Introductions: Doozer

When I first met Greg, he had a dog named Doozer. 

Doozer was a Rottie/Chow mix.

One of the reasons why I decided to date Greg was for Doozer.  I loved going to visit him.  Greg was nice too, but Doozer was my fave.

He was such an easy going dog.   Shortly after Greg and I moved in together, we got Penny the cat.  A few years later, we brought Ruby into the mix.  And then Leah.  And, while there were times where I swore Doozer would look at Greg and say with his eyes, "Remember when it was just us boys? The good ole' days?" I knew he loved us all, and he protected his family.

He was a big dog, but he didn't think so.  It didn't stop him from doing what the small lap dogs were up to.

He was just a good dog.  And so when he tore his ACL we thought nothing of having it repaired surgically.  And, despite a long recovery period, he was as good as new afterwards.

Doozer also held a special place in my mom's heart.  Sure, he drooled and shed, but as long as you remembered to never wear black when you came to our house, you were golden.

In 2009 Doozer developed a tumor on his leg.  The vet confirmed that it was cancer, and it was very far along.  Greg and I spent a week keeping him secluded and tending to his tumor, which was not pretty.  Or easy.  Actually, it was quite heartbreaking.  By this point, the tumor was messy and gross, but knowing that the cancer, which had spread to his lungs, was going to take over soon was just too much.  He didn't understand why we couldn't let him roam free, and we couldn't stand to watch him slowly lose his spirit.

So, we made a decision. 

And we miss him very much.

And think about him a lot.

Doozer

2000-2009

Don't forget; the $15 Starbucks Giveaway is going on until Thursday, April 15th.  If you'd like to enter, please go HERE and leave a comment.  Who doesn't love overpriced coffee drinks? Not me.





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The Healing Corner: Rob's Story

Rob lost his beloved dog Nikki a few years ago.  He sent in something that reminds him of his time with Nikki.  Here it is, author unknown, along with a picture of Rob's Nikki, whom he misses very much.

10 Commandments for a
Responsible Pet Owner

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years.

Any separation from you will likely be very painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me - it is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment.

You have your work, your friends, and your entertainment.

I HAVE ONLY YOU!

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words,

I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could

easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative,

ask yourself if something might be bothering me.

Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long,

or my heart may be getting old and weak.

9. Take care of me when I get old.

You too, will grow old.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys.

 Never say "I can't bear to watch it"

or, "Let it happen in my absence."

Everything is easier for me if you are there.

Remember, I love you.

In Memory Of Nikki

The Healing Corner: Catherine's Story

I want to help contribute to your blog. I think this is a wonderful idea! However, I am a terrible writer. But it got me thinking about loss and grief and the personal loss and grief I have experienced. I suppose I am lucky to not have experienced that sudden jarring loss that many others have experienced. I have lost grandparents and other relatives. I have also gone through the trauma of losing a pet very suddenly.


We lost our dog, Crosby, in Jan. 2004 to cancer. He was a real a-hole to other dogs but a wonderful companion at home. I cried and cried the day we had to put him to sleep. So I thought I would contribute something that sums up my feeling on being a pet owner. I found a great quote by Gene Hill that pretty much sums up how I feel about dogs and why I will always be a dog owner. So here it is:


He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me...whenever...wherever-in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog. - Gene Hill

editor's note: The Healing Corner is a section of this blog that is open for contributions from readers.  You can write about yourself, a loved one (with us or deceased), my mom, a pet, a particular time in your life, etc.  The sky's the limit with The Healing Corner.  I will gladly accept any form of writing (letter, story, poem, haiku,) and you are more than welcome to include pictures.  Your submittal can include your name, can remain anonymous, or can be accompanied with a pen name; it's entirely up to you.  All I ask is that the submission be from the heart. Thank you.

Send Submissions Here.