Saturday, March 13, 2010

THERE COMES A TIME IN A DOG'S LIFE WHERE LOVE IS THE ONLY ANSWER

Saying good bye to a beloved pet
is never easy,
especially when you have to make
the decision to let him go.
There will forever be a
Chocolate Labrador Retriever
size hole in our hearts.
Run free, without pain,
Dear Java Bean.


Spencer's Java Bean
July 18, 1997 - March 13, 2010


There was a day
over 12 years ago
when Mom and Dad
walked into a pet shop
in Laguna Hills, California.

There was a 4 month old
Chocolate Lab
sitting in a big cage
in the middle of the store.

When Mom looked at him,
their eyes locked,
and she said she could feel
him look into her very soul.
At that moment,
she knew she would not
leave the store without him
and he would live with
her and Dad
until his final days.



He came to Virginia from California
with them when they moved here in 2003.
He had never ridden in the back of a truck
or on a Polaris
but he loved them both
from his very first ride.




When Miss Donna came to be his dognanny,
he was so patient with her little girl
and would let her walk him on his leash
and never pull or jerk.


Our cattle thought he was a calf.
And may times you would look out
and see them touching noses
through the fence.
He was gentleness personified.


He was the best
secret keeper.


And the most patient puppy sitter.




We got Lilly to be a companion to him
and at almost any time since she came to
Rocky Creek Farm,
you would find her with
her big brother, Java.
Just a little team like "Mutt and Jeff".


And when the end became imminent,
she rarely left his side.


You're leading our pack,
as you always did
to the next life.
A life without the pain
you've been suffering for the past few months.
A life where you can enjoy food again
and where you can run and jump.
We hope there are trucks
there for you to jump up in
and ride in the wind.


Run Free Sweet Java.
You memory will always be with us.
You truly knew how to love unconditionally.
And we give you this final act of love
because we will always love you.

Gary and I will take Java to the Vet
at 1:30 pm EST today, Saturday
and we will be with him all the way.
It is important to us that he
see the eyes of love
as he takes his final breath.
Please cover us with your
thoughts and prayers.
He will then be brought back to be buried
on our farm.


The haunting melody of the bagpiper
lays low over
Rocky Creek Farm
today.


XOXO
Your Pack,
Dad, Mom, Mitch, Ketturah,
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh,
Hamish, Angus, Dugan, Finlay, Henry,
Scarlet, Jazzi, Ciera and Snickers

80 comments:

the magic sleigh said...

God bless woo! Our hearts and prayers go out to woo at this heartbreaking time.
Run free sweet Java!
-Kira The BeaWootiful

Sue said...

Oh Lynn, I am so sorry. You bring back so many memories of final hours with my babies. Whisper to him as he leaves. He knows he's loved.

Angus said...

We'll be thinking of you. What love and tenderness after so many years of friendship and companionship comes through in the post. At the end he will be wrapped in dignity and love.

Diana Chiew said...

We are so sorry to hear about Java. May he run free over at the rainbow bridge. We are sure Java knows that you all love him till his final moments. Our hearts go out to all of you!

Maxmom said...

Our heart, thoughts and love will be following you all this day and in the days ahead! Run free, Sweet Java!
With love
YOUR FRIEND IN SOUTH AFRICA

Dexter said...

We are so sorry that Java has decided that he has finished his life here with you. Momma and Master always go to the vet too and hold their pups while they cross over the Rainbow Bridge. We will be thinking of you today.

Mango

WFT Nobby said...

The final gift we can give our dogs is to be with them right to the very end. My heart is with you this afternoon, having so recently performed the same act of love for my dear Hamish.
Best wishes,
Gail.

Scooter said...

I am so sorry about Java. He was been a joy and brought life to your family. He will be missed for sure. You have given him a great life full of happiness and great food!! :-)Our thoughts will be with you this afternoon and for the days afterwards while your family is missing him. He will be pain free and happy again. Sometimes doing what is best sure is the hardest thing to do!! Give Piper, Carleigh and Lilly and the puppies extra hugs cuz they will miss him too.

