Farewell, Sweet Sparky

[pomtzu]

Sparky
2-28-1999 ~~ 10-9-2012

I always say "farewell", because "good-bye" sounds too final. I will see him again one day.

Many of you have come to know Sparky from my posts about him over the past several years, and tho there are a thousand thoughts running thru my head that I could post, I'll just touch on a few.

One poster said in his last thread in Dog Health - "What a joy he was." I couldn't think of a better way to describe him. Thank you! He was a Sparkling little gem, and all loved him, just as he loved all - especially babies and little ones - people and critters alike. He absolutely loved kittens, and didn't even mind a vet visit if Doc had kittens she took in, running around the office. Without a doubt, he was the biggest love-bug, had the sweetest and most gentle manner, and was the most well behaved (most of the time) dog that I have ever had. He could be quite the little goof-ball and was always making me laugh. The welcome home greetings he gave were awesome. Even if I had only been gone for an hour or so, he had to shower me with love and attention as tho I had been gone for a week. Of course it always included a round of crazy zoomies too! He had a stubborn streak when he wanted, but it didn't surface all that often.

He was a true Mommy's Boy - my little shadow. However, on the very rare occasions that I had to fuss at him, he would go running to my son and want to be picked up. I could almost hear Sparky saying, "Mommy yelled at me but I didn't do anything wrong - really I didn't." Silly boy!

I feel so lost right now - the house feels so different. I find myself looking where I step, just in case he is underfoot. I wander aimlessly from room to room and catch myself looking behind me to see if he is following as he usually did. But of course he isn't there. Every time I ask Myndi if she has to go out, I expect to hear him racing across the kitchen floor to be the first one at the door. I don't hear that anymore. Last night I slept with his collar under my pillow and snuggled with the fleece throw that I wrapped him in when we took him in to the vet. She does the cremation arrangements. He should come home to stay on the 18th.

Myndi seems to be okay so far, tho she is wandering around more. She knows that "something" isn't as it always was. Before we left to take Sparky into the vet yesterday, I wrapped him in the fleece throw and laid him on the sofa, then picked Myndi up and sat down next to Sparky with her on my lap. It would be the last chance I ever had to pet them both at the same time. Myndi sniffed all around his head for a few seconds, and then kissed him on his nose. It was so sweet and I totally lost it all over again.

I'm so glad that Sparky was such a camera ham, and I have loads of wonderful pictures that I will cherish forever. I'm so thankful that I got the picture with both of The Fuzzbuttz with Santa last year. I was hoping for another this year, but it just wasn't meant to be. There is so much more to the life he shared with me for all these years, and I could go on and on...............

Sparky, my sweet little man, my pillow pup -- I know that all is well with you now, and for that I am happy. My heart is broken that you had to leave, but I'll be okay, so don't worry. It's all about you, and not me, and our Creator thought it best to call you Home. I'll never stop loving and missing you, and all of your family feels the same. One fine day we will be together again - I know that for sure. Be on the lookout for RB Sherbie Kitty, because if he hasn't already found you, I know he will soon. I know you loved all the attention he gave you and how he stuck to you like velcro - even if you pretended that you didn't.

Rest easy, have fun, play hard and be happy. And please - drop in to see your old Mom on occasion!

We love you Sparky-Doodle, :love::love::love::love::love::love:
Mom,
Myndi
&
All of your people

[Karen]

Our deepest condolences, we're thinking of you.

[kaycountrygal]

Oh My! I'm crying again (cried when I first heard about Sparky) while reading your sweet Tribute. Indeed he was a dear sweet beloved little dog and he was so cute in the photos. I know you know he is not suffering any more and you will see him again one day. Again, I am so sorry for your loss and I hope you and Myndi will be alright. ((Hugs)) Kay

[Freedom]

Ellie, sending you hugs at this time. Sparky was quite the gentleman in SO many ways, and yet, he did have that "spark" which showed up now and again ha haaa. Momma's Boy, oh that made me sigh. He really had a grand life with you and Myndi and he returned that love many times over.

Run free at Rainbow Bridge, Sparky.

[sana]

((LES))
So sorry to hear this Pomtzu! :( I wasn't very active on pettalk for the past few days and I didn't know Sparky was this sick. Rest in peace little guy. You're missed very much.
Hugs for you and Myndi! :love:

[lizbud]

What a wonderful tribute to your little man Sparky. My eyes stung with tears as I read about his last visit to the Vet.
Sparky was certainly a loved & a lucky pup to have had you as his caregiver.He will be missed for sure but he will never be forgotten.
Play freely at the Rainbow Bridge sweet Sparky & say hi to all the other PT pets who have gone before.

[robinh]

What a beautiful tribute to a "heart" dog. Your deep love and loss has brought tears to my eyes. {{Hugs}} to you and Myndi.

