GOOD-BYE TO OUR VERY SPECIAL COMPANION, LUNA.
How innocently I typed the closing words on yesterday’s blog: “I hope my next blog can be good news about Luna!” It was not to be.
Luna has traveled with us since Day One of our full-timing life. She has never spent a night without one of us in Scoopy with her. She was amazingly well adapted to traveling, always ready to head outside at a new stop for a thorough exploration of the surroundings, but never straying far. It will be very strange to move on without her, our very cuddly and loving companion. Lots of tears flowing last night and this morning; she is sorely, sorely missed.
Luna and Odel were incredibly closely bonded. Here are some of my favorite photos of her – see how frequently she is cuddled up to her favorite companion.
Luna riding in a favorite travel position.
Enjoying the view.
Curled up on Odel’s hand when he came home from a week long visit to Memphis. 
Relaxing in the sunshine, snuggled up to Odel.
Sitting in high grass, enjoying the outdoors.
Luna always came when Odel called.
Total relaxation, protected by her champion.
Our beautiful “Baby Girl”.
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I have just started reading your blog, but my heart goes out to you. All I can say is that every animal that has shared some time with us is still with us every day. In our memories and in our hearts, they stay alive.
ReplyDeleteCry a lot and be extra nice to yourselves.
Kate
http://cholulared.blogspot.com
I am so sorry to read about Luna--I have tears in my eyes as I type. Our "furkids" are a beloved and important part of out lives. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteOur deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved companion.
ReplyDeleteJust this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
ReplyDeleteWhen an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge...together...
Author unknown...
This is the first time I post a comment...I love to read your journal and its a regular activity for me since about a year ago.
ReplyDeleteThe story of Luna is what made me post this comment. We have a dog that we love as if it was our child. We (my husband and I) know how those little furry things can bring love and joy. I know that you are going to miss her very much and that she will stay in your hearts always.
Be safe on the road, I have grown attached to you two. We will be on the road in less thant two years, maybe some day we will meet.
Take care you two!
Laurie and Odel, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Luna. We know how devastated you must feel as we lost our 14 yr. old cockapoo Mo about a year ago while here in Palm Springs. Like Luna, we took Mo to the Vet, and came home without him - we thought we'd never get over the loss.
ReplyDeleteBut today, although we still miss Mo dearly, we have nothing but great memories, we often talk about Mo and how much joy and happiness he brought to us as an important member of our family. The sadness and grief has been replaced by a feeling of thankfulness that it was us who were lucky enough to have Mo for all of his life - he knew he was a lucky pup too!
I am sure that in time, and it will take time, that you and Odel will experience the same wonderful memories of Luna - only you will remember her with joy, not grief. You will always remember your time together and be thankful that it was you who Luna got to share her life with. Luna knows too how lucky she was to have you both to look after her.
Look after each other, grieve the loss of Luna and, in time, you will both remember only the good times and all the joy and love she brought to your family. Take care.
My heart aches for you. If only our Furry Friends lived as long as we did. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteThat was a nice tribute to Luna & the photos told a touching story. I always end my posts with..."The only thing better than right now will someday be the memories of right now." You will always have the memories & if you had never been a part of Luna's life you would now not have all those pleasant memories..... AL
ReplyDeleteDear Odel and Laurie: I am so very, very sorry to hear of your loss. Being a huge animal lover and just recently lost another one of my furkid cats (December 31st) after spending almost 2 weeks in the vet hospital, I totally understand what you are going through. It leaves a huge hole in your heart. I am crying now just writing this. I have lost many cherished pets over the years and while each one hurt terribly, it does get better and there will come a time when you can remember and talk about Luna without it breaking your heart.
ReplyDeleteRuth
I'm sorry for your loss. We know going in our pets will not likely live as long as we do but we, somehow, always expect them to do so anyway. I hope it helps you as much as it did me to look at your pictures of the happy times together.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry for your loss. Luna was one lucky kitty to be with the two of you on your wonderful travels. And, vice versa, of course. May the sorrow you both feel be comforted by wonderful memories, which will live on forever.
ReplyDeleteOur hearts go out to you as we hold our baby girl and boy extra close today.
Take extra good care of yourselves and each other.
Paul and Mary
I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how sorry I am. It just rips your heart out to lose such a beloved pet. Luna could not have had a better life or better mom and dad. My heartfelt sympathy.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I have been reading all about Luna on your blog and had grown quite fond of her. She was such a pretty kitty and I know you will miss her very much. May she now be at peace.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about the loss of your friend.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. Losing a pet is devastating. About four days after we moved into our RV in September 2008, we had no choice but to put our "Bishop" to sleep. He had been diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. It hurt to see him suffering. We understand and share your sorrow. We've been there and it's a sad, sad time. Again, we are so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteLaurie and Odel,
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the title on this post I gasped out loud. I have had to say goodbye to a lot of pets (both feline and canine) and it never gets any easier. Hugs to both of you.
