Goodbye Beautiful Dora

Dora
July 26, 2010 ~ January 22, 2011

It is with a heavy heart that I find myself writing another goodbye post and asking why life is so unfair.  Diego's sudden passing last week left many people in tears and completely heartbroken, including myself.  As if the devastation of loosing one incredibly sweet jaguar cub wasn't enough, now we must say goodbye to his sister Dora.

Just a few weeks ago, Dora exploring the snow

The beautiful babies crossed over the Rainbow Bridge far too soon, just a week apart - they would have been six months old later this week.  Tragically, both suffered from an infection that their tiny bodies just couldn't fight. 

Dora & Diego, tiny little babies...

They say "only the good die young" and I'm beginning to realize this statement holds true for most all animals... their life spans are far too short to begin with.  But when those already short lives are cut this drastically, it really leaves you asking why? The only comfort I can take is knowing that Dora and Diego are together once again...

Dora The Explorer, snoozing with Diego & Mohan and munching some din-din...



Dora playing with her piggie toy during our cub experience



 Since I had just posted most all of our great photos of the cubs, I borrowed many of these amazing shots from the wonderful girls at Tiger World.  I hope they don't mind.  I know they are all missing their babies and can only imagine how they are dealing with not one, but two sudden losses.




Rest in Peace Beautiful Girl

A few serene shots of Dora during our cub experience with her, Diego and Mohan in October...

 

 

If you missed them, you can scroll back to Diego's Goodbye post and to this video of Dora on Fox news earlier this week.  I thought it was bittersweet to see Dora on the news just after Diego's passing... now I'm just grateful for having been able to "see" her in this manner. 

While I selfishly can't believe Dora & Diego won't be at Tiger World when we go back to visit this year and I won't get to see them grow up, I very much cherish the time that we were able to spend with them in October.  I feel so honored to have had the unique and amazing opportunity to have gotten to know them.  They are two little cats who truly stole my heart....



Two Special Babies. Everyone loves & misses you dearly.

Dora & Diego touched many people in their short lives and they will never be forgotten by all those who loved them.   Rest in Peace babies....... we love you.