To Truly Love a Dog
This isn’t what this blog was supposed to be about.
In fact, I was writing this week about something quite dear to my heart. Something I believe in to my core. Something that is so very important in this day and time.
And then life got in the way.
Know how that happens?
But as with all things that occur in this incarnation, my way of dealing with the good, the bad, and the ugly, even the joy- and sorrowful, is to write them out. That other blog will just have to wait.
I talk about my dogs a lot. They’re such an enormous part of my world, and enrich it in so many ways.
They do yours as well, no? I’d stop here and provide statistics as to how much money folks spend on their pets, about how many families are owned by pets. But that’s not really the focus this time. Although it’s a lot of money involved and a huge percentage of our population.
One of the greatest sorrows in having them is that one day—all too soon—they’ll cross that rainbow bridge. Even if they live out longer than their predicted life spans, it’s always, always, far too soon . . .
Having an oldster is also one of the greatest honors that can be bestowed upon us. They’re so noble, enduring the indignities of old age with scarcely a whimper. The hearing goes, as does the vision, and they compensate. Even if orthopedically sound, the bones get frail, the hindquarters weaken. The day looms on the horizon . . .
And you know that every day with them is a beautiful gift.
Still, when they go . . .
Scoutie was not one I bred in my home. A dear friend did, and gave me the great honor of taking her home as a baby. I fell in love with her then (which we breeders know not to do—they have miles and miles of health clearances to pass before they can be in the breeding program, not to mention growing into those of sound type and structure as well).
It wasn’t, however, like I had a choice. Sometimes they grab you by the heart and just refuse to let go.
Thankfully she did work out, although no one believed for a second she’d have gone anywhere anyway 🙂
Ah, the miles we traversed together! What a joy she was to show in obedience, always the happiest dog in the ring. We still laugh at how she would wag through her sits. A judge and crowd pleaser for sure. And such fun running her hunt tests. Fearless she was—as long as she could still see me!
Of course with her one litter we ended up at the vet’s at midnight for an emergency C-section, and I’ll never forget how she awakened there to lift her groggy head and start licking her babies.
From that she gave me one of my other true heart dogs, Harper Lee, who has gone on to many wins and titles, when not lying across my lap.
As the end was drawing nigh, I of course knew it. Had known it for a while. And appreciated every day as the gift it was with her.
I was gone all day, and hadn’t been home ten minutes when in true Scoutie fashion, she took that hardest decision from my hands. After waiting until I got back.
And as she’d done with every step she took in this life, she wagged until the end.
What a wonderful lesson these kids are for us. The unselfish love they give. The constant, unconditional caring. The noble march through old age and into the great beyond.
Would that I could be like that.
Anyone who’s ever loved a dog, truly loved a dog, knows the depths of the sorrow.
How blessed I was and am. She’ll stay in my heart forever. Because of course as we give voice to, and sometimes actually know, in the end it’s those we love who matter most, whether two- or four-legged.
My hope is that you are so loved . . .
Renee groskreutz
11 Jan 2017Oh, I am so sorry for your loss. However, I am more happy to know that you had this precious baby in your life. While loss is so terrible, it is only terrible because of how wonderful they were in our life.
Susan Malone
11 Jan 2017So true, Renee. This is the price we pay for loving so deeply, and it’s an honor to do so . . .
Kathy @ SMART Living 365
11 Jan 2017Oh Susan…. how could you write about anything else? My heart feels your pain AND more importantly your love for Scoutie. She sounds like an angel you were privileged to share your life with for a while. You will naturally remember her forever…. but may every day to come be a tiny bit easier. ~Kathy
Susan Malone
11 Jan 2017Thank you, Kathy. And yes–Scoutie was definitely an angel . . .
Andi Reis
11 Jan 2017My sister told me when I was in my teens that it actually gets harder to say goodbye when you’re older. It was hard to imagine at the time, but now I see. I haven’t had a dog pass away (of my own) for such a long time, and I do dread the emotions that will come along with it. I tend to be so thin-skinned. When my conure passed away suddenly, it was like the sky had fallen, and it still makes me teary. Their personalities burn into us, don’t they. Scoutie was a beautiful dog, and really, all of your labs are just so NOBLE. My heart goes out to you, and we are thinking of you.
