Dignity
Today, my best friend of 14 years passed on. My dog, Dufus, yes… that’s his real name. He was diagnosed in December with terminal Cancer and given weeks to live. Weeks turned into 6 months.
Over the past 14 years, he enjoyed running, green peppers, oatmeal, ice cream, and more lap time than any other dog. If I was driving, 10 miles or 1,000… he was on my lap looking out the windshield and ensuring that I was piloting the car correctly.
Since his diagnosis, we were all determined to let him live with dignity. Thoroughly enjoying people food, car rides and lap time. I have been fortunate to have shared his live and been the alpha dog in his little pack.
These past four weeks brought about the largest changes for him. He gave me 14 years of unconditional love – asking only in the end that I be there for him. My wife forwarded me an article that said “As your pet, I may not understand your words, but I will recognize your voice”.
His last car ride found him gleefully on my lap looking out the window calmly and content. His final moments with us were spent looking into my eyes, hearing our voices, feeling my touch, and smelling my hand. In the end, he passed on peacefully, gracefully, and with all the dignity he earned and deserved.
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3 Responses to “Dignity”
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Daryl,
As we talked the other day I could tell that when you talked about Dufus that he ment alot to you. For you to reach out and share this with us really tells me that he really meant alot to you. I share with you your loss. I understand your pain for I had a similar friend myself in my past. The funny things is, is that I was talking today about my dog Chase, and I called him Kato. He was my dog a very close friend of mine as well. All dogs go to heaven, and its because there is always that unconditional love that they share with us, no mater what we say or do. I am sorry for your loss.
Your friend
Kerry and Mary Alice Pauley
To Daryl, Debra & Family:
As I am fully aware, Dufus was a very close member of your family and was given the love and affection he deserved by everyone. It is very obvious that his passing will leave a sad gap in your daily lives. He gave you 14 years of his affection.
Sorry to hear this
Love Dad
Hi Daryl & Debra,
I’m sorry to hear about you losing Dufus, that hurts. After hearing so many stories about him, he sounded like a true friend. We are a little sentimental in our family & I know the emptiness you feel after losing your “member of the family”. We are thinking of you.
Love ya,
“Auntie Karen”