[Pinot's Mom]

Ellie, we all know Sparky went on wings of love; yours, your family, and your PT family. Much love to you and all who loved Sparky in this time of grief. {{{hugs}}} from Pinot's house. :love:

[Catty1]

{{{HUGS}}} Sparky was never more loved, nor had a better life, than he did with you.

Fly free, sweet Sparky.:love:

[Shady]

A wonderful and simply beautiful tribute to your sweet little Sparky. How you loved him, certainly shines through in your words..

Keep him locked in your heart now, no one, nothing, can ever take that away from you.

RIP Sparky..

Your Mommy took all of your pain upon herself now, so that you can run and play, until you meet again..

((hugs)) to Mommy..

[chocolatepuppy]

I'm so sorry for your loss of dear Sparky. :( What a beautiful memorial for him. Yes, you will be together again, one fine day. (((hugs)))

[Scooter's Mom]

I did not expect to see this.
I am so terribly sorry to hear of Sparky's passing. Sparky & my Jadie look so similar, I have always had a soft spot for Sparky. I know that he will be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for you. You are such a wonderful pet parent. ((Hugs)) for you, and for Myndi. I hope you find some comfort from one another.

[Cataholic]

I am so very sad, and so very sorry, Ellie. I had hoped Sparky would rally 'round, as he had done in the past. What a sweet little fluffy boy Sparky was. All those memories, all those photos, may they bring you comfort in time. He will be much missed.

Fondly,
Johanna

[Edwina's Secretary]

I am so sorry Ellie. Sparky was such a dandy. Indeed he must leave a big hole in your heart. Godspeed Sparky. Go light a little fire for your mom....

[krazyaboutkatz]

Ellie, I'm so sorry for your loss.:( Sparky was such a wonderful little dog and he knew he was very loved. RIP sweet boy.:( Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[Felicia's Mom]

I am so sorry to hear this. He will be waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge. R.I.P. Sparky.:love:

[Queen of Poop]

You've written a lovely tribute to your little man. Sending you a big HUG and soothing purrrs from Cali and Diego. :love::love::love:

[Asiel]

What a wonderful tribute you wrote for little Sparky. The love you shared, the funtimes, it all shines through. He made sure that the last moments he shared with you were in his own home with you at his side--what a wonderful gift to you-- something we all want but most of us don't get. :love:

[happylabs]

Very moving and inspirational tribute to dear Sparky. I totally started crying when I read "Last night I slept with his collar under my pillow and snuggled with the fleece throw that I wrapped him in when we took him in to the vet." :'(

I remember when you first posted that pic of him in the blue sweater in the snow. That is my all-time favorite!

Time heals all and you will meet him again one day.

[Randi]

Ellie, I'm so sorry for your loss of Sparky. :( I can tell he was loved very much and had a wonderful time with you. You will miss him, but I hope it will be a comfort that he is not in pain and knowing he is resting at the RB, before he meets his friends. Remember the good times and look at those precious pictures you have of him - love the first one and the snow one.

Rest in peace, dear Sparky! :love:

(((hugs)))

[ramanth]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. :( :( :( RIP Sparky.

[ChrisH]

A beautiful tribute to your much loved beautiful boy. {hugs}

Rest in peace now dear Sparky.

[Roxyluvsme13]

I'm so sorry, Ellie :(. Sending you big hugs and a kiss for Miss Myndi too :love:

RIP Sweet Sparky.

[luvofallhorses]

What a beautiful tribute to such a special dog. I am so sorry for your loss. :( RIP, Sparky. :love:

[prechrswife]

I'm so sorry for your loss...:(

Your post was beautifully written.

[caseysmom]

Oh I am so sorry I didn't realize he was sick, big hugs. RIP sweetie.

[Alysser]

I am heartbroken to see this. I am so sorry I didn't see this early. I was hoping this wasn't "your Sparky". Rest in peace, little buddy! Mommy and all of us loved you! :love: Help your mom and your sister hear fast, Sparks.

[pomtzu]

Thank you! Thank you all for the kind words - it is heartwarming to see that so many of you took the time to post such lovely comments about my little man. I'll treasure your words forever.

Yesterday the sun finally made an appearance, and lifted my spirits a little. It was a clear, crisp, cool Autumn day - the kind of day and weather we had been hoping for, and that would be beneficial to Sparky's health. CHF patients don't do well in the warm and humid weather, even when there is a.c. available like we had. Sparky would have loved yesterday - to be able to get outside and go for walks around the yard again. I was going to put his collar in my jacket pocket and go for that walk anyway, but just couldn't bring myself to do it yet.

