farewell friend
I shared a cheeseburger with my Rio tonight, his last night. He has gotten so gentle in the last few days, taking treats with a soft mouth, letting me touch and even fondle his ears without pulling away.
I left for work just as the day was dawning this morning. The front hallway was in shadow and he watched me with dimming eyes as I left. When he stands or even sits now, he trembles. His body is weak and his spirit is readying to go. I wobble myself, back and forth/torn, on if it is time to release him. His lungs are filling with bleeding cancer that has invaded from his other organs, he can't walk far, his eyes are clouding and his gums are pale. Yet still he gets up and follows me from room to room; in a mildly controlled collapse, he folds himself to the floor flat near me. His breathing is labored but still he smiles.
My grinning dingo, my crazy little red heeler friend, the dog who led me into animal welfare trying to understanding him. I am grateful and honored.
It is time to day farewell.
"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince:
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!"
I left for work just as the day was dawning this morning. The front hallway was in shadow and he watched me with dimming eyes as I left. When he stands or even sits now, he trembles. His body is weak and his spirit is readying to go. I wobble myself, back and forth/torn, on if it is time to release him. His lungs are filling with bleeding cancer that has invaded from his other organs, he can't walk far, his eyes are clouding and his gums are pale. Yet still he gets up and follows me from room to room; in a mildly controlled collapse, he folds himself to the floor flat near me. His breathing is labored but still he smiles.
My grinning dingo, my crazy little red heeler friend, the dog who led me into animal welfare trying to understanding him. I am grateful and honored.
It is time to day farewell.
"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince:
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!"