The passing of my beloved Sir Winston Edward "Pumpkin Doodle"

[JAKEISGREAT]

Thanks [MENTION=2092]JAKEISGREAT[/MENTION]. It still makes me tear up reading it even though it's been 6 months since Orion passed. I'm very co-dependent on my boys so I get hit real hard when the go to the big doggie park in the sky. http://www.englishbulldognews.com/forums/members/jakeisgreat.html

Me too! I have a big cupboard with a hutch in my back area where I keep all my critter supplies. It has shelves on the top part and I have framed pictures of all my dear babies that are gone now. Every day I look at their faces and still feel sad! Special part of our families.

 

[airmike1]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Winston. Here's a poem I hope you find comforting in time. I found it the day after we lost one of our boys this past January - he was 12.5. Time will heal your heart.

Do Dogs go to Heaven

My little bully passed away, no more breathe a sound.
I held him for the last time, then entombed him in the ground.
Day and night I wept so much, in tears I thought I’d drown.
I searched my soul for comfort, but no peace therein was found.

In great despair, I hit my knees and then began to pray.
“Father will I ever see, my dog again someday?”
I raised my eyes and saw an angel standing near a gate.
I sensed an inner peace I’d never felt before that day.

The angel smiled and said to me, “Oh man of little faith!
God sees every bird that falls; He knows your bully’s fate.
I have met your little dog, I saw him pass my way.
Your precious dog is still alive; he just walked through this gate.

Paradise is lovelier than you can comprehend.
No pain or grief, no tears or fears, and life will have no end.
God gave to man His only Son, to cover all his sins.
So why would God withhold from you your pure and loving friend?”

The angel took me by the hand and said, “Now come with me.
A glimpse of paradise I’ll give, to you so you can see.”
Through the gate and o’er the Rainbow Bridge we did proceed.
Through green valleys filled with flowers, rolling hills and trees.

“Wow, so this is paradise!” The place was filled with joy.

I saw my bully playing there, with dogs and cats and toys.
He also had some doggie treats, and food that he enjoyed.
He’d made a lot of new friends there, including girls and boys.

Then I saw a child come near, and hug my little mate.
She said to him, “I love you so,” and kissed him on the face.
The angel said, “The child just crossed the Rainbow Bridge today.
Now she needs a little friend, to love and help her play.

God’s love for her would be enough, in that make no mistake.
But in His love, He knew full well, the child would want a mate.
This is why God called your dog unto this splendid place.
God’s entrusted her with him, “till you pass through the gate.”

I pleaded, “May I hug them both?!” The angel answer, “No!
You’d violate a sacred site, and now it’s time to go.”
He led me back across the Bridge and through the gate to home.
He left me there with new-found hope and peace within my soul.

If someone ever asks what happens to a dog that dies,
Just give a gentle smile of joy and look them in the eye.
Take their hand and comfort them and tell them not to cry.
For dogs don’t die, they simply cross a bridge to paradise.

Oh that was one beautiful poem...well there goes the winning 2 day streak I had going not getting choked up! That was incredibly thoughtful of your JeannieCO. But then again, everyone on this website seems very caring, warming and thoughtful. Thank you, again. Mike

 

[airmike1]

I am sorry for Orion passing away this last January. 12.5 years is testament on you and your family taking great care on the raising of Orion! I am grateful that Winston lived as long as he did...I am finding more peace now. Your poem however, cleared my sinuses :-)
Mike

 

[laurendoodler]

I am so very sorry for your loss.

Winston was such a beautiful boy and he had a wonderful life with you. Run free at the bridge, Winston.

 

[JeannieCO]

I am sorry for Orion passing away this last January. 12.5 years is testament on you and your family taking great care on the raising of Orion! I am grateful that Winston lived as long as he did...I am finding more peace now. Your poem however, cleared my sinuses :-)
Mike

I figured your sinuses would be clear. My husband was only able to let me read it to him just two weeks ago. Orion was his boy. One of our other boys (an AmStaff) lived to two months shy of 15 (I cried for a solid month). I find that tears help in the healing, so much for your 2 day streak . Again I am very very sorry to see about Pumpkin Doodles passing (makes me sad for you).

 

[cali~jenn]

Oh my gosh I am so sorry. Winston was a beautiful bully! Could almost pass for a brother to my boy. I hope time helps to heal your broken heart, it is just so unfair these pups dont live longer. Sounds like he was as lucky to have you as you were him.

 

[wfd38383]

I am extremely sorry to hear this, my thoughts r with u and Ur family

sent from my Droid incredible using tapatalk

 

[Casee]

Sorry for your loss, that would be very hard.

 

[airmike1]

I figured your sinuses would be clear. My husband was only able to let me read it to him just two weeks ago. Orion was his boy. One of our other boys (an AmStaff) lived to two months shy of 15 (I cried for a solid month). I find that tears help in the healing, so much for your 2 day streak . Again I am very very sorry to see about Pumpkin Doodles passing (makes me sad for you).

I am most grateful of reaching out to this forum in the painful days after Winston suddenly passing. It was a long 15 hour drive home on the very day. So after getting home and wondering around the house retracing where Winston would "walk his rounds" I felt compelled to Google for "English Bulldog forums". I have never felt and recieved this much compassion before, in my life. The bully parents that I have been meeting on this forum, feel like long lost relatives in a way. So people like you, JeannieCo, have been a tremendous help to me during this transitional period.

With the passing of Orion and your 15 year old AmStaff, you and your family are faced with a lot of loss too. However, you also have a lot of positive memories to reflect on with your precious bully and AmStaff. So people like you, me and the wonderful people on this site, can help each other out during difficult times.
Mike

 

[JAKEISGREAT]

 

[airmike1]

Oh my gosh I am so sorry. Winston was a beautiful bully! Could almost pass for a brother to my boy. I hope time helps to heal your broken heart, it is just so unfair these pups dont live longer. Sounds like he was as lucky to have you as you were him.

Cutty is incredible looking! He and Winston do look very much alike! Give Cutty a scratch and a big hug for me Mike

 

[airmike1]

Thank you Becky. to you to and of course, Jake.

 

[Tracey]

My heart brakes for you, so so sorry for your loss,but so happy you had and loved such a great dog.