Aunt Jazz is at Rainbow Bridge

[Dixieland Dancer]

They joy they give us and the pain we feel when they are gone. If I had to weigh them right now I would say the pain is too great to bear. And if I am feeling this way what must my dear friend and her husband be feeling? I want to be strong for them but everytime we talk we just end up crying even harder. They have no children and their dogs are their life. Bob loved Jazz so much and poured his heart into her training for search and rescue. That is why she was always asked for specifically when emergency personnel in our area needed a dog to help find someone.

I know in my heart that the joy they give outweighs the pain but at this moment my heart is breaking. I do not know the exact details of what happened yet since we can't talk without breaking down but I do know that Kathi and Bob were with her in the end. I believe they found too much Cancer and it was spread and so the decision to put her out of her misery was made. They only gave her a few short weeks if they wanted to prolong it.

I tell my son that every living thing has a time to be born and a time to die. Sometimes I just don't understand why the time to die is so soon. :confused:

[tatsxxx11]

Dear Candy, I can't begin to express my overwhelming sadness reading the news that beautiful Jazz is gone. I am so stunned, the right words aren't coming, and I can't type for the tears. Like your friends, I too have no human children, and I can completely understand the overwhelming grief they are feeling right now. I know as well, how devestated you are right now. But Jazz's family has a very special friend in you. I hope you may both find comfort through your friendship, the deep love you both feel for beautiful Jazz, and the many happy, shared memories. Please convey my deepest sympathys to your dear friends. And to Jazz, bless you dear girl. Run unfetterd and free from pain at the Rainbow Bridge, beautiful one. Your Mommy and Daddy and family and friends love you so, and will be with you again, one happy day. Love, Sandra

[LoudLou]

Dixieland Dancer, Kathi and Bob --:(

My deepest sympathies to you all in this recent loss of a family member. My heart breaks when I hear of someone losing a family member. Know that my prayers are with you.

Kate

[pepper636]

Safe journey Jazz. You helped so many and now you must help your parents who loved you so. The pain is so great now yet how could we live without them? My sincerest condolences.

[Former User]

Our deepest sympathies for the loss of Jazz. Our thoughts are with you all, stay strong ok, and take good care!

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I hope I can write this so it makes sense. I'm crying too. At least the dear one is in no more pain. She would not have been able to enjoy her last days if they had not let her go now. Sometimes, loving an animal enough to let them go is the kindest thing. You have to love them enough to let them go. I've had to do it and I know how it tears you apart. But they are safe now and can never be hurt again. I firmly believe there is a heaven for animals as well as people. Who deserves a heaven more than the creatures that give nothing but love and acceptance and ask so little in return?
Jazz is now running free and dancing with butterflies and when she wants a rest, she can lay her head in God's lap. He must have needed a very special dog.

[RachelJ]

So sad, so sad, so sad. I am so sorry for all who loved this dog. She must have been a wonderful animal to touch your heart so deeply, Candy. I know that one can love someone else's dog almost as much as your own sometimes. You suffering for your friend and for yourself. May breaking hearts eventually be healed.

[AdoreMyDogs]

I hesitated for quite some time before I could even read the post. I just hate that this has happened. I waited even longer to post because I am just devistated.

Candy, please tell Kathi and Bob how sorry we are that this had to happen. It's just so terrible and so shocking. I know we all were hoping that Jazz would pull through, but this ending came so much quicker then I ever expected and it's incredibly sad.

They certainally did the right thing to end Jazz's suffering. I hope my Beener is showing her all the wonderful places to run and play at the Rainbow Bridge :(

I am so, so sorry.

[Sudilar]

I was so afraid that this would happen. I am truly sorry. I am sending my deepest condolances to you, Candy, Kathi and Bob. It hurts so much when your furbaby leaves for Rainbow Bridge. I know. Remember the good times and all that she had done in SAR. She is a hero. She is waiting patiently at the Bridge. She is with all of our beloved furbabies who have gone before us. She will never be forgotten. {{{{hug}}}}

[tatsxxx11]

http://www.photogra.com/galleries/34923/curr/9993965_20020224_185548_20020224185548.jpg


In Loving Memory.....Aunt Jazz

(Beautiful Jazz poses sweetly in the middle)

[Dixieland Dancer]

Kathi and I were finally able to talk through our tears. On Sunday morning a little after midnight, they got a call that Jazz's liver had quit functioning. They immediately went to the hospital and found that she was bleeding from the nose and her stomach was very distended. They also found her rolled over with the vet technician rubbing her belly. She loved belly rubs.

