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Post by pooka on Apr 30, 2013 16:27:26 GMT -5
I'd like to announce the passing of Mac, an old & loyal friend. I came home Sunday night after work & found that he could hardly walk anymore without great difficulty due to his decline from bladder cancer. Monday was no better, although I got him to eat a full bowl of food by one handful at a time. I called my brother who's dog he really is & he said it was time. He took the day off today to take him on his last road trip as I began to dig the grave. I could hardly keep Ruby, his sister out of my way as I proceeded with the task. I found the ground hard & sticky & didn't yield to my shovel easily. When he returned, we took turns finishing the task. We laid him down for a last goodby for us, & Ruby, & for a moment of reflection. We then wrapped him in a clean white cotton shroud before we laid him to rest his final time. In life, he was a one hundred pound puppy who sometimes we called the slobber monster. In death, he was a sixty two pound shadow of himself. Had I a ship to lay him out in with a Viking at his feet for his final journey, I would have. But non to be had at such short notice. All I could give him was a humble shroud & a coin for the boatman for his trip to that other shore. Again Ruby would hardly stay clear while we took turns filling the grave. Goodby old friend. You are now part of the twinkling stars at night & the mists of time.
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Post by cinnabar on Apr 30, 2013 16:46:04 GMT -5
It is so hard to say goodbye to such a devoted friend, even when you know it is inevitable. Ruby will mourn too, but in her own way. He is dog heaven and will visit you often, our back lab does. Peace
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Post by sporko on Apr 30, 2013 16:49:50 GMT -5
I am so sorry Pooka. I didn't even know Mac and your post made my eyes well up a little. I, too, get really attached to my critters. I totally understand your loss.
Take care of yourself and Ruby.
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Post by vaporvac on Apr 30, 2013 16:57:24 GMT -5
My heart goes out to you, Pooka. I've noticed you haven't been posting as frequently and wondered about Mac. I was always pulling for a different outcome. I guess there's no avoiding it inevitably, but it doesn't make the pain any less. He will come see you. As lucky as you were to have him, he surely found a loving friend in you. It's very nice that you were able to give him a thoughtful resting place that you and Ruby can visit.
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Post by Chuckie on Apr 30, 2013 18:33:57 GMT -5
I am so sorry Pooka. I didn't even know Mac and your post made my eyes well up a little. I, too, get really attached to my critters. I totally understand your loss. Take care of yourself and Ruby. OMG, Greg, my eyes did NOT well up, they BOILED OVER--having been there TOO MANY TIMES myself!!! You do indeed get attached to them like children--especially those of us NOT blessed w/the "two legged" variety. Take solace in that he suffers no more, and although the 'clergy' might disagree w/me, has gone to a FAR better place... Besides, if there ain't no DOGS in Heaven, I'm not so "hep" on winding up there then.... I read this years ago--saw the 'Twilight Zone' episode even--and thought it BETTER even than the "Rainbow Bridge" epitaph... www.aarf.org/Memorials/NoDogsInHeaven.htmCHEERS, Pooka old friend! I hoist a parting glass to your old Mac and your broken heart... Tim & Beth
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Post by karitx on Apr 30, 2013 20:58:24 GMT -5
I'm so sorry, Pooka. I never met Mac, but your tribute to him brought tears to my eyes. I have always had pets and cannot imagine life without them, but their lives are so short it's so hard when they leave us.
In Memoriam
by Henry Willett
I miss the little wagging tail; I miss the plaintive, pleading wail; I miss the wistful, loving glance; I miss the circling welcome-dance.
I miss the eyes that, watching, sued; I miss her tongue of gratitude That licked my hand, in loving mood, When we divided cup or food.
I miss the pertinacious scratch (Continued till I raised the latch Each morning), waiting at my door; Alas, I ne'er shall hear it more.
"What folly!" hints the cynic mind, "Plenty of dogs are left behind To snap and snarl, to bark and bite, And wake us in the gloomy night.
"You should have sought a human friend, Whose life eternal ne'er could end— Whose gifts of intellect and grace Bereavement never could efface."
Plenty of snarling things are left, But I am of a friend bereft; I seek not intellect, but heart— 'Tis not my head that feels the smart.
While loving sympathy is cherished, While gratitude is not quite perished; While patient, hopeful, cheerful meeting At our return is pleasant greeting;
So long my heart will feel a void— Grieving, my mind will be employed— When I, returning to my door, Shall miss what I shall find no more. When we, at last, shall pass away, And see no more the light of day, Will many hearts as vacant mourn— As truly wish for our return? Yet love that's true will ever know The pain of parting. Better so! "Better to love and lose" than cold, And colder still, let hearts grow old. So let the cynic snarl or smile, And his great intellect beguile; My little dog, so true to me, Will dear to heart and memory be.
by Henry Willett.
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Post by pooka on Apr 30, 2013 22:24:59 GMT -5
As Will Rogers once said; “If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
While many are sure what is to come. I only know that we & all things are in a constant state of becoming. Becoming what, one might ask. No one can know. As much as we'd like to surmise the answer to a host of questions, many times there are no answers, as much as we'd wish there were.
