by Tom Beers
You died in our arms 7 weeks ago.
1/28/23 Today started out a beautiful sunny day and the mountains glimmered in their glory.
Whoever said “it’s a good day to die” is a liar.
It’s snowing now and soon you’ll be covered under a white blanket. Even as a pup you would prefer to lay out in the snow only getting up to shake off 4 inches or so and then lay again. Maybe if I lay too, until I turn cold and blue it will ease the pain and ache in my bones and heart.
3/18/23 Next week will be spring and the activities on the ranch will be ramping up. You’ll be missed sorely when needed and your presence won’t be there, but the hard fast memories of you will slow the drive I need.
(scene from a favorite movie)
C.R. (dying) : (struggling) “Rafe, what was that you heard?”
Rafe: ‘Tis a poor thing to fear the inevitable.”
C.R.: “Right, who said it?”
Rafe: ” Someone who wasn’t dying.”
C.R.: “Good advice but hard to follow.” (now dead)
I am so sorry for your loss. Its clear you loved your dogs dearly. We have such a close bond with them that it hurts so much when we lose them. My dear ES Mandy is almost 14 and I hate to think about the day I will lose her. She has been such a good farm dog, companion, varmint getter, and protector of the farmstead. She gave my mom a reason to go on when dad passed when she had to care for that little red fiesty pup. I see her slowing down now, stiff in the morning, but still jumping up in the pickup as I help her to get in so we can take our evening rides she loves so much. She lays on the yard, watching me as I mow, right there when I stop to see what is wrong and follows me to the barn when I put the lawn tractor away, happy to greet me. We have to feel blessed that we got to share our lifes with these special creatures. I know they just become part of the family and we love them so much. They are dogs you want to have for your lifetime but only get for their lifetime. I see my young ES girl, slowly trying to step up. A pup just 4 years ago and being protected by what I call her adopted momma Mandy (as she was not her own pup) now helping a Mandy get varmints and to go bring her in the house at night as Mandy has lost some hearing. Cherish your special memories you had with them. You know that poem about when we lose them they take a piece of our heart and that is so true. My condolences to your family.