My parents had their dog put down on Monday. Toby was a beautiful, happy, sweet, loyal golden retriever. It is very sad. Pictures are here and here.
I came (and brought my dog) to spend the night with Mom last night, because my dad's out of the country sailing in a regatta for a time, and I imagine the emptiness in this house is haunting her.
I can't imagine what life will be like without Belle. The girl is getting old, and she's got something troubling an ear that will mean a trip to the vet. She doesn't always lift her head when she's lying down and I come into the room, although she usually gives a few wags of her tail and watches me to determine whether the outlay of energy of actually raising her head is called for.
This morning at breakfast Mom and I talked about the wonderful bond you have with a dog. There is something great about caring for them, and something so pure about the way they love you, with faith and an unashamed adoration. They always want you nearby, they always want to accompany you, they always feel lucky for your attention. They'll romp off into the field or muck into the stagnant swampy pond, snuffling about to see what they can discover, but they always look back over their shoulder to check where you are.
It's as though we are leading parallel lives. My parents had to have their dog put down last week. I went to the doggie hospital with them and they were both in tears. I am not sure if I've ever seen my parents cry before. It's is every bit as bad as losing a human member of the family. My sympathies to your parents.
Posted by: cmc | July 22, 2005 at 12:04 PM
Toby was a beautiful dog. My sympathies to your family on their loss. I've been there and it is so painful.
Posted by: terrilynn | July 24, 2005 at 11:27 AM