Tuesday 3 August 2010

A Tribute to Balu

It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you about the passing of my dear friend, Balu. 
I knew Balu when I was living in China. That was 3 years ago when Balu was still a puppy. We would often hang out together and we shared many common interests. For instance, we both loved the same toy, we enjoyed our retrieving games and we also fell in love with the same girl, Kira.
My friendship with Balu came to an abrupt halt when I had to relocate to the Netherlands. But I’ve never forgotten about him. Occasionally, I would send him a Christmas card or get my Missus to drop him an email or two.
He was doing well until around eight months ago. Then, Balu was diagnosed with cancer. His humans were devastated, especially his human dad. They tried many vets and medicines to control the dreadful disease or to make it go away. Unfortunately, none of them were effective. His health deteriorated and his quality of life was no longer there. In other words, he was suffering. Ultimately, his humans had to make the heartbreaking decision to let him go.
Balu was only four.
In Loving Memory of

BALU
11 September 2006 – 17 April 2010


Rainbow Bridge
There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is call the rainbow bridge because of its many colours.
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

Run free Balu. We are going to miss you.
Love,
Homer

15 comments:

Paco,Milo, Maya and mommy Simona said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Homie...
Our hearts are devastated like yours....
Poor sweet Balu....
And poor humans of him....
We imagine the pain they're feeling....
And he was sooooooooooooooo young....
Pleaseeeeee.....tell them we'll keep them in our prayers and their boy in our hearts furever!!!
RUN FREE BALU............

And you guys are ok???
We miss you tons!!!!!!!
We need you and hope to meet you again very very soon!!!!!!!!

Mommy sent a message to your mommy...did she get it???

WE LOVE YOU AND YOUR SPECIAL HUMANS!!!!!!
Take care of you and hope to hear from you soon!!!!!!!!
SMACKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

Molly the Airedale said...

OMG, we are so sorry, Homer! Balu was way too young! Our hearts are breaking for his hoomans.

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Anonymous said...

Hey Homer,
We are very sorry to hear about Balu; he is such a handsome looking boy. That cancer is bad stuff; it takes old and young dogs alike. Our brother Chance was only seven when cancer took him and our brother Gordon was 15 when cancer took him. We will pray for Balu and his family tonight; we will also pray for you and your family for the loss of your friend.
- TBH&K

Lorenza said...

Beautiful tribute to Balu.
Thanks for sharing it.
Our thoughts are with his family.
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Ben said...

Travel Safe Dear Balu - looking forward to meeting you on the otherside.
Cancer is evil

How Sam Sees It said...

Oh, dear. I'm so sorry to hear that. We are sending many hugs to you and to Balu's family. He looks like he was a truly beautiful boy.

Sam

Unknown said...

Oh Homer - that is so sad!! Cancer is such a cruel sickie. You must miss your friend so much. So young too! Life is unfair sometimes. But I'm sure Balu had a very happy life and was greatly loved by his family. And in the end, that's all any doggie would want, isn't it?

Slobbers,
Honey the Great Dane

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

We are so sorry fur the loss of your furiend

BUT Balu's family gave him the best gift our humans khan give us when that time khomes -

Thanks fur sharing -

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Golden Samantha said...

Dear Homer,
So sorry to hear this news about your friend Balu. He was much too young - cancer is such a NASTY disease, especially when it hits a 4 year old pupper. Run free sweet Balu, through big grassy fields and reunite with some of our old pals there.
Big Hugs xoxoxo
Sammie and Avalon and Oz and Mommi

George The Lad said...

It is heart breaking, when fellow furiends go to the bridge, and thats such a young age, sorry for your loss. I'll pop back to see you soon.
George xxx

Unknown said...

Thank you all, and thank you so much Homer and Vanessa...

It is not easy for me to read all the posts.

Whoever knew Balu could never imagine that cancer will take over such a strong and energetic dog.
Being said that, "Balu & Me" is a tale full of happy, sad, scary, funny, and emotional events, that maybe one day I will be able to share with you all.

Again, thank you all, keep loving your dogs, they will never doubt the love for you.

Ishay

Lucille said...

Ciao Homer!
I am so sorry ... My human has been lazy and we have not been visiting your blog for some time...
Sorry to hear about your friend...
I am sure Balu had a very short but happy life...

I was passing by to invite you to a contest I have also been invited...
http://lucillemia.wordpress.com/2010/08/21/versatile-blogger-award/

Speak to you soon, we have to organise our meeting!

Ciao Lucille

Augie and Ti's mom said...

Oh, how awful :( I'm sorry.

golden retrievers said...

I am sorry for the loss. Don't worry, Balu is up there guiding you. May he rest in peace.

Anonymous said...

That is just terrible. I am so sorry. That Rainbow Bridge quote makes me cry every time i have read it. I am very sorry. I cannot imagine what pain his family must be having. He will be missed.