Yes, You Can Love A Dog
His name is Oreo. He’s been my best buddy for almost 17 years. It used to be that when I would come home, he would be the first to run to me with happy greetings and lots of kisses. Now he simply continues to lay on the porch, although my recognition may bring a slight twitch to his tale. Probably he cannot see more than a shadow, because of cloudy cataracts on both eyes. And obviously it hurts for him to move, backbone and joints ridged and misshapen with arthritis. He’s still my buddy, but life has become hard and painful- and sad for the old fellow.
Years ago we were living at the end of a dirt road out in the country. I was working long hours trying to be successful as a salesman, and thought I had little time for the wife and three little ones. One late evening I arrived home to find a strange dog in the carport. I shooed him away, but he kept creeping back to the door. Finally my wife came out in her pajamas to formally introduce me to our new dog! At the moment I was not too keen upon the idea. But soon he became a fitting part of the family. He’s always been gentle in nature and quite patient with whatever inadvertent torture inflicted by the kids. Often we have lived in rural areas and so he has been privileged to have the freedom of country, swamps, and lazy back porches. He’s been bitten by a snake, sprayed by a skunk, and whipped by several bigger dogs. He’s always had lots of heart, if not good sense.
For the last several years we have lived here in a busy metro area with a zooming highway in front of the house, and so he has been secured behind a backyard fence. After living here for a while, I noticed Oreo crying on the porch and licking the hair from the backs of his paws. I realized he would have to receive more attention, so we began our almost daily ritual of walks, treats, and time together. And thus he once again was a happy fellow. As he became older, we started allowing him to come into the house at night. I think this little move made him feel like king of the world.
The last year has brought with it some major changes of behavior and health. He no longer goes for walks and has trouble maneuvering the steps, both signs of arthritis. Now he has come to the point that he must the bathroom wherever and whenever. He no longer craves companionship and love, which previously had been so very characteristic of his personality all through the years. Instead, he simply wants to sleep and be left alone. And when I leave him outside at night, a necessity with his lack of control, he barks incessantly; even as I go out to tell him to be quiet, he soon forgets and then barks again.
So, I am thinking, the loving thing for me to do is to help him to find a peaceful end. And it would have to be an act of love- I could do it for no other reason, no matter how irritating and inconvenient he may prove to be. And I will have to be there, with him, for this last part of his journey. After all, I’m pretty sure I am his best friend. So it is my job. My duty. My privilege.
For today I have a busy several hours ahead. Later on, in the evening, I’ll go out on the back patio to spend some time with my friend. I’ll scratch him on the head and behind the ears- he’s always enjoyed that. We’ll talk a bit about the day; Oreo is a great listener. And from my pocket I will pull for him the very best treat.
Goodness, but I’m going to miss My Buddy.
07.02.08 (3:29 pm) [
edit]
posted by:
OldSchool (
reply)
post date:
07.02.08 (12:46 pm)
I know how you feel. It is truly amazing how pets can become members of your family. They become integral parts of our lives, especially regardings dogs & sometimes cats.
It is often hard to say goodbye no matter how you try to rationalize it.
posted by:
intricategirl (
reply)
post date:
07.02.08 (12:48 pm)
I'm sure it's been a difficult decision for you, but yes, it's an act of love. I wish you courage.
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
07.02.08 (6:42 pm)
Yes, you can love a dog! OH YES!
At this time the kindest thing you can do for Oreo is to take away his pain. To be with him is almost a given, and I can't see you doing it any differently. I'll think of you and Oreo as you take him to the Rainbow Bridge so he can cross over!
