19 Apr Bright and Clear
Luna
🤍 Claire De Lune 🤍
9/19/2012 – 3/18/2023 🐾
One month ago I lost my best friend. It’s been hard adjusting to life without Luna because she was such a big part of my life. She wasn’t just a dog, she was my family, and I will miss her for the rest of my life. So many of you offered your support, words of encouragement, and prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️ The texts, DMs, and comments on my last post really meant so much to me and made me realize even more what an incredibly special dog Luna was and how so many people loved her just like I did.
Luna had a special way of making people fall in love with her the moment they met her. She had such a great personality too that it made her so unique. She was the epitome of a “good girl” 💖 — sweet, gentle, loving, protective, loyal, intelligent, obedient, strong, and absolutely beautiful! She was everything you’d hope your dog would be and more! I never had to worry about her running away when she was off-leash. She always walked right by my side. She never once nipped at me or showed me an ounce of aggression. I could teach her a new trick in a matter of minutes, and she knew so many! Sometimes it felt like she was a celebrity because of how many compliments she would receive in public and the way people would look at her. I guess what I’m really trying to say is that I feel so blessed and just so proud that she was my dog. 🥹❤️
In May 2022, Luna was sadly diagnosed with congestive heart failure (DCM). She was prescribed a ton of medication, and her VET told me it was unlikely that she would even live another 3 months. Most dogs don’t. He even said she could die that day during our car ride home, but I refused to give up on Luna. I prayed to God and asked Him to please give me just another 6 months with her. God heard my prayers because Luna ended up living another 11 months! ❤️ Every day, I gave Luna all her medicine at 3am, 7am, 11am, 3pm, and 7pm (21 pills total). I never missed one time. In the end, she passed away from Lymphoma and not heart disease (DCM). I think in a way, her heart was so full of love for me that it pushed her to keep living and it would have continued to if it wasn’t for the unexpected lymphoma. During her last 11 months, we enjoyed so many cuddles, laughs, and nice walks together. Luna loved and lived life to the fullest until the very end. While taking care of her during this time was definitely hard and stressful, I would do it for the rest of my life if that meant I could have her back. That’s how much I loved her.
🌈❤️
When it was her time to cross rainbow bridge, Luna passed away peacefully in my arms with my head resting against hers. I talked to her the entire time, telling her what an amazing friend she had been, how she was the best dog, and I said “thank you” over and over. I also asked her to find my childhood dog Ginger who I never had the chance to say goodbye to. I’ve always felt guilty about that and I asked Luna to find her and tell her how sorry I was. Shortly after Luna’s passing, I’m convinced that God sent me a sign that Luna found her. I can’t really explain it but I just know she found Ginger 🧡 and one day I’ll be with both of them again.
I never wanted to say goodbye to Luna, but I’m very thankful that her passing was so peaceful because she deserved nothing less. I naturally though had intrusive doubts about my decision. But shortly after she passed, I was emailed options for an urn I was interested in ordering and when I opened the email I saw that the urn in the example stock photos had the name “Claire” engraved on them. No one but me (not her VET or the cremation facility) knew Luna’s real name was actually Claire. 😭😭😭 I took it as a sign that Luna was ready to go and that I made the right decision. I also chose to pay extra for a private memorial service where I could be present when they cremated her. This finally happened this past weekend and I got to see and hug Luna one last time. I was even the one who turned the cremation machine on, which had a big sign on it that said where it was manufactured. Of all the possible places, it was Lakeland, FL (the first city that Luna and I lived together when I first got her). It was like we had come full circle. 💞
The name “Luna” means moon. 🌕 That’s what I called her 90% of the time when I wasn’t calling her by one of her other nicknames. But on paper, her official name was “Claire De Lune”, named after one of my favorite classical songs which means “moonlight.” Well, it wasn’t until after Luna passed that I looked up the meaning of Claire, and found that it means “bright and clear.” That is truly what Luna represented in my life. When the storms of life and darkness surrounded me, she was right beside me bringing light to my life. Of course, there were loads of good times too and those will always outweigh the bad times, but nothing bonds you like the bad times. It’s those who stand by you when all hell is breaking loose that truly love you the most. Luna did that better than just about everyone.
🤍 To my best friend Luna 🤍
Every time I look at the moon I will remember the love and friendship we shared. I will remember that you were the Doberman I wanted ever since I was a little girl. I will remember how God brought you into my life 10 years ago knowing I would have to face some really hard times ahead and would need a companion like you. You were a constant source of light in my life. You helped me get to where I am today. Thank you so much, Luna. I will never forget you and no dog will ever replace you. I can’t wait to see you again one day. Until then, keep shinning on me sweet girl.
I love you to the moon and back. Always and forever! 🤍🌙