Our thoughts are certainly with you!! Love
Snazzi and Diana

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry and will be thinking of you today. Beautiful tribute to your wonderful dog. RIP Java.
Kathy, Tank's Assistant

Tee said...

Am so sorry to hear about Java. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers goes out to every one at Rocky Creek Farm. We lost Trixie recently and we understand the grief and sadness you're all going through. What a lovely tribute to Java ... may he run free and happy, comforted that you all loved him till the very end.

Tee and the Dog Woods pack

Two French Bulldogs said...

Oh my goodness...how terribly sad. Mom said she has a lump in her throat. Our thoughts are with you
Benny & Lily

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

You will be in our thoughts

I'm sure Khyra and Merdie will khatch Java's scent in the breeze -

As I've said to others this week that made the same journey, you are truly giving the best gift we khan ofFUR our special furiends - it hurts us the most but it shows our love fur them -

We'll light a khandle tonight to help Java make the journey -

Hugz&Khysse,
Khyra, Khousin Merdie, and Phyll

the TN Bull Terrors said...

Oh, we are so very sorry, they are never with us long enough. Please know that the TN Bull TerrOrs and the DawgMom are thinking of you today. It truly is an act of love to let one go when they are ready to go. ((((hug)))))

Feather, Darla, Pappy, LizzaBelle & Skippy the Foster Dude ^..^

Molly the Airedale said...

The tears are slowing running down mom's cheeks! You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Run free sweet Java.

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

the booker man said...

you will be in our thoughts and prayers today. what a sweet, sweet boy your java is, and it is clear how much love you have for him.
rest in peace, lovely java.
*huggles*
the booker man's mama

Martine said...

Lynn and Rock Creek Gang,

We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers on this difficult day.

xo martine & the kiddlets

Mollie Jo and Bobo said...

Java and Family,
We too have heavy hearts as we write. We wish your family all the best during this ruff time.

Have no fear and run free!!!!


Extra Extra Wags and Licks,
Mollie Jo & Bobo & Bonnie the foster

bea's blog said...

We will be thinking of you!
Even here in Europe!
We know how you feel -
have a good journey and RIP.
~♥~✿~♥~✿~~♥~✿~
Beatrice and Gizdog
from
www.gizdog.blogspot.com

ScrapsofMe said...

Dear Lily and family,
Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. We didn't even realize Java was failing in health. Our paws will be held in pawreyers for you all today for comforth and strength. Soft woofie kisses to you all.

Bonnie and the support staff

And beloved master, should the Great Master see fit
to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you.
Rather, hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands
grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...
and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I draw,
my fate was ever safest in your hands.

author unknown

Allie said...

With tears in my eyes, I read your post today. This is the hard part of loving a pet. Java is blessed to have you be with him as he transitions from our world to the next. My heart goes out to you and your family. Peace be with you.
~Allie and Pippen

sprinkles said...

I've never visited before but I heard the news from Martine and knew I had to stop by.

I cried reading your post and want to offer my condolenses. My heart goes out to you. I know the pain of losing a much loved pet and it is never easy. I'm so sorry!

RIP Java

The Oceanside Animals said...

Our friend Martine sent us over. Run free, Java.

Oskar said...

My mom person is crying very hard making it hard for her to type.

Your tribute to your beloved Java was beautiful & moving.

We will be lifting you all up in prayer.

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Mum is cying so hard as she writes this. Your tribute to the beautiful gentle Java. You have given Java the ultimate act of love and ensured the last journey was filled with love and with the people cared most about.. You are in my thoughts and prayers.. With much love GJ and Carol xxx

Fat Eric said...

We are so sorry to hear about Java.

Stella said...

The greatest gift for an old, sick dog is to help them on their way home, to the Bridge.

