Montague, 7 months old, Summer 2009
Thoughts are with friend Summer is Verb this day and night...prompting reflections on our own four-footed family.
I was a cat and dog Mommy long before being a Mommy to my children. I do think it was important to have done it that way.
Friends who had children after pets often said, "Wait till you have kids. Your pets will become just...pets." Boy were they wrong.
Lilly, 8 weeks old, Summer 2009
Jack, 14 years old, Summer 2009
Jessie, 9 years old, April 2010
George, 1995-2009, 14 years old, Summer 2009
Our dear Jack, our remaining whippet, is hanging on for dear life...with many frailties that break the heart at the same time they inspire admiration in his owners. We see through him and Jessie the ageing process, as we see the jubliance of lives just beginning with Lilly and Montague.
They are all precious. A cruel joke that their life spans are not equal to ours.
Actor and author Rupert Everett, in his witty and warm memoir Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins, relates the passing of his beloved black lab Mo. In eloquent words he describes the arc of the dog owner's relationship with his charge, lamenting the fact that when the pet is but a puppy, the owner is the "father" with his silly child. As the dog matures, the relationship transitions to one of brother and contemporary. Lastly, and all too soon, the dog is an old man, looking askance at his owner's goofy entreaties to "come on, now...you can do it!" In the end, the owner is the child, with the dog as the wizened and wiser oldster. With Jack, we are there now. And sometime soon...
To Templeton, God Bless.
To Alice...what a loving mommy.
On paws,
ABL
8 comments:
This post is so beautiful. My 4-legged "son" has bravely endured the twin baby girls who have taken over his world. He is protective and loving and such a gift. Our dogs make us better people. My heart goes out to your friend.
This is such a good post. Thanks for sharing the wise words of Rupert Everett. xoxo
Oh Anne. Thank you so very much for the ode to Templeton. I feel much better knowing that his welcoming committee has just expanded. You know, my sister heard once, that when we die, and pass through the tunnel of light, all our pets are running toward us to meet us. I'm hoping for a stampede. For us both...XXOO
Lilly should be on a post card, how precious. Have you seen the movie "Marley and Me?" The columnist goes through a similar process of love and loss with his yellow lab. Kisses to Templeton.
Wonderful post, Anne. 'Summer' I love your comment. I surely hope that is true as some of my own little beloveds are up there hopefully waiting for me :)
how sweet. i love this post.
You should read the book The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer by Doug Koktavy. The website is www.beezerandboomer.com.
This post is so beautiful.
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