Thanksgiving for Our Riley

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia

Today, appropriately enough, it’s Thankful Thursday on Thanksgiving Day. Through many tears, we all give thanks for our big, sweet boy, who left us yesterday for the Bridge. The last two days he gave us clear signs that he was ready…ready to be free of pain; ready to breathe easily again; ready to give up the trials of this life and wait for His Person Andrew on the Other Side.

At the only “vet place” he ever liked going, he ate Hershey’s Kisses as the kind tech fed them to him, a sweet treat that had always been forbidden. But now it couldn’t hurt him. His Person Andrew, Jentry, and I sat on the floor with him, gently stroking him, reminding him of the fun parts of his life, and going through a box of kleenex as we said our goodbyes and fed him more chocolate.

The vet came in and administered a sedative through the catheter that had just been placed in his leg. While holding back tears herself, she listened to our stories about Riley. She shared that every time she had to do this, she also cried after she got home. Then the final injection went into the catheter and he slipped peacefully away.

Tomorrow I will post a memorial of pictures of our big, sweet boy, whose greatest loves in his life were always Andrew and little children.

R.I.P sweet Riley. You will live forever in our hearts and minds.

32 thoughts on “Thanksgiving for Our Riley”

  4. I’m sorry to hear this. Riley always seemed to be the bass note holding up the melody of your dog household. Steady and dependable. She is missed.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Oh Amy, I’m so very sorry for the loss of dear precious Riley. Tears are streaming down my face. He was always such a sweet boy and he loved his person with a gigantic heart; he will definitely be sorely missed. Sending tender thoughts of comfort to you and Andrew. Hugs and tail wiggles. 💔

    Liked by 1 person

  10. When you help a pet to the Bridge you are all the pain they are feeling and putting it inside yourself. They also feel guilt fot leaving you and that is transferred to you as well. They are pain-free, and young again, playing with so many dogs and waiting for the day you join them.  Their suffering has ended.  You have the suffering and it will take a long time to get over.  You gave your pup a beautiful gift.  Bless you.  Sending you love, hugs, and prayers.
    =

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Oh…I’m so sorry to read this today.

    I have a huge lump in my throat.

    We send our love nd many hugs to you at this difficult time.

    May the many precious memories you have made over the years sustain you now, and may they remain deep in the treasure box, deep in your heart.

    (((((❤️)))))

    (PS: I just sent you an email…)

    Like

  24. Lulu: “We’re very sorry to hear that Riley had to go away, but we know he is having an incredible feast—”
    Chaplin: “—Probably with lots of Hershey’s Kisses!”
    Lulu: “—for Thanksgiving up at Tucker’s Everlasting Rainbow Bridge Buffet.”
    Charlee: “We cats send lots of purrs your way.”
    Java Bean: “And we dogs send lots of tail wags!”

    Liked by 1 person

  27. May hurting hearts soon heal, remembering only all the good and wonderful and amazing times together. Be at peace, Riley, as you so deserve now. Gentle hugs from us …

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Dearest Sweet Friends…….So sorry Riley has flown off on his last journey. He was with the ones he loved dearly and had spent years in the arms and hearts of. We know he is going to be one of your guardian angels forever and ever. We are sad but know that he has no more discomfort and is free to fly. It’s what we all hope for when our time comes. Sending you big hugs and love.

    Pam and Teddy

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Oh no!!!!!!!! I’m so sorry, sweet friend!!!! I’ve been through this with my seniors more times than I can count. And even though you know it could happen at any minute, it never gets any easier. You are so blessed to have such a loving, compassionate vet. My old vet used to put a special quilt on the floor, and we would all sit on it while I held my baby and tell him or her how loved it was. After a while she would inject the sedative and final dose. My husband always waits in the car when I have to say goodbye to one of my babies. Poor guy. He knows he would break down the minute he sets foot in the vet’s office. My wonderful old vet did another incredible thing. After my baby passed she would make a plaster print of its paw with its name inscribed on it. Those plaster paw prints sit on a special shelf in my living room with all their name tag collars and the ashes of a few of them. I treasure them every day. Much love to you, sweet friend!!! Sending you a big virtual hug!!!! 💔

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.