Susan Malone
11 Jan 2017Oh, yes, Andi–their personalities burn into us. So well said . . .
Colleen M. Story
11 Jan 2017Awwww, I’m so sorry Susan. I just lost mine last August and still miss her so I know the feeling well. So glad that she waited until you got home. I have often said the same—animals teach us how to age, though we’ll never be as good at it. Happy trails to your puppy.
Susan Malone
11 Jan 2017Oh, so sorry for your loss as well, Colleen. Perhaps they’re playing together, across that Rainbow Bridge . . .
Jean
11 Jan 2017Sorry for your loss. Those special ones are the hardest to let go.
Susan Malone
11 Jan 2017Oh, they are, Jean, aren’t they . . .
Meghan
11 Jan 2017Tears!!! You words went straight to my heart and then came the tears. What a beautiful tribute to your pup, who, as any family member would, has left a bit of a hole in your heart with passing. My three greyhounds all died within one year; I’ve never really gotten over it and it’s the “goodbye” that has prevented a new “hello.” I’m sorry for your loss and am sending a big hug your way.
Susan Malone
11 Jan 2017You know, I often say, and did so the other day, that the only thing that saves me when I lose one is coming home to the pitter patter of other Labrador paws. I don’t think we ever get over the loss, but the others help to carry on . . .
Lori English
11 Jan 2017Susan,
This is a beautiful article that touched my soul to the core. I love dogs and definitely can relate to what you are feeling. In fact I have a lab. I know the love that she gives me is totally unconditional . Dogs and cats are so special everyone’s life that when I was studying in college our class had a pet day and we brought tin our animals. Thank You they live on forever in our hearts. Lori English
Susan Malone
11 Jan 2017Kiss you Lab for me, Lori. And cherish her every day.
Tamuria
11 Jan 2017Susan, I am so sorry about Scoutie. It is so painful when they leave us, yet the joy they give somehow makes it all worthwhile. I’m facing this with my little Decaf right now. She has lost most of her sight and hearing and those old bones are struggling. The other night she made a really strange noise and we felt certain her time had come. Thankfully, she’s still with us but each moment is extra precious.
Susan Malone
11 Jan 2017Cherish each moment, Tamuria. Each one is a gift.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All
11 Jan 2017it is so hard to lose a pet for those of us that truly love our pets. WE love them like people so we mourn them so as well.
Susan Malone
11 Jan 2017It is, isn’t it. True family members.
Jen
11 Jan 2017Aw, Susan. I’m sorry. What a good dog Scoutie was! Thanks for sharing that. A big (virtual) hug to you.
Susan Malone
11 Jan 2017Thanks for the hug, Jen!
Anne
11 Jan 2017What a great article to have crossed my path today! I lost my 14 year old Lab last summer only 2 days after her birthday. Good gracious, I loved that dog with my whole heart….she was there when I met my boyfriend, who became husband, and brought our 2 kids home. Even stood by me for an extra year after my Dad died. I miss her so much and you are so right about how important and meaningful they are to our lives. Thank you for this article!
Susan Malone
11 Jan 2017That’s just another piece about the oldsters, isn’t it, Anne–they’ve traveled down so many roads with us. Been by our sides through so many life transitions. Makes it all the more poignant.
