Originally posted by: Ulfwald
:frown:
This morning I woke up and my best friend in the whole world (my dog) could barely move,but he managed to stand up and greet me with a wag of his tail and a paw shake like his usual morning greeting, but something was amiss inhis eyes, the happy go lucky look that is normally there. This morning I saw a look that was imploring me to help him, I saw pain, but I also saw love and devotion in his eyes.
He has been suffering from megaesophagus, which is an exteme enlargement of the throat. It had become so extreme that he was not breathing properly, as well as no food or water was getting into his system.
So the wife, son and I took Chance to a very good vet this morning and said our goodbyes. He was 14 years old, and lived a very comfortable life here at our home. He always had good food to eat, fresh water, and a soft bed. And he returned love, devotion, and protection without question. He is now with God in Heaven. The worst part is, that my 2 year old son could not grasp why Chance was not coming home. he cried all the way to the car and kept assking "Chance come home, Chance come home." I cried like a baby on the Dr.'s shoulder, as well as on my wife's. She has bawled her eyes out as well today.
Well, we all know that all dogs go to heaven, and this is good because today at around 6 pm my grandfather passed away as well. He has been suffering with lung problems. But now he is at peace. This man served as a belly gunner in WWII, built his own house, worked in a steel mill, raised 3 kids, built furniture after retiring, and never asked for anything except the respect an honest man deserves.
So now, while Chance is in heaven waiting on me to get there, he will at least have family there to keep him company. I can see Chance sitting there waiting patiently with ears perked up and tail wagging, and Papaw Cotton walks up and says "Well hello Chance, lets take a walk, and they do.
There is a lump in my throat as I type this, as well as an emptiness in my heart, make that 2 empty spots. I kno that time will heal all pain, but damn, this hurts really bad today.
This is for Chance, my beloved friend and confidant.
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world?s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.