Ben's Life (continued)

The years passed, and I began to notice that Ben's hearing was less acute, until finally, he couldn't hear at all. Unless he was looking right at me, he didn't know I was speaking to him. Then his sight deteriorated, and even when the cats paraded near him, he couldn't see unless they were right under his nose - and he found that he didn't have the energy to chase them anyway. His legs began to trouble him, and the vet started him on a course of tablets and injections, but he seemed to get thinner and thinner. He had difficulty walking, and at night I had to help him up and down the stairs, as he wouldn't let me go up to bed without him. He still insisted on going for his daily walk, but one day he had to be brought home in the car, as he just couldn't manage to walk back.

"Last Call"

If it should be that I grow frail and weak, and pain should keep me from my sleep,
You must do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand, but don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest, your love and friendship must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years, what is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so - when the time comes, please let me go.

I know in time, you too will see, it is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved, from pain and suffering I've been saved.

Don't grieve that it should be you, who has to decide this thing to do -
We've been so close, we two these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

(Author Unknown)

In September 1999, the day came when I realised that I couldn't leave it any longer - it wasn't fair to Ben, so, hardly able to speak for tears, I rang the vet and asked him to come and put my poor baby to sleep. That night, I slept on the floor with him in my arms.

The next day, at 11.30 a.m., the 16th September, I held him while the vet gave him the injection that sent him to :-

"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 our special friends, so that 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 old or ill are restored to health and vigour; those who are hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days 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 to each other 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 the Rainbow Bridge together..........