Beverley Golden
11 Jan 2017What a beautiful gift you were to Scoutie and she was to you, Susan. I am so sorry for your loss, but how incredible a love you had for each other. I feel your sadness and what an empty space losing her leaves on your heart. I still have photos around my house of our dear dog Stinky who lived to be 17 1/2 but has been gone since 2001. Now I have the great joy of having my daughter’s mini pin Gunnar living here with me and I adore him. My daughter inherited/adopted him when he was 5 and he will be 11 on January 31st. His energy and innocence always amaze me and people still think he is a puppy because of his enthusiasm. Losing an animal is heart-breaking, as I believe our dogs truly do give us unconditional love all the time. It is some consolation for you to have other dogs at home and I hope they help take some of the sadness away for you. Thanks for sharing this very poignant tribute to Scoutie. And yes, anyone who has ever truly loved a dog, does know the depth of the sorrow their loss brings. xo
Susan Malone
11 Jan 2017Minpins are such hoots, Beverley! I’m so glad you have him (even though it sounds like one of those Mom deals :).
And yes, such abiding love lasts literally forever . . .
Reba Linker
11 Jan 2017You had me at “dog,” Susan. They are such gifts. I love this: “And as she’d done with every step she took in this life, she wagged until the end.” And
“What a wonderful lesson these kids are for us.” Yes! They are simply the best.
Susan Malone
12 Jan 2017They are the best, aren’t they, Reba. Such marvelous beings.
Ann Bacciaglia
11 Jan 2017It is so hard to lose your fur baby. We lost our dog Pal a few years ago. I took comfort that he lived a healthy long life. I miss him everyday. I am so sorry for your loss.
Susan Malone
12 Jan 2017I’m not sure the missing them ever goes away, Ann. Especially when they’re part of the family.
Kristen Wilson
11 Jan 2017We moved from Ca to VA and my 1 and 4 year old girls got not 1 but 2 puppies (rescued).. after I left my ex… the dogs became 2 more mouths that I had a hard time feeding and giving attention to… I ended up giving them back to the rescue center who would break them apart (possible to rehome them) after 6+ years.. and as sad as I was.. I knew it was right for them…. I couldn’t give them the love they needed. So, different but I get it.
Susan Malone
12 Jan 2017So often the dog’s care is left to the mom, Kristen, who is already overloaded. I try to prevent that. As folks often say, you have to pass a test to get one of my pups that the CIA would be proud of.
Jacqui Odell
11 Jan 2017I am so sorry for your loss! Pets are like another member of the house and it’s hard to lose them.
Susan Malone
12 Jan 2017It is, Jacqui, it is.
Erica Schwarz
11 Jan 2017Oh my heart! I had a chocolate lab, Hazel. She’s the only dog I ever owned and I had her 15 wonderful years before she passed over. She was GORGEOUS, fantastic physical show qualities I was told, but she was shy and would have never made a good show dog. BUT she was FULL of love – so much love, and just content to be with us. She was perfect and we miss her dearly. <3 So sorry for your loss
Susan Malone
12 Jan 2017I can’t even imagine life without a Lab, Erica. You need another 🙂
My Teen Guide
12 Jan 2017My heart feels pains while reading this, it’s really sad to think the reality happening and missing someone. I’m so sorry for your loss, I’m glad to know that your dog brings so much fun and happiness in your life.
Susan Malone
12 Jan 2017Oh, they do, they do. I cannot imagine life without them.
Beth (GrannyBeth3)
12 Jan 2017As I write, my beloved tripawd, Buddie, is at my feet. He has grabbed our souls and is family, as every dog who has shared our home has. I do indeed feel lucky.
Susan Malone
12 Jan 2017Kiss Buddy for me, Beth. Cherish him.
Vatsala Shukla
12 Jan 2017My heartfelt condolences, Susan. At 1 point we had 5 dachshunds at home and the pain of bereavement was cushioned by the need of the hour to help the surviving dachshund family members cope with their grief.
Dogs do grieve and if one has lived with them for a long period of time, the humans pick up the signal too. The most painful bereavement was when the last dachshund went a few months before his 18th birthday.
He suffered an aneurysm at the vet’s clinic but kept breathing until we got him home. I told the vet that putting him to sleep wasn’t an option and took him home in the hope that we still had some time together.
