My Sam died today. I had to call the vet out to put him to sleep. He had been suffering from muscle weakness and arthritis for a long time but things had been getting worse over the last few weeks. He was having such difficulty keeping upright and couldn't get up without help so I grudgingly felt it was time to call it a day. He was almost 15. During all the times I had been kicked in the head by people, through the loss and the loneliness, he was always there. He was the one 'person' who was always glad to see me. It was unconditional love on both our parts. And, yes, he was a 'person'. Even he thought so. He would stand on his back legs and hang over the garden fence waiting for the bus. Then, when it arrived, all the passengers would wave out at him and he would look disdainfully back at them. Once the bus had gone he would jump down and run off, quite content that he had cheered their lives. He was a local celebrity. Truly the best friend I could have had. I wanted to put a few photos on here so others could see my handsome prince - one in his hey day, one where he proves it is indeed a dog's life and one from last week. He will be sorely missed.
Gillian, I'm typing through my tears for your loss. I went through the same thing in October when my Jasper died of old age. It's really hard to go through and nobody (of course they are people!) can ever take their places. But there are so many dogs who need homes and they can help fill the empty spot in our lives. We've just had our two new boys from a Golden Retreiver rescue for a month and they are such a joy, though I still miss my Dapper Dog.
ReplyDeleteHUGS and our condolences to you.
I am very sorry for your loss. The photos of your sweet boy are wonderful. -shari
ReplyDeleteI'm so truly sorry for your loss and I know exactly how you feel!!!!(the ole been there done that!!) and thru my tears I know that he will be truly missed!!I am sending you big hugs and hope that soon you will feel better!!! perhaps one day a new friend will come along!! took me 2 years before i could do that!! it's hard!! love and hugs Linda
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your very sad loss of your beloved animal.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you lost your friend. I know how that feels. It is nice that you are honoring your relationship by making art.
ReplyDeleteOh I love these pics of your precious dog, Sam. Thank you so much for sharing your sorrow and your joy. It's wonderful to dwell on all that was good!
ReplyDeleteI just realized we share something in common. I also lost my "Sam" - 1992-2006. He was a beautiful tiger male cat. They bring us so much joy and so MANY SMILES.
I think I'm going to blog about my boy!
My prayers are with you and yours!
I lost my Georgie in 2002 to Cancer and still miss her dearly. She was my baby and a huge part of my life. I know exactly how you feel when you say your Sam was a person - he was. A loving kind soul and companion. At least now he isnt suffering anymore and you'll see him again one day.
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