Goodby to a friend.
onestrangeone
Posts: 2,441 ✭✭✭✭✭
Had to take my chow/retriever mix for his last ride.
I found Ted at the dog pound 9 or 10 years ago, he had been adopted out and returned as defective 3 times before I found him. When I opened the cage door and knelt down he tried to climb into my lap leaning into me so hard he about knocked me over, he was so excited he just could not stay still, anyway he was young (2 yrs. ?) and healthy and I have a soft spot for chows and he got to come live with me. Ted helped me put in the garden, when I would dig up a rock and throw it to the pile he would bring it back, always the right one , this went on for days. Ted also helped me build a deck, while digging the holes for the footing piers he would throw his ball into the hole so that I would HAVE to get it out and throw it, there was no ignoring this dog! He would take the rim from the board I just cut and carry it to his spot in the shade and pile it up for me. Tennis balls were his favorite, he would go around the neighborhood and collect them for me, one day he collected 23 balls, all he wanted to do was play ball.
About 6 weeks ago he quit eating, the vet said he had a severe gastrula tract infection and severe spinal arthritis as well as anemia. He did not respond to the meds very well, he would seem to get a little better and then relapse again. When I got home yesterday I knew it was time, I bounced his ball to him a few times and carried him to my truck.
I found Ted at the dog pound 9 or 10 years ago, he had been adopted out and returned as defective 3 times before I found him. When I opened the cage door and knelt down he tried to climb into my lap leaning into me so hard he about knocked me over, he was so excited he just could not stay still, anyway he was young (2 yrs. ?) and healthy and I have a soft spot for chows and he got to come live with me. Ted helped me put in the garden, when I would dig up a rock and throw it to the pile he would bring it back, always the right one , this went on for days. Ted also helped me build a deck, while digging the holes for the footing piers he would throw his ball into the hole so that I would HAVE to get it out and throw it, there was no ignoring this dog! He would take the rim from the board I just cut and carry it to his spot in the shade and pile it up for me. Tennis balls were his favorite, he would go around the neighborhood and collect them for me, one day he collected 23 balls, all he wanted to do was play ball.
About 6 weeks ago he quit eating, the vet said he had a severe gastrula tract infection and severe spinal arthritis as well as anemia. He did not respond to the meds very well, he would seem to get a little better and then relapse again. When I got home yesterday I knew it was time, I bounced his ball to him a few times and carried him to my truck.
0
Comments
A Dog's Prayer
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
--Beth Norman Harris
My neighbor gave me a poem similar to this when I lost my child hood dog of 16 years. I found it comforting at the time and I hope you do as well. I have had a couple dogs that I have truly loved and its never easy losing one.
Sounds like you two had some wonderful years together and you gave him a good life.
May Ted rest in peace.
Cherish the good memories you have, and may his spirit always live on in your heart.
One of the greatest injustices of the world is that our pets lives are much shorter than our own.
I am sincerely sorry for your loss.
* I have a new address as of 3/24/18 *