My Scottie Otis was 16, and could no longer see or hear, but his snooter still worked. So when it came time, I stood by his nose,put my hand on his nose, so he could smell me there with him. My words, he couldn't hear, but he knew it was me from my scent and he went calmly and quietly. A blessing for him, as my whole life had been with this rowdy boy.

Bye to Java, you were a fine dog and you will be so missed.

Kisses,
Stella's Mom

An English Shepherd said...

What a lovely tribute

God speed

tammy said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. You have posted such a lovely memorial through words and pictures of your dear Java.

Tears flowed down my face as I know how hard and how much it aches to lose a dear precious member of your pack.

Hugs to you all,
Tammy

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We are so sad here to know that Java has crossed. But at the same time we know in our hearts that he is much happier. We are sure he has met up with our princess Dakota and all our other furiends who have crossed too. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you - we understand your pain and we send you our hugs.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara and Mom

Smushie Ranch said...

We're so sorry to hear about Java. We got our first Pug at a puppy store and it was the exact same situation, we just couldn't leave without him. To this day, such as your Java, he has left a permanent mark on our hearts. He'll be missed but you obviously did what was best for him. That's true love.

Love,
Shannon and the Gang

Inky and Molly said...

Rest in peace, the beloved Java.
We know your hearts are heavy and want you to know that we are thinking of you. Love to you all!
Inky and Molly

BRUTUS said...

Commenting with the heaviest of hearts. Between loosing Duncan last fall and Mason being quite the senior citizen himself, so I know all too well the emotions you are experiencing. I never realized until yesterday how much Mason & Java look alike, down to the little colic that runs down the middle of his face. Please know that we (and by we I include my husband and best friend, who I showed your post to) have grieved for you and sent our love. Godspeed, dear Java.

Michelle, Paul, Courtney, Brutus & Mason

The Strawberry Mallard said...

Oh Lynn!
We are allso very sorry to hear about Java. Feeling your pain, knowing that Java brought much joy into your home...
Praying for all of you tonight, knowing he will be there at the Rainbow Bridge.

Love, Nancy & all the critterz

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss.

I dread the day that I will have to face the same decision ... hopefully not too soon.

Taffy said...

Sweet, sweet Java will always know how much you loved him. It is such a hard decision to make but he knows it was love that motivated you to prevent him from suffering. A wonderful tribute to him. You will all be in our prayers and we are sending many hugs your way.
With tears and sadness,
Twix, Mom, and Dad

Louise said...

I was so sorry to read today about your Java. I know you must all be feeling very sad.
I am glad you guys had so much happy time together.
My thoughts are with you
Louise

Unknown said...

Just when we were taking so much joy in the new life...You had us all sobbing with the top photo. It all went downhill from there. What an act of love, making the decision to take Java to the vet. We love you and we are thinking of you. We also chose to celebrate Java, because in our home we believe it's the best way to say: see you later, furiend.
Go hug all the pups when you get back, even if you don't want to.
Twinkie and her family

Bijou said...

We are very sorry to hear about Java crossing over the Bridge. He was a wonderfully sweet doggy. Your beautiful tribute made us cry.

RIP Java

Bijou, Banjo and Mom

Lorenza said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lorenza and mom

Asta said...

My heawt is so sad fow youw family today. I know that you made the hawdest decision of love that any hooman can make. Hold youw deew Java and let him go to west and then wun wif new life ovew the bwidge. Java had a most wondewful life wif you and his scottie family..what a tweasuwe he was and always will be in youw heawts. i pway that youw heawts heal as you think of all those wondewful yeaws and look at the new life gwowing in youw home.
smoochie healing kisses to all of you
Asta and mommi

Poppy Q said...

What a beautiful post about the wonderful life of Java. We are sorry for your sadness and send hugs your way.

Julie and Poppy Q

Piappies World said...

