I wrote a while back about two Irish Setters named Bud and Lou I see in the Park most mornings.
Like redheaded racehorses, when they see me coming, gallop to greet me.
About a month ago, their mistress, who had Lou on his leash, an immediate cause for concern, said he was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor, the vet predicting he merely had two months to live.
Like most dogs, Lou seemed oblivious to his alleged fate, waggy and loving, giving you wet kisses in-between peeks in your pocket for that possible cookie.
On Friday when I saw him, his mistress said he was so sick the day before, she was all set to bring him in to put him down, but then he seemed to rally.
Before I go on, let me say, it takes a helluva person to have the humanity to put a pet out of their misery despite their own broken heart.
She let Lou loose who, as usual was very happy to see me, sprawling across my lap as I crouched on one knee.
I hugged and kissed him hardly able to believe he had been so sick, just the day before.
I told him I loved him and thanked him for always making me smile whenever we met, not realizing, we were both saying good bye.
The following day I didn’t see them.
But the day after that, only Bud came to greet me.
Pookie asked me what was wrong when he saw tears in my eyes. This heartfelt piece made me think of our faithful Sam. These little babies look at us with love and have no idea what is happening. Perhaps that is best.
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I just saw Bud. He wouldn’t leave his mom, kept looking over his shoulder, making sure she was okay before coming to me. Broke my heart. She said, he’s sad. Moping in mourning for his brother. I too left weeping. They’re so human, and some ways better than us. sigh
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I have to respect those who care more for their pets than themselves. When that moment of truth arrives, the only consolation is knowing the pet would thank you and that you gave them the best life possible. It is hard saying goodbye.
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Year ago I had a black cat named Inky who had cancer. The day I took her in to put her to sleep, like Lou, she rallied. I decided to wait. Then the vet said something John, I’ll never ever forget. He said, she’s not going to get better….it will only get worse and soon. Wouldn’t you like to go out when you were having a good day? I let him put her down. sigh
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AW, Susannah. I have had to do the same with four kitties. I still get choked when I think of taking them in. Thanks for sharing.😢
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You don’t forget something like that, do ya…sigh
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No it is something you never should forget along with the beautiful memories of the joy they brought.
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And you sure don’t want them to outlive you. That’s why Queen Elizabeth won’t get another Corgi. Makes me sad for her.
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Well I think given the fact that EII is the narcissist’s narcisst she would believe a pet could not go on without her. Truth is they are adaptable and if someone else paid attention to them they would be fine. I feel sad for her too.
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I thought that too, but who knows what it’s like in her family. Perhaps they’re not as loving as she is.
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I think you are right. Can you imagine sitting around and having a few laughs with Charles and the Duke. (Not to mention Carmella)
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The Duke? OY…his skin must feel like a flounder’s. sigh
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A stuffed flounder at that.
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He was a harsh dad to Charles, who, being such a Diana fan, never much cared for. But then I read a book about his early life and my heart opened a bit for him.
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I think the loss of Lord Mountbatten was a hard one for him. Okay we’ll cut him some slack.
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Yeah, from what I’ve read, it was since he was very fatherly towards him, much more than his actual father ever was. Big loss there. You also see why Camilla became so important. She filled that empty gap.
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I think you are right.
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I need to try hard to stop judging people. No one knows better than me how a warped childhood can affect you as an adult. Charles was neglected. It shaped him but, it’s great to know, he had someone who took the time to care and understand him. One died much too soon, the other now his wife.
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On the other side, judging people is a lot of fun sometimes. 😁 I love to see folks that have the same shortcomings as me. I had a boss one time who told me that he never met anyone as clumsy as he until he met me. (This was after knocking a vase off a pedistal at Chiat Day’s house.)
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You were probably thinking of a story you wanted to write. 🙂
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That could well be. I was usually thinking of something other than what was going on right then. 😊
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I’m distracted all the time and have to lure myself back to the present. Wonder if Hemingway and Kurt had this problem. Bet they did. 🙂
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I’ll bet they did. I’m doing some research for my next book and have to drag myself out of where ever I am. (1967 right now) 😊
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A year before RFK and MLK died, not in that order.
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Yup. My characters are at the LA Coliseum for the AFL/NFL championship game which became known as Super Bowl I.
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Wow, that sounds interesting.
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The two characters (James and Samantha) are dead and they have been asked to find another soul and the soul’s guide who are missing on the Eternal Road. (Title of the first in the series) The last anyone heard of them the soul (Ryan Sanders) and his guide (Eddie Rickenbacker) were playing in the championship game at the LA Coliseum. So Sam and James went there to see if they can find out what happened.
