Goodbye, Summer

This month I wanted to do a special Hounds in the Header to pay tribute to dear Lily and her beagle brother Wilson. Sadly, Lily was struck by a car and has left us to be at peace over the rainbow bridge. Wilson, we know you miss your sweet sister and best friend, as does the whole Etsy Beagles team. Summer is drawing to an end, but Lily will always be romping in the green grass and resting in the warm sun. I extend sympathies from the whole team to our dear team member Amanda of Beagle Beads, who I know misses Lily very much. I love this photo of Lily and Wilson, side by side in the beautiful green grass. Their peaceful reflective pose reminds us that seasons come and go, but our precious dogs will be always by our sides, and forever in our memories and our hearts.

Memorial Day Tribute

Memorial Day is a time to remember loved ones we have lost. I believe that includes the family members that have unselfishly brought us joy, comfort, and beautiful memories; our beloved pets. The beagles team has shared the sorrow felt by team members whose pet has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We have come to know each other's dogs and cats, and love each one as our own. This team deserves a huge Paws Up for the support we give each other when one of us is faced with this sad time. The beagles team is truly a group of wonderful people and amazing animals; all with different personalities, yet cohesive as a group. The law of the pack is well-grounded in this team, and I feel blessed to have "met" each and every one of my wonderful teammmates and their pets!
I apologize if I left anyone off this list, which contains the name of the team member, and their pet with the date they crossed the Rainbow Bridge. It was quite a tearful experience re-reading the thread posts that made us all sad. I tried to look through all the previous Beagles team forum threads (on Etsy) for the past 12 months to honor the animals who filled our lives while here, and filled our hearts and minds forever. Fond and Lasting Memories of:

howlinhounds' beloved basset Mabel 4/08
debrlee's beloved beagles Oscar and Paddy 11/08
shipshegirl's beloved beagle Scooter Magoo 11/08
kookyhandbags' beloved cat Eddie 12/08
creativecomforts07's beloved beagle Sid 3/09
mygreydog's beloved beagle Maggie 4/09
windyothd's beloved beagle Chester 5/09

This poem was printed in a flyer I receive from my local Animal Welfare League, my charity of choice. I think it is a fitting tribute to the love our animals give us, even when they know it is time to say good-bye.

MAY I GO

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
I've lived my life and done my best; my quality of life is not to be.
So, can I take that step beyond and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first.
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now.
I've no strenght left to fight.

I want to go. I really do.It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can to live just one more day,
to give you time to care for me and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and are afraid, because I see your tears.

I'll not be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you wherever you may go.
Thank you so much for loving me; you know I love you too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye and end this life with you.

So hold me now, just one more time
And let me hear you say,
Because you care so much for me,
You'll let me go today.

author Unknown