Dear Rocky Creek Dad & Mom, Mitch, Ketturah, Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh,
Hamish, Angus, Dugan, Finlay, Henry,
Scarlet, Jazzi, Ciera and Snickers,

We are sorry for your loss. We offer a special prayer for Java. Your special post about Java shows that he has lived a full life and we send you love from our pack to yours.

-Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar & the Piappies

Teddy Bear said...

We are so so sorry to hear about Java. My Mommy has lots of tears after reading your pawesome trouble. We are sending lots of prayers your way.

Love,
Teddy Bear

Princess Patches said...

We are soooooo, sooooo sorry! Our tears, thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are sure that Java is running free at the bridge with all our pals who went before! Big (((((hugs))))) to all of you!

Aire-hugs,
Penny & Patches & Lana

Martha said...

We were so very sorry to hear of your sad news.
What a wonderful tribute post to Java. We can see what a special dog he was.
You were with him at the end - he died as he lived - secure in the knowledge that you were there and it would be OK.
We know this pain and our hearts break for you.
xxxxxxxxx

1000 Goldens said...

We are so sorry about Java. This was a beautiful tribute to your dear friend. We are glad you had such an wonderful companion to share your life with. Hang in there :(

Ina in Alaska said...

visiting from Maggie & Mitch's blog to send our condolences to you and your family and Lily on Java. What a beautiful life of love, we are so sad for you and send our deepest sympathies. I have been there, it is never easy to say goodbye. I can see with a heavy heart that Java was deeply loved. xoxo

Bocci said...

Oh what a beautiful tribute to your amazing doggie, Java. May your dear friend be running free today.
Bocci and his Parental Unit, Joan.

meowmeowmans said...

Oh, we are so sorry to hear about Java's passing. Thank you for thinking of Java Bean, and making this loving and unselfish decision. It's clear from your beautiful tribute just how much you loved your sweet boy. Prayers and purrs to you.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

There is nothing on earth worse than this particular pain. I am so sorry you are saying goodbye to him and I will have you in my prayers and thoughts. God Bless.

ThePainterPack said...

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Java will run free with so many furiends that have gone before him. God speed sweet boy.

MBB

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

We read about Java in Mango's blog and wanted to stop by and pay our respects. What a beautiful post about a life well-lived, and so full of love. You will miss him always, but he will be with you always.

The Poupounette Gang
in France

SissySees said...

Gretchen popped into my lap, and Sissy is at our feet... it's always sad when a dear dog crosses the bridge.

Ms. ~K said...

You made the most difficult decision and did what was best for Java. I am so sorry and my heart aches for you...
Sending big, comforting hugs from Georgia,
Kit

Cinnamon and Mint said...

I am sorry for your loss. But, Java is not alone over there. Now he has many new friends including my brother, Cookie, who crossed the raibow bridge in December. I wish I could see Java and Cookie running around freely without pain over there!

houndstooth said...

That was a lovely tribute to an obviously much-loved companion! Our hearts go out to you!

Karine said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and you let your dear Java go.

♥Mimi♥ said...

I can hear such pain and sadness in your words. I truly wish that there was something I could write that would help you but I know - I know - there is no way out of your pain except to wade right into it and emerge from the other side.

Bless all of you...

Life With Dogs said...

What a beautiful tribute. My heart is broken for all of you tonight. Run free sweet Java...

magiceye said...

excellent tribute...

may the transition be painless and filled with love ....

Jans Funny Farm said...

Saying good-bye is so hard! We can tell your Java was very loved and will be very missed. Purrs and tail wags.

Moose said...

This is my first visit but saw Java mentioned on Khyra and Mango's blog and had to stop by. What a wonderful tribute. As someone who works in lab rescue and loves labs, this is the life you want every lab and every dog to experience. I can only imagine how difficult this time has been.
Hugs,
Moose + his Momma

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

We saw the lovely tribute to Java on Khyra's blog and wanted to say how sorry we are for your loss. ~AFSS

Bella and Ollie said...

Java was such a sweet and caring friend. What beautiful memories you have of him.
Thinking of you during this sad time.
Take care.

