Pages

Monday, June 14

V is for ...the end of an era for a VIP!



Today we said goodbye to our wonderful Jo. After such a wonderful time away in the Isle of man we returned knowing he was unwell. Initially we thought it was arthritis again and infact had been giving him the medicine which had worked so well previously, but when we took him to the vet it was confirmed it was a mental problem, caused by anything from a stroke or a tumour. His legs were strong, as was his wings but his mind was suffering some sort of dementia.

As he lay on the vet's table looking weak and dishevelled I thought of how he had always been so clean and elegant, constantly pruning himself in order to maintain his majestic appearance. The photograph below illustrates this perfectly!




He would have been mortified with how things had worked out and so we felt it was the right thing to do, guided by the advice from our vet to allow him a release from the place where he was.

Jon stroked his neck, I stroked his chest and as the medicine worked Jo closed his eyes and went to sleep.

“How do geese know when to fly to the sun?
Who tells them the seasons?
How do we, humans know when it is time to move on?
As with the migrant birds, so surely with us,
there is a voice within if only we would listen to it,
that tells us certainly when to go forth into the unknown.”

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

64 comments:

  1. Some would say he's just a duck but Jo was something special. Sending you my love and Hugs.
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jo was a goose Sue xxxx Definately something special though! Thanks so much! Dxxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh Denise, I am so, so sorry - I knew you were worried about him, but I had no idea he was this ill. You did the right thing by him, hon. ((hugs))

    ReplyDelete
  4. I was just thinking today, we haven't heard from you lately, but I am sorry it such a sad post. It is always the hardest decision and the kindest that we can make for our beloved animal family. XX

    ReplyDelete
  5. Poor Jo. I'm sure he'd have thanked you if he's been able to. I'm crying with you Denise.

    ReplyDelete
  6. A hard decision to make but the kindest and the best. Cherish the memories!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a sad homecoming Denise - so sorry - you are going to miss him around the place for one thing is sure, there has never been a silent goose.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Shrinky,
    Thanks so much hun - came as a surprise to us the mental bit but if was best for him as you say! Bless, he was a lovely boy! Dxx

    Kath,
    yes what with going away etc but I just wanted to mention this as Jo was known & loved by so many! xxxx

    Dragonstar
    Yes, there have been tears today I can tell you but now I feel all is at peace. This morning I made the resolution that by the end of the day I wanted Jo to be in a better place, be it drugged with anti-biotics or at peace - the decision was made when the vet spoke to us. xxx

    Jabblog
    You have said it all - we did what we did because we loved him and yes indeed we will cherish the memories!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Weaver
    he knew our vehicles and would honk us when we parked up on the drive. He even knew our motorbike! A clever chap for sure! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  10. Akelamalu
    Yes ideed. Mental illness takes many unsuspecting souls and Jo was one of the innocent! May we receive peace knowing he is now running free from the deathly grip of an unforgiving illness. He was loved to the end and our love will remain as we remember the many smiles he brought along our way!

    ReplyDelete
  11. A pity to hear, but the photo was a marvel!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Such a sad post but a blessing to have released him from any pain he may have suffered.

    God Bless, CJ xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Only someone as special as Jo could make me cry at work. xx

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am so sorry to hear that my thoughts are with you xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh, losing an animal that you have come to love is like losing a child. I'm so sorry and send my condolences.

    ReplyDelete
  16. So sorry to hear about Jo. He was indeed an elegant goose and looked as though he was the Lord of the Manor. So much better to let them go with dignity. I know you will miss him.

    ReplyDelete
  17. RunE

    The photograph is indeed awesome - all down to the subject matter as ever. Thanks Dxx

    Chrystal,
    Yes, we did what was best for Jo xx

    tpals,
    Yes there have been many many tears for Jo, lovely boy he was!xx

    Cherrypie,
    Thanks so much, it is good to know we are supported.xxx

    Leslie,
    Indeed! He was our special boy! xxx

    Chris,
    Yes, dignity for Lord of the Manor - he deserved it! Thanks Dxx

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm sorry for your loss. This is a decision all pet owners face. I'm dreading the day...

    ReplyDelete
  19. BJ
    You are so right! All pet owners know where we came from and indeed a decision which was made with one individual at the centre of everything, Jo. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sweetest dreams, Jo. God bless you and your family during this difficult, good-bye time.

    Thinking of you, SparkleFarkle~~~~~~*

    ReplyDelete
  21. How very sweet. When I was a kid my mom had geese, so I know how each has such a distinct personality. She was lucky to have such a loving family :)

    Hood Photo Blog

    ReplyDelete
  22. Such a lovely post and tribute to Jo! I know you will miss her.

    Sylvia

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am so sorry for your sadness, but thank you for the wonderful words of Kubler-Ross.

    ReplyDelete
  24. very very sad but of course you had to make the right decision.

    lovely to see you in the IOM on Jane's facebook pages.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I haven't had an animal in years; too hard. My condolences.

    ReplyDelete
  26. A VIG indeed. It's always sad to hear about a great friend losing his life. Sorry for your loss.

    ReplyDelete
  27. He looks very elegant in the second photo. Too bad he has to go, sorry for the loss.


    ABC Wednesday~V

    ReplyDelete
  28. A difficult decision, for sure. I'm so sorry for your loss.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Love the beautiful, brilliant white plumage.

