How do you say good-bye and let go of the ones you Love? It has been five weeks and I have barely summoned the words today to bid a very special friend adieu, see you again soon.On December 10th, 2010 I made a final decision for my friend, ARCH Mon Ami’s Dust In The Wind, CGX, NA, RL1X, RL2X, RL3, (aka, Dusty, Dustybutt, DB for short), and had him put to rest. He was at home and his last smile was one of relief; relief from the increasing pain of degenerative arthritis in his hips and the rest of his body. I loved him so much that I could no longer bear to see him suffer so much pain or live in a doped up haze. Life for Dusty had lost its Quality when it was painfully obvious that we could no longer do the things we loved to do together, obedience – especially APDT Rally Obedience.
Even so, we spent 3 more years taking occasional walks in the desert and hanging around the house. Still it would break my heart to see the sorrow on his face as I left with Pat to go do some “dog” thing.
Dusty taught me so many things and provided me the opportunity to have a great many fun experiences in life and trialling. He also created the Space for me to learn patience, an area of my life that was sorely lacking. I wish to thank Sandi Weldon of Mon Ami kennel for giving me the opportunity to experience 10 and half years of life with Dusty.
In August this year I took Dusty to the ocean one more time. He loved the ocean, yet had never the opportunity to run freely in the surf; too many obstacles, scary strangers, strange dogs, etc. This trip he got to experience a fond desire, and mine too, he spent a couple of hours running with his friends in the surf along a beach in San Diego, off-leash. It cost him and showed me that even if the price is pain and discomfort, experiencing JOY and Delight is always worth it.
A Very Best Friend has crossed the Rainbow Bridge and He is here with me in Spirit even as I write this. I can see his laughing face and watch him spinning and bounding in circles around me as we walk along; or smiling up at me from Heel position as we work an advanced Rally course.
I bid you, Dusty, loyal companion of honest heart and staunch courage, adieu. I know that I shall see you soon.