It was no surprise. Bandit, our little red cattle dog, age 17 had been declining for months. Like any elderly soul, we dealt with his incontinence and difficulty walking. We put a doggy ramp on the porch stairs but on his last days put a sling under him to help him outside.
I’ve written about Bandit before in other posts- Stroller Dog and In the Company of Another Old Dog. I’ve loved all my dogs but he was exceptional in so many ways. When his arthritis got too bad I had altered a jogging stroller and a bike trailer so he would not miss out on our outdoor excursions.
The day before Bandit took his last breath, we carried him out to his beloved stroller. I took him for one last ride down our favorite country road to the rushing creek swollen by the recent rains. Even in his declining state, I could see the pure delight in his face as he took it all in.
We buried him out in a quiet corner of the yard under a big pine tree. I fashioned a cairn in his honor to mark his grave and hung his collar on top. Bandit basically died of old age, wearing himself out by living well. If we can only be so lucky.
We borrow the souls of our four-legged friends. At some point, we have to let them go. Their passing leaves holes in our hearts but in return, they give us such love and fond memories.
Goodbye Bandit
Rest In Peace
Jan. 16, 2021
The following poem speaks to all the dogs that have shared my life’s journey…..
IN MY GOOD DEATH
by Dalia Sheven
I will find myself waist deep in high summer grass. The humming
shock of the golden light. And I will hear them before I see
them and know right away who is bounding across the field to meet
me. All my good dogs will come then, their wet noses
bumping against my palms, their hot panting, their rough faithful
tongues. Their eyes young and shiny again. The wiry scruff of
their fur, the unspeakable softness of their bellies, their velvet ears
against my cheeks. I will bend to them, my face covered with
their kisses, my hands full of them. In the grass I will let them knock
me down.
My eyes started watering reading this. Sorry for the loss of your faithful companion. What a wonderful poem at the end of your post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. As a dog lover yourself I know you understand.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aww Bandit. I’m so sorry Alanna. They just aren’t with us long enough. Sending virtual hugs to you. 😞💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Pam. Hug your Yogi for me!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think Bandit knew just how well he was loved. The passing of those we love leaves such a big hole, I hope you take comfort in your memories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you heather. all the best to you and your Ophelia!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful tribute to a loyal companion and fellow traveler. I’m hoping all of us old souls will get that last lovely stroller ride.
Deb
LikeLiked by 1 person
We can only hope!
LikeLike
I’m sorry about the loss of your beloved bandit. The cairn is a lovely memorial.
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Alana I am so sorry. I was bawling by the end of the poem because we are in this situation now. Our sweet lab Bruce is almost 14 and in the same condition you described for Bandit. It is a day by day decision and I know we probably should let him go but it is so hard to make that call. I’m not a writer so I won’t be able to do such a beautiful tribute for Bruce but I will be surly be feeling it.
LikeLike
Edie, I’m so sorry that you are in the same situation. I would not take Bandit into the clinic to have him put down. (Been there before and couldn’t do it again). I made an apporintment for a home euthenasia as I had with my other dogs but he took a turn for the worse too quickly. We saw him through his passing with oral pain meds and being up with him on and off through the night. My advice to you is too make an appointment for a house call ASAP for a low stress passing rather than risk a more stressful experience. All the best to you, Bruce and family in this difficult time.
Alanna
LikeLike
Oh Alanna and Raymond, I’m sooo sorry for the loss of your furry family member Bandit. If we didn’t love so much it wouldn’t hurt so badly….. but of course it’s worth every bit of the love you shared. Rest In Peace Bandit 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your thoughts Susan.
LikeLike
Such a lovely post for your sweet boy, Alanna. I know what a difficult time this is and hope each day will feel a bit easier. Such a well-loved dog; he was so lucky to have you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Becky
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful tribute to Bandit. I particularly liked the line ” wearing himself out by living well”. I have a 19 year old cat that is beginning her decline. I just want to love on her all day while she is still with us. Your post touched me, Alanna.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for commenting LuAnne. I just want to wish you well with your kitty. It’s so difficult to know you have to say goodbye soon to a long dear friend. I’m sure she has been enjoying a wonderful life with you. I’ll be thinking of you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry to hear about Bandit. In addition to his other lovely qualities, he was a very tolerant host to my excitable dog when we visited. Sending heartfelt hugs to you, and a scratch behind the ears to your cat. She must be wondering where her friend Bandit has gone off to….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jenny. I saw appreciate it!
LikeLike