When Jazz saw and heard Kathi and Bob, she got up and greeted them as though nothing was wrong, her tail wagging. They took her outside and she did her business and then they took her back inside. Jazz was her old self again for a short period of time. I guess this is normal when they are near the end. She fell asleep and they made the decision to euthanize her at that point since her liver was shutdown and she was bleeding from the nose.

She was such a great girl. She gave her mom and dad the greatest gift of getting to see her as her old self again, even if it was for only a short period of time. It was a gift I know they will cherish forever.

Bob is taking this very hard. He has also lost about 10 pounds in a month (since Jazz got sick). They have been training Blaze (Dixie's natural brother and Jazz's family brother) in SAR work also but he is no where near as good as Jazz was. She was a natural. Anyway, Kathi tells me he wants to quit the team now that he doesn't have Jazz. I think this will pass but please pray that it passes quickly.

Kathi and I also have another concern. Dixie looks like a twin to her Aunt Jazz - minus the difference in age. It is going to be hard on Bob to see her. The resemblence of the two of them was remarkable. Here is the picture at the birthday party. What do you think? Should I keep her away for a while or let him see her?

Jazz is at the bottom and Dixie is third from the bottom. This picture was taken in January. The one above posted in memory of Jazz was taken when Dixie was only about a year old. Goldens usually are lighter when they are pups and grow into their adult color by the age of two.



http://www.photogra.com/galleries/35479/curr/2759522_20020224_193200_20020224193236.jpg

[momoffuzzyfaces]

This has been really rough on all of you. Jazz would have tried her best to go on as long as she could. If she was bleeding and her liver wasn't working, she wouldn't have lasted much longer. She had to be in agony. Now she is at peace.

As for keeping Dixie away. Could you ask Bob how he feels about seeing her? I'm afraid he would feel he lost them both if he doesn't get to see Dixie. I hope he realizes how important the SAR work is and decides to keep with it. I completely understand how you all feel though. I've been through it many times. I'll keep you all in my prayers.

[Logan]

I'm so sorry, Candy. This has not been a good night for our Golden friends. I just posted a message about our good friend, Terri (Golden Smiles) losing her Otis this week. I'm so sorry about Aunt Jazz, but I am so glad that sweet girl didn't have to suffer long. :( My heart is hurting tonight, and so is yours, but that girl, Jazz, is so much better. Don't forget that.
Logan

[lizbud]

Dear Candi,

I am just stunned by this sad sad news. We never
want to believe the worst in any situation.I feel like
momoffuzzyfaces has put it " God must have needed
a Special dog " like Aunt Jazz. We won't see her body
but will forever feel her spirit & know that she will wait
happyly to see her family again at Rainbow Bridge.
You all are in my thoughts & prayers...Liz.

[sammi]

Its all been said. I'm very sorry for the loss of Jazz and sympathize with all of you. This is the third post in the past hour that has brought tears to my eyes. :(

Jazz was one beautiful dog......I sorry

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Oh Dixie, I'm crying trying to post here, I just came in to see what was going on and I couldn't believe the news. Right now I don't think there is much anyone can say to take the hurt away. I know Jazz was much loved by so many people, she helped so many, and if any dog can go to heaven it will be Jazz. I don't know them but Kathi and Bob must have been wonderful dog loving people and so patient., we question ourselves why our dog? Sometimes we hesitate to get a dog thinking what will I do when somethings happens to my dog., they live such a short life, but we do get that dog and none of us would miss those hugs and kisses and wouldn't trade them for anything else in this life. A person hasen't lived if they never had a dog. A home is not a home without a dog. I am so sorry for your loss and please give Kathi and Bob my profound sympathy.
As far as whether Bob should see Dixie or not I would let him make that judgement.
Jackie

[aly]

It has taken me nearly 20 minutes to stop crying so I can write this. Since I have never had to make the decision to put an animal down, I can only imagine the shock, pain, and grief they must be feeling. momoffuzzyfaces was so right when she said God must have needed a special friend. And Liz was right that her spirit will live on. She will watch over Bob and he will know that he must continue in SAR.