It was a rainy day and I guess Bruno knew his last duty was to see the ladies safe in the house before he left. Within 20 minutes he took 3 sharp breathes and was gone resting his head near my heart.
I’m flooded with memories reading about Scoutie and thinking, if one has not known the love of a canine companion, then they have missed out on the most precious experience possible.
Susan Malone
12 Jan 2017Aren’t the memories so vivid, Vatsala. They stay with us forever.
And yes–dogs do grieve. When I got home from the vet’s, I carried in the blanket Scoutie had been wrapped in. The rest of the furr family are usually rambunctious when I come in, but they all just stopped still. Then, one by one, came up and smelled the blanket, quietly, softly, mournfully. My home remained quite somber for days . . .
Melanie Burbage
12 Jan 2017So cute! I have a dog and used to have two, it was heart breaking to lose him, they become your kid really and a part of your everyday life. It’s tough losing them
Susan Malone
13 Jan 2017It is tough losing them, Melanie. But ah, the joy they bring . . .
Ron Penner
12 Jan 2017A beautiful tribute.
Susan Malone
13 Jan 2017Thanks, Ron. You’ve known her through pics all her life . . .
Michael LaRocca
12 Jan 2017My first dog was hit by a car. He lay there until I came to the road, then wagged his tail one time and died. Much too young.
I brought home a kitten from the Hong Kong SPCA in 2001. She’ll turn 17 next month. She still looks and acts like a kitten, but of course she’s not. Every day’s a gift.
Susan Malone
13 Jan 2017Every day is a gift, Michael. And a beautiful one . . .
Carissa Pelletier
12 Jan 2017I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. There is a movie coming out about dogs and I don’t even know if I could enjoy it knowing the hurt losing a dog causes. At least we have the happy memories!
Susan Malone
13 Jan 2017I still can’t watch Old Yeller, Carissa. Or any movie where the dog dies . . .
Teresa Salhi
12 Jan 2017My mama has a dachshund named Minnie. She has been mama’s little angel for a long time now, and especially since Mark’s passing recently (mama’s hubby). I got to know Minnie while I stayed with them the past 7 weeks. Oh what love and comfort she has given to mama as she finds ways to fill the void Mark has left in her home and heart. They are so blessed to have each other and I pray they will continue together for a long time to come. I just can’t imagine it any other way. Thanks for reminiscing and allowing me to do the same. Blessings Susan.
Susan Malone
13 Jan 2017I’ve found nothing on this planet to be more comforting in times of sorry than a furr kid, Teresa. Always there. Always loving. When I went through the long ordeal with my parents, these kids literally saved me.
Natasha Botkin
12 Jan 2017Very sweet post, thanks for sharing your love! xoxo
Susan Malone
13 Jan 2017It’s easy to share their love, Natasha 🙂
Pauline Hosie
12 Jan 2017I was with you on every level as you shared the beauty and wonder of dogs. Some of the most painful, happy and beautiful experiences I ever had was with our beloved dog Bacardi ~ letting her go was so incrediably difficult… She was an Angel who came to a family in great need to ease our suffering. To write of she love and devotion would fill this page ( and did fill a chapter of my book ) so I just thank you for wonderful your post . To share the love of dog is such a gift <3 Thank you Susan.
Susan Malone
13 Jan 2017They are angels, aren’t they, Pauline. And you hit the core–“the most painful, happy and beautiful experiences I ever had was with out beloved dog . . .”
Candess M. Campbell
12 Jan 2017Susan, it is comforting to hear your story. I miss Domingo who we lost in July. The connection with a dog is so special. I didn’t cry for months but would visit the shelter and one day there was a dog there that looked a lot like Domingo. I picked him up and sat with him and cried hard for a while. I wasn’t ready for a new friend yet, but the pup and I had a connection. Dogs are such healers. My heart goes out to you.
Susan Malone
13 Jan 2017Isn’t grief just an odd process, Candess. We think we’re okay and then blam! A trigger comes along and just brings us to our knees.
