Remembering Fred and Theo
 You have a special place Dear Lord that I know You'll always keep. A special place reserved for dogs when they quietly fall asleep. With large and airy kennels and a yard for hiding bones. With maybe a little babbling creek that chatters over stones. With wide green fields and flowers for those who never knew, about running freely under Your sky of perfect blue. Lord, I know You keep this special place and so to You I pray. For one special Old English Sheepdog boy who quietly died today. He was full of strength and love and play and so very, very wise. But that puppy look he once had had long since left his eyes. So, speak to Freddy softly please and give him a warm hello. He was a special gift from You to me, who loved him so.  Look not where I was For I am not there My spirit is free I am everywhere In the air that you breathe In the sounds that you hear Don't cry for me Dad My spirit is near I'll watch for you From the other side I'll be the one playing New friends by my side Smile at my memory Remember in your heart This isn't the end It's a brand new start |
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| I am so sorry for your loss. The poems and pictures are beautiful. I can't imagine losing them both in one day. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.  Carley's Mom |
| I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved friends. |
| So very very sorry for the loss of both Fred and Theo. How difficult it must be for you to lose both the same day. Special thoughts and prayers for you. Your pictures and poem for each of them are lovely. |
| At a genuine loss for words... Sorry for the loss of two seemingly great souls. Vance, Jen, Zoey & Caitlyn |
| So sorry for your loss. |
| I'm so very sorry. |
| I'm so sorry for your loss. Cindy |
Oh wow, I am so sorry. Both huge losses and on the same day -- ugghh. Your tribute to them is so beautiful. I always loved your beautiful pictures and stories of Fred from way back when (2006). And I know how it is to miss a beloved cat. There is something so deep about that bond. I hope the memories you shared with Fred and Theo will comfort you and provide joy in years ahead.  |
| My eyes welled up with tears reading your wonderful and heartfelt tribute. Heaven gained two beautiful souls today. While the loss must be so much harder loosing both on the same day - they are together as they were in life. I'm deeply sorry for your loss of Fred and Theo and thank you for sharing those beautiful photos of them. Marianne |
| I'm so sorry. |
| Today I thought would be easier. In some ways it is since I do not have the burden of making "that" decision again. My morning routine in the past was that the alarm would go off at 4:30 AM every day so I could help Fred outside and keep him on a regular schedule. I thought today I can sleep a little later. So I set the alarm for a later hour. I awoke at 3:00 AM and laid awake until 4:30 AM, I guess my body has to get use to the new schedule. I kept looking at the place where Fred slept and I kept wondering where he and Theo were. Are they happy? Is the other side everything I hope it would be for them? I just got to believe that it is. I knew Fred was declining but Theo gave me no indication anything was wrong until last Wednesday night when he was sleeping under the bed and in the closet and would not come out. Not the usual behavior for my aging little obnoxious gray tabby, who even though he was blind for the past few years, found his way around just as good as my sighted cats. He would always seek you out jump up and throw his butt in your face demanding a "butt scratch". Sometimes I found it annoying, boy am I going to miss it now. Yesterday morning I kept myself busy. I kept thinking logically and trying to keep my mind off of things. We all know men are not suppose to show emotion, not sure who made that rule up. An hour before our appointment I sat down at the kitchen table and just sobbed. I really did not think that I had the strength and the courage to follow through with it. My stomach was sick, I was frightened, and I just wanted to run away and hide so it all would go away. Not very adult like I know. There is something about my vet which is very calming. When we were called into her office she took a look at Theo first and said that he was ready and that he had declined even more from Saturday when she saw him last. She told me that cats are funny creatures that when they are ready to check out they will say their "goodbyes" and we either accept it or not,'but they are still going. She told me Theo had said his goodbyes and was half in the next world and half in this world. She then talked to Theo for abit, loved on him then put her hand on his head, closed her eyes for a minute or so as to say a little prayer. He passed quietly with his head in my hands and my face next to his telling him how much I loved him. She then looked at Fred and said that he had declined alot from our last visit with her. We discussed his issues and she told me it was time to let him go. What I really wanted was her to say that she had a miracle in her pocket. She told me that I had Theo to thank for helping Fred cross. She said dogs will hang on awhile for us unlike cats. She said Theo probably sensed that Fred was ready and although animals do not fear death, they do like to go together so he probably said to Fred "Hey Freddy, I'll go with you". Same scenario with Fred, she told him what a good man he was, I thought she was talking to me haha, said her prayer and Fred passed with his head in my hands and my voice telling him how much I loved him. This morning Bailey, my other old man cat, and Byron, my Great Pyr. seem somewhat bewildered. I decided to take the day off from work, I am emotionally, mentally and physically drained. It is going to be another beautiful day here in PA. I intend to have some special time with Byron and some extra hugs and scratches for Bailey. It is funny before Owen, my golden passed in January, 2012, Byron somewhat "tolerated" Fred. He would play with him but let him know that everything was on his terms. I remember the night before Owen passed, Fred, who could not get up without assistance somehow managed to get up and walk over to Owen who I had just placed on his bed and started to lick his face all over. I guess he knew. After Owen passed I noticed that Byron was spending more time sleeping closer to Fred and at times would cover Fred's face with "kisses" also. I guess animals just sense these things. Just want to thank you all for listening/reading this post. I probably will never meet any of you, nor do you have any emotional attachment to my "guys" but it is just nice being able to vent knowing that someone is reading this who cares about God's creatures and has experienced the same thing. My deepest gratitude for your kind words. I know life goes on and tomorrow business will be as usual. Today I just want to walk in the sun for awhile. |
