Saying goodbye to my sweet muse...

After almost 15 years with us, on Monday, we said goodbye to Izzy. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make, but in the end it was a more peaceful parting than I could have imagined. Things have been going downhill very gradually over the last 2 years, Rich and I did as much as we could to keep Izzy comfortable. Early on we tried acupuncture and chiropractic kinesiology to help with her arthritis. We gave her 9 pills a day, 7 dispensed with peanut butter in a special method perfected by Rich. He cooked weekly in the crock pot for the girls over the last year, and we started using sign language with her as she lost her hearing. We often carried her down and sometimes up the stairs, took very slow labored walks which she still loved, especially to smell the earth and nature (Rich wrote a song about her years ago called "The Sniffer"). There was endless discussion between us about the consistency of her #2...which on a good day was something we termed 'turdular' and if she ate or what she ate. Through it all she taught us patience and compassion and made us better human beings. Since the day we adopted her in November of 1995 (from a vet office on North Avenue where she had been abandoned) she has brought more love to our lives and inspiration to my art work than I could have ever dreamed of.

I'm so grateful to Rich for helping to take such great care of her and to Alice for always being our comic relief. And other folks helped us through these senior years: Ben King from Urban Tailz, who took such gentle care of Izzy and Alice whenever we had to go out of town, Kelly Krueger of Articulate Animals...who was able to communicate Izzy's needs to me from pain med adjustments to letting me know that she was ready to leave her tired old body behind, our vet Dr. Gaspar who respected our wishes to just keep Izzy comfortable and worked with us on pain control, and in the end Dr. Amir Shanan, a hospice vet, who came to our home at 10 in the evening on Memorial Day and so compassionately helped us say goodbye. I was going to close with 'Rest in peace, Pumpkin...' but prefer to imagine her sailing through the air to catch frisbees in that big dog park in the sky...

Poem I wrote in 1999 written around the painting above:

"My Dog's name is Izzy and she's really neat, she chases frisbee and walks on four feet.
She chases squirrels, she chases cats, she even lives with two, how about that?
She loves me no matter what my mood, but she loves me most when I have food. "
She is the color of cinnamon and pumpkin pie...
I'm happy she's my dog and those are the reasons why! I love her so..."

Comments

[Leigh]

I hope all my boys, Hugo, Owen, Chico & Albert greeted Izzy.

[Anne Leuck Feldhaus]

Oh Leigh, I'm sure they did!

[marilyn grad]

Pass the Kleenex box. What a beautifully moving piece. Thank you, thank you, thank you Izzy. Thank you Anne for sharing the process of a different nature so eloquently visually and verbally.

[Jenny Steinman Heyden]

Anne! All heart to you for Izzy.

[Sara Herman]

So so sweet! I have tears in my eyes! You lost a treasured family member and I'm sure she is having a blast in Dog Heaven. There is actually a book called, Dog Heaven, that was a big help to me when I lost my last pet.
Thinking of you and your loss!
Sara

[Natalie]

Oh, how sweet. I need the Kleenex too. My heart aches for you today, but sings with the thought of the memories you have of Izzy. XO.

[irene]

thank you Izzy for making your art what it is today and for her inspiration on you to do so much for our rescues and mostly for bringing us together.

[carol eldridge]

I cried when I read your story about Izzy. I know first hand what that is like, having had 3 dogs over the years we needed to put to sleep. It was by far the hardest thing I ever had to do. My last dog Latte, was my perfect companion, a 95 lb. yellow lab who went with me everywhere. I still miss her today and it has been 5 years. You said it all so well, we will always love our dogs and we hope they are chasing frisbees together romping though the clouds happy and looking down on us.

best,
carol

[Kelly Krueger]

This is a beautiful tribute to your sweet Izzy. Thinking of you, Rick, and Alice...
Kelly

[Anne Leuck Feldhaus]

All your thoughts and heartfelt words have helped me so much this week...thank you!!

