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Goodbye, Rebel
By Christie Keith
August 7, 2009
Ch. Sindar Rebel of Caber Feidh
January 2, 1999 – August 7, 2009
The one best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of his master. (BH Lampman)
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Christie I am so sorry for your loss. Rebel will live on in your heart and our memories of him that you shared. Big hugs coming your way.
Comment by Leslie K — August 7, 2009 @ 5:16 am
I am so sorry Christie. Rebel will always be with you in spirit, just watch for the signs. Comforting hugs to you and your family
Comment by Lori — August 7, 2009 @ 5:23 am
Oh Christie. I am so very, very sorry.
{tears}
Comment by The OTHER Pat — August 7, 2009 @ 5:23 am
My sympathy on the loss of your most special dogger, Christie. I hope you can find some comfort in those wonderful memories you created and knowing that he was much loved and cherished. I’m so sorry.
Hugs
catmom5
Comment by catmom5 — August 7, 2009 @ 5:35 am
I would like to join the chorus of sympathy - I am very sorry as well. He looked like a beautiful dog and you are in our thoughts.
Comment by Dr. Tony Johnson — August 7, 2009 @ 5:47 am
Dear Christie, I am very sorry for the loss of your beloved Rebel. I just wanted to thank you for writing about him last week. The article was perfect and I shared it with my mother about our own ailing, elderly dog who was going through the same thing. She passed away on August 1. Thank you for sharing about Rebel with us and I hope that it provides some small comfort that your thoughts about him helped us do the right thing for our own dog. Maybe they will meet in Heaven while they are waiting for us there.
Comment by Third Year Vet Student — August 7, 2009 @ 6:03 am
Tears I shed for such a huge loss.
Rebel will always be in your spirit, as Lori said.
I, too, join in the chorus of sympathy.
Comment by Colorado Transplant — August 7, 2009 @ 6:08 am
Christie, I’m very sorry.
Comment by Lis — August 7, 2009 @ 6:35 am
hugs
Comment by Laura — August 7, 2009 @ 6:40 am
I am very sorry for your loss, Christie. Rebel’s memory and spirit will always be with you.
Comment by Jason Merrihew — August 7, 2009 @ 6:41 am
Deepest sympathy. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Comment by Nancy Freedman-Smith CPDT — August 7, 2009 @ 6:41 am
May Rebel’s spirit take flight, but always stay near to those he loved on earth.
I’m so sorry, Christie,
Paula J.
Comment by Paula Joseph-Johnson — August 7, 2009 @ 6:41 am
‘So sorry. It’s obvious that he was an awesome dog. It hurts when a beloved leaves, but I hope the memories of good times will ease your pain.
Comment by KateH — August 7, 2009 @ 6:43 am
Oh, I am so very sorry. Will be thinking of you both.
Jen
Comment by JenniferJ — August 7, 2009 @ 6:53 am
Be seeing you Rebel.
Comment by YesBiscuit! — August 7, 2009 @ 6:55 am
My thoughts are with you, Christie.
Comment by Dr. Narda — August 7, 2009 @ 7:07 am
Godspeed dear Rebel, you are in my thoughts and prayers Christie.
Comment by Sandi K — August 7, 2009 @ 7:27 am
Condolences Christie, I feel like I knew him.
Comment by Sheyna — August 7, 2009 @ 7:37 am
I am so sorry. My condolences.
Comment by Pam Kelley — August 7, 2009 @ 7:47 am
Rebel was my favorite of all your dogs, always a noble and gracious host when I visited. He will be much missed by all. Love you forever, Rebel.
What’s loved is never really lost.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — August 7, 2009 @ 7:50 am
I’m so sorry Christie.
Maybe Rebel and Colleen will get to play together now.
Good dog, Rebel.
Comment by Original Lori — August 7, 2009 @ 7:56 am
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Comment by Jessie — August 7, 2009 @ 8:17 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. He certainly sounded like an amazing dog, and how blessed you both were to have each other.
Comment by Cindy R — August 7, 2009 @ 8:18 am
My thoughts are with you.
Comment by Liz Palika — August 7, 2009 @ 8:21 am
I am so sorry Christie. (((hugs)))
Comment by Debra — August 7, 2009 @ 8:29 am
My heart goes out to you, Christie, and am shedding tears with you. Thank you for letting us get to know your magnificent Rebel through your writings. You gave him a wonderful life and the most love a dog could have.
