Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Memory Lane

Jumbo, you were the first thing that I ever raised and it has been a long strange journey indeed.  There was something about your face that was irresistible and annoying all at once. You taught me patience, responsibility, and to sleep less; all things I need to learn before becoming a parent.  


You have been there for my first apartment, first home, first child, second child, second home, and the third little red head too.  There isn't a milestone that I haven't completed in my adult life that you haven't cheered for me with a nice lick of the hand. 



You are stubborn and intense when it comes to defending your toys, our home, or your family.  You are "OUR DOG" and could never belong or be claimed by anyone else.  



You are a constant companion of the best kind.  The kind that rests and relaxes for most of the day, but needs to be close just because.  You are the king of your castle, always choosing the best spot to overtake.  There isn't a couch or bed in this home you don't like. 


We have had our rough patches to say the least.  You arrived to us unable to breath and spent months receiving treatments to keep you alive.  People asked us to return you to the tragic beginnings you came from, but we saved you and nursed to back to health.  11 years and 3 surgeries later you outlasted everyone's expectations to become the curmudgeon that you are at this moment. 


 The decision to help you out of your regular, daily pain isn't going to be one that it easy but we make it knowing that you are better off.  The 11 years of adventure, fun and silliness will be with us always and we will remember the way you shaped the little moments of our lives forever. A day in the near future will present a very tough decision for us, but you are making the path to peace clearer each day. 


5 comments:

  1. I absolutely loved this post! It is so heartfelt and sweet. I am a dog person as well and am nearing that decision with my older dog. Enjoy everyday!

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  2. I absolutely loved this post! It is so heartfelt and sweet. I am a dog person as well and am nearing that decision with my older dog. Enjoy everyday!

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  3. What a lovely post! Dogs are the best pets - so much personality and unconditional love.

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  4. You captured memories of your dog so well. I especially loved the lines toward the beginning reflecting on how your dog prepared you for becoming a parent. I am sorry for the decision that you have to make but glad that you are able to celebrate so many common experiences.

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  5. Our pets somehow help us hold on to time -and it it such a loss to see them go. I think, for me at least, when this has happened, something more is being lost. I loved how you used pictures to highlight your memories...

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