His health had been declining since late May, tho he was mostly stable thru the summer. He started downhill just a few weeks ago again, and it was just up and down, back and forth, between fairly good, kinda crappy, and downright lousy. Ironically, on Monday he was doing pretty good - his appetite was great and he was more "himself" than he had been in a week. It must have been his last hurrah, because in a matter of hours, he was gone. It may sound somewhat selfish of me, but I'm glad that he passed here at home, in "his" (my) bed, with me and Myndi with him, and that I didn't have to make the choice to help him move on and then always wonder - was it too soon, or not soon enough - all of the "what if's" that go along with it. CHF always wins in the end tho - it never is cured or reversed - only stabilized/managed for a short while before it claims it's victims.

It's still doesn't seem real that Sparky is no longer here, and I miss the little everyday things the most. How he shared my cereal each morning, and my yogurt every night, his crazy antics at bedtime as he made his nest in "our" bed in the sheets and blankets (and even got himself totally tangled up sometimes), how he was a major bed-hog, listening to him talking in his sleep and wondering what he was dreaming about, laying by my chair in the dining room at dinner time and waiting for a sample of what was on my plate - all the little things that made him unique and so special to me.

Yes - he was a joy and a dandy indeed. :love: There will never be another quite like Sparky! Miss you so much, my little man.


I think we will take that walk now....................:)

[lizbud]

Hugs to you & to Myndi (((Hugs)))

[mrspunkysmom]

I am so sorry to hear about Sparky. :love:

[caseysmom]

Hope you got your walk with his leash in your pocket, that brought tears to my eyes, all of us that love our dogs can understand and feel your pain.

[Alysser]

Ellie, I must say your post really touched my heart, not to sound corny. I, too hope you will soon, feel better enough to go for a walk with his leash in your pocket. :love: It's so heartbreaking when they're fine one moment and gone the next, 'specially when it's so unexpected. :( I am so sorry.

[Asiel]

Glad you decided to take that walk Pom-- it's what Sparky would have wanted for sure. Bet he was with you in the breeze, a leaf blowing around, the sound of the wind in the air, a bird flittering from a tree, they don't really leave us is what my firm belief is. I hope as the days pass the sadness you feel will also pass. Myndi will find a way to help you through this hard journey. :love::love::love:

[Taz_Zoee]

Every time I think about Sparky I get tears in my eyes. I too hope you took that walk. That will just help with the healing.

RIP Sparky

[DriftyAlison0]

I am so sorry to hear the news. Your in my thoughts and prayers.

[pomtzu]

Yes - we did take that walk Friday afternoon and another yesterday, and will continue to do so each day - weather permitting. My rhumatologist told me I needed to start walking to help strengthen my legs, so I guess I'm getting that accomplished after all in spite of my bad knee. I'm feeling somewhat better, but LES still strikes out of the blue all too often. As long as I stay busy I do okay. It's toughest at night when Myndi and I head off to bed and Sparky is no longer there. She's doing fine, but I have noticed that she follows me around a lot more than she used to. Guess she just wants to make sure that I'm not going to suddenly vanish too.

Sparky's water bowl still sits partially full of water, and I just can't bring myself to pick it up and put it away - just as his food bowl and plate still sit in their regular spot in the corner on the kitchen counter along with Myndi's and my son's cat's bowl. His meds are still in his and Myndi's med basket and I've caught myself checking the clock on several occasions to see if it was time to give him his. Boy - old habits really do die hard.

So again - I thank you all for helping to hold me together as I work my way thru this difficult time.


Hey there Sparky-Doodle ~~ I hope you're having fun and meeting new friends and having new adventures. And yes - I do think those unexplained noises and that bark I heard here in the house (while Myndi was sound asleep), was really you. :) Thanks little buddy.......:love: Love you and miss you!

[chocolatepuppy]

Still thinking of you Ellie. It will get easier, over time. Keep taking Sparkys leash with you and leave things as they are in your home for as long as it takes.(((hugs)))

[dab_20]

My deepest condolences on the loss of your sweet Sparky. He will be greatly missed by all of PT. Play hard at the bridge, Sparky. :love:

[pomtzu]

A chilly, overcast day with rain moving in later, so no walkies for us today. And I take Sparky's collar, not his leash. Oh my goodness - "leash" was a dirty word in his book - and the only time he had to be on one was when I took him to the vet or Petsmart or some such place. He had a 2 acre play yard to run free in here at home, - no leash permitted - and he used to be very good at being our Director of Homeland Security. Nothing invaded his domain without him knowing about it!

