The loss of a pet is truly one of life's most difficult journeys...
For years I have wanted to post about my beloved Bentley and Star, both Old English Sheepdogs and for whatever reason have not been able to find the right words.
Today I received an email from a dear friend of mine in Pennsylvania. They lost their Golden Retriever. Last night he had a seizure and passed away five minutes after they got to the vets. He was 12 years old and it involved something with fluid around his heart. They are grief stricken and it brought tears to my eyes. The only thing I can do is express my condolences and let them know that I understand their grief, along with shedding some tears for my friends it brought back the memories of the times I have lost one of my companions.
Bentley was the first dog that Maurice and I had together. He was a clownish, loveable Old English Sheep dog, we got him as a puppy and he was a bouncing ball of black and white fur. He loved my kids and thought my youngest, Tim, was his "equal".
Bentley provided unconditional love and companionship, he was by my side after a life altering, difficult surgery. Every day we walked further and further until I was strong and we continued to walk the farm fields until Bentley could no longer walk, his size and breeding lead to hip difficulties. He tried so hard continuing; acting like he was okay, until the day came that he could no longer walk or get up. We had to take him to the vet; he went to sleep in my arms.
Shortly afterwards, Star came into our lives. She was surrendered to the Morris Animal Shelter in Philadelphia. Her human, an older woman, had passed away and there was no one to care for her. She was supposedly seven but in actuality, she must have been at least 10. She was a smaller "Sheepie", adorable, affectionate, and very sweet with one blue eye. When we went to the shelter to see her, she put on a show and jumped in the air, rolled on her side and put her paw in the air. I felt a pull to her former owner, even though I did not know her, an obligation to take care of her little dog.
We only had Star for three short years, last year I had to take her to the vet and she too, went to sleep in my arms. I believe that she joined her original human.
As I sit here and write this post, my Old English Sheepdog, Rocky, is stretched out sleeping at my feet, rescused thru Pet Finders. Why do we do it over and over again? Love an animal, let it go and open our selves up to another? To me, my life is complete with an animal by my side and there are so many animals, dogs and cats that need a good home, it is better to have loved and lost a pet than not to have loved one at all.
Will I suggest to my friend that they adopt or rescue a dog, absolutely! In time!
COPYWRITE CHRISTINE OSHEA 2009 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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