Saying goodbye to my best friend

[sfdaugherty]

Anyone who has seen me at the Solvang or Williams shows will know that my constant companion for over a decade has been Jin, my gray Eurasier.

DSCF3283 (edit reflection) (compressed).jpg

Sadly, she passed away in my arms yesterday.

She and I had one last ride in my red 69 2000 two weeks ago. She struggled to stand up and eventually rested her head on the dashboard so that she could see. She and I also did one last walk together yesterday afternoon on a beautiful Autumn day. I let her smell everything she wanted to for as long as she wanted. She was slow but made the entire walk without my help.

Jin was not really my dog. My fiance, Nancy, brought home the little ball of fluff from Sweden over 14 years ago. When Jin was two years old, I picked Nancy up from her home for our second date. Jin had always been afraid of men but not this day! Nancy used to tell the story about how I said hi to her and then spotted Jin, got down on the floor with her and fell in love. The feeling was mutual and Nancy said that was the day I stole her dog and Jin became my soulmate.

For those of you who are interested, I've attached a link to a youtube video created by Nancy celebrating Jin's life.


The Rainbow Bridge

It is said there is a bridge
Connecting Heaven and Earth.
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge
Is a land of meadows, hills and valleys,
All of it covered with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies,
She goes to this lovely land.
There, old and frail animals are young again.
Those who were maimed are made whole once more.
They play all day with each other,
Content and comfortable.

There is only one thing missing.
They are not with that special person who they loved on Earth.
So each day, they run and play, until the day comes
When one suddenly stops playing and looks up.
Then, the nose twitches.
The ears are up.
The eyes are staring.
You have been seen,
And that one suddenly runs from the group!

You hold her in your arms.
Your face is kissed again and again, and
You look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then, together, you cross the Rainbow Bridge,
Never again to be apart.

-- Unknown

jin plate (2).jpg

[jrusso07]

Sorry for your loss. Hard to find great companions like Jin.

[MrGuts]

So sorry for your loss. A dog who loved Roadster rides is a gift indeed! Grieve well.
Warm regards

[Toptech360]

Sorry for your loss. That was a nice post.

[Gregs672000]

Some of my best friends have been my pets. Glad you got to share the life, right to the end, of what we know... I like to think there's a bridge.

[Linda]

Pets are inspiring. Usually cheerful. Even when sick they don't really complain. Some of my best memories are of pets I owned and had as a child. Sorry for your loss. Hope you can get another pet when the time is right.
Linda

[bossbob]

Yep, Had a 16 year old black lab I had to say good bye to, yep I cried! I have a 10 year old Golden retriever now, hope she hangs in there for a few more years. Sorry for your loss. Pets are great companions.....

[ahgrafx]

So sorry for your loss, brings a tear to my eye. My buddy Jersey is 11 now and it crushes me to think of ever losing here. She goes with me everywhere, I'm such a worry wort when it comes to here. I hope your heart heals fast, she seems like quite a pup.

[ahgrafx]

I couldnt make it through the video without tearing up