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.

[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]

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.

[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