TRIBUTE TO EMMA

(August 2010)

With great sadness, our majestic lady Emma, passed away in July.
Because she was an old and very large Great Dane,
she couldn't grace us with her presence in our home.
So instead, we visited her every afternoon during the week.

Her mom, Celinda took the very best care of Emma
and because she worked full time, she wished for us to let her out,
walk and give her some TLC during the day.
(caring that she would be comfortable
since her bladder was weakening)

Rich began the visits.
His routine was to get her up from her sleep
by jingling her leash and opening the front door.
That would usually do it.

She'd love to walk across the golf course to the water fountain
and drink from the paper cup he'd offer her.

Sometimes he'd take her in the back yard.
She sure loved those fig leaves!!

Upon coming back in she'd drink more water
and of course we'd play our silly treat game.
(sniffing it from one of our hands)

We'd sit, read and pet her for a while
until she closed her eyes again.

When Rich's schedule got busier, I took over the visits.

Even though her health was obviously declining,
I loved my time with this sweet, beautiful Dane.

She did not get up so easily anymore,
but I coaxed her and wouldn't give up.
She didn't give up either!
She did not walk to the fountain any longer,
but she did make it to the front yard.

Upon returning, I'd always stroke her head
as she lay her magnificent body down.

And then one day, I got the call from Celinda.
She could not bare to see her Emma suffer anymore,
so she made that very painful decision -
to let her go.

Of course it was the right decision to make,
but oh how we all miss her!

Again, we were honored to care for another
one of God's creatures such as Emma, and know she's
over that "Rainbow Bridge" with all the others
we had the privilege to service.