Klondike's Way
Klondike never was the most obedient dog. During our initial attempts at dog training...he was the class clown. He didn't understand why the other dogs would gather around the big tin water trough to drink when it was much more expedient to simply crawl into it and sprawl out in the cool water. He was a party dog...it was of no concern to him if no else realized a party was underway.
Yesterday Amy and I walked the same route we walked when we "found" Klondike - I half jokingly accuse Amy of "stealing" him, but that's a story for another day - and truthfully it was odd to find ourselves on that same street considering how much the neighborhood has changed in 11 years...and considering how often Amy and I actually walk together.
Of course it brought back memories of that then tiny ten-week old dog with a ratty collar that had a broken piece of phone wire tied to it.
At first we didn't name Klondike. There were a number of reasons, but foremost among them was that I didn't want to keep him. I could tell this cute little dog was going to grow into a monster who would eat us out of house and home. Klondike however neglected all of my objections easily overlooking my efforts to disown him - I littered the neighborhood with "FOUND DOG" signs, took out an ad in the newspaper and even got on the radio begging for someone to adopt him.
Klondike meanwhile picked his spot and stayed put.
He never was the most obedient dog.
So 11 years went by...Klondike cut a path into our hearts and numerous paths through what was once a beautifully landscaped back yard. He even accepted our two, completely insane, West Highland White Terrorists without the least bit of jealousy.
We naturally assumed that since he was 10 times their size that he'd be the "alpha" dog of the pack. Wrong again...he became the most subservient of the trio...readily giving up his food, water, toys...whatever to Avery our smallest dog...our only female dog.
Klondike never was very obedient.
Anyway, during our walk Amy and I mutually agreed that today we would take Klondike to the vet and have him put down because it was obvious he was increasingly uncomfortable, wasn't eating and seemed to be disoriented a great deal of the time. We braced ourselves emotionally for the trip to the vet and tried to make Klondike as comfortable as possible in the interim. As the night wore on his condition deteriorated very rapidly reinforcing our determination to rush him to the vet as soon as possible and put him out of his misery.
I left for work at 12:30...Amy was in tears...Klondike was in a virtual coma. I vowed to get my work done rapidly and get home to help Amy take Klondike to the vet.
However sometime between 2 and 4 this morning Klondike decided on a more expedient route...he died on our living room floor.
He never was the most obedient dog.
But we loved him with all our hearts.
And we always will...
posted by Michael
©The Main Point by Michael Main
15 Comments
15 Comments:
Michael, Amy, there's not a lot I can say but I'm so sorry to hear the news. It seems like not so long ago that Amy told me about the new addition to the family. I know how incredibly painful it is to lose such a loyal loving friend. My prayers are with you.
My heart goes out to the two of you today...
Although Klondike's pain has ended, yours has just begun. May your tears turn to smiles over time as you remember your happy years together. You'll see him again - he will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge so that you can cross to heaven together.
Godspeed, Klondike. You were very loved.
I'm so sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful tribute to your beloved pet.
God be with you in your grief and through your healing.
Oh, you guys. So sorry. Prayers for you tonight....
I loved that guy too. I'm glad he's out of pain, but know you'll miss him. XOXOXOX, Kim
Good dog, Klondike, obedience not withstanding...escorted out so Mom and Dad are left with the loving memories...good good dog.
Thank you both for your kind emails. I was so sorry to read about Klondike. May God comfort you all.
Susan B
Klondike looks so much like our "old girl" Sophie who left us last April. My husband actually did steal her, although he prefers "rescued". She was kept chained in a pen outside no matter what the weather, and didn't have water half the time. Her pen was never cleaned. She must have gotten out at one point though because she had a litter of pups, all them died from exposure. At that point my husband who saw her whenever he walked our other dog (and had been bringing her food and water) couldn't take it anymore. He went out at 3:00 in the morning and brought her and the remaining pup to our house. The pup didn't make it. We, like you, never intended to keep her; after all the house of her former owners was only one street over, but we couldn't find anyone to take her and the non-euthanizing shelters were all full...so we kept her and were never sorry. My prayers are with you. I don't usually leave comments but I read your blog most days. You and Amy have been an inspiration to me.
Harper
p.s. I love the term "Highland Terrorists"!
So sorry, losing a pet is so hard.
I'll never stop believing that God has a place for dogs in heaven: maybe this is just a silly, childish wish. But I think He knows that for some of us, heaven wouldn't be the same without them.
Peace to you both - M
Thank you, one and all, for your wonderful words of kindness.
Gene, I remember when you lost Buddy... oh, the grief -- I shared it right along with you.
Rachel - bless you, dear one.
Advocate - I believe I'll see him (and Clark, and Rodney, and Spenser, maybe not Max ;-), etc... I explained death to his canine siblings, hugged and kissed them, then sent them to bed. (they heard, "blah, blah, blah," kiss, hug, clink of cage door locking"). But I do believe in doggie heaven. Cat's? Maybe pergatory? heh. sorry, cat lovers. I don't hate cats, in fact I had one for 20 years, but I am SEVERELY allergic to them now.
fish - he does have a way with words, doesn't he? If you haven't read it already, go to his "my writings" link and read Clark was there. (or click on "Clark right here"). It's about making the decision to let Clark go.
katy - thank you so much for your prayers. I know how often you pray for us... for the little and the big. All are appreciated.
Kim - He was the best, wasn't he? He was so big but wouldn't hurt a fly... he'd just lick you to death! Thank God any potential burglars didn't know that! XOXOXOX right backatcha! We miss you SO much!!
Anonymous, whoever you are - beautiful words. He was, in spite of Michael's comments to the contrary, quite obedient. He had ONE couch that he was allowed on... or one couch area. We probably had 3 different couches there, but he knew that was his spot and never looked to us for permission to get up there. He never tried to get on any other furniture. You could have a plate of food on a low table, and he wouldn't touch it. Not even a lone crumb -- unless you said, "it's ok, Klondike, you can have it." On the floor -- that was fair game. We are, indeed left with some wonderful memories.
Susan B. - thank YOU for your e-mail. Do you have a blog? I would love to read it. If not, please keep in touch. Your words touched me, and I appreciated your kindness and sharing of your experiences. Thank you for these kind words, as well.
harper - another dog thief/rescuer. High five! I do believe Klondike would have died as a pup if we hadn't stolen/rescued him. Now, we didn't sneak out at 3am to rescue him, but y'all did the right thing...NO DOUBT. Thank you for choosing this time to leave a comment. It means a lot, as do your prayers. Yes, West Highland White Terrorists is a very appropriate breed name for them. But they can be adorable little terrorists :-)
Thank you all for your kindness and for your prayers.
Sorry about Klondike, but wanted to say Hi to Michael and Amy.
{{hugs}}
Oh. I'm so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful member of your family. It's so hard to let them go. {{{hugs}}}
In the Desert of the Real, I sit, and I imagine your reunion eventually.
Bye, Klondike. Hope I scratch your ears one day.
Just remember, you run OVER the Rainbow Bridge when you get there. ;)
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