GOODBYE, SWEET WILLIAM
![PG_231_AN_cu[1].jpg](http://eileenloveman.com/blog/PG_231_AN_cu%5B1%5D.jpg)
Another beautiful Spring morning, not a cloud in the sky as the sun hangs lazily over the lake. The air is cooler than the past week, but clear and crisp, beckoning new adventures just over the horizon.
Even amidst such beauty, however, there can be tinges of sadness. Seeping through the morning like the tears on my neighbor’s cheeks came the news of what every pet owner dreads. I learned today was the day they were putting down their faithful dog, William.
Just like the name, he is one of those unique canines who defied description. A mutt did not adequately classify him, as he was a regal mix of Spaniel and Border Collie. Like the Prince who bears the same name, he held his head high, walking royally down the lane to greet us upon our first meeting.
Moving to the neighborhood a little over 2 years ago, he was alone during the day as his older brother had recently passed away. No young pup himself, William stayed in the house while his caretakers were at work. In his younger days, he used to go with his Master, sitting at his feet while the man tended to the tasks at hand.
Now his stays home and listens to the birds, all the while our own three hooligans were outside nearby, barking at the windows pleading “Come out, William! Come out and play!” Turning from the glass, he would take his place on his throne of blankets, waiting for the time when love came home to let him venture out.
When able to come outdoors he would take care of business and then sit on the deck, surveying his kingdom and all who traveled through it. He was content to just sit in the sun, the days of playing ball and barking marathons long wore out.
As I sit and watch him from my seat at the Lake, I am reminded of how dear the cycle of life is and precious the time is between visits. To some of us, our pets become much more than objects of affection or playthings to pass the time. They become part of us and fill the cracks & crevices of our souls, mending the heartbroken, becoming strong and constant vessels pouring out a never ending supply of love. Slowly and deftly, they mold us into who we really are, from the inside out.
There is no easy way to end the time of our faithful friends. Some decisions are made for us; violent, untimely deaths as being hit by a speeding car down the highway or drowning in the snow crusted lake. Awful, horrid scenarios in our minds, played out over and over, we try to push them to the very back of our eyes, until times like these shine the lights on them once again. At least it was quick we rationalize. I hope there was no suffering.
There have been several journeys towards home since my arrival at the lake – Misty the grandmother, a yellow lab no longer able to breathe on her own. Our middle 'sons' girlfriend Layla, gone way too soon. My own arch nemesis Zeekee, who although at first thought I was part of the contingent that served her, finally allowed me to carry her to her final time. She said goodbye to me as I stroked her head while laying on a fluffy down comforter. She added yet another layer to an already battered soul that longed for peace.
It is times like these my beloved and I are reminded of the fragile frame that holds us close. Most of all, we think of Black Jack Riley, the one who brought me here in the first place, and whose loving spirit changed my mind about animals forever. Although gone before I got here, his place in our lives is cemented for all time.
Good bye, Sweet William, and close your eyes as we bid you farewell. Your pain is almost over.
Say hello to all of our friends for me.
Comments
Eileen: I want to thank you for the beautiful article on my brothers dog, William. He was quite a character and I am going to miss him very much.
Marybeth DeWitt
Posted by: Marybeth DeWitt | June 13, 2007 06:20 PM
Mary Beth, you are welcome. He was a sweet old dog, even though I didn't get to play with him much, I could tell he had the soul of a padre.
Posted by: Eileen | June 14, 2007 06:22 AM