Love, Bella.

3 doxies said...

Our hearts go out to you and may you always be in our thoughts. Godspeed Java!

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Dear Lynn and family ~~ Our hearts melt for you. This is an amazing post for an amazing Java Bean. His legacy shall always remain at Rocky Creek Farms. Beautiful boy.....beautiful.

God Bless You, JAVA.
God Bless Java's family.

with love,
Becky

TwoSpecialWires said...

Lynn and family. We each stood by Moma's side this morning, as she read what she knew waited for her, and as she weeped. All weekend we thought of you and spoke of you, and Java. The love and tenderness that have been so much a part of your family with Java and the Scotties shown through as you described your approaching last few hours with Java. We know he could feel the love; WE could feel the love simply through your words. We are so sorry for your loss, and saddened once again by how short a time furries and fuzzies get to be on this earth with their families. But we know that everyone grows and gains for the love that is shared, and that the memories will live on forever.

In our gentle way, we'll help Moma wipe her tears. We'll look at her with the same eyes that we know Java shared with you: eyes of love and understanding and trust and appreciation. Because you created and provided a wonderful and loving home for him. He left you realizing that love.

Take the time that you'll need, and know that we'll be holding you close in our hearts. And thank you so much for allowing us to share in this very intimate experience with you.

Love
Jake and Fergi, Sally and Nina

Golden Samantha said...

Oh Lynn - we are so sorry to hear about the beautiful Java bean. An incredible tribute to an amazing, sweet dog. Your love for your pups knows no bounds. I ache for you and send prayers for angel Java now running free over the Rainbow Bridge.
With Huge Hugs and Love xoxoxo
Sammie, Miche and Bill

Cassie said...

Lynn, I'm so sorry to hear about Java.I know how hard it must have been for you,but hope knowing he is no longer in pain is of some comfort.Will lift you guys up in prayer.
With sympathy,
Cassie,Patrick & BabyRocketDog & Hootie

silfert said...

Hugs and prayers from someone else who's taken that path...

The Black and Tans. said...

We are so very sorry to read that Java has crossed to the Rainbow Bridge.

Run free Java.

Molly, Taffy and Monty

Donna said...

Rest in peace, Java.

Kay said...

I have been in this place too many times and it gets harder....all hugs and love to you all..xx

River said...

We are sad to hear about Java. He was a beautiful boy.

love & wags,
River the beagle

Paco,Milo, Maya and mommy Simona said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Lynn....
we're soooooooooooo sorry for your sweet boy!!!!!
And we're soooo sorry haven't read about him before!!!!!
Our hearts are devastated.....and we can't imagine your pain and sadness....
Your post for him is an incredible tribute to an amazing,lovely,sweet dog......
Be strong dear friends....
I ache for you and send prayers for angel Java now running free over the Rainbow Bridge with all the others friends of us!!!!!!!!!!
Goodbye Sweet boy!!!!!!!!!!
WE LOVE YOU and you'll be furever in our hearts!!!!

Cloud the Wonder Dog said...

What a beautiful tribute to an obviously very loved and special dog. We are so sorry for the loss of your sweet boy.

Luv,
Cloud and his mom

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

We just got back into town and we are so sorry to hear about Java. What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful family member!

Hugs,
Dory, Bilbo and Beth (the Mama)

Lallee said...

Lynn, I am SOOOOOO saddened to hear about Java. I know the big, big hole Labs leave when we lose them. My heart goes out to you! They just never live long enough. What a wonderful life Java had living with you. He probably already thought he had reached heaven the day you adopted him and took him home. Sending lots of big hugs to you!!!!!!
God bless,
Lallee

gMarie said...

Oh what a lovely tribute to a dear sweet boy. I can see the love and tenderness in your photos. thank you for helping me. g

Mrs. Kee said...

Came across this post after reading the Halloween fairy tale with all the dogs. And wow this post made me cry. How beautiful.

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