I vividly remember giving Baillan a big hug and a kiss and burying my head in her white fur as she laid awkwardly panting madly on a blanket in the back of the car that night. It was weird to see Farmer B pull away leaving me standing there without her knowing I'd never see her again. And when he came home without her holding her collar I felt empty, but I do remember feeling surprisingly good that she'd had such a long life.
Here we are a year later and right now my mom is at that same travel show in Boston, and I have another furry white lump who likes to carry around her blue bowl and has that funny otter-tail that goes thump-thump-thump when she sees me.
New puppies are born, old dogs become a pleasant memory, and life goes on. The boys still talk about Baillan constantly, which is nice, because I know she'll be that first dog they talk about when they're older and reminiscing about their childhood.
What a touching post.
ReplyDeleteI remember your post about Baillan dying, and it made me think of all my dogs - I had one like that too, Jessie my lab, that took me through countless changes and turmoil in my early adult life. She set the bar high for all to follow! Some may think it morbid, but I have the ashes from my 3 dogs that have passed on sitting in my closet, to be buried in my garden somedays when we get our "forever house"! I can't bear to put them here knowing we will be moving in a few years. We dog lovers will certainly have much sadness in store for us as they do not live as long as we would like, but I couldn't imagine our family complete without dogs, so we will continue to have them, they bring so much love and humor to our lives. Here's to remembering our furry freinds!
ReplyDeleteI remember that day like it was yesterday. I was in the same restaurant last night and talked about the call I received from you about our beloved Baillan passing away. Baillan was my hero, I knew she was there to protect you when you lived alone and knew she was giving you the love only a dog lover understands. Baillan will live in our hearts forever.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. From 3 - 15 my best friend was a Labrador and I still think of him often and fondly. If only everyone knew that kind of love I think the world would be a better place.
ReplyDeleteWe had a Vern dog that was like that. It was so hard making that last trip to the vet, and to come home without him. I had to do it, Mr. H couldn't. That's the only time, in 48 years of marriage, that I've seen him cry. Vern's ashes are encased in concrete, and set as a stepping stone in my garden.
ReplyDeleteDang it, you made me cry again!! I crumple when it comes to dying dogs, just can't bear the thought. They are our best friends for life.....I am always smelling mine. I love they way they smell, it is so comforting to me. Enjoy your sweet memories, I am glad the last thing you did was bury your head in her fur. (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteOh, yes. We still talk about Mack, and I tell them about Jackie, the dog who died when I was pregnant with my first. . . and we all look forward to the next dog(s).
ReplyDeleteNice post.
Some pets just stay in our memories forever. My buddy is greatly missed, too.
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