I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure it was easier for them to go together and have a friend along the path. It is tougher on you though. It seems so easy to have these wonderful animals in our lives, who knew it would take so much courage too?  |
| I may not know you, I may not have known your dog, or your cat, but the love and the pain you are feeling came through so clear and true in your post. This brings tears to my eyes, and I wish you healing and peace. Roz |
| I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing the poems and how you are feeling.... Most of us have been there and know how it feels to lose such wonderful family members. I hope that each passing day will get easier on you and that you look for comfort from your other fur-kids.. |
| I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friends. Your tribute to them both is moving. |
| I too had tears in my eyes reading the aftermath. I remember when my dear kitty Chia decided it was her time and went into the closet. I didn't accept it and kept bringing her out on a pillow to sit in the sun. I wish I had been able to let her go on her schedule. The interaction between your animals is so beautiful, as are you for noticing and understanding. I am really glad you took this day to find peace and enjoy your beloved family. |
| just because we have never met does not mean that i dont feel your pain...letting your animals go to the bridge is the hardest thing in the world...i feel your pain and agony...hugs and kisses |
| Loving special pets in our lives makes each day so special but I know your pain...so hard when love hurts. I like to think they are free of pain and our happily waiting to join us on the other side. My life memories are full with the love of many..may you feel better knowing what a good life you gave your dear ones. |
| I have been lurking on this board since 2004. I have seen old members stick around, members come and members go. Even though I have not formed and cyber relationships, I do feel that I know people on OES.org by the stories they share. I have read about health issues, moves, job losses, family troubles, diets, movies to see, books to read and so on. I have read about each of your pets, OES or otherwise and feel that I have gotten to know them also. I have also mourned the death of those beloved pets along with you. I can truly understand why those members who really do participate and interact with one another feel like this is family. I too have come away with valuable tips on grooming, behavior, nutrition, health all due to reading your post. I posted about Fred and Theo's death not to get sympathy for myself but I just wanted people to know they existed, they mattered, they were here. It is funny how an afternoon in the sun and fresh air can clear one's head. As I was walking along with Byron, my Great Pyr., I was thinking about how I use to walk this particular path many times with Byron, Fred, Owen and my other golden Christian. I was sadden to think that that would never happen again. The happy memories of Fred bouncing and prancing along, Owen, wagging his tail and greeting everyone, Christian just melting everyone's heart with his innocence. Then I thought what I am really grieving is what I cannot have anymore, how selfish. I also thought that it is time to make some new memories, walk some new paths. I still have Byron. I also thought that we are all just spiritual beings here for a reason. We belong to the universe or some higher power or whatever one's spiritual belief is. I never owned any of my animals just had the privilege of learning from them as I have from this forum, from my friends, from my family, people I interact with during the day. We are all on this spiritual journey together, we come to this place called earth accomplish what we are here for and move on, not die. So I guess I need to thank Fred and Theo for getting me to think, and for putting things in proper perspective for me. Their first mission accomplished from the other side. Will I still grieve ....of course, will I shed another tear....probably, will I rejoice in the fact that I knew them while they were here.....you bet. Thank you Fred, Theo for what you have done and thank you members of the OES forum for allowing me to lurk and learn. And I thought I would just throw this in.......I really am a fun guy and not really a deep thinker...........so if you are thinking of having a party and were considering inviting me I really would not bring your party down with all this deep thinking talk......I promise. Take good care and thanks again. |
| "I posted about Fred and Theo's death not to get sympathy for myself but I just wanted people to know they existed, they mattered, they were here." I understand this completely!!! I felt the exact same way about panda...I just wanted to SCREAM "Panda was here! SHE EXISTED! SHE WAS LOVED! SHE LOVED!.." On my way out to my car every morning, i look down into the dog run and visualize me and panda there...EVERY morning.... |
