Callie update - Conclusion

I just wanted to thank all my friends and family for their support and condolences through this difficult time. This will be my last post about Callie before I move on to brighter, happier things, like our trip to Prague and the upcoming birth of my niece and goddaughter, Ruby.

We got the word on Wednesday morning that not only had Callie's condition not improved but it was actually getting worse. Soon she would be entering a phase of discomfort. So just before noon we went in to say goodbye and put her to sleep. We got to sit with her for a few minutes, and she purred up until the end. We decided to stay in the room with her, which I am glad we did. It was very peaceful and quick, and the doctor said Callie felt euphoric in her final moments. The vet cried with us afterward.

We spent the rest of the day at home, crying periodically but somehow feeling a bit of relief. At least we didn't have to worry about her anymore. A sadness lingers but the tears come less frequently now. And we are appreciating the hell out of the health and vigor of our other animals, and they are loving the attention.

Yesterday a friend of mine at work, who is a cat lover herself, gave me a very sweet card with the following poem inside. And even though at least one of my dear friends and loyal readers may think it describes the gateway to Hell, I found it very sweet and consoling. So I thought I'd share it with all of you.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Thanks for everything, Cal. I love ya.

Callie Griner
1999-2007