Piekka goodbye - though you'll never really leave me
Incredibly, my Piekka, our dog, is dead. Only nine years and some months old. Consumed by something truly fatal - in just few weeks, without a warning. It was 22.4. when he refused to take a walk - Sunday - and the next day I brought him to the vet, who took x-rays and bloodtests and could not discover anything. He was given a pain-killer and prescribed rest - but he just became weaker and sicker. So they took more tests - and discovered nothing, except potential infection finally visible. Antibiotics - which also worked and cured something - his breath that had gotten foul - and he seemed to become more alert, more like himself.
So Monday evening I had to leave for work - I walked him one last time, and when I was to leave, he tried to get up, I said, no, I'm not taking you, just wait for me. Next morning my son telephones me: Piekka is not getting up. I ask, what do you mean, not getting up? And he says, he's not getting up and he is all stiff. I say, oh god, he is dead?! And my son says, well, yes.
Poor dear son was there all by himself - and this is a dog he has had for half his life. He folded Piekka in a blanket and carried him to the garage - to stay in the cold. Thank you, son. My son-outlaw was ready to help get Piekka to be cremated - but the hub departed from his work-place - takes him five hours driving - to help his dog for the last journey. Every time I telephoned, the hub was crying... and he never does.
I loved this dog - and I will always love him. He was always there for me. I miss his presence much, terribly. But when I went walking in the forest, taking a familiar path, I could feel my dog walking with me. I'm not religious nor metaphysical (and, several religions deny souls to animals), but I tell you, I have a Spirit-dog walking with me. And I realized our old dog was there too, jut a bit slower, a few steps behind. And I truly was shaken with the realization, that I will never need to walk alone, my spirit-dogs will always be there for me.
I wish you were still here, Piekka - but I am happy you have chosen to walk by me in your spirit. Thank you.
So Monday evening I had to leave for work - I walked him one last time, and when I was to leave, he tried to get up, I said, no, I'm not taking you, just wait for me. Next morning my son telephones me: Piekka is not getting up. I ask, what do you mean, not getting up? And he says, he's not getting up and he is all stiff. I say, oh god, he is dead?! And my son says, well, yes.
Poor dear son was there all by himself - and this is a dog he has had for half his life. He folded Piekka in a blanket and carried him to the garage - to stay in the cold. Thank you, son. My son-outlaw was ready to help get Piekka to be cremated - but the hub departed from his work-place - takes him five hours driving - to help his dog for the last journey. Every time I telephoned, the hub was crying... and he never does.
I loved this dog - and I will always love him. He was always there for me. I miss his presence much, terribly. But when I went walking in the forest, taking a familiar path, I could feel my dog walking with me. I'm not religious nor metaphysical (and, several religions deny souls to animals), but I tell you, I have a Spirit-dog walking with me. And I realized our old dog was there too, jut a bit slower, a few steps behind. And I truly was shaken with the realization, that I will never need to walk alone, my spirit-dogs will always be there for me.
I wish you were still here, Piekka - but I am happy you have chosen to walk by me in your spirit. Thank you.