On the passing of a wonderful boy

I wasn’t going to write, but somehow am compelled to do so.

Friday was one of the roughest days we have had in our lives. We had to make the heart-wrenching decision to have my wonderful fur son, Dunc, euthanized. Mike was there to the end, as he was always there for me in life.

It is one of the hardest decisions a responsible – and loving – pet father ever has to make.

But, for all the heartbreak we are now experiencing, we know it was the right decision. We know even he knew that something was terribly wrong. It was heart-breaking to see him change.

Having a pet necessitates one to think more of another than we do of ourselves. These creatures we take into our hearts give us so much and ask so little in return, except for our love. Having the strength to say goodbye when it is necessary is the ultimate expression of that love.

I honestly don’t know what kind of point I am trying to make with all this – if any. Perhaps it is just to set in motion my self-healing. Because, believe me, I am in need of it. I feel “empty” inside, like my heart is missing.

What will I remember? I’ll remember his Santa coat he let me make him wear; and how he loved to walk with me in the woods; how he always wanted to go with me no matter how boring the journey; how happy he was just to BE, and to be with me; how exciting it was to get an extra-special treat in his dog bowl, or to play with his toys.

But now we are faced with dog bowls that will never be refilled, and toys whose squeaks have been silenced forever. No more required morning walks. No more waking up at 3am to let him on the bed. No more kisses.

From this point on, I walk alone. But I am more of a man, and a better one, for having him in my life.

Thank you, Dunc. We miss you. 

– Love always, your dads.