I have been rehearsing this day for many months as my main mate yellow Labrador and I creaked our bones along river trails. Lakota was bred at my tree farm in October 1999 and I kept the largest, whitest, best feeder of the litter. Now his son, Snow Bear, has huge paws to fill.
It was May 26 at 4:30 p.m. when my buddy left the bed of my pickup truck to start his next phase.
I awkwardly pulled his body from the Christmas tree field to the truck and situated his head on the dog bed he coveted for a decade.
I drove down toward the house, parked under the shade trees, re-situated his head, felt his breathing rhythm, wiped my face, and allowed some of the other Labs to jump in the truck bed.
It took several hours for Lakota to finally forge the last breath, and death signs were quickly prevalent in the heat.
I’ve had the grave dug for months and the tombstone mostly painted.
The Lab family watched me cover him over with layers of soil and wood chips, that I truly hope they don’t dig into.
Most of us have pets and we usually outlive them, but gosh are they permanently etched in family antics.
I’m glad Lakota left naturally, without needle or bullet, and has left a furry legacy.
I’m staring at his collar on the desk, realizing no other critter can fill his niche – appetite until the last day, house-trained, best shotgun navigator, huge bull head, farm protector, river ruler.
We gave each other the best 11 years and 8 months and now his progeny will protect the turtles and trees.
Lakota was simply the best, I say, Lakota was simply the best and I will meet him on the shoreline once again.
Been there and it never gets easier. Our last lab-mix was 14 when we had to put him down 11 years ago. Now, our beagle-mix is 11 yrs old (as of April 2011), and the signs of aging are there. You’ll always have your memories of him, and his progeny to carry on, bringing you joy each day. My sincerest sympathies.
It is a hard thing to let our friends/family go, I have been there too. I thought Mollie would always be with me. I am sorry for your loss.
We have the privilege of caring for pets and receiving their unconditional love in return. We are so lucky to have the capability of helping them into their next life painlessly – it’s the least we can do. Allowing your pet to die “naturally” without a vet’s help is wrong. Dying “naturally” is slow and painful and scary, whether you are on your favorite bed or not. Readers, please consult a professional just before it is your pet’s time to move on. Selfish and cheap to claim that dying “naturally” is “best” for our loyal friends.
he ate every day vigorously, didnt defacate in the wrong place, was alert and scampering the morning he went to dog heaven..
My guess is that you are a “professional” and motivated by self interest in your post. You really don’t know how Lakota left this place. Mr. Chance, who loved this dog, would certainly have enlisted the help of a “professional” if he determined his dog was in distress.
The only thing selfish here is your contention that you know what is best for all God’s creatures. The only thing cheap is the shot you are taking at a good man grieving the loss of his longtime companion.
This is a rude and unnecessary post. A close friend of mine is a respected vet in Harford Co and he does not agree with your comments. Euthanizing a seemingly healthy dog is not appropriate.
I know you know from where I speak. Both mate and dog can never be duplicated. Give thanks for the time we had them. You’ll do just fine, in a while.
A dog can ask for no more than to be adored. To have shared your home and life makes him one of the luckiest dogs ever. I saw him roaming your property, which he clearly thought was his property, ruling his pack and honoring you. Always, honoring you. My thoughts are with you.
hugely appreciated..
Good dog – good times. No better way to share your life than with a true friend. We share your grief – been there; it’s hard. Only time helps heal – but you’ll always miss him (and his unconditional love).
Mr. Chance;
Thanks for sharing your heart felt words with us.
Thank you, Mr. Chance, for sharing your story. Like you, I care for my dogs as I do my family – with lots of love.
Please accept my condolences.
Thank you Bob for sharing your heartfelt words about Lakota with us. All of us pet owners know that the day will come eventually that we have to say goodbye to our furry friends but even though it pains us greatly we still do it again and again. The fun and happiness that they give us and that we give them always make it worthwhile to have our furry members of the family.
I know Lakota had a tremendous life with a wonderful man.