As all good things must come to an end, I thought life with Rowan would go on forever. No, you’re not confused. You needn’t read that sentence again. It’ll still say the same thing.
You see, I’ve been known to remark once or thrice that she really must be the World’s Worst Dog. I haven’t hidden my rants or rages. My sputterings and spews have been no secret. I have openly complained and cried in frustration. I’ve fallen and forgiven for all to see. I’ve been a martyr at best.
You understand, right? I mean, she filled my life with insane and unnatural amounts of hair and stained my carpets to the brink of despair. She chewed up precious belongings and sabotaged our prized Wisteria. Her incessant howls cost us neighbors and got her ixnayed from our camping roster. She dragged garbage out over the floors and snatched lavish steaks off the barbie. Walks were harrowing horrors as she pulled and strained with all her might. She vanished when unleashed and ignored our frantic pleas for her return. Yes, without a doubt, she was the world’s worst dog.
But this week, she lay at my feet, panting and whimpering, immobilized and pained. Helpless.
And all I could remember were her ears flapping in the wind, her saucer eyes and her soppy, sweet demeanor. As my family spread out to sleep on the couches and the floor because she could no longer make the trip up to our rooms, I thought of the way she once guarded our house and made us feel safe. While we set our alarm for her 3am meds, I envisioned the way her legs splayed out to the sides as she scrambled to meet us each time we came through the door. While we hand-fed her a homemade turkey and quinoa mix with little sips of water, I wished for the once annoying click of her nails on the wooden floor. And as we changed out the cool packs soothing her collapsing neck, I swore I heard all the laughter she’d brought into our home over the last seven and a half years.
This week, she could do none of that. She simply lay, gasping, blinking, scared and scarred and I realized what I must’ve known all along. She wasn’t the world’s worst dog. She’d be my family’s best memory.
Note: Rowan was taken from us by an inoperable case of Intervertebral Disc Disease
Oh you poor thing! It may comfort you as it did me to Google a poem called ” Rainbow Bridge” ! Or watch it on Utube. You’ll be re-united again one day!
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Thank you, Mary. They did give us a copy of that poem along with her remains. It’s lovely. I appreciate your comment. 🙂
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I’m so sorry for your loss Alana. Losing a pet is so hard, as they are one of the family. Remember all the fun times, that your family had with Rowey. She will live on in your hearts forever.
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Thanks Alana. I really appreciate your kindness. ❤
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Sail on Rowan…. hugs from my pets already over the Rainbow Bridge.
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Sorry to hear about your pets, Sheila. And thank you so much for your comment.
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I’m so sorry for you and your family, Hazy. Rowan was obviously loved. She is now over the Rainbow Bridge and having the time of her life! She will be waiting for all of you!
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Yes, she was loved by many. Thanks for your support, Marilyn!
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Oh god, Alana, I’m in floods! This is love. Pure and simple. And the most beautiful, moving, honest tribute I have ever read. I hope the writing of it helped – at least a little bit. Xx
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It was slightly cathartic, Lesley. I know you understand. Thanks for reading and for your kind words. ❤
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Me too Hazy, I understand! Over the years I greeted Rowan with many a tongue lashing, as she galloped excitedly towards me when I came through the door “get away Rowey, you’ll knock me over”. I will still expect her to be there with those eyes, ears and the panting tongue. She loved your wee family as much as you all loved her, unconditionally!! Take your time, remember the fun!!! ❤
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Thank you, Murphy. ❤
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Yes, all good things must come to an end BUT why so soon? It is not fair….ever…. Trust me on one thing though Pippy, the empty space feels so huge right now but it gets better with time. One day you will be laughing over all her crazy misadventures. My whole family is so sad about Rowey….they all grew up with her and she shall be greatly missed by all of us as well. Howl on little doggie….
Heart hugs from the Laings…xoxoxox
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Thanks so much, Tip. You’re so sweet. Hopefully the hurt and the hole with close up soon. xOxOx
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🙂 🙂 🙂 ❤
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You weren’t kidding. You have had a rough week. I’m so sorry.
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Thanks Adam. We’re getting through it…slowly.
As per your advice: less hair clean up = more writing time.
http://livelikeagrownup.wordpress.com/2013/08/26/see-the-good/
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Your post seriously made me think! I often feel our dog is the worst dog ever! I think I will make tomorrow the first day of our new life with our poor pet!
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Apologies for the delay in my reply. I’ve been neglecting my comment section!
I do hope you’ve been able to enjoy your dog a little more. I am a true testament to how things can change in the blink of any eye, and sadly, how accurate that old saying is; “You don’t know what you had, ’til it’s gone.” A life lesson, for sure.
Thank you so much for reading and for commenting. :0)
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I haven’t been on WordPress for a long time. Thank you for your comments and I’m sorry you lost your friend too. Cece sounds a lot like Rowan! Maybe they are up in heaven chasing squirrels, getting off leashes and just having fun!
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