Best buddies!
Last night I had to put my beloved dog of almost 10 years to sleep. It is really one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. She was a very special dog. She loved me unconditionally and I will always remember her way of "giving me love" by putting her head on my chest. She has been having trouble getting around and this week she stopped eating, was having trouble breathing, and could barely walk. I know it was the best thing for her but my heart still hurts that I had to let her go. I think she was ready to join her best buddy Nebraska. We had to let Nebbie go earlier this year. She was Steve's dog, so it has really been a tough year on both of us. I am convinced that Eva and Nebbie are romping around together in the lush green grass of doggy heaven.
Eva after playing in the snow ~ (?? 12/24/98 - 10/14/08) We don't know Eva's true birth date, but I rescued her from a busy road on Christmas Eve.
Nebraska ~ (07/02/99 - 04/23/08)
We want to thank all of our family and friends for their support and kind words. We appreciate that they realize that our girls were special to us and members of our family, and not "just a dog".
*** Just a Dog ***
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."
They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."
"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog", but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man or woman."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" just smile...
because they "just don't understand."
by Richard Biby
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Contributing Editor VHD
From "The Versatile Hunting Dog"
NAVHDA's Magazine
February 2006
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Our girls are together again
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Heather, Our hearts go out to you and Steve, that must've been an incredibly difficult decision. I love the poem you included, it brought tears to my eyes and the words are so true!
Chasing Down The Sky
You were a member of my family and my very closet friend.
You loved me like few people can, exactly as I am.
You'd listen to me and comfort me when I was feeling down.
You'd play with me and sleep with me and follow me around.
No matter how my day went or how long you were feft alone,
You always waited faithfully to welcome me back home.
If years could bring you back to me, you'd be right here today
But you are where you need to be and that is where you'll stay.
Because even though you are gone, it's really not goodbye
You simply ran ahead of me like chasing down the sky.
Any when my own time comes and my own journey ends
I know that you will be there to welcome me home again.
Post a Comment