Rena lost her battle...

[swatman]

I am so sorry to hear about Rena, it is so dfficult to lose them to this vicious disease. I went through this in July and it still is tremendously painful but time heals our memories, and the bad will be replaced with the good and the tears will be replaced by smiles, more often than not, when you think of your beautiful girl. While our pain is so raw, theirs is gone, and in the end that was atrade-off that I could accept after watching what Lymphoma did to my boy Gunther in just 5 short weeks. I wish there was something I could say or do to help you in this most difficult time, only time can heal these wounds. Never second guess yourself, you did the most loving thing anyone could do for their furbaby. Know that you ,your family and Rena are in our thoughts and prayers. Godspeed beautiful Rena, run free with all of our angels.
Mike
____________________________________________________________
Kaiser 1989-2000 beautiful flashy fawn boy, waiting at the bridge
Gunther 1999-2004 beautiful and courageous flashy brindle boy, waiting at the bridge
Jacquets Ramos 8 mo old flashy brindle crazyman

 

[Poetic_thing]

I am so sorry that Rena lost her battle - she fought hard though. Nothing anyone can say will ever take away your pain but one thing I have learned is that without all that pain, we would never have experienced that boxer love. They love us through everything and we never tarnish in their eyes. You did what Rena needed. Remember that it took your strength to show Rena the last greatest act of love and kindness that only you could do for her. You had the honor of having her in your life for 5 years - I don't think a hundred years could ever be enough for our babies...she will forever be in your heart, never far away. Take care, Bless you dear Rena and hugs to Chopper.

 

[Rena&Chopper]

Once more, thank you to all of you!!

Things have slowly getting a little easier on me. This morning I picked up Rena's ashes and that kind of stuck me in my heart again-finalizing her end. I guess that was what I needed to reach acceptance. It was really upsetting at first, then I realized that "she" was finally back home with me where she belongs. I have been agonizing over what to do with her ashes, but it became clear to me today. What was the one place Rena loved to be more than any other? The answer was plain as day and very simple...with me.

So I've decided to keep all of her remains with me---but I did put some of them in a locket that I will wear to keep her near my heart. Even though her body was just a shell, it still is a very important thing to me.

Yesterday I memorialized her forever with a tattoo of her on my right arm with her name. It also reads "Immer in meinem hezen" which is german for "always in my heart". I don't know how you all feel about tattoos in general, but I felt this was a huge part in my healing process and acceptance. She will always be with me and whenever I want to see her, all I have to do is look at my arm. It gives me great comfort in my own weird way.

Also, I'd like to offer something to all of you that have recently lost your babies. I ordered a book from Barnes and Noble called "My Personal Pet Remembrance Journal". It's a guided journal that helps get all your feelings out and serves as an amazing memory of your beloved pet. It's helped me a ton and I've only just begun writing in it.

Please keep us in your prayers and thank you for being so supportive in this time of great sadness! Rena would be happy to know that so many wonderful people care about her!

 

[haleyandmark]

"What was the one place Rena loved to be more than any other? The answer was plain as day and very simple...with me." -Rena&Chopper

Aw, your post made me tear up again! Especially that part that I copied and pasted onto here.

Asia is our first Boxer and Mark and I can't imagine losing her - she is a huge part of our lives, she's like our child, really. After reading posts in the 'Rainbow Bridge' section, it makes me really sad to think one day I'm going to have to post in here. I don't want to ever have to do that, and I'm sorry to all of you who have had to make a post in here saying goodbye to a loved one.

I'm glad to hear you are feeling better ... I have heard about a book that you can write in that helps people heal during the loss of a pet - I'm thinking that may be it.

I think your ways of coping are sweet - the tattoo, the locket, the journal ... I'm sure Rena feels extra special right now with so many people thinking of her.

Again, glad to hear you are feeling better & I'm sorry you had to experience such a great loss ... we will still be thinking of you.

 

[Rena&Chopper]

Thank you haley.

I know it kind of sounds like I'm going overboard with finding ways to deal with her death, but I know every single person here understands exactly why. No matter how "cursed" the boxer is health wise, I could NEVER even think of having any other breed. I have a pitbull mix (he has to live at my parents' house because he is SOOOO hyper he can't be inside) and my boyfriend has a pitbull that lives with us--I love them both just as much, but somehow it's not the same. I've loved a lot of dogs in my life, but they just can't match that of a boxer.

I "rescued" Rena when she was 4 years old and my other boxer Chopper when he was 2 (which was just this past September) and I've made the decision that when it's time for me to get another boxer, I'm starting fresh with a puppy...that way I will have their WHOLE lives to love them, not just a few years.

I've also learned that the pain I've felt from Rena's death is worth the joy I had while she was alive. So to all of you that have yet to reach this road, don't be afraid...just love your babies like there is no tomorrow and thank them everyday for being there! (And give them lots of hugs and kisses from Rena, Chopper and myself) I've never met a boxer I didn't love.

 

[cody&duke]

When I picked up Cody's ashes it made me feel like he was back home. I also decided that the only place he would like to be was with me. So he is next to our t.v. which is near his favorite spot on the couch. I put a letter in the box and his collar.

That was a great comfort to me. I think everyone has their own way of grieving and getting a tatoo is your way. I think it is great if it helps you. I am going to look for that journal too. I would love to have a place to write down all of our memories.

I am glad you are feeling a little better. Sometimes I am fine and other times I just start crying when I think about him. It will get easier with time though.

 

[scribe1128]

That's so sweet!

Tho I know I could never get a tattoo because of needles - I have a hard time getting shots or lab work done! But I know what you mean about the ashes. When I got Titus' back, it was a big closure for me. Until I got them, there was still this void feeling. Sure, he isn't back in the way I'd prefer, but he is "home" now. His box is in our room on a special shelf. His collar and tags and favorite ball is on top. The box is surrounded by his photos and there is a little boxer angel as well. We deal with our grief in different ways. I still haven't been able to unlock the box and look at the ashes. Maybe in time.
Cheryl and Lady

 

[stormysmom]

I am so very sorry about Rena. It is so hard to see our babies suffering. My heart goes out to you. Please know you did the right thing, and Rena is now at the bridge, running and playing with all our other boxer babies. Try to take comfort in all the wonderful memories that you have, and give Chopper lots of hugs and kisses.

Godspeed Rena.

 

[Iaboy]

Godspeed Rena, I can not imagine your pain, I know the day will come with Max he is only 22 months but I hope I can do it with the dignity you had and gave her. I know it is just a sentence and saying but she is in a better place and will always be in your heart and others. I am sorry for your loss.

Bob and Max

 

[Mama_Zookeeper]

I am so very sorry for your loss. How brave you are for helping to free Rena from the pains and confines of cancer. No more pain sweet girl.

Godspeed Rena

Dora