together was over a period of days, not years. Time does fly. But, I enjoyed every moment in your company. I still remember that full body tail wag, how happy you were to see everyone. When I walked through the door, I could hear your tail banging against your crate, happy that I was home. You loved going for walks and you loved riding in the car with your head out the window. You know, your nose imprint is still on the passenger window, albeit a little faded. You would occasionally defy me but happily take the treat I used to induce your good behavior. And no dog enjoyed rolling in the grass as much as you. Or, sitting in the middle of my flower beds.  
     I remember two weeks before everything went wrong you ran around the back yard for over a minute. It was such a wonderful run, like when you were a puppy. I didn't let you run like that anymore because of your heart, but I couldn't stop you. You were very happy 
     So, baby girl, goodbye. We love you 
Gaby, Margaret, Fannie, Toby, Duchess, and Ridley.

Dearest Goldie Girl:  
Mama loves you. Please forgive me for putting you asleep forever. I wanted to end your suffering. I will always remember those last few minutes when you were so calm - no more tremors, no more pain. We were looking into each others eyes when the light slowly went out of your forever. I have a hole in my heart that will never fill until I see your beautiful face again; because it won't be heaven if you're not there. Until we meet again know that I love you, Goldie Girl.  
Tesa  
p.s. Coco misses you too. She slept with her head on your blanket.

Our champion racer has made his journey across the Rainbow Bridge.
Now, he runs and frolics with the angels in God's glorious heaven.

Oh Sweet Bear-

Such a journey- in such a short time.
From the coast of California- To the *snowiest* winter in
Pittsburgh Pa- onto your latest move- Florida-
Your love was special- your heart- even more so.

How Zan & Rob loved you- enjoyed you- coddled you- gifted you-
But the biggest gift what what you gave back-
*You* (Furever will be missed- until we meet again)

Much love & memories xoxox

Gracie, bunny, I first saw you when you were 3 days old and I knew then you'd be mine. You were always cheerful and playing, even a few days before you got so sick. You were always in and out of the vet but you never let it get you down, you'd run back to give kisses to all the vets and nurses - they called you the "little black ray of sunshine." You brought so much joy to me and to your Scottie "big brother" (even though he was jealous), and everyone who met you fell in love with you. And that time a few months before Tyler died, when you were in the hospital for 5 days - he thought he'd lost you, and when you came home he jumped and frolicked like a puppy, even though by then he could hardly use his back legs from his CA. He loved you so much he overcame even that. And you lived so happily until the end, getting a crush on your Westie neighbor and pulling me over to his door wanting to visit him at midnight just two days before you left us. And every day you were pulling your dog walker over to that house - she thought you didn't know which door was yours, she didn't know you had a boyfriend! I can only imagine the reunion you had with Tyler, and I pray that the two of you are looking over me to help me with my grief. The bed is so empty without you. I'll never, ever stop loving you or thinking about you and I can't wait to see you again. Love,  
Mommy

Sweet Silver Angel...

You came to us for help and you helped us in turn. Your stay was all too brief - 6 months wasn't enough - but you "laughed" your way through everything and live those 6 months like they were the first 10 years of your life.

I wish I knew what your life had been before you found us, but it doesn't really matter. I know we had a good time and we wouldn't change a thing.

Gracie, we're glad you're at peace and can see and breathe again. We're glad you can run forever and never get tired. And we look forward to seeing you in your glory across the bridge when we get there.

Griffin was the sweetest, kindest cat. He loved everyone and everyting. He brought me great love and joy the 11 years that he allowed me to love him. He was not my pet, he was my son. The pain is very great, but I know he is now Home with the Goddess. I love you, my orange tiger cat. I will never forget you.

Gully Bear, Your death today ends the last chapter of the three stooges, and the end of an era for your mom and I. Be at peace big boy. Run and play with your two brothers who have passed in the last year and a half. Mom and I grieve for you so much and miss you terribly already. When you died at home today, the house now seems so empty without your presence. We know it was your time to leave us, but somehow that doesn't make it any easier. We will love you always along with Boo-Boo and Obe who departed before you, and we will never forget the three of you. Your passing marks the end of the last chapter, and a magical era in our lives, that started in 1997 with Obe, Then you in 2000 as our first rescue, then Boo-Boo in 2001, our second rescue. That ended today when you left us. The last of the three, and in some ways our most precious gentle giant. All our love baby boy, and how large a hole there is in our lives now with you passing. All three of you wait for us at the Bridge! Again, all our love and you are sorely missed! Mom and Dad.

Sleep peacefully with no more pain or suffering.We will never forget you.

We love & miss you. X X

Ah, Gwen [Ci-Gwyn Gwenhwyfar Merch Cyfarth, to quote your proper name]! Your'e the 5th pet we've lost in 4 years, and your loss hurts the most... I'm not certain why that's so- you were a 'snarky' dog, but I'm certain that's from your days as a an abused/unwanted rescue dog... At any rate, I'll fondly remember you as my only dog who feared thunder storms.... the only one who could warn me they were coming at least a 1/2 hour in advance [amazing!].

I'll never forget, independent as you were, how- when a storm was coming- you'd come to me for "protection" [let me lay next to you.... you know, so I can protect *YOU* from the coming storm... What's that? Am *I* shivering?!... Why no, it must be your imagination,'master'...].

Hush, now... you are at peace, and need be afraid no more... the angels of the Mighty One will protect you, until the day we can be together again, you and I :) Farewell [but not goodbye!] my Ci-Gwyn Gwenhwyfar Merch Cyfarth!

My little muffin, I miss you so much. You were such an imp, and were my little shadow, my constant companion. How right that you were born on Valentine's Day, as you had my heart from the first time I saw you.

It's only been a few months since you've passed, and I'm still so very sad that you're gone. There is such a hole in my heart where you were. Everywhere I turn, you're not there. You're not playing with your rope toy, you're not chasing squirrels, you're not barking at the chipmunks through the window, you're not leaning into me while we're all riding in the golf cart, with your furry face pressed into me. You're not by my side, and I'm so terribly sad.

You wonderful little monkey with the gorilla paws - I hope you're playing with your toys somewhere with the squirrels and the chipmunks. We planted three Rose of Sharon bushes up in the back where you liked to hippity hop around with your stick. Your ashes are mixed with the roots, and I hope they bloom next spring so I can think of you when I see the flowers, and maybe they'll make me smile.

But right now, I think of you, and miss you, and I'm not smiling much at all.

I love you, little one.

Gypsy was my best friend! I found her in a shelter, a day away from being put down. I will never forget walking up to her cage and seeing her sweet face looking back at me!

Dear Sweet Gypsy,  
You made me a better person, by loving me for who I was. You came into my life and filled it with such joy and love! I loved you immediately. I will love you forever!!

I do hope you know how much I loved you! It broke my heart to have to say Good Bye to you, but I could not bear to see you in pain, my sweet angel!

I love you Sweet, Sweet Gypsy!

Mom