Memorial: Sweetie Pie (#1012)

Sweetie Pie Crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Friday, September 10, 2004

Sweetie Pie came to our home and into our hearts in April, thanks to our friend, Marsha who rescued her from a rural animal control facility. She was sadly need of good medical care. Dr. Steve Swart of Capitol Veterinary in Salem restored her to good health.

Sweetie Pie became a Golden Bond foster dog and joined our two Goldens, Angel and Honey Bear. She quickly became an important member of our family. Spring and summer days began with daily walks on the nearby college campus and all around Monmouth, playing with her pals in the backyard, napping on the deck and afternoons at the dog park (where she was always the first one in the back of the car). Sweetie's 'spot' was under the kitchen table where she could share in the treats during mealtimes. When it was bedtime, she slept on the rug alongside our bed.

Last Thursday, we took Sweetie Pie on a camping trip along the Willamette River, near Westfir. She happily jumped in the backseat of the pickup truck with Angel and Bear. After arriving at our destination, we all walked along the river and she happily romped and played with the other dogs in the warm afternoon sunshine.

Late that night, she became ill. Don took her outside hoping that the cooler air would make her feel better. Angel would not settle down until he took her outside, where she and Sweetie lay down together under a moonlight sky.

Early Friday morning, we called Diana Morison who recommended her vet, and scheduled an appointment. Within a very short time, we knew Sweetie was gravely ill. She passed away a few minutes later.

There is a Native American legend that the soul of a recently departed loved one will return in the form of a butterfly, to let the bereaved know they have arrived in heaven. Friday afternoon, a beautiful orange and black butterfly landed on one of our outdoor chairs. It stayed long enough for me to touch the tip of one wing.

All Friday afternoon we watched as several beautiful butterflies dipped and soared in the afternoon sunshine. Our hearts were sad and both Angel and Bear were grieving the loss of their sweet pal. We will never forget that dear little dog who gave us so much love and friendship. Our freckled-faced darling girl quietly bore her pain and wanted to stay with us long enough to say goodbye, before she crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

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