Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days and endless nights?
I've lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond, and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first. I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now to a warm and loving light.
I want to go, I really do; it's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me and show your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid, because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know
That my spirit will be close to you wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too.
And that's why it's hard to say goodbye and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time and let me hear you say,
Because you care so much for me, you'll let me go today.

Susan A. Jackson

When I had to say goodbye to Rosie it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do but I knew it had to be done. She could hardly eat and was breathless and I knew it was the kindest, yet most difficult thing to do. My vet was lovely. She came to my house and as Rosie was slipping away on my knee in the sunshine she took one last look up at me. I said 'I Love you Rosie', kissed her forehead and she fell asleep in my arms. I am sure she knew what was happening, she wasn't afraid, she was ready. I think she was saying 'Thank you for letting me go'.

I found the poem above, on the Internet and used it for her cremation service. We kept her in a bed with flowers Graham had bought me and pieces of grass and bushes from our garden until her cremation the next morning. We placed the bed between our heads that night, we thought it only fitting that she spent her last night with us as she had first begun. We took her to Nottingham Pet Crematorium. I can strongly recommend this to anyone who has lost a beloved pet. There is a memorial room where you can say your goodbyes and a lovely sitting room to wait in. We felt we had given her the best send off we possible could. If anyone reading this would like their telephone number please Email me. We bought some climbing roses to mark her anniversary of when we got her in April and planted one in the back garden and one in the front. The front bush is always sprouting lovely new rosebuds.

It has taken me nearly a year to put this website together, or should I say type the words and it still made me cry, although happy tears at remembering her. I still miss her terribly but know she is around me all the time. We have just ordered a plaque to put on our gazebo in the garden to remember her by, it will be placed there this February 27th 2003. I will always remember and love my Rosie, Rosebud, Chickpea, Sweet pea, tufty firm child, oosi bosie pudding posie. Until we meet again be happy my darling tufty girl. Mummyx