((hugs))
posted by:
akelso (
reply)
post date:
07.02.08 (8:30 pm)
Oh Pastor Dave,
I've said good-bye to two very good friends, and look forward to a third. Oreo's got it made, and you'll show him the way to the Rainbow Bridge. God Bless you both.
posted by:
squirrelzone (
reply)
post date:
07.03.08 (5:53 am)
It's amazing how much joy and comfort these little creatures bring. Yes, you can love a dog but it's truly amazing when they love you back.
posted by:
mimi (
reply)
post date:
07.03.08 (6:33 am)
I know you will miss him, but I also know you have made the best decision for your dear friend. Boy, your household has been through as many changes as mine, almost! I still miss my missyblackdog and my freckles the wreckles! but you both will be better for this difficult choice. love and prayers for you both. xoxox
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
07.03.08 (9:11 am)
that is rough. sorry this day had to come, been there.
posted by:
LadyG (
reply)
post date:
07.03.08 (10:25 am)
I to have been there, but he still lives on in my heart.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
07.03.08 (9:28 pm)
Reply to: OldSchool
It has been a couple of days since writing this post, and I've yet to take the action I know must take place. Maybe next week? I'm a big coward, I guess. Now, if it were the cat, I think I could handle it with a lot less struggle. But, the darned pest is still going strong, hairballs and all.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
07.03.08 (9:30 pm)
Reply to: intricategirl
The church secretary was telling me about her experience at the vet. The whole family gathered with the dog to say goodbye. They all were crying, including her husband. The vet's assistant (nurse?) came in, and did not know how to tell them it was "time". An awkward and sad moment. Gosh, I do need a bit more courage, I guess.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
07.03.08 (9:34 pm)
Reply to: auntconi
Rainbow Bridge? I still struggle with this idea of dogs going to Heaven. I wrote about it long ago. A fellow Christian, whom I respect, told me he was "disappointed" that I would make room for pets in the afterlife. And it is true that Christian/Hebrew faiths probably do not allow for it, since it is human beings who are created in God's image with a soul/spirit. Still it would be nice, and a supremely loving thing for God to make room for Oreo in my own personal Heaven. It could happen, couldn't it?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
07.03.08 (9:36 pm)
Reply to: akelso
Ah, Rainbow Bridge. Does it truly exist, for pets? I do want to think that God would allow such a personal thing for us, since He made us with heart big enough to love a pet so much.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
07.03.08 (9:38 pm)
Reply to: squirrelzone
They do love us back. Their love is so amazing, so much more do that give. That's why I think it is needlessly irrational for people to lose a pet and then decide to never own another. Such love is so very rewarding.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
07.03.08 (9:40 pm)
Reply to: mimi
Since losing Bailey, whom I continue to hope is in a safe home and experiencing lots of attention, my wife has gotten a little dog named Cassie. She's a full-blooded Shitzu, and cost us an arm and a leg. She's gentle and insists upon lots of love. I've been quite slow to open my heart up to her. It'll happen, somewhere along the way.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
07.03.08 (9:42 pm)
Reply to: fractalmom
With honest respect, I wish I was a tough as yourself! I'm sure you were gentle yet pragmatic at the moment, and handled things with dignity. I'll likely blabber like a big baby.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
07.03.08 (9:43 pm)
Reply to: LadyG
I understand. I've a painting of Oreo hanging in my office, which I guess is silly, but I unapologetically love my pets.
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
07.03.08 (11:20 pm)
You do not have to 'aplogize' for loving your pets.
I feel it shows you have a huge and loving heart.
I am sure that Cassie will find a special place in your heart as well. I had a Shi-Tzu, Toby, and he was so special (the perfect dog) and missed him terribly when I had to 'take him to the vet' due to serious illness. ((hugs))
posted by:
inkspector (
reply)
post date:
07.18.08 (7:16 am)
What is the status on Oreo? Did I miss something?
I had a dog named Oreo in college, he was a cocker spaniel beagle mix. My friend had him and I was going to drive her to the Humane Shelter but my Mom saw Oreo and decided he was going to live with us.
One of our Bichons, we knew should have been put down. But we let her stay for another year and a half and put up with a lot of bad behaviors, it was hard to let go. But afterwards, I felt so relieved and realized how much pain she must have been in just like your Oreo.
I still feel the other dogs around me most of the time even though they have been gone years.
