Goodbye Scullybaby

Scully died tonight. We knew it was coming, but it is always a hard thing when it happens. We believe that he had the same thing as his brother as his decline was somewhat similar but not as extreme.

I remember when we first saw Scully and Sly and couldn't believe how ugly they were. I thought what in the world did we get ourselves into. In time, he became a gorgeous Scullybaby, especially with his illness. He was the calm older brother to the crazy females.

As it always is, it was a difficult decision to keep him at home and wait for the bridge to beckon. We debated daily about taking him into the vets as we weren't sure if he was suffering. He still liked his peas, kitty treats and chocolate pudding and continued to eat. We came to the conclusion that it was better to wait it out rather than putting him through the stress of taking him to the vets. He grew this terrible anxiety about being in a small cage/carrier in the last six months and even cage cleaning day became difficult. Finally, he would have to be held while the cage was being cleaned and the others continued the indignity of being temporarily homeless for the duration of the chore. While his life may have been declining, we made the decision not to have his last hour or so of life being one of misery, fear and anxiety. I hope we chose right.

Scully, we were honored to bring you home with Sly and I hope we did you well.

RAINBOW BRIDGE POEM:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Give our love to Sly, Snort and Teeth when you see them, Scullybaby.