Sunday, July 27, 2008

First Fallen Leaf

The three of us went for a walk in the commons around nightfall, and Cassie spotted a rabbit - she can't run very far now, but she chased it for a short distance, and she was smiling when she returned to us. The rabbit made it to safety in the hedgerow, and we all heaved a sigh of relief that it had scrambled into the cedars rather than scampering toward the street.

There are already signs of autumn here, poplar leaves turning yellow, maple leaves crisp and brown along their edges, oak leaves rustling and tumbling to earth in the wind.

When I think about taking autumn walks without my girl this year, I start to tear up, and I tell myself over and over again now, "not helpful, not helpful". That short mantra seems to ease the lump in my throat.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing your world with us. I am with you in your grief at losing your beloved dog. I remember so well the last day my dear old cat Bootsie spent with me. She went to every one of her favorite spots in our yard and spent a little time there. I held my tears back because I didn't want her to see me crying! I spent the entire day with her, knowing that the next day I would be easing her pain and letting her go. And then the tears came! My heart is with you.

Dona Davis

Anonymous said...

god damn cate, i can feel you pain sister (beside having to watch 3 cats walk across the bridge)...in every word you write about cassie, in your honesty...how special you and her have become to me while i visit with you here...my eyes well with yours while i wait too...but not yet...

peace,
lil xo

d smith kaich jones said...

Bless Cassie & you. I smiled when I read she was still out there, being made happy by the small things in life. May another leaf fall & may she get the chance to chase it. Hold her close, and know that I am holding both of you in my heart, and in my thoughts, and in my prayers.

Love, Debi

Anonymous said...

So very touching. All of this. The first comment here by anonymous made me cry.Your dear Cassie had a smile on her face, how wonderful, and there must be a place where dogs go after passing, where there are lots of rabbits that never get caught.These are precious days for you.My thoughts are with you.

L'Adelaide said...

a dog that still chases a rabbit is not quite ready to leave her world...I have had lots of dear pets, all country dogs, and rabbit chasing wasn't happening at the very end so, take heart, dear one...perhaps you will have this whole long summer and fall together and even more....one never knows and we can always hold onto hope!

xoxox

Tabor said...

So sad for your challenging time. I have said goodbye to a number of pets and it does not get any easier each time.

z-silverlight said...

loss is rending. but, cherish each precious moment. treasure each memory. they are gold.