24 Oct. 1997 – 28 Feb. 2011
This has been an awful week. Five days ago I had to have my dog put down. She had lost a lot of muscle mass in her hind legs over the last two years and was very weak. Then, over the weekend she stopped eating and seemed to be in pain. The vet found her riddled with cancer. The house seems very empty without her.
Sunday was a very special dog, loving and gentle, fond of both humans and others of her species, though akitas are said to be aggressive and hard to handle. She originally belonged to my older son. I inherited her in 2000 when he suffered a major stroke. He has been completely paralyzed since then. I used to take Sunday to the nursing home regularly to visit him. I’d put doggie treats between his fingers so he could feed them to her. Everyone there loved her, and she became a kind of mascot/companion dog for the patients and staff.
Sunday was a natural hunter. She caught her first rabbit when she was only 6 months old. When she was in her prime, I often took her camping and hiking off leash. I never had to worry that she would misbehave or wander off.
I’ve attached some photos so you can all see what a beautiful dog she was.
Sunday as a puppy, with my son
Sunday in the woods
Sunday in the snow
Sunday at the beach
Sunday in old age
I thought when I set up this blog a week ago that it would be a place to talk about my writing and occasionally to vent. I hadn’t realized I could also use it as an outlet to grieve. Composing this did provide a bit of comfort while I wait for time to heal. My next post won’t be as off topic.
Anel, you have my deepest sympathies on the loss of your loved one. Losing a member of the family is never easy, but remembering is good. This is a beautiful tribute to her.
ReplyDeleteAs for being off topic, it's your blog, dear, no topic is off topic if it matters to you. Say what you feel.
So sorry, sweetheart. And welcome to blogdom-- you'll find, I think that the things that move you most are the things you will give voice to here. I understand completely about losing a member of your family--Sunday sounds like a true friend.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAnel, no one knows how hard it can be to lose a dog (or any other loved pet)... especially when that pet has so many memories of your son attached.. I am so very sorry and I send you very big hugs from England... xxxxx
ReplyDeletep.s. beautiful photos as well...just beautiful...a gorgeous dog... x
He was beautiful. It hurts to lose one you love. I still grieve over my beautiful Doberman I had to put down 7 years ago. And I can still weep for him.
ReplyDeleteLosing a beloved pet is the total pits, but it's never stopped me from finding another furry friend, and I hope you can find it in your heart to do likewise. There are so many fur people out there who're desperate for love and a good home.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful memorial, I'm so glad it helped easy your pain. Thank you for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteDiane Adams
She was a beautiful dog, Anel. And so much a part of your life and memories involving your son. Heartfelt sympathies, and positive thought for you. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
ReplyDeleteJaime
What a beautiful dog, Anel. I'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI had to put down two of my dogs in a 12 month period. It was devastating. They manage to become your children, and the unconditional love they endlessly give is missed terribly when they are no longer with us. Sunday was a beautiful child. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
ReplyDeleteAww I'm sorry to hear this. We get so attached to our pets, they really do become family. My deepest sympathies on your loss.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Anel. Sunday was beautiful. Several years ago I had to put my beloved pug, Willie, to sleep. He was old, blind, sick... We put it off as long as we could but eventually it got to point where he could no longer eat or control his blader. I'm grateful for the wonderful years we had with him.
ReplyDeleteAnel, I'm so, so sorry. I adored Sunday even through we'd never met - and I still have photos in my picture files, that you sent from time to time. She was a lovely dog and you will miss her desperately. The only good thing is that now she won't suffer.
ReplyDeleteThis isn't really an off-topic post - having a blog is a way of connecting with your readers and friends as a complete human being, not just as a writer, whatever your publishers might think! And I'm sure we all want to be able to express our sympathy as well as buying your next book!
Thinking of you.
That breaks my heart, but sometimes there's nothing you can do. She was beautiful and sounds like a wonderful dog. I lost my own faithful dog ten years ago and I still miss her.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for you loss, Anel. Sunday was a beautiful animal. I can only imagine how much she'll be missed.
ReplyDeleteI also know what it's like to lose a dear animal companion. I still miss my cat Oskar. Some animals are truly special and can never be replaced. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI also feel terrible about your son! I have a son as well, and I can only imagine what you must have gone through. I wish you all well.
Leah Silverman
An author's blog doesn't always have to be about writing, Anel. Sometimes it's FOR writing, to express yourself, and this was one of those times for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about Sunday. How very beautiful she was. And, oh, your son! That breaks my heart, too, and I know it does yours as well.
Thank you for sharing this part of your heart with us, Anel.
Hugs to you.
So sorry to hear,all of us who have given our hearts to wonderful animal companions understand this terrible grief. My thoughts are with you( a fan)
ReplyDeleteLike others here I have lost my dogs over the years, the last one two years ago. Each one has a place in my heart that will never be filled.
ReplyDeleteWhat I meant to add was I am so sorry for the loss of your Sunday. She was a beautiful dog.
ReplyDeleteAnel, you have my deepest sympathy. I lost my own retriever lab cross a couple of years ago and I still miss him almost everyday. It does get better with time but Sunday will always have a place in your heart. Thank you for sharing the photos.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Pender