Laurie and Odel,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear the news about Luna. We're thinking of you during this time.
Connie and Art
I am so sorry for your loss. Phillid
ReplyDeleteDorothy, Luna's "twin" sister & I are very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Luna. Dorothy has been with me for 11 years. She sleeps on me or curled up with Dusty the Airedale.
ReplyDeleteLaurie and Odel,
ReplyDeleteMy heart grieves with you. I too am a cat person and have always enjoyed hearing about the amazing Luna. I still miss my cat Ben (Benjamin Edward Sylvester P. Pussycat Pruitt) who I lost after spending 20 years and five months together. In fact, I have a photo of Ben on my desk that was taken for his 18th birthday party invitation. I always told him that if he made it to 21 I'd give him another party. He almost made it. Your memories will always remain of the special times with Luna. Bless you both
Thanks for sharing so eloquently. It takes courage to "talk" on the blog and post the pictures when the pain is so fresh. Take care.
ReplyDeleteLaurie and Odel,
ReplyDeleteI am not a frequent reader of your blog, I check in occasionally to see where your travels have taken you. I checked in tonight and saw the post about your loss. I am so sorry for the pain in your heart. I think those of us that have loved and lost a pet can truly know how deep that pain can be.
I just posted a quote on my facebook page yesterday ~ "Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains un-awakened." I lost my Siamese, Kneessaa, about 7 years ago, she was 19 and I still miss her.
Again, as an unknown follower, my thoughts and prayers are for your heart to heal.
Laurie and Odel, I loved reading about and seeing the pictures of Luna and I really miss her so I know your heart really hurts. I had a large grey cat called Puhgo and Luna reminded me of her. I still have fond memories of Puhgo and of Luna too. Please know that we know the pain that you are going through.Gretchen and Frank Knapp
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful cat.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Luna. Our two dogs and one very large cat have become like children to us on our travels so we know what you must be going through. Roger and Dianne
ReplyDeleteSo, so sorry to hear about Luna. All here in Boomerville send you our love and hopes for your healing. Love, Bobbie and Jim
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful relationship the three of you shared. I check in almost every day to read your blog, and I've always loved reading about Luna and admired how readily she adapted to the traveling life. We have a 14-year old black kittie named Spot who doesn't seem destined to adjust so easily to traveling, so for now, we part-time instead of full time. Luna was special, and the photos you posted brought me to tears. Blessings to you in your continued travels, Luna will always be with you in your hearts and memories. When you travel this way again ( Southern Oregon), our invitation for dinner at our home still stands!
ReplyDeleteLaurel & Eric
So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Luna.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. She was beautiful and special.
ReplyDeleteLaurie and Odel, I wanted to add condolences from Jerry and I on Luna leaving this world. We've sure enjoyed seeing her perspective on your travels and sharing the joys of having her along. Her travels in your life made me think on some of the good memories I have with four-legged family members. Hope you don't mind that I posted on our blog about her and where she took me. Good travels, Nancy and Jerry Hurley
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry that you lost your special friend. I too was shocked when I read your post. Hope you can concentrate on the good times you had together.
ReplyDeleteFinally taking time to read fellow travelers blogs, so I am late in reading your very touching tribute to Luna. How very sad this day must have been for you. We are truly sorry for your loss but wish you joy with each fond memory.
ReplyDeleteI read your touching tribute to Luna and we are so sorry for your loss of Luna. Remember the good times with her. Tom & Margie Maloney
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a painful part of your lives. Im sure the memories you hold of Luna will help get you through this. Thanks also to the poster who commented on the Rainbow Bridge, that is the best poem around.
ReplyDeleteMy sammy is only 3 years old, and I hope he gets to live as long as Luna, and enjoys our upcoming travels as well. take care, and my sympathies on the loss of your family member.
Beautiful tribute to your sweet Luna. Virtual hugs to you both.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss Laurie & Odel. The Rainbow Bridge is the best poem ever. I hope it gave you some comfort. I know your pain and pray Luna visits you in your dreams and her spirit continues to travel with you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful companion. You are so fortunate to have known her. I lost my companion, my old friend, Surely Not, while on the road. One month shy of her 18th birthday I had to say 'see you later." I still grieve.
ReplyDeleteWhen I wrote my blog entry letting folks know of her passing I included the following... In James Herriot's book, Dog Stories, there is a story called "The Card over the Bed." It is about an elderly, bedridden lady with five elderly pets. After one passes on, she asked Mr. Herriot if animals have souls and if her animals will go with her. His response, “If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. . . And, wherever you are going, they are going too." Over the lady's bed hung a card that read, 'God is near." And, at his side sits His Beardie.
I am sorry for your loss.