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January 20, 2004 -
February 23, 2004
This page is dedicated in loving memory
of our sweet angel who was sent from heaven, only destined to be
with us for a short time. Ariella was named after "The Little
Mermaid" (whose name was Ariel, we made it the Italian version).
Ariel gave up her tail for a pair of legs so she could live happily
ever after on land; Ariella also gave up her tail for hind legs. She
was born with a stub of a tail (no bone) and both of her hind legs
were turned to the right. Later, as she developed, it was also
evident that her rear structure was not fully developed as her torso
length and hind legs were smaller than they should have been. When
we started to feed her puppy mush, we observed that she did not have
full control of her bowel movements. Our veterinarian, Dr. Scott
Lichlyter of Brentwood Family Pet Care, diagnosed her to have
"spinobifida" and also confirmed our suspicions that she had
neurological problems in the rear. He also said that it was not a
genetic issue, but just something that is a part of human nature,
and unfortunately an "uncurable" condition.
To my sweet baby, Ariella
I begin this poem with many tears of sorrow and a
heavy heart
You never knew you were different from your
littermates
You were oblivious to your physical
limitations
You simply loved to cuddle, to eat, to sleep and
to play
Little did you know how much we cried over
you
Little did you know how much we prayed for a
miracle to happen
Little did you know how much you affected our
lives forever
Yesterday, it was the saddest night of my
life
Today, it was even harder than
yesterday
Tomorrow, you would have been five weeks
old
I am left with your white ribbon collar that you
wore
I am left with the white towel I last held you in,
which will never be washed
I am left with the happiness you brought and the
bittersweet pain of your departure
I end this poem with happy spirits in anticipation
of being with you again one day
Until then, your loving kisses and sweet innocence
will be an everlasting memory.
Feb. 6 (17 days) - Suspension:
no struggle. Lie on back: little struggle.
  
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