The words of Jim and Janet Goodbrod.
It was finally time to say the last goodbye to our old Buddy. Life had become an intolerable burden. His spirit wanted to keep going, but his failing body could not keep up. We ended his suffering and gently nudged him into that deep and eternal sleep last Wednesday.
Rest in peace old man! You made it 16-17 years. You aren’t in pain any longer and can run and play like you used to. We had you for only about 10 months, but loved you and we’re glad we could make your last year a good one. Forget the horrible abuse you suffered as a puppy, and remember only the love and joy you gave us in your last days on this planet.
A Dog’s Plea
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, 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 although I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
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.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for 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, my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.
— Beth Norman Harris
Learning from Dogs 
Oh how lovely and sad. What a touching poem too. I have also taken an older dog, a retriever, into my home this past year, who’d been sadly neglected by himself in a backyard for many years. It was a sheer delight to see our Max swimming in the sea at the age of 12 for the very first time. He is so loving and grateful and enjoys life with his young terrier mate and our 4 pet cats. Like Buddy, he loves to eat! Lol.
LikeLike
Marg, it’s examples of love and caring like this one that shine across us all. Do consider writing a guest post about Max.
LikeLike
Beautiful.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, John.
LikeLike
This memory of Buddy has now been added as a link to the We Shall Not Forget Them page. As I have just written over there: “Slowly and steadily we will construct a beautiful portfolio of treasured memories.”
LikeLike
So very sorry for the loss. I hope tender moments provide sweet memories of your fur-iend.
LikeLike
I am sure they do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry for the loss of Buddy. You were so kind to give him a joy filled last year that erased all of the pain that he felt as a puppy. I wish this world had more people like you in it. Kindness should be a staple in life, not a wish or dream.
LikeLike
There’s no question that Jim and Janet will read these touching responses.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so.
LikeLike
😦
LikeLike
Sad and touching words! So sorry for the loss of beautiful Buddy! His last days with Jim & Janet were filled with loving, compassionate care. Christine
LikeLike
Beautifully said, Christine. Big hugs to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So long Buddy, go romp in the clouds with your doggy friends.
LikeLike
Yes, so long dear, sweet Buddy.
LikeLike
Lovely people who cared for a sweet old dog. Bless them.
LikeLike
Yes, Janet and Jim are dear friends who live close by. Jim is a veterinarian doctor who works at our local vet clinic in Grants Pass; Lincoln Road Clinic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He sounds like an ideal vet and I wish I had one just like him. His wife must be a lovely person as well.
LikeLike
He is, and she is!
LikeLike
Sometimes 10 months’ loss can feel worse than years with a dog. I can’t explain it, except to say I know it’s true. Blessings.
LikeLike
Bela, it’s true without doubt. My sense is that the reason you, and us, and thousands and thousands of others feel this has its roots in the quality, in the purity, of the relationship a dog has with those humans in their lives.
Frequently when we are driving into Grants Pass we will see an elderly woman or gentleman slowing walking along the pavement, sorry sidewalk, with their dog alongside them on a leash trotting so contentedly beside them. That sight never fails to touch me. Knowing what that dog means to that person and, equally, what that person means to that dog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLike
Beautiful and sorry for the loss of Buddy!
LikeLike
Thanks Paul. We met Jim this morning at our Vet’s clinic because one of our dogs, Casey, was not very well. Jim made a point of saying how touched he and Janet had been by everyone’s loving responses.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dear Paul, I am running out of tissues.. your posts on your guest posts have had me in tears.. xxx
LikeLike
Please use the sleeve of my shirt! The sleeve covering my right arm. You can’t mistake it for it’s the sleeve covered in dried dogs’ spittle! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha… No.. Will give your sleeve a miss Paul sniffle ,sniffle… I think it is probably covered in enough moisture for the want of a better word lol.. to add more to it.. haha.. But thank you for that kind offer 🙂 hehe..
LikeLike
Lovely! Don’t end up with a red nose will you, Aunty Sue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha…. 🙂 xxx Big smiles.. xx
LikeLike
Very sorry 😦
LikeLike
Jim and Janet would be very grateful for your sorrow at their loss. Welcome to this place.
LikeLike