SedonaEye.com Star Columnist, Harley McGuire, bids a Paws Up farewell to Ms. B of Sedona Humane Society
Sedona AZ (January 12, 2013) – It was a most peculiar day. Bitter sweet are words that come to mind.
When Mom brushed me and decked me out in my new “Harley McGuire Thundershirt,” I knew something must be up other than it just being another freezing cold day outside.
What happened was that we went over to this place called “Poco Diablo” which means “Little Devil.” I know that because sometimes that’s what Mother calls me. Not so today because I was a “Little Angel.” I knew that was what I had to be.
Well, there were probably 250 people together in that place, a crowd bigger than I’ve ever been in before. It seems they all had a common goal to pay their respects to a beloved human who had crossed over “The Rainbow Bridge.”
Poco Diablo Memorial service for B Skielvig draws crowd
The name of that person was B Skielvig, and I’ve already written about her. Today, her friends came together to share their sadness that she, unexpectedly and not at all by choice, was called upon to make another journey.
We were welcomed by Jacquie Randall, who continues to wear many hats with the Sedona Humane Society. Opening remarks were made by John Canon, followed by guest speakers Jamie Barajas, Tim Crum, and Jacquie Randall on behalf of Dede Nigh.
Other comments were made by Ansley Silvernagel, a reading by Betsy Klein, and then Jacquie Randall concluded the ceremony with final remarks.
There was food. Not for pets but Mom fudged a little and slipped me a bite or two since I hadn’t snapped or even tried to nip anyone. (I save that for her when she brushes me so I can practice up for when she takes me to the groomer.)
A couple of other big, big doggies were there. Mom took a picture of at least one. They, too, were on good behavior. Guess, same as me, they had their marching orders before they left home.
Harley and friends share memories of Humane Society of Sedona’s B Skielvig
I never really met this B person but, from what everyone was saying about her, she was extra special.
They showed big pictures of her (I think called slides) about when she was born and as a little girl, when she grew up and got married . . . and forever she had this deep love for animal life – even including reptiles! Wow. That’s a pretty special person all right.
Anyways, I had lots of attention, and pats, and was very happy about that because I realized how very lucky I am to still have my Mom at my side, knowing we would be leaving together and our life would fall back into place.
As I conclude this sort of unexplainable experience, in her bedroom, my mom has photos of other pets that have been a part of her life. And in the center of these pictures, framed, is the following:
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.
Miss B is honored by her animal friends’ good behavior during the Poco Diablo service on Saturday, January 12, 2013
There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth. So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group!
You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.
Author unknown.
Others have gained from our loss.
Goodbye, Ms. B. A new journey has begun.
Four Paws Up!
Lovingly,
Harley McGuire,
Former Texas Animal Shelter adoptee Please visit the Humane Society of Sedona or a shelter nearest you. Open your hearts and homes today.
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The service was caring and comments by Jackie and all warming.
That was a beautiful column, Harley. My little dog, Fabian broke his leg (rear left) 2 weeks ago trying to jump up on the sofa, but didn’t make it. After a rush to the emergency where he spent the night, we had to take him to the orthopedic surgeon to repair the leg. Now understand, Fabian will be 14, so it was a tough decision to make but make it we did and he came through with flying colors. Fabian has some other issues like an enlarged liver and an enlarged heart and although a lot of people thought we shouldn’t spend the $$$$ ($4,500), we did it anyway. Boy, are we glad did…that’s what you do for your “children.” For no matter how much longer he is with us, we want him on this side of the bridge for as long as possible.
Hey, Fabian, way to go. You just continue to get better and better and remain on this side of the rainbow bridge for a long, long time. That is my wish for you.
Lovingly,
Harley McGuire
Harley, I appreciate the good thoughts…I go this Sunday to get my bandages changed…got my paws crossed.
Fabian
Fabian, because I survived being hit by a car which resulted in a fractured jaw and back prior to being adopted by my now mom, I know the importance of hanging in there my friend. My paws, all four, are also crossed in anticipation that you will have good news on Sunday. Will expect nothing less than a favorable and positive report.
Lovingly,
Harley McGuire
Nice to see that lots of people showed up.