One Sunday I took Olivia to Teddy's
resting place. It was the first visit in warmer weather and with no snow on the ground. She sniffed around and then settled right by it as if to say,
“I'll just watch over him for a bit”.
From Olivia's Visit to Teddy's Resting Place
From Olivia's Visit to Teddy's Resting Place
Teddy will be remembered as the Salesperson and Broker class resident Dog! He was absolutely enjoyable to be with during my classes with Laurel Stone. I am sure that Teddy outlasted any other dog in his condition just because he was so loved! He is probably jumping over clouds in doggy heaven! Joan McLester
What a great dog he was. My sympathies. ....Denise
Thanks so much for sharing Laurel....oh, how so very sad.....my heart is heavy for you and you loss... Marcia
....Janice He was a wonderful dog and lucky to have you, Laurel ....Kate
You have a beautiful tribute for him and Josephine. ...Lea 
elinda 
.....Laura ....Marlene 
Just this side of heaven is a place called
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to
All the animals that 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.
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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
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"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly." .....Richard Bach 
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They say you'll know when it's time. It will be a look and you'll just know. On February 21, 2009, I saw that look.
After a lifetime of enduring the pain associated with hip dysplasia and a year of limping on 3 legs, Teddy lost all use of his right front leg. It was obvious that the pain was excruciating simply by watching him walk. There were times in the last few days that I would hear whimpering and find him just standing facing the front door. We are so fortunate that we can help dogs cross to the other side where they can live, pain free, until we meet again.
Yesterday Teddy told Marilyn to tell me he knows it's time to go home. He doesn't want to leave because he's loved it here but it's getting too painful to move. He compared it to going on vacation and having a great time. You really don't want it to end but you know you have to go home because... oh my gosh... you're out of money!
I searched the internet for the perfect poem and couldn't find exactly what I wanted but I found pieces of some so I took those pieces, put them together, did some rewording and added my own thoughts. Here it is:
If it should be that I am weak
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for this last battle can't be won.
You will be sad; I understand
but don't let grief then stay your hand.
It is a kindness that you do
so, no regrets, it should be you.
Take me where my needs they'll tend
but do stay with me 'til the end.
Hold me tight and speak to me
until my eyes no longer see.
Don't search for me for I'm not there,
but feel me now, I'm everywhere!
In air you breathe, in sounds you hear,
don't cry now, my spirits near.
Smile at my memory, remember my ways.
This isn't the end, but brand new days!
I'll wait and watch from the other side
until; once again, I'm by your side.
Teddy Edward 11/6/99 - 2/21/09
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Don't be dismayed at good-byes.
A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.
And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes,
is certain for those who are friends.
....Richard Bach
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow; I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sun on ripened grain; I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die. …Mary Frye, 1904-2004
Behind my house are woods and a slight rise.
Last summer I started digging for we didn't expect Teddy to last into fall. He started limping a bit less in the fall so I covered the hole with tarp. Yesterday (2/20/09), when I knew the end was imminent, I went there to see how it survived the winter. Because the sun was setting, I returned to the house to get my camera and this time Teddy followed me. It took all that he had to hobble on 3 legs but I let him come along because he seemed to want to. That was when I took the pictures below.
Today after I returned from the vet and said my goodbyes, I laid him to rest on this spot where I'll be able to visit regularly. There was snow falling and it really was beautiful.
Rest in Peace, Teddy Edward.... I'll miss you....