| Darcy, I was truly saddened reading the news about Panda. You were one of the original members to welcome me to this board and I followed along reading about your adventures, your ghost, your move and so on. Your tribute to Panda truly brought a tear to my eye. I would not let Fred or my other guys watch it for fear that they would pack their bags and move to Arizona. And when that Lionel Richie song plays on the radio, the first thing that comes to my mind now is your Panda. She truly was loved. I am looking forward to reading about your new puppy and all the adventures she will have, she will be one lucky girl. |
| Feeling your pain, saddened for your loss. So sorry. Hoping the pain eases as the days go by. |
jackcjjc wrote: Darcy, I was truly saddened reading the news about Panda. You were one of the original members to welcome me to this board and I followed along reading about your adventures, your ghost, your move and so on. Your tribute to Panda truly brought a tear to my eye. I would not let Fred or my other guys watch it for fear that they would pack their bags and move to Arizona. And when that Lionel Richie song plays on the radio, the first thing that comes to my mind now is your Panda. She truly was loved. I am looking forward to reading about your new puppy and all the adventures she will have, she will be one lucky girl. That means more to me than you'll ever know! Memories are so ingrained but at times so hard to hold onto..there were times that I would walk by someone in my building and have such an urge to shake them, to say, remember panda? Remember how she lunged at your dog. Do YOU REMEMBER???? Just know that I DO get it. Your loves WERE here and they left their mark. If not anyone else to remember..you remember. They imprinted your heart forever. |
| Oh, Jack. I'm just now catching up on this post, and I'm crying like a baby, for multiple reasons. I'm so glad you have Cathy as your vet. There is nothing more important at this horrible stage of an animal's life than to have a vet that has that much compassion for her patients. As heart-wrenching as it is for the humans, at least she can offer good comfort. I'm also comforted by Cathy's explanation of Theo "offering" to go with Fred. I just cannot imagine losing 2 furbabies in one day, and my heart goes out to you, but you were so lucky to have Cathy there to help. I did meet you and Fred, if you remember, at the herding farm outside Bangor. It was great to put a face with a name, as many of us here can't do. I fully understand your statement about you learning from them - they are indeed the better teachers. They adapt to humans, but humans learn from them. Their memories and teachings will keep them alive in your heart forever. Prayers and hugs to you as you grieve. |
| Chris I do remember meeting you, your husband and Sammi at the herding event. I wish I had signed up Fred that day to watch his "herding" instincts. He was so excited and watchful as we sat there and watched the other dogs do their thing. He was 13 yrs old then and I thought he was too old. I think he would have proved me wrong. I also will be forever indebted to you for suggesting Dr Kathy J. I have attached a picture of Fred taken approx. 2/3 weeks ago. He is cover with a blanket that someone made many years ago for my parents. I always hated that blanket. For whatever reason after my parents died I inherited it. Today it is probably one of my favorites.  Today Fred's and Theo's remains will get picked up from the vet and go to Abbey Glen for cremation. The facility is on my way to work. I will stop by there this afternoon to make sure they arrived and will probably be able to pick them up tomorrow. And on one of the upcoming beautiful, warm spring days I will scatter Fred's ,Theo"s and Owen's ashes in the garden to be forever with there other departed friends, Branigan and BJ, my two beautiful Irish Setters, Greystone and Boonton, two of my dearly loved departed cats, Christian, my dear beloved golden retriever, and Henry, my much loved mixed breed canine friend. My emotion are like a roller coaster sometimes rational, sometimes not but going to work today will be good for me. I teach autistic kids and they ALWAYS make me laugh and feel better. Thank you again everyone for your kind words. It really has helped opening up to people who truly understand. Take good care. |
| Jack, What a wonderful tribute and response to post you've done. You've delivered a powerful message. I know you're grieving now and yes, while time does heal the pain, the memories continue. Take solace that your home has provided so much love and joy to Fred and Theo. How lucky those two were to have been dealt the lot in life and lived with you. Take Care Marianne |
| Jack what a loving tribute to two wonderful friends. I agree with you I often wonder if ,wherever, they go is as nice as I imagine. I hope you found some peace in the fact that these best friends chose to go together. You have a wonderful vet. I too sat here with tears in my eyes because we all know the pain of losing unconditional love, all to well............ When I lost my lab savannah, my horse, my mother and my daughters horse in less than 6 mos. I pictured my 93 yo mom riding my horse with my lab running beside her. I still keep that vison and still miss them. This was 2008. I know still, you have this hugh empty painful place in your heart. Sometimes it lessens and at times it comes on with great force. I do understand your pain. My thoughts are with you . You gave fred and theo a wonderful life. |
| I have only just read this thread, being a coward and try not to read rainbow bridge threads, I am so sorry that you have lost 2 pets, but it is so good that they both went together. I am sure that must have been really difficult for you. Every day makes your heart a little easier. We have all been there and know the pain you are going through. Your tributes to your pets have brought tears to my eyes. My thoughts and love is with you...xxxx |
| I don't know what to say; two at the same time OMG... I'm just so sorry for your loss and we're here for you to help you through your grief... and WE DO KNOW that Fred and Theo were here and meant the world to you. |
| Sorry to hear you lost 2 best buddies in a day, they were blessed to of had you for there daddy. And forever they stay in your heart and memories. |
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