Two weeks ago, Lucy, Sally & Jay's 15-year-old border collie mix died. The kids--especially Annie, who will be 14 this summer--were very sad even as they were glad her last two weeks of suffering were over.
Then last week, the family learned of a rescue family: four border collie pups who would be put up for adoption. Sally & Jay decided to get two of the pups, and they and the kids were excited and happy.
Alas, the puppies got sick. Sally took them to the vet and learned they had parvovirus. The vet kept them in an effort to keep them alive, but Sally called yesterday with the news that all four of the pups, not just their two, had died of the virus.
Annie was both broken hearted and furious. She now has declared herself a confirmed atheist.
So sorry, Annie. Dogs teach us about love, life, and death. It's never easy.
Oh Sally, Parvo is such a dreadful disease. I'm so sorry you and Annie and your family had to see such suffering. Your grandma gave you much wisdom. The death of a beloved dog or other pet is so hard - but even in death our pets can teach us so much. There's nothing harder than saying goodbye to the one's you love. By living through and mourning the death of our pets we learn the coping skills we'll need to say goodbye to the humans we love best. Because none of us gets to spend our whole lives with those we love. Sooner or later we all have to say goodbye. Don't ever be afraid to love. Don't give death that victory.
ReplyDeleteCousin Lu
Lucy and all four of the little puppies are chasing sticks with our Wendydog. I know this is true, I heard Wendy barking her happy bark.
ReplyDeleteThank Ma for the lovely tribute and for everyone's kind words. Dogs are special and yes, this is a hard, but important lesson.
ReplyDeleteWhen those pups arrived we told them (props to Devil Wears Prada) "you've got some very big shoes to fill". But alas now Lucy is showing them the ropes...
sal
I'm so sorry to hear that the pups didn't make it! Poor Annie!
ReplyDeleteThere is a dog (or dogs) out there that needs a home like Sally's.
Dogs teach us about love, life, and death. It's never easy.
ReplyDeleteNot much I could add to those words of wisdom, except, I'm so sorry this happened :(
Ex-Shammickite, that's a lovely thought... :)
ronnie
thanks to all....
ReplyDeletei can't read all of these comments without getting choked up.
me too
ReplyDeleteYou haven't posted for a while.... are you away on holiday?
ReplyDeleteHow dreadful!!!! It's a nasty lesson indeed!!!!
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