Wednesday, August 26, 2009

SHE CARRIED ME, THEN I CARRIED HER

She came into my life when I was eight years old. My dad found her at work. She was a stray and starving. He took one look at her, and said "Seems like you could use a good home." He opened up the door to his pickup and she jumped in. Her tailed wagged all the way.

I was still at school, when dad arrived home with the puppy. Mom and dad fed her and gave her a bath. This would be my first pet.

I had always wanted a dog. My parents told me when I was old enough and responsible, I could have one. Well I guess they figured the time was right.

I hopped off the bus, not knowing what awaited inside for me. I walked through the door, and to my surprise a white and black puppy with a red bow stuck to her head, greeted me with many many puppy kisses. A very special friendship was born that day.

Now she needed a name. My older brother laughed at her and said her tail was deformed. It doesn't wag its tail back and forth, it goes in a circle. He motions his finger around his ear, and says "She's squirrely" Thus my puppy, Squirrely got her name.

She was a smart dog. I taught her to play hide and seek. We would play for hours, spending our days learning and growing together.

Eleven years we were together, best of friends. Arthritis and old age set in on her. My parents knew what had to be done, but they stood back and let me find and make the decision myself.

She was suffering so much and the medicine didn't seem to help anymore. She could barely walk. I looked into those deep brown eyes and realized it was time to let he go.

I carried her into the vet's office, placed her on the table. Squirrely leaned her head forward, gave a lick to my hand. As if to say she understood, and stay strong. Her tail was wagging in that circle as it always did.

The vet gave her a sedative first, for the final shot was given on her front paw, and that was painful. She first went to sleep, but her tail still wagged. Then the vet asked before giving the final shot, "Are you sure?" With a heavy heart and tear filled eye's, I nodded yes.

The final shot was given. My eye's fixed upon her wagging tail. A matter of seconds and it stopped. The vet listened for a heart beat, and said "It's over" I wrapped her up in her favorite blanket, and carried her out.

I took her home and buried her in the pasture, where she loved playing, and chasing rabbits. It was the hardest thing I have ever done.

I didn't go back to her grave for many years, but recently I went. Growing on her grave was a single wild flower. I sat and watched it swaying in the wind, and realized that it was swaying in a circle, just like Squirrely. I know now that, that special friend will be with me always.

by Melissa Knapp

8 comments:

Kak Teh said...

this reminds me of our Jasper, he is resting under a tree at the end of the garden. Such a good friend he was.

Walt said...

Yes, it is hard to let go, and it is just the same as losing a best friend or loved one. The best thing to do when time starts to run out, is to get a new puppy or kitten well before the old one dies.

mamasita said...

Huh! This entry makes me CRY!! So very heart-tugging kind..

btw..BP dah ok?

Unknown said...

Dear Kak Teh,

You have been blessed with years with Jasper and your other pets and I am sure wherever he is in heaven, he looks down at you with much love and fondest memories. I have found it difficult to let go of my pets who departed...Indeed - they are friends forever and remain in our hearts. Take care...

Unknown said...

Dear Walt,

I agree with what you said. When my last hamster died, it was very difficult for me to get another one. Contrastingly, when I had a few hamsters, the death of one was not as painful as the others could somehow assuage the pain....Take care and thanks for sharing..

Unknown said...

Dear Datin Mamasita,

This story reminds me of my last dog and I did write about her in my other blog. Indeed, losing a pet or a loved one is a very painful experience.

My bp is better but still on the very high side around 150/95..I must have the courage to go for a full heart scan as my cholesterol is ok...Thanks for asking my dear friend.

Have a good day and salam to you and yours.

Walt said...

Paula, I once had 9 hamsters and a very curious cat.

5 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health.

Unknown said...

Hi Walt,

I too had many hamsters - seven at one stage plus one white mouse named Stuart...Alas, all I have left are their cages and beautiful memories...
Thanks for the link, dear friend.