Rest in peace, precious Rebel.
Comment by Nadine L — August 7, 2009 @ 9:10 am
Christie, I am so, so sorry. And, I know so many tears are being shed by those who loved Rebel and those friends who love you, and know how much this loss means.
I so believe in what Washington Irving says about tears . . .
“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.”
Comment by Rochelle Lesser — August 7, 2009 @ 9:26 am
I am so sorry. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
Comment by The Other Lori — August 7, 2009 @ 9:26 am
I am so saddened to read this. I am so very, very sorry.
Comment by Anne T — August 7, 2009 @ 9:50 am
I am so very sorry for your loss, Christie.
Comment by Susan — August 7, 2009 @ 10:41 am
EVERYONE wants to be loved as much as Rebel was. You did right by the dog, even when that was not easy to do. My most sincere condolences.
Patrick
Comment by PBurns — August 7, 2009 @ 10:58 am
My sympathies.
Comment by Selasphorus — August 7, 2009 @ 11:11 am
Kipling got it better than anything I could write:
http://www.readprint.com/work-.....rd-Kipling
I’m deeply sorry for your loss.
I still mourn the losses of all of my dogs, even if they’ve been gone for years.
Gosh, why is it that Galapagos tortoises, which have brains no bigger than a fingernail, live two hundred years, but dogs, with which one can become deeply attached, don’t live such short fleeting lives?
My vet says that it maybe it works out this way: Dogs and man are required so many good days. A dog can get his quota of good days in far shorter time period than man can, so their lives are fleeting because it is so good.
Comment by retrieverman — August 7, 2009 @ 11:21 am
I am so sorry for your loss.
Comment by mary francis — August 7, 2009 @ 11:27 am
Oh Christie, I’m so sorry. I was wondering how he was doing but thought perhaps it wasn’t that great :(
{{hugs}} to you, your Mum & Kyrie
Comment by Alison — August 7, 2009 @ 11:33 am
We are so sorry. He was a beautiful dog.
Comment by Schnauzer — August 7, 2009 @ 1:05 pm
Christie, I know that nothing any of us can say will make this any easier, but please know that we’re thinking of you.
Carol & the Bullmarket Frenchies
Comment by FrogDogz — August 7, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
Both you and Rebel are in our thoughts and hearts, it’s so hard but I always try to remember when I lose a beloved animal …” that when light is gone
Love remains for shining.”
The quote is from Elizabeth Barret Browning from her lovely poem to her dog Flush
Comment by vida — August 7, 2009 @ 2:20 pm
Christie,
Loved Gina’s words about “what is loved is never really lost.” And wow, do you LOVE your pets! May the times Rebel and you shared, forever be, the warmest of memories.
Comment by Dr. Marty Becker — August 7, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
I am so very sorry. We just have to pay the price for having had them at all.
Comment by Maria Shanley — August 7, 2009 @ 2:37 pm
Oh Christie, I’m so sorry to hear this. I remember reading your adventures with Rebel way back on AOL, and since. Although our paths never really touched, I knew what a wonderful life Rebel lived with you. May he always walk by your side, if only in your heart.
Comment by Brenda Cobbs — August 7, 2009 @ 3:13 pm
Christie, I’m so very sorry for your loss! Rebel was a beautiful dog.
Comment by Bev — August 7, 2009 @ 3:34 pm
Oh my Christie I am so sorry for your loss of Rebel. My heart goes out to you. (tears)
Comment by VJ — August 7, 2009 @ 4:32 pm
“No matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail.”
http://www.eoneill.com/texts/blemie/contents.htm
Christie, know that Rebel would have written a beautiful one like this.
Comment by Nadine L — August 7, 2009 @ 4:43 pm
My most sincere condolences on the lost of your beloved Rebel, Christie.
Comment by catbird — August 7, 2009 @ 4:46 pm
Christie, I’m so sorry to hear about Rebel. I hope that soon the memories of his life and the joys you shared will be stronger than the pain of his loss. My Airedale Eli just turned nine and it catches at my heart to see the signs of aging, but it also reminds me to savor the time we have.
Comment by Linda Hobbet — August 7, 2009 @ 5:59 pm
Oh, Christie, I just saw this. I’m so sorry. You have our deepest condolences.
