My Little Angel, Bean

by James and Melinda Lewis
(Dallas, TX)

Sweet Little Angel

My wife and I were not looking for Bean back in 2001, but she sprouted up in our lives. I was not a dog person growing up, so I didn't know what to expect.

My wife was called out of town on work just a couple of days after Bean was brought into our lives. I was told not to let her sleep with me because we agreed to keep her in the crate at night. Well that lasted 5 minutes the first night my wife was gone.

I still remember it like yesterday. I placed Bean on the bed and she curled up in a little bean shaped ball and sighed as soon as I got beside her on the bed. It was at that moment she wrapped me around her little paw. This precious little angel has been a part of the family our entire marriage.

We had to put her to rest on Friday, December 12, 2014. She had kidney failure and wouldn't eat.

It was the hardest decision we have ever made. She has brought so much joy to us everyday of our marriage. I am blessed to have spent 14 years with this precious baby. The last 2 weeks I did everything I knew to get her to eat, but this illness came on fast.

My baby loved to walk and during good weather walked ~ 2 miles per day with me and my wife until 2 weeks ago. I have cried so much these past 2 weeks and sure I will keep crying because I have lost my best friend who brought so much joy to my life.

At the end she could barely walk, which hurt me so much because she could out run me at times even at 14. Thank you for letting me share my story with you because I will never forget my little baby and the joy she brought me daily.

One thing I am grateful for is she did not suffer and I knew I couldn't be selfish and keep her on this Earth if she was in pain. I so hope to see her in Heaven some day. I love you Bean, you will be greatly missed. Love Dad and Mom

Comments for My Little Angel, Bean

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Jan 22, 2015

Precious Schnauzer
by: Maureen

I am so sorry for your loss. As I read your tribute to your Bean, I was so able to understand your loss. My husband and I lost our little schnauzer on 12/17 very suddenly also. Our little buddies bring so much love and joy into our daily lives. It is so hard to imagine life without them. I am thinking of you both.

Dec 19, 2014

Beautiful Bean
by: Tonia

I am so sorry for your loss. I understand the pain you're feeling and know how the crying spells can hit when least expected. My fur baby suffered from kidney failure too. He was 15 when he began to get sick and it’s amazing how quickly his health diminished. It is so painful to watch them lose interest in things they once loved and no longer have the ability to do. Although making the decision to let go is never easy, it is an unselfish act of love and the best thing we can do to relieve them of suffering. Rest in knowing that you will see Bean again and the wonderful life you all gave her.

Dec 18, 2014

Thinking of you and melinda tonight
by: CHRIS

The pain you feel is only the interest on the loan since God only loans the babies to us for a period of time and then our lives are changed forever. I have gone through this a few times and each time I think I will never have another dog that means as much to me as the one I have lost, but then another one comes into our lives and we love again.

I lost my Lab (Khan) last year. I was so sad and then Zoey came into my life. She is a mix that my Grandson adopted from the local pound. She has some Pit but this is the sweetest dog and has brought so much love into our lives. She shares this love with four other dogs in our family.

Saturday will be a great day for your family. I hope Magic likes the new sister or brother. Good luck and I will be thinking of you all on Saturday. This will be a new love in your lives and I know that sweet Beanie will live on in your hearts until you meet at Rainbow Bridge.

Dec 16, 2014

Precious Bean
by: James Lewis

I want to thank each and everyone of you that posted comments. I can't express how much all of them have meant to me during this time.

Dec 15, 2014

sorry for you loss!
by: Mike in Atlanta

i am so sorry about Bean. What a wonderful friend and companion she must have been. We have lost two Schnauzers and Schnauzer mix. Gretel, the Schnauzer mix, was the smartest dog we have ever had. Which turned out to be good because Fritz, our first Schnauzer, was always scheming finding new ways to get into trouble. Gretel was always putting corrections on Fritz and sometimes I swear you could see him roll his eyes. Gretel lived to 17 years of age and Fritz to 14. She was deaf at the end and was having health issues. She wasn't doing well one day when Cindy took her to the vet. She was laying on Cindy's lap while they were waiting and she looked up at Cindy with her beautiful brown eyes and barked three times and left us for the rainbow bridge. We think that perhaps Gretel said I love you Mommy with those last three barks. As always she did things on her own terms.

Our last Schnauzer was Nicholas - named because I found him at the shelter over Christmas. He was sick when we got him but he lived two more years. Nicholas was loved by everyone he met. He just seemed to have such a gentle way about him. When he was sick and we were going to have to make that decision none us want to make, people wanted to come by and say goodbye or we were asked to bring him by the groomer where she just held him and cried. I think I miss him the most because I spent so much time with him.

So, the pain of losing Bean will lessen but never completely go away. You should adopt another Schnauzer. They won't be Bean but they will be a special friend as well. We have five dogs now - including Our newest dog Gustav. His enthusiasm makes him seem a little goofy so his nick name is Goofus. He is very loving and loves to,play with toys.

I hope you find room in your heart for another little friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Dec 15, 2014

Guardian Angels
by: Phil Medway

Our Schnauzers are great loving friends and guardians during the time we share our life with them. I am firmly convinced they remain our guardians above and look forward to crossing the Rainbow Bridge with Max & Meg the two we lost. Mind you it might be me who ends up waiting for the two youngsters we currently share our lives with!

