Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Tears, Joy, and Hope

It’s been a tough couple of months around the Farm. First, we lost Oliver, our dear 17 year old cat, in September. Last night we lost our precious Roxy girl. Early in the Summer, she went in for cancer surgery for removal of a mammary tumor. After the surgery, she rallied, recovered, and had a wonderful summer ~ chasing squirrels and was the recipient of lots of spoiling. We dubbed her “Cancer Dog, the Amazing Survivor!”

A few weeks ago she began developing another tumor-like lump, as well as a strange skin infection. One steroid shot and two weeks of antibiotics later, the lump had shrunk and the skin condition seemed to be healing. However, her heart and lungs were not doing so well. Her legs were swelling and her breathing was labored.

Roxy age 12 was the eldest of our three dogs, but had the most energy out of the trio. She was a good-natured girl in all ways. But she had her quirks. Roxy despised hawks. Anytime she spied one of the winged creatures in flight over the hayfields, there would be heck to pay!

The past few weeks she was not the same energetic girl, and life was getting more and more tiring for her. Sadly, I suspected that it soon would be her time. No more heroic efforts. Just lots of love and TLC. And that she had plenty of. Just minutes before her final breaths, she had wagged her tail and perked her ears when Chloe was barking at a critter. Such spirit in a tiny little canine package! Now I know she’s running the fields with her Mama Jazz and Grandma Ginger, where there is no more pain and suffering. And only sunshiney skies.

Rest In Peace, Roxy
1997-2009

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But wait, there’s more.

As if that wasn’t enough for one night ~

I also spent a very long time calling and searching in the dark for 4 out of 5 of our little barn kittens. They were just. plain. gone. At just about six weeks old and oh so vulnerable, I feared they would never return.

Finally after all this drama, I went to bed. I tossed and turned. It was raining (not even in the forecast). Could things get any more gloomy?

Fast forward to this beautiful, sunny morning. After caring for the other critters, I ventured out again calling for kittens. And, lo and behold, at the woodpile…

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All 5 were alive and well and hanging out in the sunshine. Life is good again.

Oh, and look what else I found. In November? It’s not a perfect bloom, but yes, they’re still blue! (Apparently the birds love it too) ~

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“I still believe in Hope - mostly because there's no such place as Fingers Crossed, Arkansas.” – Molly Ivins

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25 comments:

Kritter Keeper at Farm Tails said...

ohh, i am so sorry for baby roxy! she looks so beautiful! i hate cancer and do not understand why we have to deal with it and why there is no cure. our babies are so precious and important part of our well being! do you not have a little closed off room it the barn to put the kitties in at night? so glad they are safe but nighttime with big owls, etc. are not good...maybe they can go in your garage? i put mine in the barn at dusk and close the end doors. callie and cricket go in the tack room...

Lois Christensen said...

So sorry you've lost your pets. How sad!

What a beautiful shade of blue! And I LOVE that quote!!!

Enjoy your day!

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

I am tears, I can't imagine losing a beloved pet. Bentley is the first pet since childhood that I have become so attached to.
I am glad you have great memories of her.
And that blue flower how awesome! It is beautiful!

Unknown said...

Oh Tammy, I am so sorry to hear of Roxy's passing. They truly are a part of the family in every way and I know how difficult it is to say goodbye ~ for now. I love that photo of her, what an adorable little girl. I just wish I could take that little head in my hands and give it a good cuddle. What a sweetheart!
I am SO relieved to hear you found all of the kittens this morning! I can just imagine how well you slept last night! It's not really sleep, is it?! What a beautiful bloom! I guess you haven't had frost like we've had. Thanks for letting me enjoy your found beauty!!
~Andrea~
PS. I love the header photo! Simply gorgeous : )

Kilauea Poetry said...

I'm terribly sorry about your loss- both. I understand completely- my deepest sympathy. No such place as fingers crossed- I agree. I'm happy you found your lost kittens. I lost my Rott just three years ago as the dog we picked up shortly after will make three end of this month. A friend once told me, it's always better to love to those who say, never again.
I don't think it's any consolation but I had a rotten day yesterday! My husband chopped my favorite tree down w/out saying a word, so I figured he wouldn't miss his favorite tree, bush & plant (grin)..well you could imagine where this went..maybe not. Ya..I know it was immature. I do hope things will be brighter for us all!

