Good Bye Ol’ Buddy!

Wednesday we said good bye to my parent’s dog, Duke, whom they have had for 11 years.

We got Duke for my dad’s birthday in 2000. I remember dad was sitting in his recliner with his back to us and we snuck up behind him carrying Duke, who was just a cute little puppy at the time. When dad saw the puppy he said, “What the h_ _ l is that because it’s not ours!?! We said, “That’s right, it’s not ours, it’s your new dog, dad!”

So we plopped him down on dad’s lap and within minutes they became best buds. They went fishing together, went to the mountains together, went out to the farm together. Duke loved the water, he loved the snow and he loved to run, so those three places were his favorites!

Over the years, Duke, started having health problems. It first started with his thyroid then went to cancer. He also had arthritis real bad. But he still LOVED to swim. Any chance he got to run into the water he did!

Duke also had the patience of a saint. Mom and dad thought that Dukie needed a friend so they brought home Louie two summers ago. Louie just wanted to play with Duke, but Duke just laid there and took the puppy abuse. When Louie passed away in an accident at home, Duke seemed to actually miss him. Not to long after that, Tank was introduced to Duke. Again, the new puppy just wanted to play with Duke, but Duke just didn’t have that kind of energy any more.

This week Duke was laid to rest but he got to go on one last boat ride and had one more trip to the farm to check the cow’s with my dad. He had a great life and will be really missed. He was such a good dog….

FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

You’re giving me a special gift,

So sorrowfully endowed,

And through these last few cherished days,

Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing

When your best friend is in pain,

And understanding earthly acts

Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,

Beyond, into your soul,

I see in you the magic, that will

Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,

Is why I look to you today,

To do this thing that must be done,

For it’s the only way.

That strength is why I’ve followed you,

And chose you as my friend,

And why I’ve loved you all these years…

My partner ’til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,

You’re giving, means to me,

It gives me back the strength I’ve lost,

And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,

For that is what friends do.

And know that what you do is right,

For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,

And through your hand I feel,

The courage that’s within you,

To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,

Dear friend, and let me run,

Once more a strong and steady dog,

My pain and struggle done.

And don’t despair my passing,

For I won’t be far away,

Forever here, within your heart,

And memory I’ll stay.

I’ll be there watching over you,

Your ever faithful friend,

And in your memories I’ll run,

…a young dog once again.

~Karen Clouston

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