Saying Goodbye

  The old dog that came to the Bayou for the past few years never made it as a true Bayou Dog.  His predecessor, Ms. Ez, did all the fine things that were expected of a working dog.  She kept the gardens and fruit trees free from squirrels and coons.  She swam out and carried tools to the menfolk as they worked on the pier.  She adopted abandoned baby animals and cared for them.  The old dog did none of those.

  We came to have Mr. PJ only because my son and daughter-in-law had to move to an island far away.  A dog of his breed was not allowed on the island so the old dog came to stay with us.  It was heart wrenching for his family to make that decision but it was for the best since there was no other way.  While here, Mr. PJ adapted to the way of life but never quite made it as a true Bayou Dog.  True, Ms. Ez was a tiny pup when she came so she grew up knowing what was expected.  Mr. PJ only had a short time with us so his lessons were rushed.  

  While Mr. PJ did not chase after the squirrels, he did chase away the gloomy days and any sad thoughts.  He may not have swam out to the end of the pier but he did swim his way into our hearts.  Although he never adopted any babies during his stay, he adopted us...and that...that was far better.  Mr. PJ was not a true Bayou Dog but he was a true and loyal friend that brought a lot of happiness to this family. 

  It saddens me to say that Mr. PJ passed away yesterday morning.  He had been ill for some time but was a fighter and pulled through so many rough times before.  This time was different.  The old dog was tired...really tired.  His body could go no further.  The night before he died, I laid on his bed and held him.  I told him how much I loved him and how much his real family loved and missed him.  He looked at me with big sad eyes, licked my hand and settled down beside me.  I held him as he slept.  In the wee hours of the morning, he left behind his illnesses and gained peace.  I will, indeed, miss Mr. PJ.  I will, indeed.  May you rest in peace, my friend.

The Sad Goodbye

  I have often said that I have more critter friends than human ones and that I prefer it that way.  Critters are not all about drama and turmoil.  They wish to live their lives in peace and go out of their way to do just that.  It is my nature to befriend any critter that wishes to be near me whether they be furry, feathery, scaley or have exoskeletons.  They can be reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, insects or whatever happens to be their lot in life.  I am good with that.  In fact, this whole tale is about a one of those critters that most folks get the hebejeebies at the mere mention of the name.  A large Black and Yellow Garden Spider made her web in front of the shed door.  Well, I use that shed almost daily but hated to disturb her.  I devised a method of entering without tearing her web.  A long slender board was placed against the shed door and she readily attached her web to it instead of the door.  Each day, I could move the slat to the side and enter the shed without bothering her.  The spider and I became so accustomed to each other's presence that neither were alarmed at any time.  We became friends, if there could be such a thing.

  Today when I went to the shed, I was both elated and saddened.  Attached to the wall with a web of silken threads was a golden orb!  My sweet friend had created the sac, filled it with eggs and secured it to the wall.  It brought great joy to know that next spring hundreds of little spiders would crawl from that orb.  At the same time, it greatly saddened me to know that the beautiful spider's life was about to end.  I put my hand next to her and with one of her long legs, she gently tapped me.  I stood there a long time just being with her.  I think she understood and appreciated that I came to say goodbye.  

  It is funny how life is sometimes.  Things come.  Things go.  Things stay the same.  Life goes on. Growing mentally attached to anything and then letting go can be hard.  I will be the first to admit that I am going to miss my daily visits with the spider but I can only hope that one of her offspring will rebuild a web nearby so I can appreciate her even all the more.  Goodbye, my sweet friend.  I will do my best to protect your egg sac and little ones when they hatch.


 

Goodbye to a Dear Friend

  Ms. Ez, the Bayou Dog was a fine friend. For the past week, the old dog has been very ill.  Trips to the vet and to the Pet ER did nothing more than make her comfortable.  I am wholly grateful for that as her remaining time was at least close to being pain free.  While the doctors have yet to be able to diagnose her situation, I have almost come to the conclusion that she ate another mushroom and this one was not a good one.  Her symptoms led the doctors to believe she had complete liver failure and the beginnings of kidney failure.  Although her remaining time with us was short, it was filled with more love than could possibly fit in such a short time.  We did everything we could to make her happy and perhaps return a little of the happiness that she brought into our lives.  

  On her final day, she actually rallied a bit and was able to walk about the hillside.  She literally begged to go to the pier.  Like it is mine, that was her favorite place.  She labored to make it all the way to the bench but she was determined and would not let me carry her.  The old dog would occasionally lean against me for support.  Once there, she basked in the bright sunshine and seemed perfectly content as we watched the seagulls and pelicans. 

  Later in the afternoon, Darling Daughter came by and sat with Ms. Ez. This was a special treat for the dog.  Her tail thumped against the floor the whole time.  All was good.  Ms. Ez had such a contented look on her face.  The love between the two was evident. Elizabeth was the one that had rescued Ezzy from certain death when she was a wee pup.  It was only fitting that they had time together to share love that spanned the dog's entire lifetime. Afterwards Ms. Ez rested.

  At dusk, I could tell that things were not good.  I tried to let her out for a final time but she fell against me on the steps.  I carried the 55 pound dog back inside.  She was heavy but my heart was heavier.  I knew she would not see the next sunrise.  My sweet friend was leaving this world. I sat on her bed with the dog on my lap.  Mark sat with her stroking her soft ears.  He told her how much she meant to us and how we had been blessed that she came to be part of our family. Once again, love was shared between animal and human. 

  Right at eight o'clock, Son came to have some quiet time with her.  By this time, her breathing was becoming labored and it was evident that the pain was starting to grow. We held her.  We stroked her fur.  We consoled her with loving words.  At nine o'clock on the dot, she took her last breath in the arms of both me and Son. The very moment she drew that last breath, Keesler Air Force Base played Taps.  I thought of how this, although pure coincidence, was so touching.  Ms. Ezzy had a habit of seemingly standing at attention when the Base would play the National Anthem.  She would automatically stop whatever she was doing and stand facing the direction of the music.  For the entirety of the song, she stood not moving.  As soon as it was over she would leap up and prance about a bit.  I always was amazed at this but now, Taps seemed somehow fitting.

  Goodbye, my friend.  The hikes to the pier at sunrise will not be the same.  I am sure that I will be at a loss for a while without you but I am thankful that you are not suffering.  Godspeed, Little One.  You were a loyal friend indeed.  I will so miss you.