Happy 21st

Dear Luke, You are missed buddy. You were one of a kind. Smartest dog ever, and eager to please. You would have been 21 years old this week. That's the one thing that just isn't fair. I wanted you to live one day longer than me. Love you Luke.

Happy Birthday Luke

You were among the greatest gifts, and most touching "honors" that ever came in to my life. Our time together riding around the mountains and country side, hiking trails, and wading in the river will never be forgotten as long as I live. You were a blessing that cannot be described, and a once in a life time companion. Stay Boy. One day I'll be coming to find you.

Happy Birthday Old Boy.

You're missed.

Merry Christmas Old Boy

 

 

I'll always love a dog named Luke.

A touching poem by Jimmy Stewart on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byA3JAdqPQk

God made a Dog (He certainly did).

 

I love this video. 

TAKE JOY IN OLD DOGS

Their joys are simple.  A soft bed.  A scrap fallen from the table that the younger dogs missed. The memory of a treed squirrel.  A stormless night.

White whiskered faces and legs crooked as question marks.

Old Dogs…their sweet Buddha bellies hang over crossed legs as they fall asleep in a coveted patch of sun.  Dreaming of out-racing their shadows down long, shady lanes.

Once they danced by your side.  The very definition of joy unleashed.  A perfect poem caught in shining eyes and wagging tails.  They have followed you faithfully for years. And would plunge into fires, untamed wildernesses, raging waters if you asked.

Now, they struggle to catch up.  Their pace slow but their hearts still valiant.

Their cloudy eyes are starting to dim and go distant, tuning in to some invisible world.  Just beyond your reach.

Don’t go you say, as you scratch the tender part between their ears.  Stay longer.  I can’t imagine a world without your fur pressed close to my cheek.  There are still so many roads we haven’t explored.

And they look up at you with a wisdom that just slays you.

Their backs are bent, not from the weight of years, but from the invisible wings they are growing

That will soon take them to a place where once more they are warriors of speed

Drunk with the sights and scents of a thousand meadows.

Able to leap high enough to touch the wing of the tiniest butterfly.

         A place where they will now wait for you to catch up.

A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes.

Status symbol means nothing to him.   A waterlogged stick will do just fine.

A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside.

A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull.

Give him your heart and he will give you his.



Happy Birthday, my friend.   You're missed.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Buddy. 

You would be 15 years old today. 

Wish you were here so we could celebrate your birthday in our usual fashion ... playing fetch the tennis ball until my arm fell off!

Ace and I will come down to the bench to visit with you later today. 

Have a Happy Birthday my old friend.     

     

Merry Christmas Luke

 

Merry Christmas 2011 Luke

I was given a framed print of the photo above as a Christmas gift.  The print includes a biblical scripture and the words "Sleep In Peace".

I miss you Luke.  Sleep in Peace my friend.     

Happy Birthday Luke

Happy Birthday old Boy!  You would have been 14 years old this week!

A day doesn't go by that I don't think about you my friend. 

I love you Luke.

The most compassionate Dr. of Veterinary Medicine I know did Luke and me the honor of coming to our home this afternoon.   He's retired, but he didn't hesitate a moment when I called to asked him if he would help me.

Luke was put to sleep today at my home, and in my arms.  He fell asleep quietly, and passed away peacefully.  The last thing I told him as he drifted off was that I loved him more than anything, and to wait for me in Heaven, because he would be the first person I would come looking for when I got there.

I prepared a spot in our yard for Luke.  After many tears, I finished laying him to rest earlier this afternoon.  I've asked Luke many times to please just live one day longer than me, - but I guess it wasn't supposed to work out that way.

A little while ago, a delivery person arrived with a beautiful arrangement of flowers.  The card was unsigned.  As he handed me the arrangement he pointed out that it had a brand new tennis ball in the center.  He looked confused and asked me if it was supposed to be that way.  I smiled and told him it was, and I knew immediately the arrangement was from Luke's previous owner.

Luke, - Rest In Peace, my loyal friend and wonderful companion.  I love you and I'll see you again one day.

"LUKE"
March 8, 1997 - June 25, 2010

The Most Difficult Decision

The most difficult decision an animal lover has to make is to terminate the life of their pet.  You can say that ending your pets suffering is the "ultimate act of love", but I can tell you, - it sure doesn't feel that way.