We are a race of story tellers & tale spinners, we humans, since the dawn of time. We love a good yarn. There is some wisdom in many a tale, like one of the last line in that Twilight Zone episode called “The Hunt”. The angel tells Hyder Simpson & his dog Rip; “You see, Mr. Simpson, a man, well he’ll walk right into hell with both eyes open, but even the devil can’t fool a dog.”
That may give us a little chuckle & warm our heart a bit, but it's only a story. I choose to think like Socrates, when he said; "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." I enjoy a good narrative as much as the next person, but I'm still with Socrates in knowing nothing. I have heard it said, that ignorance is bliss. I'll take that sentiment with a grain of salt.
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Post by pooka on Apr 30, 2013 23:09:44 GMT -5
Thanks all for your sentiments. It helps to write it out as if to exorcise the demons of grief from my psyche. I was composing that last post as karitx posted "In Memoriam" by Henry Willett. That's odd, because Henry Willett is my fathers name. How strange. I'll finish with the word of Jimmy Stewart reading his famous poem about his dog Beau on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in 1981. youtu.be/mwGnCIdHQH0
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Post by eidos on May 1, 2013 9:18:10 GMT -5
Pooka as someone that has had to dig a couple of those holes in the last two months i understand. I love the Jimmy Stewart poem, very fitting.
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Post by littlebrother on May 2, 2013 20:35:15 GMT -5
Hi all. I am littlebrother. Mac was the best dog I could have ever want and I will miss him very much. I may never become as eloquent a writer as my big brother pooka has become thanks to this board but I would like to say thanks to you all for your kind words and encouragement. It means a lot. Now go out and cook something. I toast you all.
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Post by Chuckie on May 2, 2013 21:43:22 GMT -5
Hi all. I am littlebrother. Mac was the best dog I could have ever want and I will miss him very much. I may never become as eloquent a writer as my big brother pooka has become thanks to this board but I would like to say thanks to you all for your kind words and encouragement. It means a lot. Now go out and cook something. I toast you all. Hey littlebrother!!! Welcome to Chambersland! ;D Your older bro is ONE KEWL DUDE, and we are ALL fortunate to have him here. He is a WEALTH of information--keeping track of all the old posts, and otherwise keeping us apprised of "Chamber World" things. Not to mention his inspirational posts that keep us intrigued!!! Methinks you are VERY fortunate to have a bro like him. I have TWO older brothers, but feel closer to POOKA than them--I guess due to our love of Chambers and sharing of info/ideas/thoughts out here--something I DON'T have in common w/them. SO SORRY for you two guy's loss of Mr. Mac, but HAPPY to have you ABOARD! “May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past” CHEERS! Chuckie
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Post by jhmack on May 3, 2013 15:56:31 GMT -5
Oh, Pooka and littlebrother--I'm so sorry to hear about Mac. (Good name!) He had a great life between the two of you looking after him, and I know he gave you every bit of love he had in return. A terrific trade, when you think of it, one that has enriched humanity for eons. I know you both and Ruby will miss him. My condolences. Jane
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Post by karitx on May 3, 2013 16:17:28 GMT -5
Welcome littlebrother. Again, I'm sorry for the loss of Mac. I think we could all sense what a beloved dog he was. Watch out if you start hanging around here. Pretty soon you'll be bringing home old stoves, roasters, waffle irons, etc. At least that's what happened to me.
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Post by pooka on Apr 15, 2016 0:24:46 GMT -5
Well the worm has turned bringing the reaper yet again into my midst. Wednesday about 1:00 AM I got a call from my brother saying that Ruby had decided to lay down & die in short order. He said as he was getting ready for bed Tuesday night, he could hear her labored breathing from where she had laid down unable to get back up. Her breathing shallowed & soon ceased. She had been a bit wobbly for a while. Her back legs not seeming to work very well anymore, but she was fifteen about now, so things like a bit of arthritis are to be expected. Recently she was off her food a bit As we laid Mac down, I pondered how soon before Ruby would join him. Now that it has come to pass, she'll follow him forever. She's literally inches behind him. I tried to leave a little breathing space, but unexpectedly encounter an unknown sewer tile that shouldn't be there, so she had to cozy up a bit closer behind Mac. We gave her a coin for the boatman & a supply of ball forevermore.
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Post by vaporvac on Apr 15, 2016 8:35:55 GMT -5
I'm really sad to hear of your loss, Pooka. I think their passing is so hard as our bond with them is so pure My heart goes out to you and your brother after so much grief these past few years. Stick close together.
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Post by Chuckie on Apr 15, 2016 11:04:59 GMT -5
Well the worm has turned bringing the reaper yet again into my midst. Wednesday about 1:00 AM I got a call from my brother saying that Ruby had decided to lay down & die in short order. He said as he was getting ready for bed Tuesday night, he could hear her labored breathing from where she had laid down unable to get back up. Her breathing shallowed & soon ceased. Pooka: 'Tis a sad day indeed when one of our furry friends pass on. Take comfort in the narration below--which I'm sure we've all heard before... Chuckie ------------------------------------------------------------------------- RAINBOW BRIDGE
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...
