Friday, May 1, 2015

Saying Goodbye to a Friend

This morning while sitting in my chair, tears are rolling down my face. Saying goodbye to a friend, or a loved one is never easy, and it makes it even harder when they've given you nothing but unconditional love since the day you met.

This morning my heart hurts so much for a dear friend who is helping her dog pass on.

I know there are plenty of people out there who think, "It's just a dog. You can get another one." But if you've never had a dog, you will never understand the true love and companionship that comes along with that wonderful relationship. I'm not a religious person, but I do have my beliefs...and one of those is that whatever higher power you believe in...they put dogs on this earth to help us humans. We find ourselves alone, lost, sad and heart broken...and these wonderful beasts can come up to us and with no words do more for us than any human could ever do.

Over the past few years I've had several friends lose their beloved dogs, and as a dog owner myself it cuts me deep. Some of these friends are ones I've never met in person, nor have I met their dogs...but that doesn't matter. If you've been loved by one dog, you know what it's like to lose that.

Over my life I've luckily been spared the pain of helping a dog pass on. Growing up we had a wonderful black lab named Ace. My dad got him when I was in the 6th grade. I grew up with that dog, and when I moved to Boston...I got the call from my father that he had to have Ace put to sleep. I could hear the pain in my father's voice. Here was a man that was sheriff, and could deal with things that most people couldn't...but losing a dog was able to break through all that.

I don't have many more words for this blog post. I haven't blogged in such a long time, but this morning my heart was just needing to get these words out. I don't know if they'll even make sense. My mind jumps to when we lost Edgar, and the pain that gutted me. Then it jumps to the fact that one day we'll be in this same position with our boys, a thought I don't want to entertain.

I've been so blessed to have Cooper in my life. I love little Puck, but he is 100% Michael's dog. He would go to the ends of the earth and back for Michael. It's Cooper who would follow me anywhere. Unless there was a squirrel...or something shiny...or something that ran fast...but I digress.

I'm going to end this blog post by sharing some quotes or things that friends have posted.

"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." ~ Anonymous ~ (Shared by my friend Karry Ann)

"When the Man walked up he said, 'What is Wild Dog doing here?' And Woman said, 'His name is not Wild Dog anymore, but First Friend, because he will be our friend for always and always.'" ~ Rudyard Kipling ~ (Shared by my friend Paula)


There is nothing in this world like the love between a dog and their human.


Until next time...go snuggle with your furry friend. 

4 comments:

  1. Damn it! you made me cry again! <3

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  2. So sorry for your friend's pain. It is a pain like no other when losing a dog along with the bond, companionship, loyalty, and above all the unconditional love. All hell breaks loose every time I walk through the door as my dogs celebrate my homecoming whether it be 10 minutes or a week. They truly live life just to be a part of our hearts. I love the first quote shared by Karry Ann. I've lost three over the years but will always hold them close to my heart. They took care of me just as much as I did them and the same for my current dogs! Thank you for sharing!

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  3. Thank you for putting your heart felt stuff into words. I have lost some besties too over the years and I know, it is no picnic. It has taught me to remember to live and love in the moment
    We only have so little time on this earth.

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  4. I know she's not a dog, but I had to send my 23 year old cat over the rainbow bridge October of last year. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. Even harder than breaking up with a now ex-boyfriend. I had her since she was 4 weeks old and I was a junior in high school. I miss her more and more everyday. :(

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