rest in peace little one

"Zipper"

7 Feb 2001 - 13 July 2009

God saw you getting tired

When cure was not to be,

So closed His arms around you,

And said, "I'll set you free."

You didn't deserve what you went through

and so He gave you rest,

To us gave strength and comfort,

And helped endure the test.

So when we saw you sleeping

Peaceful and free from pain,

We could not wish you back with us

To suffer that again.

~poem adapted author unknown

Our Beloved Zipper

"ZIPPER"

February 7, 2001 - July 13, 2009

Our precious boy lost his fight with epilepsy at 6.45pm on Monday, 13th July. Zipper had severe cluster-type epilepsy not responding to anti-convulsant medication and alternative treatments. Zipper's condition declined rapidly and thankfully he did not suffer long. Zipper was sedated, comfortable and with his daddy when put to sleep by our vet.

We loved him so much.

May our little angel rest in peace.

We miss him so much.

***

__________________________________________________

Saying Goodbye

If it should be that I grow frail and weak

And pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then will you do what must be done,

For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.

***

You will be sad I understand,

But don't let grief then stay your hand,

For on this day, more than the rest,

Your love and friendship must stand the test.

***

We have had so many happy years,

You wouldn't want me to suffer so

When the time comes, please, let me go.

***

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me

Until my eyes no longer see.

***

I know in time you will agree

It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I have been saved.

***

Don't grieve that it must be you

Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close -- we four -- these years,

Don't let your hearts hold any tears.

~author unknown
________________________________________________

Zipper's last car ride

Zipper's bed secured in a sturdy box

On Tuesday we travelled to Orbost to pick up Zipper's body from the Snowy River Veterinary clinic. We greatly appreciated the care our Vet took in preparing Zipper for his journey to the crematorium.

Zipper's condition had declined so fast we didn't have much time to prepare for his passing. When we arrived in Orbost we didn't have a box in which to place his body on back seat of our car. Zipper had loved car rides so much. We wanted to transport him this way. So we prayed for a special box. Within minutes we found a box that was dry, clean, sturdy and just the right size for Zipper's bed. It was perfect.

Our Vet had carefully wrapped Zipper in his own woollen blanket. David had done a beautiful job. He had shut Zipper's eyes and carefully folded his little paws one over the other. Zipper's mouth was closed with just the tip of his little pink tongue showing. His ears carefully flapped back. He looked so peaceful.

Zipper resting in peace

Zipper's last car ride was to Traralgon where he will be cremated. We spent the journey talking about his life and the precious times spent together and the Blessed Hope when people and doggies will suffer no more.

"God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither sorrow and mourning, nor grief, nor pain any more, for the former order of things have passed away. And He Who is seated on the throne said, See! I make all things new. Also He said, Record this, for these sayings are faithful (accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy) and true (genuine)".

~Revelation 21: 4, 5 (AMP)

Remembering Zipper

"Our Beloved Zipper"

{Originally published Jan 2007}

Zipper will be 6 years old this month. Zippy's temperament is friendly and outgoing. Very little bothers him, he is an easy-going happy boy. However....should he feel he has not been given adequate attention he may show his annoyance by spreading the contents of the kitchen bin around the house! Very naughty. Fortunately this does not happen often.

Zipper's favorite activities include eating, sniffing, meeting people and other dogs, roaming off leash, swimming, car rides, kangaroo spotting, playing ball, walkies, protecting our yard from feline invaders, tummy rubs and sleeping. Zipper is very gentle with little children and smaller animals.

Zippy doesn't like bath time, taking medicine, hot weather or mum and dad leaving for work in the morning.

Sooty (left) and Zipper (right)

Sooty and Zipper love to run in the wide open spaces. This photo was taken in at an oval near our home. The small black streak on the left is Sooty. Both photos were taken early in 2006. At this time we didn't realise that Sooty had hip dysplasia.

Sooty has just turned 8 years old and is also male. He is very affectionate with a joyful, sweet disposition. Sooty loves food, sleeping, being cuddled, playing ball, rides in the car, swimming, kangaroo spotting and walkies. Sooty doesn't like visiting the vet, staying at kennels or being parted, for any length of time, from his family pack.

This post links to A Lark in the Park!