    ReplyDelete
  30. wow! A pet goose... I'm going to ask my dad.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love is what I felt most when reading this piece. Love. That's what you'll remember. Jo was a lucky duck. :) And you are lucky humans.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Oh, I'm so sorry to hear you had to say goodbye to Jo! What a magnificent bird he was! And a VIP for sure.

    I love the photo. What a character he seems to have been!

    ReplyDelete
  33. So sorry to hear about Jo, but he's in a better place now.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Oh, Denise, so sorry about Jo! I know how you loved him! But you guys were loving by giving him the relief he needed. Now he's in his geese heaven among other fellow friends. And I bet his lovely energy will always be around.

    Kisses and soothing love from us.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Joe was a beautiful bird. I'm sure he will be missed by all those who knew him. Having the courage to let a pet go is the hardest thing I've ever done. Unfortunately I've had to do it with 2 dogs and one kitten. Sending peaceful thoughts your way.

    ReplyDelete
  36. sad that jo had to go...
    may he be happy in goose heaven!

    ReplyDelete
  37. sad v post...
    sorry for your lose.
    smiles!

    here is mine:
    http://jingleyanqiu.wordpress.com/2010/06/16/v-is-4-victims-secrets-r-revealed-under-hidden-video-camera/

    ReplyDelete
  38. Oh I'm so sorry Denise. I think all of us who have had pets and had to say goodbye will feel your sadness. x

    ReplyDelete
  39. I'm so sorry about Joe he truly was a magnificent bird.
    He lived with love and compassion and passed on the same way, with his loving owners by his side.
    God bless Joe the magnificent Goose.
    Sincere condolences to you both Denise,

    Di.xxx

    ReplyDelete
  40. How very sad ! you must miss him terribly now. But it was very good that you let him go in peace and without suffering. Fortunately time heals the pain, but he will always be in your heart.

    ReplyDelete
  41. He was so beautiful! I am sorry for your loss.

    ReplyDelete
  42. It's crazy to get so attached to an animal, but I do it as much as anyone else! Sad for you :(

    ReplyDelete
  43. So sorry for your loss! Pets are our children, and my heart breaks for you!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Awww...so sorry for your loss. It's obvious Jo was indeed a VIP! Precious photos.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi!
    Sorry to hear of your loss. The picture of him preening is awesome. Have a great day!

    Sherrie
    Sherrie's Stuff
    http://sherrie-plummer.blogspot.com/2010/06/alphabe-thursday_17.html

    ReplyDelete
  46. sad to see a loved family pet leave the family home. We'll all miss your stories about Jo.

    ReplyDelete
  47. So sorry for your loss. Beautiful pictures and a lovely V post

    ReplyDelete
  48. I am sorry about your beloved gander. Hugs to you.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Please accept my condolences.
    What a beautiful bird he was! I can understand that you loved him. I feel for you because the only pet I had as a child was actually a huge duck - who followed me around everywhere I went at home.
    Best wishes
    Anna
    Anna's V-word

    ReplyDelete
  50. Oh Denise, I am so sorry. You must miss him so much!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I'm sorry to hear about Jo. It's so hard but there comes a time when we just know it's the best thing to let them go. That was a lovely poem.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Sorry for your loss. He looks like he was a magnificent friend.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thank you for sharing your private and painful experience. Even through your tears, your prose is beautiful and so moving.

    ReplyDelete
  54. What a beautiful and poignant post. Thank you so much for sharing. I've never seen such a magnificent gander. No wonder Jo was so loved. I can imagine how much you miss him. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  55. And you've told this wonderful story so beautifully and elegantly just as Jo is and was.
    What a beautiful bird he was.
    Thank you for sharing a very special moment of your life with us by way of Jo's story.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Elisabeth, thank you for linking to Alphabe-Thursday this week.

    Your post is so moving.

    What a lovely eulogy for an obviously dear member of your heart.

    The poem and the picture moved me to tears.

    Sending a hug your way and an

    A+ for this post.

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Oh! Jo was a handsome gander! I love the second photo of him. sorry for your loss.

    Blessings & Aloha!

    ReplyDelete
  58. oh my goodness. I actually cried at this post. I have a HUGE fondness for geese and there isn't a day I do not go out and say hello to these wonderful little critters. I have done this as long as I can remember. They have more personality than all my dog and cat put together. They make me laugh and helped soothe me when I'm feeling sad. I would always go out and sit by the lakes and they would always know when I'm not well and come to make me and make me feel better. To read of your loss makes me sad and I sort of understand even though I have not really had one as a pet of my own. But I'm so relieved you were all there to see him for his final restful sleep. I will remember him with a few words of my own, I promise. Be well, my friend. Hugs♥

    ReplyDelete
  59. Don't know what happened above Denise. What I meant to say was that I had just read your tribute to your lovely Jo and found it very moving. He was certainly a very handsome fellow and obviously had a wonderful life with you. It's so hard to let go though even though you know it is time. A x

    ReplyDelete
  60. Thanks so very much for all of the lovely comments. It is a week since Jo went to sleep and I do miss his little tapping on the window when he wanted his bread - but I know he is at peace.
    Dxxx

    ReplyDelete
  61. Poor goose! What a pity ...
    St Christophe village seems very pretty;

    ReplyDelete
  62. I'm crying now, reading that poem :::(

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comments, always nice to know somebody has taken the time to let me know what they think.