Metamorphisis. Saying good bye to a loved one :-(

Today at about 3:00pm we saw Bumpus off to her final rest.

She had a nice few meals today, and lots of love, and on the way to the Vet, we stopped at Bold Point, a small park and boat launch where she often played. Today she was able to walk again for the first time since this last bout of seizures started Saturday night, and was able to take a last leisurely stroll through the park.

We happened upon one of her old friends, a young male Black Lab that has a crush on her.

She decided it was time for a swim, and went gently in to the water in the company of very very old (HUGE) seaweed and barnacle covered horseshoe crab that was right off shore looking for a place to start a new family. Another old soul.

This is but one of the odd moments that has surrounded her last days, that has all thinking about what a huge soul she has, and how it will not be lost to this world.

Last night I had managed to give her a thorough bath, somehow I thought it would be more dignified if she was soft and smelling of herbal shampoo instead of pee...

She passed very peacefully, soaking wet with the salt water, and smelling of the ocean, salt and "damp",.. just as a real dog should smell.

Her sister is on her bed with her paw resting on Bumpus' collar. No kidding.

Bumpus and her sister have had a very public and joyous life.
In her capacity as "mascot" and "WatchDog" of the Veterans Memorial Auditorium Arts and Cultural Center, the Shop Steward of the University of Rhode Island Theatre Dept. Scene Shop, Sexton and "Church Dog" of the Mathewson St. Methodist Church, counselor and volunteer for the RI Food Bank and UMC Soup Kitchen, Therapist for the State of R.I mandatory Anger Management classes, and diplomatic counsel for the Downtown Providence Convention and Visitors Bureau....

...she has touched so many lives it is hard to imagine.

She will be sorely missed, in fact by more people than I am ready to fully grasp at this time.


Godspeed Bumpus.

It sounds like she had quite a life, as unfortunately as it ended. I'm sorry for your loss. She's a beautiful girl.

... and anyone who has ever owned a dog understands completely .. there will never, ever be another dog like Bumpus.

Rest in peace, Bumpus.
Condolences to all who knew her.

It's funny. Not long ago I received a call that an old business associate passed away. I guess it could be said we were friends of a sort. I'm sorry to say, I really felt nothing more than a few small regrets for not staying in closer contact when he was alive. Little else.

Now, I'm sitting here with a lump in my throat the size of a basketball, and I'm actually getting a little misty-eyed, all over a dog I never met. Jake, a man never had a better friend, and Bumpus couldn't have had a better friend than you. Your tribute to her is one for the ages.

I'll be thinking of you both for quite a while. Bumpus has found peace, and that should be some comfort to you, although it will no doubt take considerable time to plug the huge hole in your heart.

Please accept a virtual manly hug.


Tom

RIP Bumpus.

A great dignified ending, thanks to you.

Awe!!! so sorry to hear of your loss... Bumpus was...is beautiful.

i'm terribly sorry. at least it was not a life wasted.

sometimes i feel the loss of our fur friends is so much harder to bear.

take care, i am sure it will be a few days before you start to feel better.

A dog can be a companion as meaningful as a spouse or children.

I have been there, and I think I feel your pain.

My condolences to you, CDS, and I know you will get through it.

I just have to wipe my eyes before someone walks into my office.

Its amazing that we can get so attached to something that is objectivly different.
But we do, and when they go it hursts.

I think the world would be a happier place if our pets could live as long as we do.

Remember the Happy times CDS, and know that you gave her a great life.

i really feel for you, i was there 4 years ago so know what this sad time is like the memory's live on so they are always with us.
Rob.

We dog people are touched and saddened by your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

If there are no dogs in heaven then I want to go where they went.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved companion. And now I need to go wipe my eyes and explain to my children why I'm crying.

Jake: I am sorry for your loss but so glad you had such a joyous experience with your beautiful dog. It sounds like she had quite the life with you. Wouldn't it be something if all pets were treated so well?

Very sorry to hear about your loss. As others have said non pet owners just don't understand the relationship between owner and pet. We have a 10 year old shepherd mix that means as much to me as my daughter's do. It will be one of the sadest days of my life when we have to put him down.