In Memoriam - Eleanor

Graced BrightHaven May 7th—June 15th 2010

Just over a month ago I saw a beautiful 20 year old face I recognized, on the euthanasia list sent by the Los Angeles shelter in Baldwin Park. I remember that moment well, as, early that morning I was quickly scanning emails for any emergency situations, and could not help but stop at one showing a tired, old face...

The information told me merely that "she" was 20 years old and relinquished by her owner. A chord struck somewhere deep inside me as I was instantly reminded of my old love Gabrielle, from way back when...Gabby entered my heart forever back in 1999 and I think about her every day...I could almost feel her energy appealing to me from the page.

On May 7th, just several very long days later, Eleanor stepped forth from a carrier into my heart. Her special journey began in a donated private airplane and was to continue in the manner in which it began—special! For us it really began the moment she looked into my eyes...and ours both lit up.

Eleanor had a huge, matted and emaciated old body, but free from her small carrier, she stretched her huge and wobbly frame, and immediately began to explore her new home, leaving no stone unturned—kitchen countertops, baskets, as well as all the nooks and crannies and our many rooms—all the way to my bedroom—and back again to see if dinner was soon to be served.

Along the way she encountered cats, dogs and humans and all behaved as though they had known her all their lives. Not a growl nor a hiss to be heard—it was just as though she was walking in the house after a quick stroll in the garden!

That same evening, I had no sooner settled in bed for the night, when I was joined by Eleanor, who leaped easily to the bed pawed her way under the sheets and snuggled immediately in my arms as though it was her nightly habit of many years—and so our journey began...

Gabrielle had suffered inflammatory bowel disease, was huge and leggy, unable to gain, and keep on any weight. She remained with us for two short years as we struggled to help her body back to balance...

Eleanor too, suffered inflammatory bowel disease, was huge and leggy, and unable to gain and keep on any weight due to vomiting and diarrhea. There was much happiness and joy to be shared amid the anxiety surrounding her illness.

On Eleanor's first real day with us I immediately called our very good friend and amazing classical homeopath Dr Adriana Sagrera, for I knew that with her help, it might well be that this lady could actually be with me for a very long time...

We all prayed we could find a miracle of healing for this girl and, for a short week or two, she began to blossom and gain weight, but then it all changed and, when time seemed to be marching against us, I still remained firm in my belief…

Eleanor did too, and it was only in her last hours that we accepted the inevitable idea of parting...When Shakespeare wrote "parting is such sweet sorrow", he knew a thing or two, and his words kept returning to my mind—along with the sweet words of a quotation from the song;

It's time to fly, It's time to touch the sky One voice, one star burning bright will carry me through timeless light—Cause you're not waiting far from me, You're not waiting far from me.

I do not know who wrote those lovely words, but I kept repeating them to my girl as she neared the end, and they brought comfort and solace to us both in those sweet, precious and gentle final moments, as her eyes sought mine for one last lingering look... until we meet again.

This is the only photograph I have of my dear Gabrielle.

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