Wednesday, August 11, 2010

GOODBYE & FAREWELL, BRAVE AND GENTLE JULIAN

Our beloved Julian, also known as Benji, is now free to run with the wind across the rainbow bridge.
Julian is one of those heartbreaking cases we come across too often here in Campania. He was found beside a road, seeming to have been hit or suffering from disease. After much testing, we found he had a rare virus affecting his brain. Once we identified it, we found we couldn't cure it, but could likely treat it.

He was in a great foster home, with some other dogs, but kept having seizures that would have us running with him to the vet clinic, where they stabilized him. This happened pehaps a half dozen times.

He was blind in one eye, and sometimes had trouble getting around, but after a seizure and treatment, he was a happy and fairly normal little guy.

What struck all of us about him, was how he seemed to come alive when someone petted him, or showed him any affection at all. He had a true, big, and pure heart. Life dealt him a awful hand, but he enjoyed each day he had to the maximum of his ability.

Yesterday, he had another seizure, and again we took him to the clinic. Both myself, and the veterinarian (Dr. Loungo) agreed that all that could be done, had been done, and it was time for Julian to cross over the Rainbow Bridge. With tears in our eyes, we helped him out of his pain, and on his way.

You will remember that I recently also said goodbye to my dear Tjojs, the dog whom I adopted in Sweden, and was with me for 14+ years. While I mourn her deeply, in many ways I mourn Julian even more. Tjojs had a full, wonderful and varied life. She got to do and see so much, and together with me we grew, loved and learned from each other. Julian had such a short life, yet such a big heart. He deserved so much more and better than what he got. Any soul who could thrill to just a little affection from a stranger like he could... deserved so much more.

Farewell, Julian. We will miss you deeply, and will try to embrace what you taught us in your gentle, simple love-of-life. Perhaps you will wait for me across the Rainbow Bridge?

3 comments:

Ulla said...

"An angel passed, to heaven so free
But she left her smile on our Earth
Like a sun which makes us warm, like a heaven's starlight
So that we can observe life's process with a belief
Love is"
(Lyrics by Ingela Forsman)

R.I.P sweet Julian...

Milla said...

Julian we never had the previlge to meet you but still you touch our hearts, only by a picture and Mias beautiful words about you.
We want forgett you !!!

Thank you Mia for doing everything you could for Julian.

Now you are truly free Julian !

Megan said...

Our love affair was brief.......but I will always remember my few hours with Julian!!! Thanks to everyone who gave him a "happy ending"!