I just ran across this in my bible the other day:
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
And do not return there without watering the earth,
And making it bear and sprout,
And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;
So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:9-11
I think of this as Raven is His gift to me. Sent from heaven to enrich my life before he ascends back up to God, having accomplished his purpose.
As many of you know, I first thought Raven had bone cancer last April, but it came back negative in the biopsy. But turned up again in October. Here is a post with lots of pics and videos of a wonderful farewell trip to the ocean we made in April, such fond memories:
And these pics were taken that day.
I will update details later, but my vet feels that he had a spinal clot. This is like a stroke in the back end and has a sudden onset with poor prognosis, but is relatively pain free. I couldn’t have asked for it to be any better of an end for Raven. He was always strong for me through his entire illness and life, and I needed to be strong for him tonight. Fair trade.
RIP my bestest boy.
You are awesome tonight Dawn. You gave Raven the only thing you had left to give him- his freedom.
Truly an unselfish act that will be rewarded.
I wish you peace with your decision, and strength to get through the days ahead.
Karen
Dawn,
You gave Raven such a good, good life. What beautiful photos. Such a lucky dog to have had you and the memorable trip to the ocean. It is so hard to know when to say goodbye. Stay strong and know that Raven is pain free, complete again, and romping with all his buddies until he gets to be with you again.
Opie’s mom, Nancy
Dawn,
What a beautiful post. You gave Raven all your love and he gave you all of his in return. He certainly did accomplish His purpose here. I love the pictures you posted – especially the footprints. It makes me think you two will never be far apart from each other. We’ll keep you in our hearts.
Susan and Holly
Dawn,
I just logged in and read your post about Raven…. I’m so sorry sweetie… 🙁 I know how hard you and Raven have fought…
He is finally at peace now… and I hope that he meets my Jake up there in heaven…
You are in my thoughts and prayers… Rest in peace sweet Raven… and look after your mommy from heaven.
Angel Jake’s Mom
Dawn,
I am so sorry for your loss. These are beautiful pictures, he had the perfect life, a life filled with love and companionship, both human and animals. I will pray that God helps you get through this, I believe that this is not goodbye, its just goodbye for now. Raven will watch over you, until you meet again.
Karin
Dawn, you’re so good at documenting everything–the pictures will be so precious in the days to come.
Peace to Raven and to you, and remember, it’s only Good Night, not goodbye….but still, I’m so sad for you.
We’ll be up to see you soon.
Hugs
Mary
Oh Dawn,
I am so sorry. When I sign on I always make sure to check on Raven. He has fought so hard and has been such an inspiration. Letting him go is such a loving thing to do. It is the last thing you can do for him.
I know that you will cherish your memories with him. I pray they will comfort you.
Debra & Angel Emily
Raven, we will miss you so much here, but what an impression you have made on our lives. We will never forget all of your cute videos, especially with your bobcat kitty pal. You are a true gentle soul who has touched us all.
Dawn, there are lots of hugs coming your way. What a wonderful life you gave Raven. His spirit will live on always.
{{{{hugs}}}}}
Dawn, I am so sorry for your loss. Your photos are beautiful, I especially loved the footprints in the sand. You and your tripawd, how special is that.
Sending lots of healing thoughts your way as you face the adjustment to life without your beautiful companion.
And the tears fall as we lose another hero.
We have all been touched in a positive way by Raven’s heroic story. Thank you for sharing.
Dawn, You and Raven shared such a beautiful life together, you have so many wonderful memories of your times together, I hope that in the coming days you will be able to find some comfort in remembering. Thank You for sharing your beautiful boy with all of us.
Jo Ann & Tasha
I am very sorry for your loss. Raven was obviously loved dearly, and I am sure you know that he loved you dearly in return.
We are so sorry for your loss! Raven is at Rainbow Bridge meeting and enjoying all of his tripawd friends! Raven will always be in your heart and looking down upon you smiling! You gave him a wonderful life and you both fought a hard fight. He couldn’t have asked for a better mom! We will all miss Raven! Take Care!
I am soooo sorry to hear about your beautiful Raven. He is most definitely up in heaven and has no more pain. You have been in my thoughts and prayers.