Tribute to my Spaniel Violet

My husband and I miss our dear chocolate spaniel Violet. She went away Veteran's day at ten a.m. I held her in my arms as she drew her last breath.

 

Tribute to my spaniel Violet

 

My Violet is dying, her strength ebbing.

Voice pulled inside, basking in the sun.

Stillness granted within Rest and quiet.

I

 know she will find death‘s blessing.

Autumn days calling, her spirit has run.

Within me lies her sweet presence keeping.

Not blind nor lame, only weakness shedding.

 

I remember her heading for fun, tail sweeping.

S

she lived a four wheel drive kaleidoscope of energy

Chocolate Spaniel ecstatic “I love you” shebang.

if she could speak What would she say?

With peace and gratitude, “Remember me.”

  

Author's Note

How many of us have loved a pet and then were amazed at the hole left in our daily lives with their passing?

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

Those who think an animal is not a family member have never had one in their lives. I have had to have several pets put down to put them out their suffering, and each time was a bereavement. May your memories of Violet comfort you. Maybe there is another spaniel in your future.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Pets are special. I was just thinking about the part that pets have played in the life of my family from the time a was a little girl. It's nice that you have had special friends like these in your life. Thanks for a caring review.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Tiersahhh]

Wow that's beautiful. I know that sounds really cliche. But it touches me. Have just been reading the book "The Book of Two ways" by Jodi Picoult, and there is discussion there about "remember me". Thanks for sharing that.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Tiersahhh,
Hi there. Nice to meet you. I found your above words refreshing. 'Wow that's beautiful.' Your finding beauty is part of what defines the good in our lives and I am glad you are finding some! Iv'e heard of Jodi Picoult but have never read any of her work. Thank you for mentioning this author. I am always open to any recommendations. So nice to read your thoughts too. Bless you much. Kathy

[olla]

you've touched a piece of my heart.. my pup is having some aging issues.. he's just 10 and should still have robust health but along the way my lack of knowledge and indulgence of those puppy eyes.. that he still has.. brought unintended consequences as well.. hopefully the robust part will win out with a little help from my vet.. yes.. he is the child that will never leave me.. and I have no idea how I could have gotten through the last 10 years without him.. thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute to Violet..

[Kathy Van Kurin]

I hope that your doggie simply enjoys you and you just continue to enjoy him. For you are his very life. They (dogs live in the moment which is such a wonderful part of why we love having them. I really appreciate your sharing here. It gives another lovely facet to things of life. Bless you olla!
Kathy

[Richard🖌]

Kathy Dear,

Anyone who's never had such a loving friend as a dog has never known what real, unconditional love is. And, if they have never lost such a companion to death, they'd never truly felt that kind of irreplaceable loss.
I've lost far too many animal friends to recount here, and not only dogs. I will say "this" in all sincerity: "It may be considered that dogs do not have a soul, but some possess such deep consciousness, empathy, compassion, and emotion, and express it all so sincerely and genuinely, there is no doubt I've connected with some of my canine friends, and they with me, on a level of camaraderie and closeness I've never been able to attain with another human … we could look into each others' eyes and simply know by the sympathetic touch of their paw on my leg they felt my sadness, as I felt theirs … one chocolate lab in particular with a white fur collar around her neck, "Snickers" was her name, and she lives in my heart 'til today, as she did for seventeen years, taking her final breath with her head in my lap, looking into my eyes.
Ach! I'm sorry, Kathy, but your poem just spoke to my heart, as I know it came from yours of Violet … she's so lovely, too, I can see her soul shining out from her wondrously warm, sweet demeanor, and I think she really was proud of her beautiful bow. Violet and Snickers are playing together across that Rainbow Bridge.
Will Rogers said it best, "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went."

I love your poem about You and Violet, Kathy, as I love the warm tenderness in your heart!
Thank you for sharing Violet with us … hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Richard,
To recognize the good gift of a pet friend is so lovely. When they are gone then it really beocmes apparent! It seems like her presence now gone is felt as the days go by. I loved her sweet self. Your review is lovely and accurate. You have given good oversight of how a person finds unconditional friendship with a doggie. Oh yes it is so true! Well come veteran's day she'll of been gone a year. Thanks so much for the words youv'e given. I am better for it. Bless you bunches!
Kathy

[free will]