I'll probably leave his water bowl right where it is until all the water just evaporates out of it. Then I'll have no excuse for not picking it up. It's in the kitchen, and Myndi has her own water bowl by my desk, since she can't walk on tile floors like in the kitchen, without all 4 legs going out from under her. She doesn't do slippery surfaces! Only one of my son's cats used to get any use out of Sparky's bowl, and liked to dip her paws in it as soon as I put a fresh bowl full down, but even she hasn't bothered with it since Sparky passed.

And yeah - I know it will all get easier in time, as I have been down this lonely road many times before. For some reason, I'm finding it much more difficult this time. Maybe Sparky really was my true :love: dog, and I just never realized it before now. And it's strange too, being a one dog only household, since for well over 30 years, it has always been at least 2, and sometimes 3 and 4. It's just too darned quiet...:(

Hugs and kisses to you Sparks.....:love::love::love:

[Cataholic]

It is hard to read your posts, Ellie, and feel how badly you are hurting. We all hurt with you, for you, and only feel some sense of relief in knowing Sparky is no longer suffering at all. It is you and Myndi that are left behind, and that suffer so much.

I know the first weeks are so horrible to deal with. So many firsts, so many fresh thoughts, so many painful memories. Take some comfort in knowing you had so many wonderful memories of that boy, he lived such a glorious life, and that because of YOU he lived much longer, and because of HIM, you are a better person.

Take walks, leave things how they are, change things up, do whatever makes you feel better now, as Sparky feels just fine now. He is watching over you and Myndi, and wouldn't want the guilt of knowing you suffer too long.

[pomtzu]

Yesterday was a very bittersweet day. Sparky's ashes/cremains came back and I picked him up and brought him home late yesterday afternoon. At least I can rest a little easier, now that he is back home where he belongs.

Still miss you like crazy, my little Sparky-Doodle. :love: XOXOXOXOXO

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Omg Ellie I am so so sorry for the loss of your Sparky. :( He will definitely be missed..... hugs. :love:

[Medusa]

Ellie, I'm so sorry that I missed this. I don't check in here or FB often enough. I know how sad you were. When you said that you slept w/Sparky's collar, I definitely related to that. I did the same thing when my dog Daisy died. The house felt so empty and when I'd hear her tags jingling, I felt better. The pain was almost palpable. Please know that I think of you often and, believe it or not, I was going to email you today. I'm just so sorry that this has happened. Love and blessings to you. RIP sweet Sparky. Touch in once and while and say 'hi' to your mom. :love:

[pomtzu]

Thank you, Kaitlyn and Mary, and to all once again. Sparky was such a good little boy and such a gentle soul. He was dearly loved and is sadly missed.

[pomtzu]

It was one month ago today that Sparky had to leave us. :( Only one month??? ~ at times it seems like it has been forever. Forever since I glanced across the room to find him gazing at me with those big brown eyes and that silly, goofy, toothy grin. Forever since I had to rearrange the sheets and blanket to suit me, after he had made his nest in the bed to suit himself. Forever since I got an amazing welcome home and a round of zoomies, after I had been out and about. Forever since I had to share with him, just about anything that I was eating. A month of all of those forevers - and many, many more.

I know you're busy and having loads of fun my little man, but don't forget to check in with us here on the old dirt ball, every now and then. ;) Love you and miss you, Sparky-Doodle........:love:



*sigh* ~ I still can't read thru this thread or his last thread in Dog Health and remain dry-eyed. Maybe someday...............

[Medusa]

(((HUGS))) :love:

[Asiel]

:love::love::love:

[AdoreMyDogs]

I hope your sadness and pain is starting to lift after such tremendous heartache. I'm sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, Sparky :(

[pomtzu]

It was 6 months ago today, that my sweet little Sparky departed this earth and found his way to the beautiful Rainbow Bridge. I miss him as much today as the day that he departed, and left me with no shadow.

I know that you're having lots of fun my Sparky-Doodle, and I'm certain that you took Lilly (granddaughter's little dog) under your wings when she arrived. Lots of love and kisses and hugs to both of you...:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::l ove::love::love:

[ChrisH]

{{hugs}}

[Steve Arnold]

This thread chokes me up every time I read it, knowing that my very old dog Oberon likely doesn't have much time left.

[pomtzu]

This thread chokes me up every time I read it, knowing that my very old dog Oberon likely doesn't have much time left.

I still get teary if I read the entire thread. And with Myndi being 17, I feel the same as you do about Oberon. But they have both been blessed with long and happy lives, haven't they? :)

[Lilith Cherry]

Lots of love and a big hug Ellie. He is still in heart forever. Love to Myndi too
:love:

[Asiel]

my wee one is getting older also--12 this year and with a small growth on her neck it really makes me nervous. The vet said it was just an old age thing and nothing to worry about and it made me feel better but deep down it reinforces the fact she's getting on in years. She lights up the whole house with her character so it will feel empty when her time comes ( which I hope is many yrs away).