Bella arrived for her visit on Friday. It is almost 3 months since her sire, Hawk, suddenly died. Bella’s litter was born shortly thereafter. She is almost 10 weeks old.
When I saw the litter, she caught my attention, she has her papa’s soulful eyes. The litter owner chose to keep her. I would have made the same choice. There is something very special about a puppy. Something very healing. A puppy oozes bliss.
When I had a bad day of bone pain, Hawk would lay at my side. It was easier to breath through the ache. I often wondered if he would be big enough the help steady me as the bone disorder destroyed my ability to walk.
Earlier this year when my old girl died at 16½ (very old for a retriever), he spent the better part of two weeks staying by my side. Neither of us knew at that time that death would separate us so soon.
These passing weeks I have been haunted by dreams of his sound as he struggled for breath. In the palm of my hand I can still feel the cessation of his heartbeat. There was nothing we could do to save him. We could only help him pass when the struggle became suffering.
There was a moment, when his gaze held mine and it was clear he knew he was dying. He worried about me to the end.
Our pets are not like children. They are not people. They hold a different place in our hearts, their own place. Some people may not understand what I mean, that’s okay.
So, today, as I see the similarities to Hawk in his daughter, I can’t help but have that ache tug at my heart. I am not ready for another puppy. The time will come, but not now.
Bella is just here for a visit, she goes home tomorrow night. As you can see, she has her papa’s soulful eyes.
Hawk at 7½ weeks on the left. Bella at almost 10 weeks on the right.
Sneaking Bliss 
This brought a tear to my eye when I read your story. About a year ago I too lost my companion of 15 years. I too had to make the decision to help her move on so that she would no longer suffer. One of the hardest things I have ever done.
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They give us so much while they journey with us. We are blessed to have them, even if it is too short.
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I’m so glad you said this, Mary: “Our pets are not like children. They are not people. They hold a different place in our hearts, their own place. Some people may not understand what I mean, that’s okay.” This is so true, yet so many people try to believe that their pets are people.
Thanks for visiting my blog!
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I think when people can only see “human” attributes, they miss out on the fullness pets have to offer.
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Totally agree…I’m not a pet person, but I still agree. 🙂
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It is nice to appreciate something for what it is. I must say, the most ill mannered pets I have seen are the ones treated like people.
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how beautiful! yes, bella has soulful eyes, and you captured her spirit! z
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Thanks, it will be fun to visit with her from time to time and watch her grow. Well done on the Mystery of the Sunfish on the http://theforesterartist.com/2012/10/16/the-mystery-of-the-sunfish/.
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hey! thanks! i enjoy fishing, and i have done my share o fish illustrations, so it was pretty easy for me. i realize that i am not like most w/the fishing/art connection, so i had insider’s knowledge!
z
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A very moving story, thanks for sharing. May your heart find peace in its own good time. : )
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Thank you.
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Great story! Hawk lived a long and beautiful life. Having children of my own, I totally understand what you mean, dogs are NOT people, but they are special in their own way!
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Thanks. Almost all of our goldens have lived 14-16 years. We have Hawk’s sire, he is now 14. My Tessa was over 16 when when she passed. Hawk was only six. I was not prepared. I painted my gravatar image the day after he died. I miss him.
They hold such a special place, they help make us more human.
Your blog is wonderful.
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Beautiful memory and capture of the love and compassion Goldens in general seem to give. Although, your golden, Hawk, seemed like he was a cut above! So intuitive. I know he must have had a lovely, full life by the wonderful way you speak about him.
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