My beloved, beautiful Tommy

[happylabs]

I didn't plan to face making a tribute for him for some time. But then I started feeling this incredible need to have something that showed what an amazing, precious, gentle, beloved soul he was. I prayed for guidance to help me, to let me find the pieces and put them together to make it worthy of him, to show both his inner and outer beauty.

I feel like I'll never stop crying again, that this sick hurt feeling will never stop. I wish I could just feel nothing for awhile, that I could just have a blank mind for awhile for a little reprieve, but I just can't get that. Not right now.

I had to go back and look at it a second and third time.

I wish I had done something like this for Casey. I guess it isn't too late. I honestly do not know how to make a video like that with a mixture of pics and other videos. What program do you use?

[tatsxxx11]

There are no words, Jess. Tommy was one in a million, the gentlest, sweetest soul God ever put on this earth. He touched me from the very first day I met him here on PT so many years ago. My heart is broken into a million pieces, thinking he left you so suddenly, without warning; knowing the indescribable sadness you're feeling. Never was a dog more loved, Jess, and he knew that, every minute of his life. I will watch your beautiful tribute video tonight, and cry a bit more, a whole lot more, for precious Tommy and my dear friend.
Love, Sandra

[K9soul]

Happylabs - I use Proshow Gold


I just want to say thank you again. In the way that you may feel "I'm sorry" is inadequate, I feel that "thank you" is inadequate to truly express how much your caring words, your shared sadness mean to me. With all the differences of opinion and feelings here, this is one thing we all share in, the understanding of just how much our pets mean to us and how deeply they become intertwined in our being.

A while back, I read a book by Dean Koontz called A Big Little Life (thanks to Staci's recommendation and bringing it to my attention). It is about Dean's love of dogs and in particular his special golden retriever, Trixie. As the chapters wound down to the final one and I came to the inevitable sad end that is unavoidable, he said some profound statements that deeply touched me.

I remembered this today, and found the book so that I could reread those passages. I would like to share a couple of them here that had particular meaning to me and may also to you.

"No matter how close we are to another person, few human relationships are as free from strife, disagreement, and frustration as is the relationship you have with a good dog. Few human beings give of themselves to another as a dog gives of itself. I also suspect that we cherish dogs because their unblemished souls make us wish--consciously or unconsciously--that we were as innocent as they are, and make us yearn for a place where innocence is universal and where the meanness, the betrayals, and the cruelties of this world are unknown."

"Dogs' lives are short, too short, but you know that going in. You know the pain is coming, you're going to lose a dog, and there's going to be great anguish, so you live fully in the moment with her, never fail to share her joy or delight in her innocence, because you can't support the illusion that a dog can be your lifelong companion. There's such beauty in the hard honesty of that, in accepting and giving love while always aware it comes with an unbearable price. Maybe loving dogs is a way we do penance for all the other illusions we allow ourselves and for the mistakes we make because of those illusions."

Maybe that helps give an answer to the agonizing "why" when our hearts are torn in two at the passing of these angels on earth.

[Karen]

And, to give you a smile, I bet he has left not only footprints on all your lives, but little Golden hairs strewn around the fabric of your existence, and many years from now, you'll be unpacking an old sweater or garment and find one, golden and perfect, just a little reminder that all the cleaning and vacuuming in the world cannot make up for one determined Golden's furry "gift!"

[dukedogsmom]

I had no idea Dean had written a dog book. His words are beautiful and you can tell he's really experienced a special dog in his life. I'll have to get that book and read it.

Karen, you are so right. It happened to me a few times. I'd tuck them in my jean pocket.

[chocolatepuppy]

A while back, I read a book by Dean Koontz called A Big Little Life (thanks to Staci's recommendation and bringing it to my attention). It is about Dean's love of dogs and in particular his special golden retriever, Trixie. As the chapters wound down to the final one and I came to the inevitable sad end that is unavoidable, he said some profound statements that deeply touched me.

I remembered this today, and found the book so that I could reread those passages. I would like to share a couple of them here that had particular meaning to me and may also to you.

"No matter how close we are to another person, few human relationships are as free from strife, disagreement, and frustration as is the relationship you have with a good dog. Few human beings give of themselves to another as a dog gives of itself. I also suspect that we cherish dogs because their unblemished souls make us wish--consciously or unconsciously--that we were as innocent as they are, and make us yearn for a place where innocence is universal and where the meanness, the betrayals, and the cruelties of this world are unknown."

"Dogs' lives are short, too short, but you know that going in. You know the pain is coming, you're going to lose a dog, and there's going to be great anguish, so you live fully in the moment with her, never fail to share her joy or delight in her innocence, because you can't support the illusion that a dog can be your lifelong companion. There's such beauty in the hard honesty of that, in accepting and giving love while always aware it comes with an unbearable price. Maybe loving dogs is a way we do penance for all the other illusions we allow ourselves and for the mistakes we make because of those illusions."

Maybe that helps give an answer to the agonizing "why" when our hearts are torn in two at the passing of these angels on earth.

This is so true. Tommy's video was wonderful. What a good boy. You're still in my thoughts and prayers Jess. {hugs}

[Ginger's Mom]

I saw a comment on Facebook that made me come over here. I am so very sorry to hear about Tommy. There is never a good way to lose such a loved and cherished companion. Please accept my sincere sympathy and this very big *hug* on your loss. Run free, handsome boy. x

[Randi]

I'm so very sorry for your loss of Tommy. It is heartbreaking you had to say goodbye to your sweet boy so suddenly. I know the pain is unbearable, you will miss him terribly, but in time, I hope it will be a comfort that he didn't have to suffer a long and painful illness.

I watched your video with tears in my eyes - what a sweet and handsome boy he was.

Jessica, my heart goes out to you - please take care!

Rest in peace, sweet Tommy!

[anna_66]

Your tribute video is so beautiful it brings tears to my eyes. Tommy will be very much missed.