Jaydee Girl is laid to rest. . .

[pinky]

The passing of a friend's kitty made me realize that I hadn't reached closure where Jayde was concerned. So today I laid her in the earth. I usually have my landlady around for moral support, but I wanted to be alone this time. I wanted to hold my beautiful girl and sing to her as I did while we were waiting for the vet, and as I had done often while playing with her. And I did this with tears rolling down my face, but it was good.

I then positioned the pawprint stone and planted flowers on each side. The stone has only three names on it, since it was made last year, but it's fine for now.

Rest peacefully, my beautiful girl. I will never forget you.

[Die Fledermaus]

*choked up*

What I feel bad about is that when one (me) has loads of rescued animals - including those I cannot give names to such as groups of spiny mice - and sometimes I just lose track and forget a name, or one dies before being named, or they die before I take a photo. and then I feel bad maybe I did something wrong. All typical responses, but it all happens to me more often as I have more.

I had planned a big mass burial in the cemetery last week - but too hot and too humid. I will try next week. It is a long procedure finding a suitable hidden place where I can dig out of sight, and I need heavy stones to keep the raccoons out. And then I have to cover it over so no one knows it is there. The digging: I use a Bowie knife and rubber gloves to scoop the dirt out. You get the idea.

I have had some losses I'd just as soon not talk about, but they affect me nonetheless.

Weather has me down. The a/c has to be on, and the electric bill is exploding! Many vexations of late.

Jayde grave photos soon, I hope. RIP. We are there in spirit for you.

As I may be at a different place in the cemetery, the other being short of usable space, I will go to the old site and say some things. Yea, a macaw would out live me.

Take care.

[Hamsters82]

Aw, those are always hard. *hugs* Rest in peace Jaydee and I'm sure she loved you singing to her.

[pinky]

Thanks, both of you.

I want my flowers to establish themselves a bit first, and then I will take a pic.

I should ask my landlord for some paint and paint "Jayde" onto a rock so that all four names are there.

DF, I have no idea how you manage to dig that much and that deep without notice and without ideal tools to bury that many (larger-than-a-dwarf-hamster) critters. Amazing.

Were you to be discovered, do you know what would happen? (I am asking--I have no clue.)

But it is interesting that your critters share space, in a manner of speaking, with the likes of Henry Rutgers and the founder of my alma mater, Mabel Smith Douglass.

[Die Fledermaus]

You know the cemetery name, I see.

One time I brought in some crtitters, including Dion (such a beautiful Syrian, who died before his time). In the Memorial Gallery in my sig, which is somewhat updated recently. The problem was the site was occupied by workers doing gardening tasks, with equipment. I had to find another, and it was not as good. The raccoons got poor Dion. Hope his remains at least nourished other critters. That happened to the very first bunch I buried years and years ago. Heavy stones, preferably flat, are needed (under the dirt). I put few on top so as to not attract attention.

The difficulty in finding a place is locating one where there is dirt, nor grass, where there is floral coverage vis a vis bushes and trees, and where when I am on my knees no car can see me from the road. Locations are limited. I have tried a few others with inadequate results.

No idea what would happen if caught. Likely nothing, except I'd have to leave with the critters.

A latex gloved right hand, and a Bowie knife in the left hand, is the best for breaking up and scooping out dirt. Often I have to switch hands with the knife as it gets tiring. I kneel on an old blanket. It is not a job for hot humid weather. Takes a good hour to dig two holes, then I have to cover them up.