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| FAREWELL TO WILLY |
| March 28, 1995 - February 24, 2005 |
| Peacemaker, Sensitive Soul, My Beautiful Little Man , |
| I MISS YOU SO! |
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| Prayer of St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. Lord, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. |
| Hard to believe our Willy, the "gentleman" of our pack, is gone. And I find it even harder to accept -- not to ever again see his sweet face, or to feel the warmth of his little body . . . the softness of his belly . . . no longer able to smell the sweetness of his silky fur. But I do sense his presence during the quiet hours -- such a wise, refined, and caring little soul. And so elegant . . . he absolutely took my breath away. His life was way too short --- although I am so very grateful for the time we had. He taught me so much, and brought such joy and love to my life. |
| In early January of 2004, Willy was diagnosed with Cushing's and Diabetes Insipidous, both caused by a pituitary tumor. Although the tumor could not be removed, treatments for both the Cushings and the DI were eventually successful. There were a few times that Willy was so sick that we weren't sure he would recover but, slowly, he did and was once again able to enjoy all that he loved in life --- particularly activities involving his beloved frisbee and his special "blue" ball! |
| Following his recovery, we had six glorious months before our world was forever changed on 2/24/2005, when the tumor, suddenly, again made it's destructive presence known --- and with a vengeance. Willy started seizing shortly after 12 am and the seizures progressively increased in frequency and intensity. Over a 17 hour period our vets tried in vain to gain control but somewhere along the way, the essence that was Willy left us, and what remained was an empty-eyed, tormented little soul. I made the only decision I could and gave him the gift of peace. I can still feel the silky warmth of his tired little body as I held him while this last battle came to an end. I will forever miss my precious little gentleman. |
| I have felt a special connection with St. Francis of Assisi since childhood. Willy seemed the embodiment of so many of the qualities I associate with St. Francis -- an affinity with all creatures: gentleness and an inherent understanding and sensitivity; ever forgiving, patient, and loving; comforting and joyful . . . He was a born peacemaker and made the world a brighter place for all who loved him. I take comfort in knowing he awaits at the bridge under the loving eye of St. Francis. |
| Click below to see more about Willy: |
| For information about canine Cushing's, click here. |
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