Grasshopper the Italian Greyhound

1st October 2006 to 10th April 2007, Aged 1

FromApril Thompson, Mississippi

My Beloved Grasshopper... I let you go today, I couldn't see your young little body suffer any longer. I knew it had to be done, but it was still the hardest decision I have ever had to make. You left me today wondering why things like this happen? Why did my baby girl have to leave? At a meer 6 months old you lost your sight, almost total ability to walk, and alot of muscle control, and all that within' a couple days. But I know that in the few months you spent with me and our family you were happy. You got to play, play, play and eat, eat, eat. You were such a picky eater at first, but when I finally found that "special" food you love you could never get enough! And you still didn't lose your appetite, not even the evening before we said good bye. I guess I already knew in my heart that it would be today, and that's why yesterday evening before dark I took you out to the back yard and laid in the grass with you to listen to the birds one last time. 

Grasshopper, I can still hear the little song your daddy made about us that he would sing to the tune of "barbi girl" as you would snuggle in my lap. "I'm a Mama's girl In my Mama's World, Back in Her Lap For Another Nap!" Me and your daddy agonized over this decision, taking up a room at the vets office for HOURS with you in my arms. My heart hurts, my soul is bruised and my eyes and chest burn like fire from the non stop crying I have done. I've never seen your Daddy cry so much or so openly before. We are lucky to have such wonderful vets and staff. They have taken such wonderful care of you, always talking about how dainty and cute. Such beautiful long slender legs and what a perfect little girl, well behaved and just a doll to be around. When it came down to the time to say good bye, it was so very hard. But I knew it was best, you were leaving me anyway and you would just be in more pain and suffering more and more everyday. It would be selfish to prolong your suffering. Dr. Williams gave you a sedative and left the room for a few minutes to let it kick in. 

I held your little chin in my hands and rubbed your head and told you Mommy loves you and that I'm sorry. You laid your head in my hand, I kissed your nose and forehead, and you licked my hand until the doctor came back in the room. She shaved your beautiful long leg while I still held your head. They prepared the site and inserted the needle and she said to let her know when I was ready. Oh god, I'll never be ready! So, I kissed you again and told you I love you. I told her she had better go ahead or I would sit there all day. So, as I held your chin in my hand and stroked your nose and head with my other hand your heart beat for the last time and you took your last breath. I told you I love you and kissed your nose again. With your last breath you licked my hand one last time, and with your tongue still out just a little, my baby left this world for the Rainbow Bridge... 

We took you home and it rained and rained as we buried you in the back yard next to the bird feeders and squirrel feeders. It rained from the time we got to the vet until late this evening, I guess we weren't the only one's crying for my baby girl. Rest in Peace my Sweet Grasshopper Girl. One day we will meet again. And now you can see again and are healthy again, playing at the rainbow bridge with as much of your favorite food and treats as you can handle! Till we meet again, Mama's Girl... 

I love you Baby Grasshopper! 

Your Mama also love from Daddy, Aoife and Dottie Boy.