Melissa G said...

Oh, i'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to two of your sweet pets! And in such a short time!

Prim Rose Hill ©2008-2020 said...

Hi Tammy, I am very sorry to hear about Roxy. I know how much it hurts to lose a fur-baby. I'm glad the kittens reappeared! And what a beautiful shade of blue! Please know my heart is with you and time does help.

Hugs,
Sheri

Diana Ferguson said...

I am sorry about your loved pets. But that ray of hope and sunshine with the little kittens and the beautiful bloom...............


Blessings

Cheryl said...

Dear Neighbor, I truly feel your pain in the loss of Roxy. She is with Oliver, her Mama Jazz and Grandma Ginger at Rainbow Bridge where there is no pain or hawks just lots of meadows to run and play in! Feel Better!!!

Jayme Goffin, The Coop Keeper said...

Oh Tammy, I'm so sorry for your loss. It's never ever easy. (hugs)

yoel said...

What heartbreak to lose such a sweet pup. :( I am glad Roxy was able to live such a long and happy and loved life!

Janean said...

So sorry about Roxy (and your kitty earlier). I read once that we know we will probably outlive our pets when we let them into our hearts, but we do it anyway because we love them so!

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

Tammy, I wish I could give you a hug right now..
Life is so unfair sometimes and we just don't understand.
I do believe all animals go to heaven and this gives me comfort. I hope it does you, also.

Thank you for such sweet words for the birth of the Little One. I wonder, does she have any idea how many people were waiting for her. I do know that Roxy is watching over you and knows how many of us grieved for her leaving...
So happy you found the kittens. That was too much for one day. Goodness.

Blessings and hugs, Misha

Tonia said...

Glad you found the kittens! Sorry for your loss... Its tough.

Karen said...

I'm so sorry about your dog. It's so hard to lose our furry friend.

I love the blue flower and the quote about hope. Just beautiful.

V.L. Locey said...

I`m so sorry for your loss, dogs are a very important part of our families. Very glad you found the kittens though!

Rural Rambler said...

Tammy so sorry about your Roxy Girl. It is so hard to have to let them go. And Oliver too. Too much too soon. I wish you weren't having to deal with this. But what a sweet and good thing about the kittens, tears and smiles. Wonderful picture of that kittie on the woodpile. You will be on my mind and in my heart!

Debbie said...

Oh so sorry to hear about Roxy but oh so glad to see that the rascally kittens were safe and sound but naughty.

The Silver Age Sara said...

My heart goes out to you on Roxy's passing. Beloved dogs leave such a hole in our heart when they are gone.
I'm so glad you found the kitties and the blue bloom is so symbolic of hope and life.
Your header quote says it all.

Gayle said...

You and yours are in my heart and best thoughts. We so love our pets. I love both of the quotes, Molly Ivins was such a treasure. Thank you for your lovely blog, photos and thoughts.
Gayle
San Diego

Dandy said...

I'm stll crying about Roxy but I am so happy the kittens are good.

I know that Roxy had a wonderful life and I am so happy she was yours (and you were hers)

Lynn said...

You've had quite a tumultuous couple of days. So sorry to hear about your Roxy :( It sounds like she had a wonderful life with your family. My heart goes out to you as I'm sure you will miss her greatly.

Jackie said...

Tammy, I'm so sorry to hear about Roxy. I know how the loss of a beloved dog hurts. Our dog Lucky died just 3 months after my 2nd child was born and it was a sad time for us. My prayers are with you. I think that blue flower was meant to be there for you to see.

Jackie

Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarm said...

Tammy,
I'm so sorry to hear about Roxy. The loss of an animal is so hard - I'm sure she is missed every day.
-Staci

Missouri Gal said...

Tammy, I know this post is late but I feel your pain. I had to put down my old cat in 2009. I got her when she was a kitten. She had the prettiest blue eyes that turned to green. She was 13 years old and had cancer too. It broke my heart but to put Stormy down but it was for the best. Hugs!!!
Nicole

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