[Jenn]

How beautiful, what a wonderful way to honor your beloved Izzy.

[Jill Beninato]

Anne,
My heart aches for you and your family...What an inspiration she was for you.

[Susie]

Anne,
How sad and yet how wonderful. Sad you had to say good bye but wonderful you gave Izzy a chance in life and you were so rewarded. She will be waiting for you, ever patient but enjoying her painfree new life in heaven.
God Bless those who love God's creatures.

[Pat Berry]

Anne,
I never met Izzy but saw her in your art. I have 9 winged angels who I am sure are welcoming her with stiffs and licks. Having the vet come to your home is the most peaceful way to say "I love You" and now all your pain is gone. My last dear one crossed the "rainbow bridge" at home and it still brings tears. You both know you did everything "just right" and she loved you and will continue to love you in between playtimes.

[Abby Fitch]

You made me cry. I am so sorry for your loss - but I am sure your Izzy is catching frisbees with the best of them in her new home and is awaiting your reunion with a wagging tail.

[Denise]

How sad and wonderful...if that is possible! My 18 year old Pomeranian Nikita left a legacy in our family that we still talk and laugh about! These creatures touch a special part of our lives and hearts...oh, my...you have been blessed to have had that canine love! Good luck! Denise

[Rosemary and James Sharp]

Dear Anne,

Just read about Izzy's passing and am still tearful for you and Rich. But what a peaceful and loving departure you helped her make. Having met her a few times, I know what a terrific home life Izzy had for her long lifetime. You were great care givers to her, especially in the last couple of difficult years. We both send you, Rich and Alice our heartfelt sympathies.

Rosemary and James Sharp

[Pam]

The Rainbow Bridge

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge, there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass and wonderful shade trees. When a beloved pet passes away, the pet goes to this place.

There is always food and water and warm spring weather. There are always new things to sniff and new places to explore. Those old and frail animals become young again. Those who have been maimed or sick are made whole again. They run and play with each other all day long, day after day. Rest assured, because this is a safe and happy place.

There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth. So each day they run and play together until the day comes when one will suddenly stop playing and look up. The nose will twitch, the ears will turn up, the eyes will stare, and this one will suddenly run from the group. You will have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you will take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face will be kissed again and again and you will look once more into the eyes of your trusting friend.

Then you will cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

- Author unknown

Blessings to you and your never-to-be-forgotten special friend.

[Kris Scoma-Galbreath]

Oh, Anne...
I'm so sorry for all of you. Izzy was such a great girl, one of a kind. I know the hole she left behind and how much you all miss her. Kiss Alice for me. She has big paw prints to fill and I'm sure she is grieving as well.
I'm so grateful I got the chance to meet your sweet girl. Ozzy and Izzy were so much alike while they were here on earth. Hopefully they are enjoying time together as they watch over us and wait to be with us again.

[Margaret Soffin]

Anne,
I'm so sorry to hear about Izzy. I know she is in a happy place - healthy and pain free. It may be over the Rainbow Bridge, or Doggytown or Candy's Palace. All are joyous places where dogs go when they leave us. How lucky you were to have had her in your family. My condolences to all of you.

[Intuitivebridge]

Anne-
I'm very sorry that Izzy is no longer with you physically. I'm sure she's with you in spirit. Your muse has wings!
If there is anything that I can do for you, please let me know.
Best-
Bridget

[Wing Poon]

So sorry to hear that Anne. It brings me comfort to hear of the love and lessons she provided. She will live on in spirit in those she touched.

[Susan Babin]

They truly change our lives forever. I wish you peace as you move through this difficult time.

[Lois keller]

I really think you need to make a children's book about her.

[Brenda]

Oh Anne, my heart goes out to you. Saying goodbye on their terms is so hard, but you did the right thing.

I hope my boys, Bojangles, Lucky and Padraic were there to greet her!

p.s., I vote for the children's book too!