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I love the names. What will they be wearing. Levis? Windbreakers? Frye Boots??? 🙂
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They are both 26 so they would be dressed in the latest 2021 clothes. Although they time travel they don’t worry too much about how they look. Several times the folks they are with question their clothes. For example, Wyatt Earp (in the first book) questioned the fine fabric of Sam’s jeans since the Levi Strauss product was rough woven. It was a tip-off to him that they weren’t from around there. He was also fascinated with James’s Apple watch. It seems that the velcro band was particularly interesting. He then wanted to know all about the future and then became saddened since he wouldn’t see it. I generally leave how the characters look up to the reader so I don’t have major descriptions in my stuff. I think Frye ankle boots, skinny jeans, blouse and windbreaker would be great for Sam. 😊
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I see. 🙂
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😁
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I’m rereading this. I love the part about the Apple Watch. But of course he’d be taken with that. Steve Jobs is up there smiling.
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Yes he is,
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Nice to agree.
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😁
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Sorry to hear you lost a friend. Doesn’t matter what species a friend is a friend and missed when no longer in thus realm.
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That’s right. Well said Patricia.
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So sweet, its just a horrendous experience to put your dog down. Stay safe
~Hal Rubenstein from my iPhone
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I know you went through it with Tucker. sigh
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Heart-breaking! You and Lou shared love, each of you important to the other.
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That last encounter was so tender. Part of me feels, he hung on long enough t say good bye.
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I’m sure you are right. Dogs sense those things better than we do.
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It’s been my experience, they hang on as long as they can. That’s why you often hear, he was fine, then all of a sudden. They’re stoic creatures and sensitive to all. I still feel sad. Of course, it’s only been a week, but we’ll get used to the new deal, even sweet Lou. We’re designed Anne, all of us, 4 legged included, to HEEL. A pun even now…see?
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Yes, I see your pun about HEALth.
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Forgive me Anne, I’m just not feeling too clever.
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That makes two of us.
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Did something happen? I know here, the blues come and go which could explain why it’s my favorite color. But I’ve been thinking of switching to green. 🙂
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You live a colorful life. Green is my favorite color — has been for most of my life.
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Irish Green is my favorite shade.
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You have honored the pup. You have respected the human. The decision is definitely an emotional one. Thank you for your kind expression of this situation.
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Just breaks your heart. They’re so loyal and true.
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I’m sure his heart is breaking. He is lucky to have friends around.
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I saw him this morning walking with Mike, the Standard Poodle. But he’s still being clingy with his mom. Poor guy.
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It’s an impossibly difficult decision when you have to say goodbye to your friend. You never forget those final moments shared, as I am sure you never will.
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It’s worse than any guy leaving you. I’ve done it. Your heart takes the ultimate hit.
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I remember every single time.
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sigh
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This is particularly poignant to me, Susannah, as Zeke is very close to joining Lou. I’m waiting until two days in a row he refuses to go for a short walk… so far, it’s only happened once. My heart is already breaking but I refuse to stretch it out just for me.
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NO NO…Zeke still has game in him. He’ll rally. He will.
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He does but I do have to face reality, too.
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Didn’t mean to make you feel sad.
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No, I know. And I’m resigned that it is in my future…
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Stay within the parameters of the day. Heard a great quote…” Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, faith looks up.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson.
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Yes. An excellent quote.
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Just when you think you’ve heard them all.
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There are so very many out there!
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Tales like this are an unwelcome reminder but there’s no point playing ostrich. Smudge will be sixteen on August 12th.
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Awe…I know how much you and M love Smudge. She was your first born after all.
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It is better to have loved and lost……………..
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I know, but there’s that pain like no other. sigh
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It is the cycle of life. Death is inevitable. Some dream of immortality: they’ve not thought things through very well. It would be the very worst curse (if it were possible).
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I’d rather not think about it to be quite frank.
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They break our hearts don’t they? When my parents passed away we “inherited” their last cat. She had no name, just “the little grey cat that is so cute. So we called her Miao DzeDong. Chairwoman Miao. Fit her to a T. She lived her last few years happy with us. Until the last moment. We then swore never to have a pet again…
RIP Lou.
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Everyone says that, then one day…:)
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I know, our daughters are always trying and pushing. 🐱
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It’s the best way to honor the 4-legged fallen, by rescuing a peer.
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Whose side are you on?
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Arf Arf
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Rest In Peace to all gone souls… sometimes we miss our loved ones
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Nice you wrote to him.
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My heart ❤ No doubt Bud is having a tough time too.
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I just saw him. He was wearing his orange coat that makes him look like Seabiscuit out for a walk. He’s very clingy to his mom. My heart breaks. He lost his brother after all. sigh
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