'Don't it always seem to go That you don't know what you've got Till it's gone' words sung by Joni Mitchell and more recently by the Counting Crows. These words were brought home to me this past week when our dog lost his fight for life.
Although Bryan had been with us barely 2 years our vet put his age at about 14. We don't know what his life had been like before he came to us because he had been found wandering the streets in Scotland and had wound up in the care of the Dogs Trust which is where we found him. We had suspicion's that he was not always treated well as he was frightened of men in certain situations and he was forever scrounging for food even though he was fed regularly. He was a lovely old boy and everyone who met him fell in love with him, even other dogs and our cat Oscar!
What I did not realise was just how much he meant to me. I know he was company while my Husband was at work but I now realise he was much more. Bryan was my courage, he made me face the world again, to go out walking and to talk to people I did not know. He gave me the confidence to open the door without worrying who was on the other side. He helped my general health as with the introduction of more exercise I was able to shed 60lbs. He gave me someone else to think about other than myself, I know I have other pets but a dog will keep pestering you until you do what they want. He gave me unconditional love, something I thought I had from family but it turned out that it was not so. I only got that from Bryan, my Husband and Brother.
When we adopted Bryan from the Dogs Trust we were told we had done a good thing and we had, We had done a good thing for me. Bryan was what I needed and we were what Bryan needed so it was a good match except that I needed him for longer than he had to give me and now I miss him so much that I don't know what to do. Even the cat misses him and walks around the house calling to him. We have talked about getting another dog but we have not decided on that yet, it is too soon.
So, thank you Bryan. Thank you for all you did for me, for the happiness you brought to us even for a short while. See you at the Rainbow Bridge boy, wait for me.
So sorry for your loss Elaina. I know this is a bit late but I have only just discovered your blog via Graphicus Guild. I hope the pain has started to ease for you, and I know you will never forget him, but you will have the memories and they will help you and so will time. I hope you will decide to get another dog in time, you will never replace Bryan but there may be one out there just waiting for you.
ReplyDeletelove Dianne.