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Post by chipperhiker on Apr 15, 2016 14:23:43 GMT -5
So sorry for your double loss, Pooka and littlebrother. My heart goes out to you both. May your many fond memories of them both bring you comfort.
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Post by nana on Apr 15, 2016 21:59:14 GMT -5
I am so sorry to hear about your doggies, Pooka and littlebrother. Many times an old married couple will go like that, one right after the other. I hope it helps to know they are together again. Your love for them shows in the tender care you gave both of them and the respect of a final resting place together. I'm thinking of you.
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Post by kellyjo40 on Apr 15, 2016 23:54:31 GMT -5
I too have lost several furry friends, one to cancer and the other to Addison'so disease. Both too soon. In a way, I would feel better if they had been companions and could lie close together in our little pet cemetary. So sorry Pooka and Littlebrother. I know you aren'the religious, but take this for the wish i send to you. May God grant you peace.
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Post by pooka on Apr 16, 2016 2:05:26 GMT -5
As I said in the original post;
"Had I a ship to lay him out in with a Viking at his feet for his final journey, I would have. But non to be had at such short notice. All I could give him was a humble shroud & a coin for the boatman for his trip to that other shore."
Just due respect for years of companionship. A humble repayment. I need to get some bricks to boarder the plots.
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Post by mach12 on Apr 16, 2016 11:39:03 GMT -5
I remember reading a tribute that said "So sad the loss; So wonderful the memories". Losing a pet like that can really tear your heart out. They were truly blessed to have had the homes and lives they did.
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Post by pooka on Apr 17, 2016 0:04:20 GMT -5
I have no more words. I am struck dumb in my despair.
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Post by Chuckie on Apr 17, 2016 12:39:45 GMT -5
I have no more words. I am struck dumb in my despair. Pooka: That was the prayer in my Mom's funeral card--"Native American Prayer"!! Here it is below: I give you this, one thought to keep, I am with you still - I do not sleep. I am the thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. As you awake with morning's hush I am the swift-up-flinging rush Of quiet birds in circling flight I am the soft starts that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone—I am with you still In each new dawn.
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Post by pooka on Apr 17, 2016 15:43:23 GMT -5
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Post by Chuckie on Apr 17, 2016 20:56:56 GMT -5
The real story of the poem is better than the myth.
True that, Pooka! Hadn't heard/read that before...
Hang in there old sport, you NEVER get OVER it, but it DOES (SEEM) to get easier w/time...
CHEERS! Chuckie
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Post by mach12 on Apr 18, 2016 11:22:53 GMT -5
I really like that one Pooka! We're definitely keeping a copy. Thanks for posting it.
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Post by pooka on Apr 19, 2016 0:00:04 GMT -5
I discovered the Conor O'Brien version while wandering the net. Apparently it has it's own significant history in England. According to this Link that analyzed the poem & gave some background info, "The poem was first introduced to many Britons when it was read by the father of a young soldier, Stephen Jeffrey Cummins, who had been killed by a bomb in Northern Ireland. The soldier's father read the poem on BBC radio in 1995 in remembrance of his son, after having found it in an envelope addressed "To all my loved ones" in his son's personal effects." It later says, "A 1996, a Bookworm poll resulted in 30,000 "write in" votes for the un-nominated poem, making it Great Britain's favorite poem, from "out of blue nothing." It closes by saying, "Frye never copyrighted the poem, which leaves it in the public domain. Her explanation: "I thought it belonged to the world; it didn't belong to me. I still feel that way … it was written out of love, for comfort. If I took money for it, it would lose its value ... maybe I'm a nut."
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Post by metrowmn on May 3, 2016 11:26:35 GMT -5
Pooka so sorry for your loss. I lost my cat Salem last year after she had been sick with Lymphoma. I have three dogs too and they are in the true sense of the word like my children. Who else always loves you unconditionally and brightens your day but a slobbery loving fur baby?
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Post by pooka on May 5, 2016 0:56:07 GMT -5
Our only remaining canine is my late mothers fierce little lap lion Lilly. She thinks she's ten feet tall. They have five cat too, but they're not the same as dogs. My brother started with three kittens abandoned in the side yard one February a few years ago. Then my sister moved in with her two cats from Buffalo, NY. One has since died of unknown reasons, but was soon replaced by by another black one that wandered in though the pet door one day with a big gash in his front leg, so it's back up to five again. I have no pets at my house. I do well to keep my house plants in good heath, but a number of them are nearly twenty years old. Ficuses & palms need minimal care. 'Twould be nice to have a dog myself, but I do good to take care of myself. I can't take on another mouth to feed & care for.
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Post by nana on May 5, 2016 6:42:33 GMT -5
She's a cutie-- er, excuse me, I mean an imposing and intimidating guardian!
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