It's been a year since I lost Shadow. I've moved on. Been busy with family & work. We were blessed with another great dog (Grayson). It's funny how one mutt had such an impact upon me. Even now, I still miss his sorry little butt. Grayson is an excellent and loyal dog, but Shadow and I spent a lot of time together and I miss him. I think I spend a lot more time with Grayson because of some lingering regret. I have definitely taken a lot more pictures of the new dog than the last. Partially because I realised that I did not have as many shots of Shadow in digital format and partially because it is easier to document the changes as he grows. I am not sure why I was so emotionally attached to him. We shared many hours on the trail together. I shared with him many things that I have never told with anyone else. Shadow and I had a good understanding of each other. He knew who the alpha dog was, he knew when to take care of business, he knew when we were going out of town, he knew when dad was pissed off (or watching football), and more importantly, he knew the adage: When momma dog ain't happy, no body's happy. The new guy hasn't quite gotten the lingo down, yet, but he is learning.
When it comes to kids and dogs, I sometimes regress in maturity and act like a kid (or so my spouse would claim). I used to make up dumb songs on a lark. One of the stupid little ditties I used to sing to him:
I've got a smile on my butt for you,
A smile that is always true.
I'm grinnin from ear to ear,
and it's showing on my rear,
I've got a smile on my butt for you.
I never claimed to be a lyricist...
In the meantime, I will eat a fig newton in memory of a great dog.
5 comments:
I think some pets just leave a footprint on your heart. My parents have had many, many dogs and a few cats, but only two of the dogs earned special status and their ashes will be buried with my mom (according to her wishes!)
I've only had one dog in my adult life and the hardest thing I ever had to do was put her down. I was the one who had to take charge and say it was time to put her down when the end came. There are times I feel the tug to get another dog, but the time just isn't right. I have the two cats to keep me company for now, but it's not the same.
Just like people, there are some pets that live longer in the heart than others.
For me there is Sam, the Irish Setter. he was a great dog, even if he only had one braincell that worked.
We lost Domino about a year and a half ago. I still get choked up thinking about him and how much I miss him. "Just a dog" - no such thing.
I read a prayer once that went, "God, let me be the person my dog thinks I am" - a great prayer and motivator.
terri,
I can empathize with you. Putting Shadow down was the hardest thing I have done and still chokes me up.
RC,
I know that pets don't live as long as people do and they all will eventually pass on. Some leave more that a memory in our hearts. Even knowing that our pets will reach this point in the future, we still chose to take them into our hearts, fleas & all.
Abby,
I only wish I could live up to my dog's expectations. Regardless of what mood I was in, Shadow still loved us unconditionally.
Awwww.......
Im so sorry to hear about losing your dog Shadow last year. That's awful. I lost my cat when I was about 8 years old. I never got over it, and I never got another pet because it was too painful!!
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