And yep, it’s too soon yet for a new furr kid for you. But one day, that child will grace your life . . .
rachel lavern
13 Jan 2017I am sorry for your loss Susan. It sounds to me like you both were blessed–to have each other. I feel your pain and I imagine that writing this post was a catharsis for you.
I have not had a pet since I left my parents’ house because. as an adult, I am always on the go. My mother and brother have began grieving for a dog they have had for approximately 12 years since the vet told them that she will have to be put down soon.
Susan Malone
16 Jan 2017Funny thing, Rachel, the catharsis was why I wrote it. I get over many things by writing them out.
And oh–give your mom and brother a hug for me. Anticipating the event is just excruciating.
Joyce Hansen
13 Jan 2017Being a multiple dog owner many times, it’s always so hard to let them go. But, as each one leaves another comes in to fill the void. For which I am most grateful.
Susan Malone
16 Jan 2017And that gratitude gets us through, doesn’t it, Joyce. I am OH-so grateful for my kids here.
Joan M Harrington
14 Jan 2017Really enjoyed your post Susan!
Thank you so much for sharing how much love our pets (in your case your dog) has for us and for them. I can totally relate, but with cats 😉 It has been the same for me with my cats over the years and losing them is like losing a part of the family….so much sadness but knowing that they KNEW how much they were loved, and like you until the end, by wagging their tails or purring, it is always hard to let go because they have brought so much joy and happiness to our family 🙂
Feeling happy and a little sad after reading your post, but I can feel content in the fact that my cats all knew I loved them soooo much 🙂
xoxoxox
Susan Malone
16 Jan 2017In the end that’s all that matters, isn’t it, Joan–that all our furr kids knew how much we loved them. Seeing them to the end is just the price we pay for getting to love them.
Katarina Andersson
14 Jan 2017Oh, I am sorry about your dog…she seems to have been lovely…Dogs always have a special place as pets (though I have always been more for cats, though I have had dogs when I was little too).
Susan Malone
16 Jan 2017I actually have both, Katarina. Can’t imagine life without them.
Karen
14 Jan 2017I am so sorry that you lost your dog. I was not a dog lover until we got our dog, Zeus. He has a tight hold on my heart.
Susan Malone
16 Jan 2017Isn’t it funny how that happens, Karen–you think you’re immune and then one day, a four-legged steals your heart . . .
Elizabeth O
14 Jan 2017This was very moving and reminded me of a few family pets who tugged at our hearts and left us with many heartwarming memories. Hugs and love to you. May Scoutie keep watch over you.
Susan Malone
16 Jan 2017Thank you, Elizabeth. I’ll have many of them waiting for me when I cross over . . .
Jennifer Quisenberry
17 Jan 2017Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you– I know all too well the deep, sorrow that accompanies the loss of your fur child. And that’s what they really are. They are just as dear as other family members and the grief is so hard. I’ll ask my Champ and Dumbledore to look for Scoutie at the bridge. I’m sure they will be great friends.
Susan Malone
17 Jan 2017I love that, Jennifer. Please do ask Champ and Dumbledore to look out for her. And funny you mention that–as her spirit left, immediately I saw Miss Emma, stick in her mouth, wagging, welcoming Scoutie to the other side of the bridge . . .
Lorii Abela
17 Jan 2017Touching article! Dogs will always have a place in humans hearts
Susan Malone
18 Jan 2017Yes, they do, Lorii.
Lorii Abela
18 Jan 2017I am sorry to hear this. I only had pet fish. Though they didn’t live as long as dogs, I felt some loss as well.
Susan Malone
18 Jan 2017I had pet fish too!
Christy Soukhamneut
18 Jan 2017Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. We have a dog that is a member of our family. She has been with us for 10 years. She makes it a little less lonely when the kids are all gone. Big hugs to you.
Susan Malone
19 Jan 2017They are a part of the family, aren’t they, Christy. And thank you for the hugs!