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I was off that Friday and she'd really deteriorated
from morning to late afternoon, where I had to drag
her out from under the big rhody bush along the side
of our backyard fence and carry her to my car to make
our vet appointment. Thinking back Dotty was probably
looking for her final resting place. Earlier that day
I even tried taking her to a couple of the nearby
parks we'd usually go to get her spirits up but she
would not even get out of the car. Compared to my
other dog Buddy, a Lab-Pointer mix around the same age
I'd adopted from the Tacoma/Pierce County Humane
Shelter at around 5 months after Christmas of 1993,
she had been in much better physical shape. But due to
Bud's bigger size, he really hasn't aged as
well the past 2 years as he's slowed down and not
nearly as active. So sure Dot would easily make it
another 2-4 years as in late July still so very alert
and active, she was even looking fit and trim as I
had reduced both their food after she had suffered a
torn ACL in her rear right knee back in Nov. of 2001
from playing with my neighbor's black Lab and had
fully recovered from it. In a way her passing spared
me some tough decisions but thought of missed
opportunities as to not having spent some final
quality time in her last couple of weeks and not being
there for her last moments. Requested to see her for
the last time at the vet's last that Saturday morning
with my wife & 3 y.o. son and closed Dot's eyes. I
requested an individual cremation arranged thru the
vet.
If there is a dog heaven, sure she is happy
there now.
Even though only "Pet Quality" Dotty was descended
from showdogs, her parents were both winners in
regional competitions and her father's genes are
prominent in Dals in the Pacific NW. Her show ancestors
were found in some of the Dalmatian breed books. As
seen in her photo, Dot had that classic Dal look.
Dotty, I will miss and always remember:
Having you accompany me during my evening driving
errands to the local stores to pick-up stuff. That
you were nuts about any and all car trips while Bud
was less so. Seeing your spotted face in the cargo
area thru my rearview mirror whenever I drive my
Subaru wagon. You sitting in front of me and tapping
me with your paw to get my attention. Seeing you run
back to our house from the greenbelts across the
street. Our daily evening walks in the neighborhood.
Having you usually greet me first thing in the morning
whenever I went downstairs. Your groans of comfort
whenever I tucked you into your bed at night by
covering you with your blanket. Your slightly bent
tail. The loving licks you gave to Bud to clean his
face. The licks you gave to me on the weekend mornings
to wake me up in my bachelor days. That you was crazy
about the occasional treat of coffee with cream &
sugar while Bud was indifferent. That I got you as a 7
week old pup from your mom "Daisy" in Enumclaw, WA
during the July 4th weekend of 1993. May 1996 when I
took both you and Bud back east by plane to NYC & NJ
to meet my family and to see Lily's dogs Goldie &
Molly.
Since my siblings and parents are all back east in
NY/NJ, my 2 dogs were my "surrogate family" out here
for several years prior to meeting my wife. On my
occasional overnight or weekend trips to Vancouver BC
in that time they'd always join me as also welcomed by
my friends.
The initial sadness was upon realization
that Dotty's presence taken for granted is no more.
Still, there are no regrets and worth all their loving companionship and the
good times shared. Only thing to do is to remember her fondly and to spend
more time with Bud and to appreciate the little time he probably has
remaining. Sure Bud misses her too as they reminded me of a brother & sister
relationship, their occasional spats, different personalities, but in the
end they looked out for each other. Time has and will help to ease the
sorrow.
In addition to all of us, May God Bless our special animal friends
everyday also.
Lily is so great as that following Wednesday we got her
card, a small Dal bobblehead and one of Dot's small photos that I had
forgotten in a clear frame, even a pkg. of treats for Bud to get his spirits
up. But that is my sister Lily for you and really no surprise. I talked with
her some more that night and it was a very mutually supportive experience.
Thank You,
Paul
Please add this prayer (by Rev.
Anne Robertson of St. John's United Methodist Church in
Dover, NH) and these final words to the end of my
previously sent story for my Dal "Dotty".
Dear God,
Thank You for sending me Dotty and for allowing her to be with us for a
time. She has been such a blessing to us, and our lives have been richer
because you gave the gift of one of your Creations. We are now Sad, because
our time with Dotty has comes to an end. It is a real loss for us, and our
world does not seem as cheery and bright as it was. Be with us in our time
of grief, Dear God, and accept our mourning as a form of praise for this
love that has enriched our lives. Amen. Dotty, we will always remember you,
see you someday at the Rainbow Bridge. Our pets, Special Friends Forever
remembered.
Love
always. Paul, Ling, and Evan with "Buddy"
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