She was a beautiful, red-tri mini-Aussie. But that doesn’t begin to define what she meant to us, especially after the kids left home. Fourteen years ago, she truly rescued us and was a savior of sorts especially to one of our kids on the autism spectrum. He named her after his favorite, funny character from a Judy Blume book. As their bond grew, I witnessed him give her the love and affection that I never dreamed he was capable of. Life became more bearable as he finally had someone who “got him” just like Temple Grandin spoke of in her book, Animals in Translation.
After they were drafted into college- at least that’s how it felt for me as a mom - we were left with the care and feeding of their pets. I myself had gone to school at home as did my friends and an away college experience was a new event in my immigrant family. I clung now to their pets as an extension of the kids themselves.
The bone cancer seemed to advance quickly once the diagnosis was made by our vet. Her ailments just piled up and plagued her daily.
The morning of the procedure was devastatingly painful as we facetimed her for the kids one last time who, because they were away at their summer internships, were unable to hug and hold her in person. They said their goodbyes over the camera, we drove solemnly to the vet’s office, but not before we cut a lock of her once beautiful red hair.
When the vet called to let us know her ashes were ready to be picked up, we once again drove solemnly to the vet’s office and walked into a waiting room full of pets and their cheery owners.
The vet tech greeted us and told us she’d bring out our pet then disappeared into the back office. One of the dad’s standing in the waiting room heard that and he turned to his little boy and said, ‘look son, they’re here to pick up their pup!’ Sadly, our pup came out in a little cedar box. It was awkward and sad.
So now the nest is truly empty. Our girl truly rescued us and we’ll never be the same again. ‘Rage against the light and go gentle into that good night’ sweet princess.
I still love this by Byron as a tribute to the wonderful qualities of our dear dogs. We had to put down one of our labs because of bone cancer. It’s such a painful disease and after a point, drugs just don’t ease it. I am sorry for your loss.
Near this Spot
are deposited the Remains of one
who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferocity,
and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.
This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery
if inscribed over human Ashes,
is but a just tribute to the Memory of
BOATSWAIN, a DOG,
who was born in Newfoundland May 1803
Love the poem NJSue and thanks everyone for your sympathies, she was in the words of one of my favorite authors, “my little dog a heartbeat at my feet.” She will be well missed.
What a tribute to a most beloved pet. Your story brought me to tears and your words so eloquently express how much she touched you to the core. I am so sorry for your loss. ((((HUGS)))))
Tears streaming. Sending you and your family a big ((HUG)) and thinking that your dog is at the Rainbow Bridge with our beautiful dogs. I think your dog was lucky to be loved by you and your family.