Monday, May 1, 2017

Old Friends



I want to thank you all for the comments on the sweet pics of Marigold and Robin. When I took them, I knew they were to be the last for Marigold. The Vestibular Syndrome made many things hard to manage and I suspect she had been having small debilitating episodes in recent months.  The dogs all hovered around her the last days. It was life in slow motion, you saw the inevitable coming ever so closer in small slices of life. Friday morning Gene took her down to the vet for me. She was my Dad's dog. I just couldn't do this one and it was with equal measure of shame, guilt and relief, that I willingly handed over this awful, necessary kindness to my DH when he volunteered.


Marigold was 14 years old. She had been raised from day one with her companion of 11 years, Pilot. They were both born on the same day, different litters, different breeders. My folks picked them up the same day at 10 weeks I think. They grew up together. I know when he went over the bridge she missed him terribly. When my folks moved to Oregon, Marigold came to live with us since they really couldn't have a dog and the two cats. She fit right in, the kids accepted their new big sister. She was a quiet dog, I have only heard her bark a few times ever, but she was also a stealthy counter surfer, a consummate table scrap beggar, a warm kind pillow for canine or feline and she could sure drag you along on a walk when she took a mind too! There must have been just a bit of terrier in her or at least terrier stubbornness!



She lived for Sundays, when my Dad came over to watch the Patriots play. When he was able, he was here at least once a week even in the off season. When he died, I know she knew, in whatever way animals know these things. And now, I like to think that she, Pilot and my Dad (and the many other wonderful fur friends that have passed long before), are reunited.

Instead of a parting shot, I'll leave you with this.


13 comments:

Anna H said...

Always difficult to say good bye to a fur baby, so sorry for your pain and loss......

Peg Cherre said...

So sorry for your loss. I sobbed at the post and the song, with the Bookends album coming out during high school and holding many of my favorite tunes.

Cindie said...

The tears are flowing at your post. I was thinking of you on Friday and the difficult chore ahead for that day. Hugs to you......

Susan said...

I lost my soul dog just before Christmas and I still feel as if the wound is fresh in my heart. What a kind, beautiful dog she was. Keeping you all in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Oh dear, I am very sorry to hear that Marigold has gone over the Rainbow bridge. I am sure it was a lovely reunion when she was greeted by your Father and her old friend Pilot. My heart goes out to you dear lady.

Tobie said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets are such important companions in our lives.

Michelle said...

Hugs and pets for all.

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

My deepest sympathies.
I can imagine that Marigold is running with my dear Maddie in a field of wildflowers with all the other sweet friends we have lost over the years. A meadow of devoted critters waiting for us to see them again...
Take care.
Susan xx

Unknown said...

I am so very sorry to hear of Marigold's passing, doubly hard because she was your Dad's dog. My heart is heavy for you. Nancy

Nancy

Hilary said...

oh wow, I hate losing our sweet canine friends.....it breaks my heart every time............thinking of you. :)

LA said...

What a wonderful tribute to Marigold. She certainly gave you many precious memories.

Sharon said...

Thank you for sharing Marigold's story with us (mopping eyes).

Leigh said...

Oh, such sad news! What a sweetheart of a dog. It's always so hard to lose them. :(