A year ago tomorrow, March 29th, it was hard to believe that I would ever breathe again, smile again...It was a year ago that we lost our precious Duchess.
Eric and I walked out of the emergency animal hospital, stunned, blinking in the early morning light. Who could have imagined a few hours earlier that we would leave that place without our girl? The doors to the Jeep remained flung open, just as we had left them. We were frantic to get Duchess into the hospital, hopeful that she would be OK. After some tests and time, it was determined that no, Duchess was not going to be OK. The doctor on duty and his assistant were very kind, and Duchess seemed fairly comfortable with them, which in turn comforted us, too.
Duchess spent her last few hours on this earth surrounded by Eric and me, Dr. Johnson and Kimberly. When the time came, and her heart beat its final beat, she was wrapped in my arms, Eric's hand was stroking her forehead, and she breathed a little sigh. She had a tiny, peaceful smile on her face, and I could tell that she was not in any pain or even discomfort....Looking back, I am proud that I was able to put aside my own fear and anxiety to be with this magnificent creature, to provide her with the comfort and security of my mere presence. Though this was the hardest experience I have ever gone through in my life, I wouldn't trade having been there with my Duchess as she slipped the surly bonds of this earth, and reached up to touch the face of God.
Duchess, wherever you are, we miss you and will love you always...you are forever in our hearts.
