Copper, a beagle, on the left, passed away on January 16th, 2009
Patch, a brittney, to the right, passed away on February 21st, 2009
Domino, a cocker mix, to the right this row, passed away on December 4th, 2010
Three of a long line of pets in our family who have so lovingly gave their lives with devotion to their owners. These are my "grand dogs", so called because they belonged to our grandkids. Each dog I can honestly say had a lot to do with my grand kids upbringing. We have "dog sit" these animals many times when the kids had to leave on a trip or be out of town for a few days, and they were always a joy to have around, each one with their own personality. Copper took sick and after a visit to the vet lasted only a few days before the kids went home for lunch and found her dead on the stair landing. Patch's health had been worsening for the past year and her family had her put to sleep which gave her peace from her pain. It's a sad time here and not the first time we've all gone through this..... Domino was hit by a car on the road in front of her house and the whole family is crying together along with her family who loved her so very much. She was hard of hearing and only had one eye but she lived her little life to it's fullest and received a lot of love, as they all have during their time with us.
My thoughts return today to the pets I've had in my life......there was little "Poopie" who I found laying in a ditch. Someone had run over him and drug him aside to die. He was my first dog and after I run for help, we carried him home and nursed him back to health and he was with me as a kid for many years. Then there a "Sparkie" a little black half cocker who followed me everywhere I went on the creek, and slept next to my bed every night. Next was "Big Dog", a very large black & tan coon dog. Though he lived outside, I would bring him in the house, dress him in baby clothes and pull him around in the wagon. When night time came, Dad would take him down on the creek coon hunting and he was prized throughout the county as being one of the best.
After I married and left home, when our son was two years old, we acquired "Lady". She was a full blooded Brittney and highly trained bird dog who belonged to our neighbor. When the neighbor went to work during the day, our son would go over to their yard and let Lady out of the pen and the two of them played together all day...... Eventually, the neighbor decided to give Lady to us and she very happily settled in with us until her death 15 years later. Then we got "Target", half cocker and half brittney, a wonderful little black & white dog and very loyal to our son and daughters. She also lived for 15 years until after our kids had left home. When I had to take her in to have her put to sleep, I vowed that was the last time I could go through that. I simply could not lose another one, and we've not had a dog since. However, we did enjoy our "grand dogs".
I know how hard losing these pets are for their families. Copper and Patch and Domino, you were so loved.........Rest in Peace, you had good lives, but your jobs are over now. You did your jobs well, and we will miss you ...... In tribute to all of you and all of the special pets I've had in my life, each of you gave so much more than anyone will ever know.
2 comments:
Hey Mary,
So sorry to hear of the pooches gone on. Our lives are richer for them - they have a lot to teach us - but y'all already know that one.
Here's one for you and the other students of dogs in your life (not sure who the author is) :
The Life of a Dog
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up an opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. When it's in your best interest, practice obedience. Let others know when they've invaded your territory. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your whole body. No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout...run back and make friends. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you've had enough. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close and nuzzle them gently.
love, -e
.e.......wouldn't it be wonderful if the whole world lived like that? I'm trying.....not there yet, but I'm trying and this is great reminder. thanks
Post a Comment