Dec 15, 2014

So sorry.
by: Phullis

I have a little 1 yr old parti-color schnauzer named Evie. She means everything to us. I can only imagine your grief. My condolences.

Dec 15, 2014

Bean
by: Anonymous

so many of the other comments have said things that i would have said,probably not as well as they did;so i'll just add this:

Will Rogers:
"if dogs don't go to heaven,when i die i want to go to where the dogs go;"

Dec 15, 2014

Sorry for your loss
by: Anonymous

So sorry for your loss. Your pain is shared by many.

A Loan From God

God promised at the birth of time,
A special friend to give,
His time on earth is short, he said,
So love him while he lives.

It may be six or seven years,
Or twelve or then sixteen,
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for me?

A wagging tail and cold wet nose,
And silken velvet ears,
A heart as big as all outdoors,
To love you through the years.

His puppy ways will gladden you,
And antics bring a smile,
As guardian or friend he will,
Be loyal all the while.

He'll bring his charms to grace your life,
And though his stay be brief,
When he's gone the memories,
Are solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But lessons only a dog can teach,
I want you each to learn.

Whatever love you give to him,
Returns in triple measure,
Follow his lead and gain a life,
Brim full of simple pleasure.

Enjoy each day as it comes,
Allow your heart to guide,
Be loyal and steadfast in love,
As the dog there by your side.

Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call,
To take him back again?

I fancy each of us would say,
"Dear Lord, thy will be done,
For all the joy this dog shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.

"We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.

"But shall the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand."

Dec 15, 2014

Never-ending
by: Kathryn

It is the worst pain ever. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I also lost my beloved, Snooter, a mini schnauzer (half rabbit, half wolf). I got him in 2001 also. I knew he was sick but not how bad. I took him to get a rabies shot and he apparently had heart disease for he never came out.

I share my story in memory of Snooter and your gorgeous little Bean. And Bear, my nephew schnauzer, who had bone cancer and was released from his pain in June.

It doesn't get "better" ever. I do wish you and your family lots of love and many tissues.

Truly,
Kathryn

Dec 15, 2014

My Little Girl
by: James Lewis

Thank you everyone for such kind comments. Each and every one of them made me cry, but that is exactly what I needed to keep the healing process moving forward. All of the poems posted were so lovely. I just hope my little girl knows how much I love her. She left behind a brother and I know by his actions and changes he is hurting as well that his playmate is no longer here. Thank you again everyone these comments were exactly what I needed this morning.

Dec 15, 2014

what your sweet baby might tell you now
by: alan kaminsky

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say
But first of all, to let you know that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from the Rainbow Bridge.
Here I dwell with God above
Here there is no more tears of sadness; there is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you badly, you are part of My Plan
There's so much we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do
And foremost on the list was to watch and care for you,
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are close to you in the middle of the night.

When you think of life on earth and all those loving years
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears
But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain
Remember there could be no flowers, unless there could be some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over
Now, more than ever before, my life to you is closer.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too
That as you give to the world, the world will give to you.
Then you can say to God at night and "my day was not in vain."
And now I am contented that my life was worthwhile,
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
Lend a hand to pick him up as on your way you go.

When you are walking down the street and you've got me on your mind
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go, from your body to be free,
Remember you're not going. You're coming here to me.

Author Unknown

Dec 15, 2014

Little Bean
by: Debbie

Dear James and Melinda.
I am so sorry for your loss of Bean. Our babies do bring us so much joy, and that's because that joy will always be with you. Sending hugs to both of you.

Dec 15, 2014

Schnauzers are the best.
by: Patrick E Libby

I also had mini Schnauzer, Smokie, who entered into mhy life in 2001. She was a true blessing to me and was my faithful companion until she crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 26 October 2013 with the same symptoms as Beans. I tried to hold on as long as I could but when she could not walk, eat, or drink I knew in my heart what I had to do. Yes, the tears have flowed many times the past 14 months but that is ok as I truly loved Smokie with all my heart and soul. As I have learned there is no time table for grieving and it is ok to hold her memory in my mind and miss the funny antics that she did during her life. My heart is with you during this time of sadness and I am sending hugs to you also.

Dec 15, 2014

Rainbow Bridge
by: Larry Blankenship

You did the right thing. It hurts, I know. I've had to do the same with one of my Schnauzers in the past.
Your Bean was beautiful; and you're right, they have a way of wrapping their people around their paws. Simply put, the Schnauzer is the most wonderful dog a person can be blessed with. Bean was a lucky girl to have such a loving family. I consider them our little gifts from God. Now, someday, when you pass from this life to the next, you will be reunited with her. Please read this beautiful poem at the link below. It describes the Rainbow Bridge which is purportedly where our beloved animals wait for us until we can enter Heaven with them. May you always remember your Bean, and be reunited with her someday.
https://rainbows bridge.com/poem.htm

Dec 15, 2014

Bean
by: Anonymous

Understand your sadness went through it myself with my little schnauzer Roxie. I now have another schnauzer, Snickers, who is the love of my life.I'm sure heaven is a great place where Bean is waiting for you. But you have a heart touched by her and room there for another special dog too. I waited two years for Snickers and I love him more than I ever thought I could love a dog again! Blessings to you.

Dec 15, 2014

Black Bean
by: Sue

So sorry for your loss.. I know how hard this was to do..

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