Love Knows No Boundaries

When they brought him home, they knew their lives would be filled with love, friendship, and loyalty. He would grow to be obedient and happy. They’d trust him, wholeheartedly, with their children to whom he’d bring love and happiness. Despite the tail pulling and little poking fingers of a toddler, he would remain their faithful companion. His love showed that he was loved.

He’d face some health issues with his pancreas. They never batted an eye, and just bought him his expensive pet food, medication and watched him closely. Despite these issues, he was still strong. He’d traverse the trails with his friends, full force. Almost every weekend, he’d be out with one or all of them, hiking or camping. In the woods, in nature, was where he was at home.

A couple months ago the loyal, obedient, well-behaved friend started showing signs of illness. They took him to the veterinarian who told them it was likely that there was nothing they could do. It was sad to see their friend in such a state, but he was comfortable. When he stopped eating and cried often they knew he’d be leaving them soon. The robust dog that he was, was no more. He relinquished his life of hiking the lake trails for a life on his bed, in the garage.

Last week they began to say goodbye to their friend. They knew it wouldn’t be long before he passed. Along with not eating, he now stopped drinking. The goodbyes were hard. Tears were shed in earnest. Life would certainly be different with him not there, in their daily lives, but he would always be in their hearts. They knew this. This is what carried them through.

They decided that he needed to be one with nature again. It was what the dog thrived on, in the past. After a while of being in the garage, it would be a good dose of happiness for him. On Saturday afternoon, he and his male companion set off into the woods. The whole ride up into the mountains, he kept his head down, submissive and demure. He had no idea where he was going, surely. But, when the door was opened, he saw the dirt, the trees, the trail. His head perked up and as his friend set him on the ground he sniffed the air contently. He even smiled one of those famous dog smiles that dog owners know all too well. For the duration of the hike, he was happy. He was the dog that he always was. There was no pain. There was no misery. They walked that walk, happily. It was good for them both.

Pets are like our children, really. We care for them so much. Only wanting the best for them. That’s why it’s so hard to see them hurt or suffering. This was a good time, though. It’s what he needed. It’s what he needed to be his last moment here on earth before the ethereal. For at the top of the mountain, after the short hike, this friend laid down and closed his eyes. His paws on the dirt, he was fulfilled one last time. And, with that fulfillment, he took his last breath. He died on that hike, on that mountain, in the brisk sunshine, in peace. There wasn’t sadness, rather happiness. Happiness for the beloved comrade was suffering no more. Happiness that the dog’s last moments were truly majestic and life affirming. Happiness that there was no more pain.

We should all be so lucky to spend our last moments in the sunshine, on the mountain, in nature, with a loved one.

Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be missed, loved forever, and never forgotten.

Dedicated to Jeff, Maureen and family,
in honor of their departed friend Kato.

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Soap Opera Sunday is the brainchild of Twas Brillig and Walking Katetastrophe
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This entry was posted on Sunday, October 28th, 2007 at 9:06 am and is filed under Soap Opera Sunday. You can follow any comments to this post through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.