July 27, 1999 - August 24, 2013
I mentioned earlier this week that 14 year old Odie was 'struggling' a bit. He was still bright, alert and would even still run around his pen at feeding time but then he'd have 'bad bouts' where he would have trouble keeping his balance and staying on his feet. On Tuesday he actually got 'stuck' in his dog house, unable to get his feet under him to get out - but once we 'rescued' him he recovered quickly.
This morning when I woke up, the first noise I heard was a soft, but persistent distress bark. As I quickly threw clothes on over my pajamas I pretty much already knew what was going on.
I helped Odie out of his house, but he had trouble getting up once outside.
I picked him up to carry him to a private pen where he was 'safer' while he got reorientated. As I held him in my arms I could feel his heart beating crazily - not with excitement or from a hard run on the trail - but from pain and fear. His eyes normally bright, brown eyes were clouded with fear and confusion. For me, that is not an acceptable state for my dogs.
As we drove to the vet he slipped into the deep sleep of an aged body. In that relaxed state I could see glimpses of the young pup with so much promise, the young adult with so much drive it scared me, and the proud, capable adult that traveled very many miles with me. They were dashed away when his eyes opened and clouded.
Life is short. Time is cruel. Thank goodness for memories - they make it all somewhat bearable.
Goodbye Odie Coyote.
9 comments:
Our thoughts are with you Karen - Godspeed Odie, wear your silver harness proudly.��
So sorry, Karen!
He is now presiding over the dog pack in Val hallow as the king of gods. He will always be part of the pack. He will be lead dog as the Norse gods dog pack goes into battle.
Karen, may God's peace be with both you, and Odie!Lead on Odie!
My condolences. I know the heartache of losing a beloved family member. He joins others waiting north of the Rainbow Bridge.http://www.sibernet.com/memorial/north.html
Godspeed, Odie. My condolences, Karen and Mark. It's just never easy, is it. I'm sure Kara and Freya and his friends who preceded him welcomed him to the Rainbow Bridge,as he joined the silver harness team.
I'm so very sorry! He had a long and happy life and you were with him at the end when he needed you most.
Run fast over the Bridge Odie. Wear that Silver Harness with great pride. You definitely earned it!
Khady Lynn
My thoughts and prayers are with you Karen. May memories of times shared carry you through this hard time. R.I.P Odie, wear your Silver Harness with pride.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Karen. Odie is now running free from pain at Rainbow Bridge. He had a long and happy life. Godspeed to you Odie.
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