by William E. Cleary | CNBNews
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ-Erica Cleary, a radiant yellow Labrador Retriever, lived most of her life in the heart of Gloucester City, NJ. She gracefully left this world on the night of May 14, 2015, succumbing to the gentle embrace of old age at the remarkable age of 13—a canine equivalent of 91 human years.
Erica’s journey began as a Seeing Eye puppy in Morristown, NJ. Her spirited days were cut short when she broke her toe during a playful romp at the doggy playground. In a twist of fate, she spent the next 14 months with her paw delicately bound in a cast. When the time came for her final evaluation, she faced the test but couldn’t quite make the grade. Thus, at the tender age of two, she found herself seeking a new home.
For over two years, my partner Connie and I had eagerly pursued the chance to adopt a retired guide dog, pouring our hopes into the waiting process. As impatience settled in, we welcomed a black lab named Lacey into our lives. The day we received a call about Erica’s availability was electric with anticipation. The 90-minute drive to Morristown was filled with a mix of excitement and nerves, as we speculated about what awaited us. Upon arriving, we were enchanted by the sight of numerous people walking accompanied by their seeing-eye dogs, all in training, adding a sense of purpose to the streets.
The Academy, tucked away in a serene wooded area about a mile from Morristown, comprised several single-story buildings surrounded by nature’s calming embrace. When we finally met Erica, she burst into the room like a joyful whirlwind, her entire body wiggling with uncontainable excitement, adorned with a charming scarf that danced around her neck. In that moment, we thought she should have been named “Wiggles.” We learned her name, Erica, was chosen because she was born during the month designated for names beginning with the letter E. The staff gave us precious moments to bond, and without exchanging any words, both Connie and I instinctively knew she was destined to join our family.
One of the volunteers shared that if we had to purchase Erica, her worth would amount to an astonishing $50,000. The volunteer enthusiastically told us that Erica was well-versed in essential commands like “rest,” “park,” “heel,” and “turn,” though we wouldn’t need any additional training commands.
Our hearts brimmed with happiness as Erica and Lacey quickly formed a delightful companionship. But upon returning home, we soon realized the added layers of responsibility that come with two dogs—the mountains of kibble and veterinary bills began to pile up. Yet, the overflowing joy both dogs brought to our lives made every inconvenience worthwhile.
In November 2014, we first discerned that Erica was struggling to walk. After an examination and X-rays, Dr. Edward Sheehan, our trusted veterinarian, delivered the heartbreaking diagnosis of canine degenerative myelopathy—a progressive, incurable disease of the spinal cord, reminiscent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans. The prognosis was grim: she would ultimately lose the use of her hind legs. At that moment, the reality of our “little girl” nearing the end of her earthly journey sank deeply into our hearts. As the disease advanced, Erica’s gait faltered further, and yet her spirit remained unwavering—she still longed to join us on our morning walks. We shortened the route, and she seemed content to explore at her own pace.
In April, Erica began to pant heavily for no apparent reason, prompting us to seek help. Two weeks later, we found ourselves at the emergency animal clinic in Cherry Hill, where her condition had deteriorated. Following blood and urine tests, along with a chest X-ray, the diagnosis revealed a paralyzed larynx. The veterinarian suggested we consult a surgeon, but we needed to speak with Dr. Sheehan first, wanting to weigh our options carefully.
When a pet faces medical challenges, it’s all too easy to overlook the stress that some treatments can cause them. Emotions ran high, and the financial aspects became a blurry concern amidst our worry. In addition to her breathing difficulties, Erica struggled to navigate the steps to our back yard for her bathroom breaks. She had several accidents inside the house that disturbed her tranquility, and some days, she refused to eat. After discussing her situation with Dr. Sheehan, we learned he did not believe Erica was a candidate for surgery. With heavy hearts, we made the painful decision to allow Erica to transition into her next life, peacefully letting her go Thursday night.
Choosing to end a beloved pet’s suffering is one of the most heart-wrenching decisions Connie and I have ever faced. We had made the same choice for Lacey two years prior, and again for Nikki, our devoted 15-year-old lab, a decade ago.
Awakening for the first time in years without the familiar warmth of a dog in our home left an aching emptiness. Erica was often found resting beside me or beneath my desk as I worked, her gentle presence making the workspace feel whole. I had to be cautious not to disturb her with my chair. In fact, as I penned this tribute, I found myself instinctively glancing under the desk for her comforting presence. A significant piece of our hearts feels irrevocably lost with Erica’s passing. We believe with all our hearts that all dogs go to heaven, and we can envision our beloved Erica joyfully reunited with Lacey, both young and strong, chasing rabbits through golden fields or playfully pursuing geese.
One day, our own journeys on this earth will also conclude, and we look forward to the day we are reunited with our dogs eagerly waiting at the mystical Rainbow Bridge. We will shed tears upon that reunion, but those will be tears of joy, as we walk once more with Erica, Lacey, Nikki, Misty, Bear, Sheba, and Trooper, embracing the enduring love we shared.
UPDATE: After the heartbreaking loss of our Labrador Erica in 2015, we vowed to let go of the idea of having any more dogs. Yet, that resolve crumbled within just two days. Compelled by a mix of longing and hope, I began reaching out to the breeders from whom we had previously welcomed our four-legged family members. Miraculously, I discovered a beautiful 14-month-old female black Labrador named Peyton, waiting for her forever home in Gettysburg, PA.
Just 30 days after Erica’s passing, we embarked on a three-hour journey filled with anticipation and nervous excitement to meet our potential new companion. When we arrived, Peyton entered the room like a ray of sunshine, clutching a well-loved teddy bear in her mouth. As she pranced around, her playful spirit radiated joy, stopping every so often to investigate the two of us and sniff our hands. The sound she made—a charming, turkey-like gobble—was the first of many delightful surprises she would bring into our lives, instantly making us laugh.
In that moment, as if connected by an unspoken bond, Connie and I simultaneously turned to her owner, our hearts united, and declared that we wanted to bring Peyton home with us. That was 10 years ago. We knew at that moment that we had found a piece of happiness to help heal our hearts.
(Published 5/14/2015)
RELATED: Peyton Cleary our Beautiful, Faithful Companion and Best Friend Has Passed
RAINBOW BRIDGE
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…