Speedy lost her fight at 5:04 pm October 26, 1998. For the past week, Mom and Dad had noticed her regressing and not able to get around as well as she had. Her papiloma growth was back around her vent and getting bigger with a vengeance. All us kids sat back in hushed silence as Mom and Dad struggled with a decision no one wanted to face. Mom went silent as the dark cloud settled around her shoulders.... she knew it was up to her to make that decision and her love of animals, and her closeness with Speedy made it that much more difficult.
Finally on Monday, Mom decided that it was time to let Speedy go. Her quality of life was deteriorating and even with more surgery, there was no guarantee that the papiloma would not come back as it had this time. It was time for Speedy to cross the Rainbow Bridge and join her friends.
We didn't want to see Mom as she came home from work, got the pink carrier and very carefully put Speedy inside for her last trip. We all waved goodbye and hung our heads. All of us knew that Speedy wouldn't hurt anymore and she would be in a much happier place, but we would all miss her terribly. Mom was crying quietly....
Goodbye, Speedy-girl, we love you. We know you're happy now, but we will all miss you so.
Special Wishes from your Mom
Speedy-girl.. I've shared the last eight months with you. We went on road trips together and snuck into hotels overnight. We visited Aunt Denise, Uncle Lou and Aunt Charlene in Raleigh. You drove with me to Maryland to meet Aunt Shari and Uncle Dale. I washed your little face, I handfed you 2-3 times a day every day and I was there pulling for you while you lived in your hospital unit for the first months after surgery in June. You graduated to your cage in the livingroom and we all cheered for you. We were so proud of how hard you fought to get better. And in the end, I could only match your courage by giving you your dignity.
I questioned this decision only once but knew it was the right one for you. I cry only for myself because I miss you so badly, but I know you are much better off now. I held you in my arms as you went to sleep for the final time. You deserved the comfort of me holding you as we said goodbye to each other. It was so hard, Speedy, but you are no longer uncomfortable, and I know you finally fly free.... unfettered by your sore body. You are with our very special guardian friends Woodro and Aron, and I know you will all take care of each other now till we meet you across the Bridge.
Fly free, Speedy-Girl! You fought so long and hard. Now you are unbound and can soar with the eagles and sing opera with the angels. Practice with the choir so you can sing for me when I see you again.
