Ellie
Ellie with Gail
In June 17th 2016 the BrightHaven family was joined by an angel named Goldie who we renamed Ellie, and on February 9th 2018 Ellie returned to join the angels.
Back in 2016 we were told that Ellie would not be staying long and in fact was already on borrowed time and should likely be euthanized. I'm sure you will wish to know why, and so here is a short version of her story.
Ellie had a squamas cell carcinoma on her right eyelid - NOT a huge problem to us you might think and no, it was not, BUT she also had a very large mass in her bladder that threatened her very existence every day of her life.
I contacted the best of the best specialists to see if surgery would be possible but again only met with that same word again and again: euthanasia.
Of course at BrightHaven, we do not give up that easily. Dr. Jeff Levy, renowned classical veterinary homeopath, stepped up to the challenge along with medical intuitive July Berrin of The Termple Cat, who together became a formidable team.
This darling girl rose to the task and despite some acute periods when she could not easily urinate, Ellie never stopped smiling serenely and telling us that she, despite her physical self's troubles, was JUST FINE! All who met this emaciated angel on earth with tattered fur could not help but love her and even laugh as they saw her determination to live on regardless.
Of course at BrightHaven, we do not give up that easily. Dr. Jeff Levy, renowned classical veterinary homeopath, stepped up to the challenge along with medical intuitive July Berrin of The Termple Cat, who together became a formidable team.
Ellie ate her food eagerly right up until the day before her death, when she also continued to walk (albeit with a strong wobble) around the house to visit her favorite places. Her most favorite daily routine involved helping me to get ready every morning, when she would wait patiently beside me until my hair and make-up were done so that I could then groom her "beautiful" (ahem) fur and dirty face, ready for the day ahea
During 2022 our girl began to slow down and prefer shorter and shorter walks. Towards the end of the year she gratefully accepted the use of her new stroller, from which she could still happily greet people. Rosie would continue to enthusiastically summon her “big dog” bark if a canine she didn’t like got too close.
By November her energy and muscle mass had severely declined, along with her appetite that had become erratic, and we realized she was winding down and would soon be leaving us for the world beyond. We began to prepare emotionally and realized that Rosie was not about to lie down and die as her will to live and joie de vivre remained strong and defiant.
Six months later Rosie’s physical strength had waned even more and she took to her bed from which to conduct daily life, grateful for assistance to get outside to the bathroom grass as she would never for anything wet or soil her bed. Soon I had to carry her which, although tough as she was a large dog and now a dead weight, became my distinct pleasure.
Here are cute and short videos of her and then the last sweet one - taken shortly before her death:
You probably have guessed at the depth of my love for her. Yes, boundless and as strong and fierce as the love that I held for my Sophie who I knew for more than 20 years, and for little Stella who I knew for only 5 days...!
LOVE IS LOVE IS LOVE.
Ellie lying in state
Of course we worried about her death and if we would have to resort to an urgent euthanasia but, as so many before her, Ellie wound down very gradually and slowly and beautifully to a death so gentle, easy and peaceful, with Richard and I beside her and holding her. If we could all witness such transition I know that we would not fear the end of life as we do.
Here are photos of Ellie as she lay in state as so many before her, draped in a Buddhist prayer shawl, holding her dragonfly for transformation and light, adorned with a rose quartz necklace and with rose quartz crystals.
Of course Ellie also had the BrightHaven teddy bear brigade to watch over her, and the magical power of the unicorn. Her flowers were a gentle mix of pink, white and ginger to match her beautiful fur.
Please join me in sending love, Reiki and prayers for her journey onwards and special reunion with Talya and Lily.
Ellie lying in state
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