It’s been two weeks since Jasmine left us for that rainbow bridge in the sky, her haggard body barely hanging on until the new year. At almost 14, she’d had a life of chasing 10,000 squirrels. And, she’d tracked my youngest child in age by six months. Those two had a dog’s lifetime of adventures together, playing in the grass and along the creek’s edge. Jasmine had been there for all of life’s moments, both good and bad. A copperhead bite to the face, several snowstorms, a couple of hurricanes, vacations that required her to stay behind… all were endured patiently and without complaint. After we’d been away for any amount of time, she was always standing in the driveway as our Suburban rolled up. She heard the truck, its blum, blum, blum, advancing down the drive and over the bridge. Her ears would perk stiff and she’d do a little dance, chasing her tail in circles which showed us she was terribly glad we’d decided to return once again.
This is a hard post to write. Tears still fill my eyes as I look at the box labeled Pets in Peace where her body lies in ashes. It’s a heavy box, that box that has all of her except that vivacious energy and never ending desire for a vigorous belly rub. But, tonight everyone is coming to the house for a little Jasmine tribute. I have to be strong.
How do I say goodbye to such a devoted and cherished family member? To that sweet pup whose sole goal in life was just to be with us. It’s too fresh and these memories are too tied up with my family.
Cherishing these memories will have to suffice. Remembering her many encounters with the wildlife around here — dragging in numerous deer parts, chasing chickens, scratching chipmunk holes ’til her nose was clay-stained and brown, pointing up at possums — will have to do. Recounting her encounters with neighbors’ trash cans on Tuesdays, spilling everything for a juicy sandwich wrapper or smuggling a donut from who knows where… that will have to be enough. Thumbing through these pictures… will help me not to forget how important she is to us.
I don’t want to forget.
She struggled her last four weeks of life. Her breed of Border Collie /Austrialian Shepherd made her a ball of boundless energy; however, since Thanksgiving, she’d been mostly on her bed. It was a challenge for her to eat and drink. She wasn’t chasing squirrels anymore. I was determined to “ride it out” with her and hoped we’d be with her for her last breath. But, alas, she decided that a warm afternoon in early January was as good as any to take a nap on a lush bed of ivy right out front. As was fitting, Gabe, now 14, found her, peaceful and stiff, no longer encumbered by the decay of this world. He was with her at the beginning, the day we brought her home from the shelter and at the end as we patted her still body on its ivy bier.
Yes. This is a difficult post to write. But it must be done. To remember and to let it go.
God, out of love for us, gives us pets. They keep us company, forgive us when we ignore them, and offer unconditional love. Jasmine was that for us and we are grateful.
Angelina's Garden 
Well done.
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Thank you for reading my tribute.
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Beautiful. So sorry for your loss. Our dog, Bear, is 13 and I don’t think he has much longer to go. I do like to think we’ll be reunited with our pets in paradise.
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Thank you Crystal. I know the Lord has a special place for them.
They are so important in our lives.
💖
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Oh Angie I am so sorry We’ve been through this with several of our beloved pets over the years & it never gets easier Our thoughts & prayers are with you, Matt & the kids Again I can’t tell you how sorry I am & just know you will see this precious family member again I truly believe this Much love, Beverly Harper Hensley
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Thank you Beverly for your kind words. Taking care of chickens today has made me feel much better.
😘
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Prayers for you and all your family. The Lord cares about our feelings and hurts. We had our Dachshund for 14 years, and it is hard to say goodbye. They become so much a part of the family. Love and comfort to all of you.
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Thank you Aunt Lee. It’s hard letting go.
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Jazz was a special pup, whom I will never forget, for sure! She had a very sweet personality even when it came to protecting her territory! (Remembering when Spot and Benji would enter the cabin – UGH!)
I’m truly sad in my heart for you all. I know that your family loved her and that you will miss her!
She was a blessed dog to have a family like yours to take her in so long ago, and yet, not so long ago!
I’m sorry for your loss.
We will miss Jazzy too😥💕
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She was a special pup and made her rounds through the neighborhood!
Thank you for your special love for her!
😘
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What a precious post and perfect memorial to jasmine. I have tears in my eyes as I think about all the memories and years you had with her. It’s so true her only desire was to be with her family.
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I will miss having her join us on our walks. Thanks for reading my tribute.
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My heart goes out to you and your family. Our pets spend so much time in our hearts, it is not possible to feel the grief of their passing. Thank you for sharing the joys of your family Jasmine. The pictures and memories will help you remember what great companion she was for everyone. ♥️♥️
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Thank you Darin. I keep finding more photos. I may have to write more on this topic.
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Oh Angie, tears as I read this. I loved sweet Jazz; she was so accepting and uncomplaining, always just there to receive a hug in the driveway or a ruffle of her soft fur as she sneaked under the dining table. I can’t imagine your house without her. Prayers for all of you; Lord, have mercy
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She was so constant!! I did love it when she slunk under the dining room table as we all gathered there, never wanting to miss a scrap of food or a chance to be with her people. We r missing her terribly. Thank you for your prayers!
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