I've had to do it before, and I hate the thought of doing it again.  I've loved all my dogs, but I really love this one. 

My Luke is now unable to walk at all.  He can only stand for a few seconds before collapsing, and must be carried.  We give him medicine daily to control any pain.  It makes him groggy, and I know he doesn't feel well.  He hasn't wagged his tail in a long, long time. 

I've learned one thing about Luke recently that I wished I'd known sooner.  He enjoys vanilla ice cream.  I think he likes the sweet flavor, and the cold probably feels good in his mouth.   It makes me feel good to know I can do something that gives him pleasure.

My Angel.

This is my Lukey Boy dressed in angel wings and a halo.  My girls dressed him up as an angel for Halloween several years ago.  This would normally be a funny photo to me.

Last night, Luke and I laid down on the floor together.  He'd been given his medicine, which makes him sleepy.  As he falls asleep, I like to pet him and softly rub his back and hips, and tell him what a good dog he is.  I want him to fall asleep feeling loved.   

It's hard for me to think about giving Luke back to God. 

I'm selfish.  I want him here with me.

This says it all.

Isn't this a great photo?  What a wonderful picture.  To the owner of a Golden Retriever it will have special meaning. 

There is a special quality about a Golden Retriever that I've never seen in another dog.  There is a willingness to please their master that is above and beyond.  They desperately want to make you happy.  And if you are smart enough to communicate to them what it is you want, they will try very hard to do it. 

You see the look in this dog's eyes?  That's the look you get from a Golden when you have their full attention.  They are watching, listening and trying to understand.  They want to please.

I imagine that this Golden would sit in this little bucket of cold water all day, waiting for a bath, if he thought he was supposed to. 

I know Luke would.

Bad week for a Good Boy.

My friend has had a bad week.  The stiffness and discomfort in his hips and front right leg have made any movement difficult.  The Novox seemed to help at first, but now it's giving him little relief.  I got another prescription yesterday which helps to inhibit his pain.  It makes him sleepy, but under the circumstances, this is a blessing. 

Luke's favorite activity was to catch and retrieve a tossed tennis ball, and he could do it for hours.  Seeing him barely able to stand now is heartbreaking.

It's a helpless feeling to realize you'll soon be faced with a very difficult decision.  You can tell yourself that not allowing your animal to suffer is the greatest act of compassion, but it sure doesn't feel that way. 

As long as his tail keeps wagging, I'll keep doing all I can to make him comfortable.   I love this dog. 

 

Happy Birthday Champ!

Tomorrow is Luke's 13th birthday.   He's laying here beside me napping soundly (I can tell from the snoring).  We're having a quiet Sunday morning.   I've already given him some of his birthday present (his favorite chicken treats).

Luke's arthiritis had worsened over the last year.  He's now on daily medication to ease the pain, and to make him more comfortable.  He has trouble getting up, and has to be carried upstairs each night.  It don't think it will be much longer before he needs help going downstairs also. 

He's also gotten almost completely deaf.  I'm careful not to startle him when I approach him from behind.  Since it's hard for him to get up, sometimes he makes a short bark when he's wakes up alone as if to ask "is anyone here"?

Doesn't bother me.  I'll come whenever he needs me, and I will gladly carry him anywhere. 

Happy Birthday old boy!

Road Trip!

We went back to Mouth of Wilson, VA again today. After weeks of rain, we were blessed with the most glorious warm and sunny day. Luke and I could not resist, so we loaded up and took off. I have been putting in long hours and I haven't had much time to spend with Luke, so we needed a Road Trip!

We went back to our favorite spot on the New River, where I took Luke on his birthday. I spread out a blanket, stretched out and let Luke roam around, explore and sniff. He's an inside dog for the most part, so when he's outside he gets "lost" in the unlimited new scents of nature and traces of wildlife. That's what a Golden Retriever lives to do!

After we soaked up some rays, we took out our trash bag and cleaned up the road side and river bank. I'm pretty sure that the place by the river that I like to park is on private property, and I know one day the owner will "catch" us. I guess I figure how mad can he get if he catches me picking up litter? Seems like a pretty fair trade.

Besides, who could stay mad for very long with a friendly old Golden Retriever wagging his tail at you?

My Pretty Boy

This is my sweet boy posing for the camera in the garden. He does exactly as he's told and is very patient as I try to get just the right photo.

Sometimes he and I sit out in the garden and talk.

Sometimes we just sit.