Our darling General Eisenhower, Ike, was reported missing a week or so ago. His body was discovered when the neighbor's pool was cleaned. Sadly, Ike lives in a benighted area of the country where pools are not legally required to be fenced, and irresponsible people choose, because they can choose, not to protect animals and children from the attractive nuisance they provide for their own pleasure.
If you have a swimming pool on your property, there is absolutely no excuse for failing to secure it--to secure it with a lock and fence, at the very least to float an alarm on it, and certainly to keep it covered and drained during the months when it is not being used. Shame on you if you have a pool and do not practice some or all of these simple, commonsensical preventative measures. Today you may fish a possum or a squirrel or a dog from your pool. Next week it could be a neighbor's granddaughter. What's wrong with you?
And before careless pool-owning readers start defensively wondering where Ike's people were, yes--they were remiss in allowing him to escape. That shouldn't have happened. Absolutely right. Yet--How many times just today have you avoided death or injury by sheer good fortune? Did you take your eyes off
the road to adjust the car radio and not hit a pedestrian or bicyclist? Did you not choke on a piece of food at dinner last night? Did you not mistake one medication for another this morning? You didn't tumble down the stairs when you were carrying a too full laundry basket last week. Maybe your baby didn't fall off the changing table when you had to reach for the wipes. But those things happened to other people who are usually just as smart and careful as you are. And because those things sometimes DO happen, we must be sure not to compound other people's bad judgment or misfortune with bad judgment or negligence of our own. We cannot foresee, and even after it happens we simply can't believe, that our children will wander off while under our own eyes. If it hasn't happened to you or someone you know yet, just wait. But we do know that children love water. We can foresee that a pool will be a draw to any thirsty thing or wandering child. And because we can foresee that, we are, of course, responsible for preventing tragedy insofar as we can. Our second unhappy message is that our beloved Hercule has crossed the bridge. His neurological problems just grew greater and more comprehensive and when his life was painful and unhappy, his foster mom held him as he went to where he will not suffer anymore. Hercule was deeply loved not just by his foster family, but by all of FBRN's volunteers and so many of our supporters.
We'll carry the image of his foolish face with us as long as we live.
We send our love with you, Ike and Hercule, and our wish for peace to your families.
The Frog Princess
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9 comments:
With tears in my eyes I wish Ike and Hercule godspeed. May they find peace at the bridge.
To loosely paraphrase Hanibal Lector's parting comment to Clarissa, "Ike and Herc, the world was more interesting with you in it". I am so sorry for the loss of these two. They were something special.
As someone who once searched for a missing toddler who was found in the bottom of a pool, I am particularly relieved that you spoke up on that issue. We all share responsibility for keeping those who are vulnerable safe from such obvious dangers.
charlotte cooney
So sad for the loss of sweet Ike & Hercule. Hugs to both of their families.
Frog Princess I do not envy you delivering this sad news. Thank you for stressing the importance of keeping ones like Ike safe. And the reposnibility that belongs to every pool owner.
And to our beloved Herc. I cry as I write to say this little clown has touched and broken many a heart.
I hope you two met at the bridge and are spending your day running and playing in sunshine and flower.
all is has taken me is one look at these little guys to feel instantly connected to and attached to them. i am so sorry for the losses and am thinking of those who cared for them.
As a Frenchie mom, I have personally experienced the escape of my babies from the yard when a freak wind broke the gate. And, just last week-end, while visiting a friend with a pool, my beloved Frenchie (who had never seen a pool before) walked right off the edge and sank like a stone. I have been fortunate to recover my babies each time they have been nearly lost. I am a pupmom who verges on the fanatical, regarding watching over my babies -- but sometimes things happen & by the grace of God I've been blessed with happy endings on those occasions. My heart still lurches when I think what could have happened! My deepest condolences go out to the families!
my heart is broken tonight that we lost dear hercule. I hung on every story and so hoped he wouild get well enough to make the adoption page. life is sometimes hard...I will miss his silly face so much
My thoughts and condolences to all who cared for and helped sweet Ike & Hercule. May they find joy & unlimited treats at the Rainbow Bridge.
I'm histerically crying right now, Hercule was in my thoughts every day since I first saw his picture. I wanted to adopt him but we just do not have the money that he needed, I'm so sorry...and Ike...so precious...our prayers are wit you...my baby Curbee drowned Feb. 11 at 6:09 P.M.....we are also grieving horribly...please call us if you need to talk...some very special person that I have never met put this in my mailbox..I had to read it every day even though I break down to pieces every time it is read...this is what it said...."Rainbow Bridge" Just this side of heaven is a place called rainbow bridge. 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 & sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those whom 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 & faster. You have been spotted, and when you & your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunioun, 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........I'm a complete mess just writing this but this is what saved me to be able to go on.......Much Love, Brad Coughlin
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