I love my dogs past and present. The happiness they bring, if their life is good. Thanks for sharing, on Violets passing. On such a day. RIP Violet, chocolate brown spaniel.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

free will,
thanks so much for taking the time to read this particular writing. Yes we who have had doggies know they have given us the gift that only they can give. Yes she was loved by my husband and myself very much. Again I appreciate your responding. It brings my mind back to the happiness of having my sweet girl.
Bless you.
Kathy

[Wanda Vergara-Yates]

Beautifully sad. Would have liked to see a photo posted with this.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Wanda,
Yes thank you. She was very pretty and it was definitely sad when she went away. I was privileged to have the closure of having her in my arms as she drew in her last breath. I did post a pic when this poem was submitted. The pictures are small and easy to miss. Take a look if you like.
Bless you much!
Kathy

[Gee]

So sad, but beautifully so. I have an 11 month old working cocker, jet black, and a 14 year old orange roan show cocker who is entering into the winter of his life, part blind, deaf and with occasional failing front legs...breaks your heart when they pass :(

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Gee,
You really know what my little bit of tribute to my own Spaniel is about. You dogie friends sound amazing. They are so privileged to live and earn thier way. I love to hear when people and dogs work together such as yours do. Yes I know that your older one is loved and in a good place with your family. That is so wonderful to hear as well.
Bless you and yours.
Kathy

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Gee, I responded below to your 'donkey' comment. Pretty good one too. It's so good to smile.. Kathy

[barleygirl]

Most brilliant line I've read this week: "she lived a four wheel drive kaleidoscope of energy" . . . your poem is a poignant seesaw -- showing your sadness right beside her ability to inject happiness. I've written many dog poems, but I've never come this close to capturing the way it feels. I'm sorry for your loss! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Thanks so much Margie for your kind heart.
Yes I know that your own dog buddies have taught you so much and that it is your understanding of life seasons within our own which we share with them. Well I guess that the phrases and such that a person comes up with express their own experience and the kaliediscope line was Violet all over. She use to jump and run like a crazy girl. Their were a couple Australien shepherds that would herd her running all over a huge field and she let them. It was a blast for their owners and for my husband and I too. Bless you so much. I sure appreciate you and your open thoughts and way of communicating. It is a gift for sure!
Kathy

[barleygirl]

Awesome share! I've had aussies, so I can picture the herding!

[Gee]

I tried to house train a donkey but he kept peeing on the floor. At my wits end I sought the advice of an animal psychologist who said only 6 words..."eeyore, eeyore, eeyore to know better "

[barleygirl]

I grew up in the boondocks without TV & never had kids or g-kids, so I barely know who ee-oor is?!?! *wink! wink!*

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Gee and Barleygirl. What fun to see responses like this. What will we do as more animals enter our lives? I am in no hurry for another animal at least not right now. Some people adopt very soon. Love the subjects above Of the the Aussies...oh yes! The donkey story was cute!
Kathy

[M.E.Lyle]

I had a dog name Mikie. He was the meanest dog in our neighborhood, but he was funny too. He was a poodle beagle mix. I ran over him. He was quite dead when I examined him. He had gotten old, blind, and deaf. He decided one day to nap behind the rear wheel of our big ole Ford F250 4x4. I never saw him, and he never heard the truck when I cranked it up. It was a traumatic experience. My wife and I have not had another pet since then, except the gold fish out in the backyard pond.
I buried him under the big tree in the back where he loved to take afternoon naps.
Good write Kathy.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

To read your thoughts has been amazing. LIfe is so full of experiences and this one you had regarding 'Mikie' sounds like something that would stay in one's heart and mind. What an experience... I am so sorry. You laid him to rest perfectly. Bless you and your wife and thank you so much for your tribute and review.
Kathy

[KT-B]

This is why I don't think I could get a dog, the pain of losing he/she would be unbearable - another beautifully written tribute to your wonderful wee doggy.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

It is at this point at least out of the question regarding ever having another dog. I see her and remember her all the time. She was super special and such a part of my and husband's life. I wouldn't change it for the world. Thanks for your input and feelings. It's nice when people do that. Bless you KT-B
Kathy

[Coyote Poetry]

Our pets, become family. Brake our hearts, when we lose a good friend. Thank you dear Kathy for sharing your words and thoughts. I hope you have a safe and fun New year.
Coyote

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Coyote, well today is nearing December's end. Changes will come as all of life is like that. I suppose that our pet friends are part of life changes too. I sure appreciate your review and understanding. I wish you bunches of good this coming year.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Coyote Poetry]

A beautiful poem and you are welcome dear Kathy.