Candi, you will be in my prayers along with Jazz's family. I pray their pain eases over time. I'm so sorry. :(

[Gio]

Candy I'm so very sorry for Aunt Jazz. Please give Kathy and Rob a hug from me. I know it's very hard for them right now, I really don't know what else to say. All of you please take care.

[Albea]

Candy:
I haven't finished crying yet. What a bad day for Goldens and their families this has been.Perhaps Aunt Jazz was called to take care of baby Otis at the other side of the Bridge, she was such a good, caring dog.
This has brought very sad memories. I had to make the decision of putting my first Golden to sleep when the vet could not do anything else for her breast cancer. My second one, Irina, developed a blood disease at the age of 6 and 1/2. The day after she had to be taken to the vet's because she could not walk, they asked me if I wanted to come and see her. I went and spent some time with her. The minute I got back home I got a call from the office to tell me she had died. The vet said: "She was waiting for you to say goodbye."
Please tell Kathi and Bob that they are in my thoughts and prayers. And so are you dear Candy.

[mruffruff]

My heart is aching.

She was a very special dog.

My sympathy to all who knew her.

Mary

[Logan]

Perhaps Aunt Jazz was called to take care of baby Otis at the other side of the Bridge, she was such a good, caring dog.

Alicia, what a beautiful thought. :) I like the thought of your Irina, Aunt Jazz and Otis sitting up there, waiting to welcome all of us one day. Makes me feel a little better.

[breezys_mom19]

I feel your pain completely. But she is with Breezy now, and they are playing free of pain. If you need to talk, email me at [email protected] You are in my prayers

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Oh, I am sooo sorry, to hear about the loss of sweet Jazz.:( :( I am in tears right now. I miss my baby Teal, who has also passed over the Bridge.:( I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Sarah & Sadie

[shais_mom]

My heart aches for my PetTalk family and their extended families today.
Candy, you and your friends have my condolences and my prayers.

[AmberLee]

{{{Kathi, Bob, Jazz, and all who loved Jazz}}}

I missed this posting. So sorry to hear that Jazz has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. I'm glad she had one last good visit with her family before she passed. I'm thrying to type while I'm crying so this might not make too much sense...

I agree with ? (Mom of FuzzyFaces?) when she suggests that Bob should be the one to make the call -- he might find healing in your golden's presence???

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
:(

[C.C.'s Mom]

I'm so sorry that Aunt Jazz had to leave to go to the Rainbow Bridge. Our sympathies are with her family and all of you who knew her.

[Dixieland Dancer]

Kathi and Bob have had Aunt Jazz cremated and are going to spread her ashes on Lake Latonka. They have a cottage up North of Pittsburgh and Jazzy would spend hours laying on the dock by the lake. She would drop a tennis ball in the water and watch it hit the side of the dock and then she would jump in and cool off. Then it was back to laying on the dock watching the tennis ball hit the side of the dock again. She was a talented tennis ball nut and could actually put 3 in her mouth with no trouble and 4 if she concentrated.

They will be taking her there for the last time and spreading her ashes over the lake at her favorite spot.

Blaze is mopping a lot and can't figure out where his sister has gone. He sniffs for her all the time. Today will be his first day at home by himself since he was born.

Bob is still not ready to see Dixie since she reminds him too much of Jazz. I told Kathi she will need to bring the boy down to my house so he can play with his blood sister and nephew.

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Candy,

I missed the post too. My deepest sympathies to Kathi and Bob. Aunt Jazz is in a happy place now and is pain free. She was a great dog and Kathi and Bob have much to be proud of. How sweet of them to take her to her favorite spot one last time. She will live on in their memories forever.