Tuesday, November 21, 2017

You’re Such a Good Boy

Trisket (taken last night)
Over the past year, I often watched you sleep.  At times, your legs would twitch and I imagined you dreaming of when you were younger and could run with grace.  In your sleep, were you still circling the house at full speed, stopping only to chase squirrels up trees? 

Over the past year when we would take a walk, I would take the lead and you moped behind.  As I slowed down to your speed, I would wonder if you recalled dragging me along behind as we headed into Hastings or up the canyon by Cedar Creek.

Over the past few months, when I watched in sadness as you bumped into walls and furniture, your cataracted eyes glassed over, I wondered if you remembered the hours we’d play in the kitchen. Your sharp eyes followed my hand as I tossed popcorn. You’d snap each kernel out of the air, seldom missing.

Since moving to Savannah, as you struggled in the humidity and heat, I’d wondered if you recalled how you loved the snow, running through it as you scooped it up with your snout and tossed it in the air, snapping at the falling flakes as if it was popcorn.

I am thankful that to the end, when you would stand beside me, you’d press your neck on my lower thigh, at the right height for my fingers to bury themselves in your beautiful mane. And I always loved how you’d stand into the wind, letting the tufts at the end of your ears fly back, as you sniffed and enjoyed the breeze.  Sadly, I missed our long walks around town, our hikes in the wood, and how you sat like General Washington in the middle of the canoe as we floated down river.  

You were so gentle with that little girl, the one who picked you out of the litter and named you for a cracker. You always looked out for her and for that reason alone, I am eternally grateful. The two of you grew up together, but you grew old much too fast. Seventeen years is a long time for a dog, they say, but it’s not nearly long enough.  

The house is way too big, lonely, and sad tonight. I keep listening for the sounds of your clanking tags and the tap of your toenails on the hardwood, but only hear the cold rain splattering on the deck out back. We’re all going to miss you, Trisket.  You were such a good boy, a pretty boy, a big furry fluffball!
My favorite picture of Trisket and me (2007)
Taken on the Thornapple River

27 comments:

  1. Ohh heavens. You have my sincerest sympathy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Im really sorry by your loss. Heartbreaking.But I believe in a paradise with our dogs.<3

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a wonderful tribute to Trisket, I am sorry that he is gone.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sorry to hear of your grief for Trisket, friend Sage ... I had 3 farm dogs like that ... Kleiner, Foxy and Piwo ... They will be engraved in to my heart for ever ... ya ... https://www.youtube.com/embed/yi2AX14eRbk?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0 ... and that's how the cookie crumbles ... so save yourself some cookie dow and make a new cookie from it ... as the animal shelters are full of critters to adopt ... Hugs and purrs, cat.

    ReplyDelete
  5. oh, man. Very sorry for your loss. Great memory here.

    ReplyDelete
  6. That's so sad, Sage. Sending you a big hug.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You're breaking my heart, Sage. Beautiful tribute.

    You have my sincere sympathy.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's always sad to lose a pet. They give us so much and ask so little. You have my sincerest sympathy.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Damn. I am so very sorry. And yes, 17 years is a long life - but still too short, always too short. Your dog was fortunate to have been so loved.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Losing your good friend is always so hard. I'm sorry Trisket's gone, but he's left you with so many wonderful memories that I hope those will help. I loved the picture of you both in your canoe. Classic.

    ReplyDelete
  11. So very sorry to read about your loss.
    I thought your tribute and photographs were beautiful.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  12. Yes, Savannah is their next stop, friend Sage ... sorry lost some comments due to computer failure ... @paulleanneandavan ... and paulleanneandavan.wixsite.com/paulleanneandavan ... both ongoing blogs are about their yearlong Canada and States travel by van ... Love, cat.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is a beautiful, touching tribute. I'm very sorry, Sage.
    My deepest sympathy.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dear Sage - oh how very sad ... such a lovely remembrance of her life ... so desperate for you and the family ... but sweet seventeen years is a good time ... and she will reign supreme in your memory bank for years to come ... for now - remember all her sweet tempered times as you set out for us ... with thoughts - Hilary

    ReplyDelete
  15. So many of us have been where you are and feel your pain. May all the good memories comfort you.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sorry to hear about your loss. What a beautiful remembrance this post is.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm so sorry for your loss. These are sweet remembrances of your dear companion. I'm glad you have these lovely memories of Trisket.

    ReplyDelete
  18. God bless you all during this sad and difficult time.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm so sorry about your loss. What a lovely tribute to Trisket. I love the part about how Trisket looked out for your little girl. So sweet.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sage
    The most heart touching eulogy to a pet I've ever read!
    Sorry buddy
    timm

    ReplyDelete