He stopped walking and standing on Thursday and Doug and I decided that it was time. If his quality of life had been marginal before it was non-existent now and to top it off he just looked miserable. I could imagine that when he slept he dreamt of the long runs we used to take, our trips to the lake and catching Frisbees.
I always thought that Major was a beautiful dog that got dealt a bad hand (for those of you who do not know he nearly died one week after we adopted him from the SPCA), but he always managed to pull through which earned him the nick name Major Miracle. He managed to live long past his life expectancy for an animal with his disease -- and he kept his Labrador "I'm Happy" spunk nearly to the end. Even on his last day here with us his tail still had a slight 'thump, thump, thump', which was his trademark, and he gave everyone kisses.
The boys said goodbye and Andrew told him that he loved him and thanked him for being a good dog. He also told him to be a good boy for Zeke and Shelby. That alone was enough to make me tear up.
Good night sweet Major (aka Champ) - I hope that you are on a long run somewhere right now, chasing cats and retrieving balls back in your 100 pound body. Say hello to your sisters and know that we miss you more than you could ever know.
This is how I choose to remember Major:
3 comments:
Every time I pull up your blog, I wondered if I would see this post.
I'm really sorry to hear about Major. He was a mighty fine dog for sure! Even if I only had the chance to meet him a few times, he still had a piece of my heart too.
You and your family are in my prayers...
RIP Major.
"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... "
Hi Guys
I am so sorry to hear about Major, he was a wonderful, wonderful dog. I'll miss him trying to sit on my lap in the arm chair during my visits. Marc and I are so sorry for your loss. Here's a poem I found when Espresso passed, I resurrected it a few weeks ago when we thought we would lose Homer. Major will always be with you guys.
Last Night
I stood by your bed last night; I came to have peep
I could see that your were crying you found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today; your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today; you tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you; I smiled and said, “It’s me.”
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It’s possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew…
In the stillness of the evening, I was very close to you.
This day is over…I smile and watch you yawning
and say “good-night, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out…then come home to be with me.
-Author Unknown
Oh no, I am so sorry to hear about Major. What a sweet pup with the heart and spirit of a champion. He stayed with you as long as he possibly could because he loved his family so much. It sounds like he told you it was his time to reunite with Shelby and Zeke. My heart's with you guys.
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