Comment by Kim Thornton — August 7, 2009 @ 7:14 pm
Goodbye and Godspeed, Rebel.
Good thoughts for you, Christie- I’m so sorry. It’s never long enough.
Comment by Cait — August 7, 2009 @ 7:31 pm
To love and be loved by a dog is the greatest gift and the terrible price of that love is that it ends too soon. He is free of pain and strong of limb - chasing rabbits and deer at the rainbow bridge.
Do not stand by my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints of snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumns rain
When you awaken in the morning hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine in the night
Do not stand by my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Comment by cheryl — August 7, 2009 @ 10:27 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss, Christie.
Comment by Smaki — August 8, 2009 @ 5:00 am
Dear Christie,
My sympathy and tears for your loss. Rebel will alway be near in your heart.
Comment by kb — August 8, 2009 @ 5:44 am
Deepest condolences on your loss.
Comment by Verde — August 8, 2009 @ 10:21 am
I read this poem in an email I got regarding the loss of a dog one early morn in April…it was just about one year from losing my pup Harry as I sat and felt the warmth of a sunbeam lurking in the window…sending me a message…I hope it brings you the same warm message it brought me…Hugs…
Beyond The Rainbow
As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that’s trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.
I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful — lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.
I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I’m alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
‘Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.
For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we’re never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.
cg - 1995
Comment by Carol V — August 9, 2009 @ 6:12 am
What a beautiful photo of a stately old man (I am assuming that is “old man” grey in his coat? If not … sorry Rebel! No offense.)
He looks like he’s posing.
Comment by Mary Mary — August 9, 2009 @ 7:43 am
I’m so sorry Christie! Like so many others here, although I never had the pleasure to actually meet him I feel like I knew him. And I know what a huge hole he’s left in your heart.
I also know this is even more difficult than usual, coming right on the heels of your mom’s health crisis.
I hope it helps a little to know that you and your family are in the thoughts and prayers of so many people all over the world. And I hope that soon, your memories of Rebel will bring you more joy than pain.
Comment by Barb — August 9, 2009 @ 6:21 pm
{{{{Christie}}}}} GLOW to heal your heart over the loss of Rebel.
Comment by Faye — August 9, 2009 @ 8:49 pm
Christie—
I have been off line for a number of days and so only just saw your post about Rebel. I can’t begin to say how sorry I am. This is such a difficult period for you. Please let it be a comfort to you, though, that many, many people who know you only through your writing—and your invaluable contributions to the well being of their animals—share your grief and want to help support you with their care. It’s the least we can do in return.
Lisa in Cape May County, NJ
Comment by Lisa — August 10, 2009 @ 10:34 am
Awww, Christie, I’m so very sorry. I’ve been offline since Friday and logged on here today hoping against hope to not see this. You did the best you could and I’m sure that Rebel loved every minute of the life you gave him.
Comment by Deanna — August 12, 2009 @ 6:43 pm
Found this poem and thought of you:
Old Dogs Do Not Die
We have a secret, you and I,
That no one else shall know,
For who, but I can see you lie,
Each night, in fireglow?
And who but I can reach my hand
Before we go to bed,
And feel the living warmth of you
And touch your silken head?
And only I walk woodland paths,
And see, ahead of me,
Your small form racing with the wind,
So young again, and free.
And only I can see you swim
In every brook I pass.
And, when I call, no one but I
Can see the bending grass.
Author Unknown
Comment by Sarah — August 14, 2009 @ 9:56 am
Gods Speed Rebel..
We will all meet at the bridge one day..
You were loved by many and will be missed
by many…
Rest om peace my friend..
Shadow Dancer AKA Squirt the Yorkie
Comment by Shadow Dancer — August 18, 2009 @ 3:53 pm
I’ve been mourning several dog friends these last couple years - a very dear friend sent this: so I’m re-typing this (hope you don’t mind the length) for Rebel, Christie and family,
A Dog’s Purpose? (from a 6-year-old)
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthansia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.”
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try to live.
He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? The Six-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like: When loved ones come home, always run to greet them,
Never pass up the opportunity for a joy ride,
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Be loyal. never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. Enjoy every moment of every day….
Comment by mary francis — August 19, 2009 @ 4:41 pm