Monday, October 20, 2008

Welcome Home Sweet Joey

Joey hurt his back last weekend. We're not sure how he did it, but w were told it was not an uncommon injury for dogs like him with short legs and longer backs. Our vet worked for a week trying to help him... his back legs were paralyzed and he had lost control of his urine and bowels. We were hoping that he would improve, but he did not. So on Friday afternoon our Joey was welcomed home by the person who loved him more than anybody... I can just picture Catie as she stood at the gates of Heaven and Joey bounded into her arms. I have no doubt they spent the weekend running through the fields of Heaven. I'm even betting there was a little wrestling involved as Catie couldn't really do that with him here on Earth b/c of her balance.

The day we brought Joey home, Catie was about a week out of her 3rd major craniotomy. She was still feeling not so great and moving slow. She was very nervous about hurting her head. I knew Joey was the dog for us when he gently crawled up on top of her where she was lying and they both fell sound asleep.
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He was always such a comfort for Catie. Just as he knew what Catie needed... he always knew what Izzy could handle as well. He was gentle and easy with her when she was small and in recent months they have enjoyed some hearty play in our great room. Iz dubbed him JoJo and that's often the first word from her mouth when we pull up at the house...


Oh, we'll miss him.... but I also know that he's just fine and that he and our girl Catie are basking in joys we have yet to know or understand.

14 comments:

Mamasita said...

What a bittersweet entry. I am so sorry for the loss of Joey, but I am sure he was greeted by Catie and her wide open arms. I still can see Catie's face in that picture where she opened a card that was from Joey. I bet he got to see that smile again when they reunited.

Sad for Iz having to tell him goodbye.

Sending sweet hugs your way.

Kyle said...

I too remember the picture of the card from Joey and I can just see that smile and hear that laughter...Catie must have been so excited to see Joey again.
Love and prayers from CT.

Pam D said...

I'm so sorry, Jenny. It hurts to lose a furry family member, and I know it is even harder when so many of Joey's memories are entertwined with Catie's. I somehow have to believe that God grants a special favor to our beloved pets (and to us, too), to let them romp with us in perfect fields of flowers, playing "fetch" and never, ever getting tired. There's a book called "The Littlest Uninvited One" that beautifully addresses the subject. Adam and I read it several times after our kitty Bash went to heaven, and it helped me just as much as it did him.

Unknown said...

I'm sorry to hear that you've lost Joey. I've had dogs all my life, and it's never been easy to let one of them go. They are such precious animals and give us so much unconditional loyalty. Like you, though, I'm certain that he reunited with his beloved Catie and that the two are having a fabulous time together.

Anonymous said...

Oh Jenny, I am so sorry about Joey. However, I am smiling thinking of the fun Catie must be having right now with her precious Joey. They were quite the pair! I think of you guys often and pray for you always.

Anonymous said...

I forgot to sign my name on the last post! Some days I wonder about myself!! :)
Melinda O.

Addie Talley, Photographer said...

so sorry to hear about Joey, but it must be comforting to remember Catie being happy

Anonymous said...

Waaahhhhh! Ok, so at least I got my daily crying 'fit' over with early today- perhaps I can get to my two appointments with make-up semi-intact.
I still think of you all just about every day. This journey that was chosen for us is certainly hard, but I am so thankful that we have friends and family (furry ones included) to walk with us.

Stephanie Deal said...

Mrs. Jenni it was so good to see you at the parade. Izzy is getting too big! Hope you all had fun. Praying,
Stephanie Deal

sara said...

I am sorry about the loss of joey.
sara

Erika said...

I'm so sorry about Joey, but I know Catie was SO excited to see him, and that makes me smile. I miss you guys...a BOY! How did that happen? :)

Anonymous said...

AWWWW, poor Joey!! We had to put two dogs down one year apart and it just about killed us. My little girl was devastated with losing both of them, but we got another one within one week. A lot of people thought I was crazy for getting another dog so quickly, but my whole family needed that companionship. We have 1 dog and 2 cats now. Couldn't be happier! It is still really hard to lose a member of the family.
Wendy in Winder, GA

Anonymous said...

Oh Jenny--- I so, so clearly remember seeing those pictures of Catie and Joey on her caringbridge site, especially the one of your sweet girl opening the card as others have said. I smile just thinking about it. It's amazing how pets can become such an integral part of a family. Sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

You have such a wonderful attitude to losing Joey...yes it is lovely to think of him and Catie together again! It's amazing to me how many times I hear of pets dying shortly after a child. Perhaps they were really angels sent to look after the sick child and return home with them when it is time.