Yesterday morning, Erin woke up and - as part of her morning ritual - walked over to the cage on her dresser to say "Good morning!" to Chin-Chin - her pet chinchilla...
Chin-Chin however, had passed away during the night.
Now, this is not Erin's first experience with losing a pet - nor any of the girls.
Kayleigh & Bree both distinctly remember the passing of my beloved cat, Ozzy (almost 4 years ago now) - and the passing of our cat Zombie 2 years ago. Ozzy's passing was especially traumatic to them, as he was a very personable cat and "Daddy's Buddy", but it helped them understand loss and the grieving process.
Erin, on the other hand, has only lost goldfish (although she does have the "burial at the porcelain sea" ritual down pat).
Chin-Chin is bundled up in a shoebox and sequestered outside (sub-freezing temperatures helping the situation), with her funeral planned today.
Now - I hate to see my girls cry (Bubba being too young to understand), but I was passed this poem many years ago - it helped after the grieving process eased....
...and yes - looking for a new chinchilla. I think I'll name it "Q-Tip"...
Chin-Chin however, had passed away during the night.
Now, this is not Erin's first experience with losing a pet - nor any of the girls.
Kayleigh & Bree both distinctly remember the passing of my beloved cat, Ozzy (almost 4 years ago now) - and the passing of our cat Zombie 2 years ago. Ozzy's passing was especially traumatic to them, as he was a very personable cat and "Daddy's Buddy", but it helped them understand loss and the grieving process.
Erin, on the other hand, has only lost goldfish (although she does have the "burial at the porcelain sea" ritual down pat).
Chin-Chin is bundled up in a shoebox and sequestered outside (sub-freezing temperatures helping the situation), with her funeral planned today.
Now - I hate to see my girls cry (Bubba being too young to understand), but I was passed this poem many years ago - it helped after the grieving process eased....
...and yes - looking for a new chinchilla. I think I'll name it "Q-Tip"...
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...
...UPDATE...
ReplyDeleteGot a guinea pig instead. His name is "Oreo", and the girls are thrilled.