Oct. 24 2023 - Rainbow Bridge Calls Lady May

Over night on Oct 23rd, the temperatures dropped below freezing and the snow began to blow. It was as if it were a calling for Lady May to join her Royal Heavenly Pack. Winter is on the way and she needed to be out of the upcoming cold snowy days. 

Just a month earlier in the middle of September, Lady May had been for her annual check up. She was given all positives going forward in her future. Her meds were adjusted and we thought we were ready to face the Winter.
Then, within 2 weeks, we watched a few symptoms appear and her strength seemed to diminish more every day. She quickly developed multiple clusters of large lumps on both sides of her throat, in her inner thighs and under her arms. It was obvious her lymph glands were being attacked. We set up an appointment for a return visit to see Dr. Burleigh in Cache Creek. 3 days before her appointment we called to suggest to Dr. Burleigh, this may be Lady May's last visit. In fact on examination this day, we learned Lady May had perhaps as much as a week of her life left. The next few days would have resulted in a backslide of health filled with much discomfort and intolerable pain. We're very happy we listened to Lady May's plea to be allowed to cross over Rainbow Bridge now.

The morning of her appointment, we carried Lady May to the yard as always. This morning there was fresh snow on the mountains, the cool morning breeze was cold but the snow had stopped blowing.

The morning of Lady May's passing. The snow is on the way.
Winter is approaching.

We bundled her into the truck and drove quietly to Ashcroft park for a short bit of quiet time.  Along the way, the freshly fallen snow was a true indicator to me, that we were making the best decision for Lady May. She would not have to endure being placed in the bitter cold yard to try to do her daily business. She would not have to plead for us to help ease her horrendous pain in the wee hours of the night. Relief that would not be available to be administered. There will be no risk of a long treacherous drive on icy winter roads. This day the roads were clear even though the snow was all around us. Lady May gave us clear enough signals. She was uncomfortable enough to know she needed to cross over.

Fresh snow at Pavilion lake, the day before it was sunshine.

Lady May rests quietly on her last truck ride.

We made a short stop in Cache Creek at D.Q. so Lady May could enjoy a traditional Ice cream cone.
Daddy shared one with her and I shared a cheeseburger and fries with her. She accepted them eagerly but we made sure not to give her too much. We didn't want to give her a tummy ache.
She never complained, she'd had enough.

Daddy shares his ice cream cone with Lady May

We told her we would return to Cache Creek to head to the park in a little while. She laid her tired head down and we drove to Ashcroft park.
When we arrived,  Lady May was ready to have a few short sniffs around the grounds but soon asked for the truck again.

Lady May showed little interest in being here.
She relieved herself and asked for the truck.

We loaded her up and headed back to Cache Creek park.  Once there, she was more ready to have a few sniffs around the grounds and even asked for help to make her way to the wooden path that over looks the creek.

A quick balance on her unstable legs for a closer sniff

On a quick glance, no one would know this lovely girl had any health issues at all. Lady May remained the same all her life. She had the most beautiful soft tri coloured coat and such warm, loving eyes to anyone she trusted. She often fooled the unsuspecting strangers who dared to attempt contact with her. She remained wary of them and went into protection mode immediately. She was a brave little soul who had been abused and never regained her trust of strangers.
We understood that and never asked her to forgive them.
(You can read about Lady May's first days with us by clicking on the above link.)

Such a sweet girl with a bent and broken little body. Never complaining

Soon after we made it to the wooden overlook, Lady May asked to return to the truck. She was obviously a tired little girl and was ready for the long sleep that was to follow.

Can we go back to the truck now please mommy and daddy? I'm very tired.

We owe our sincere gratitude to the gentle nature of Dr. Burleigh and all the staff at Cache Creek hospital. Even though many are new to the hospital they all treated us and Lady May with dignity and the respect she so rightly deserved. Kara Lee, who has been on staff forever came forward to give us emotional support and offer such kind words.
Lady May layed calm and still as daddy and I held her close and breathed in her soft fur. Daddy watched her eyes softly close and I felt her heart beats slow and dim as she crossed over Rainbow Bridge.
She will ALWAYS be loved and remembered. She deserved to life forever but alas.... it can never be.

"We will see you again one day little girl.
GO! Run free on all 4 strong healthy legs girl. Seek out your Royal Pack and play forever more!"
Love forever
Mom & Dad

We miss you darling.

The blue sky appeared again the next day. Several soft clouds passed over head.
Are you smiling Lady May?