The Last Will and Testament of a Distinguished Dog

mazzywest

When I lost my Gus a week ago today, a friend sent me this wonderful poem to console me. It's actually about a Dalmatian, but I thought it was lovely and thought I'd share it with others who have gone through the pain of losing a loved dog.

http://www.superdog.com/petloss/lastwill.htm

weimamama · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 11:53 am Post subject:

I just love this. Our friend gave us the book when we lost our non-Weim...

I mention it in my THE CANDLE post.

mazzywest · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 8:26 pm Post subject:

oops, I see it there now. Thanks, sorry for the double post. I suppose its lovely enough to post twice. Wink

weimamama · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 6:38 pm Post subject:

It's a great heart-healing poem... I thought it was interesting that you mentioned it so close in time that i did! well-deserving of multiple posts Smile

weimdawgs · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:43 pm Post subject: Please understand.....

I post this with a broken heart. This is the very hardest part of rescue. My Link morphed into a different dog between yesterday and today. He bit my sister in law yesterday and fought with one of her dogs. Even after a time out it was clear he wanted to hurt her and he fought with Sammy again.

He tried to scale our six foot fence this morning to get at a neighbor I was talking to and this afternoon he fought with Scout, Silkie and Gunnar. To the point I could not have them out together.

In hindsight the early signs of severe aggression were there but I didn't want to see it. The chronic marking, the fact that I could not have him in close quarters with the others, his constant pestering or challenging of the other dogs. He bit John's hand the very first time John met him. We kind of blew that off.

It wasn't his fault. And I am sure his previous owner knew and that's why he left him at the shelter. It why he lied about why he left him there.

There is no way we could have adopted him out. It would not have been safe.

I truly believe he loved John and I. He just decided that no one else was allowed in that world. Once he felt comfortable with us, he felt free to let his anger and frustration out.

I am so angry that some human, through neglect, abuse or cruelty, ruined what could have been a wonderful little dog. Even once the painful decision was made, he was fine with me and John.

Please believe that if there were any other way, I would have done anything to save him.

I am so sorry, little boy. I know it wasn't your fault and I wish I could have helped you. I tried, I really did. I love you, Link.

God speed, sweet baby.......please forgive me.

kjnewk · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:56 pm Post subject:

Oh Lynn, I am so sorry. I cannot even imagine how difficult it must have been to make that decision. Rest easy knowing that you did the right thing and prevented anyone else from being put in harm's way.

weimdogmom · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:57 pm Post subject:

I am so sorry about Link. What a sad day for you.

You know, sometimes these dogs come from backgrounds and places that would be so hard to understand. And they come out with scars that we cannot see or comprehend.

It sounds like the previous owner was a coward and left for you to do what he would not.

But know that if you felt that Link loved you and John, then he loved you. He trusted to you to take care of him and do what was right for him. And you did. You set him free to be a happy Weim and to know peace that he did not have on earth because of his past before you knew him.

Thank you for caring so much for Link. He knew he was loved because of you and he will wait for you at the Bridge.

weimamama · Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 10:31 am Post subject:

Oh! Lynn, I am SO sorry about Link... and for you and John... that is an awful position for rescue to be in. I HATe Link's owners who did that to him...poor little guy didn't have a chance... except that he did have a nice loving home with you for whatever time he had left...That in and of itself is the most rewarding thing about rescue. You saved him---even if just for a little while and loved him. He knew it, he just couldn't show you because he was never taught that.

He WILL wait for you at the Bridge for every second of love and compassion you showed him.
...and I will light my candle tonight for him.

doGspeed Little Link. Presumed innocent