Yesterday I said a last goodbye to a little shaggy sheep dog, my canine companion of six years.
One of the assistants at the vet’s office said that Bode always seemed so happy. He wanted to be happy and spread happiness to everyone who met him. This is despite having lost his first owner and a number of health problems, most painful.
I am remembering our walks and road trips and his supervision of all activities in the kitchen, my K9 KP.
The links below are blog posts about how Bode came into my life.
Becoming “my” dog (read below the rant)
Getting further acquainted and herding Ling Ling
He was aging gracefully, but in February what looked like inflammation from an ear infection turned out to be something a lot worse: squamous cell carcinoma. In just a few weeks it grew to about the size of the ball of my thumb, completely blocking Bode’s right ear canal.
Bode was such a special guy and what luck he got to spend his last, happy years with you.
I was fortunate that he found me and decided to stay. He was a good dog.
From My Pet
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And, my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun.
Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.
Thanks, this is a great reminder of how special a relationship with a pet can be.
Sending along my heartfelt thoughts at the departure of your bud and companion. I still harbor fantasies of road tripping around the country with Savanna by my side.
I hope you can make that fantasy come true. The furthest I went with Bode was to Ontario, made new friends at every pit stop!
Kathy,
I am so sorry for your loss. I really didn’t know until this morning about Bode. I have been so busy with a new job at Myah’s House of Hope in Ford City that I haven’t been online as much. You have my Sympathy but it seems like you have accepted that Bode is in a better place across the rainbow Bridge. I love that you have adopted a new dog. Atticus is beautiful. Take care and God Bless. <3