Cootie…she was my best friend, always by my side, always protecting me, always there for me for over 13 years. 

Loraine Weaver

 Two weeks after we moved here to Alabama from Florida she just showed up one day under our farmhouse. A sweet little homeless pup, all legs. She was my girl.  It soon became evident though that Cootie was not like other dogs.  Instead of running up steps, she could only hop.  X Rays revealed that she had no hip & ball socket,  and would not be eligible for any type of corrective surgery, but she could have pain management to help her along.  She always did well, always active, always running and stayed so very fit.  Up until a couple of months ago, she began to struggle.  Many trips to the vets for more & more pain management tools to help make her more comfortable, some of which she welcomed, most she did not but took it graciously like the lady she was.  Then yesterday Cootie started vomiting up blood and started having a hard time breathing.  An emergency trip to the vet revealed Cootie was suffering.  As I looked at her little body there, hips jutting out that had caused her so much pain, I did not want to lose her, but I  would not be selfish, nor want my best friend to suffer any more. After making one of the most agonizing decisions of my life,  I would not leave her, I  held her close, told her that I loved her over & over again, and was there with her as the light went out of her eyes. She was my best friend.  My life will never be the same for her coming into it, nor will it be the same with her leaving.  ”

“I will see you again Cootie…please wait for Mama at the Rainbow Bridge. I will love you forever!”

The following is a poem that has given me so much comfort.  Am hoping it does you too, those of you that have also had to make such a heartbreaking decision out of love for your little ones.

 

From Friend to Friend

     You’re giving me a special gift, so sorrowfully endowed,

And through these last few cherished days,

Your courage makes me proud.

 

Real love is knowing when your best friend is in pain,

And understanding earthly acts,

Will only be in vain.

 

So, looking deep into your eyes, beyond, into your soul,

I see in you the magic,

That will once more make me whole.

 

The strength that you possess, is why I look to you today,

To do this thing that must be done,

For it is the only way.

 

That strength is why I followed you, and chose you as my friend,

And why I’ve loved you all these years…

My partner til the end.

 

Please understand what this gift you’re giving means to me.

It gives me back the strength I’ve lost,

And all my dignity.

 

You take a stand on my behalf, for this is what friends do,

And know that what you do is right,

For I believe it too.

 

So, one last time, I breathe your scent, and through your hand I feel,

The courage that is within you…

To grant me this appeal.

 

Cut the leash that holds me here, dear friend, and let me run.

Once more a strong and steady,

My pain & struggle done.

 

And don’t despair my passing, for I won’t be far away.

Forever here, within your heart,

And memory I will stay.

 

I’ll be there watching over you, your ever faithful friend.

And in your memories I’ll run…

A young pup once again….Love, Cootie

 

In loving Memory –July 17, 1010