This is a joyful farewell to one of the most amazing creatures we have ever known. Last week, our white Golden Retriever, Mac, became extremely ill with a disease called acute fulminating myasthenia gravis. Within 24 hours, he had pneumonia, could no longer swallow, and was completely recumbent.
He went to sleep on Friday afternoon with Bernie and I at his side reminding him of all the wonderful adventures we shared. Oh, and we did tell him, at least 100 times, that he was the world's best dog. Truly he was, and is well-deserving of the title.
There will be no more tears. We've shed plenty. Now, we are choosing to move into the celebration of 11 years of happy moments and memories thanks to our best buddy. Many of our friends and family members are helping us with reminders of their favorite and/or funny Mac moments.
A friend, I (Debb), met at the dog park when Mac was just a puppy, reminded me of the day he rolled in mud and had to ride home in the front seat of our Audi TT. She says he looked so proud and regal sitting in the passenger seat, convertible top down, and covered in mud from head to tail.
Alexandra ( Ron and Alexandra Seigel ) reminded me of Mac's insistence that she feed him breakfast when they first came to visit us. It was his way of telling her she was special - and that he was too! While Ron shared his favorite vision of Mac, winking an eye in one of our videos.
Sharon Lee sent me an email reminder about the day we took her to see the lovely Skamania Lodge in the Columbia River Gorge. Mac, who always attracted a lot of attention, hurried out to the manicured lawn, and in front of admiring onlookers, did what dogs sometimes need to do-doo. Handsome yes, but he was never much for putting on airs.
We could go on and on with funny stories, poignant stories, and favorite moments we spent with our dear Mac. Today, we enjoyed a lengthy walk along his favorite trail at Lacamas Lake. We easily imagined him trotting along beside us, nose sniffing the wind, and a big happy grin on his face. It's how we will always choose to remember him.
(This the last photo of Mac, and it was taken several hours before he first started exhibiting signs of his illness. Not sure what compelled me (Debb) to take it, but I'm grateful.)
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