She is gone

My beautiful dog, Paisley, has died.

After 11 years, she was sick with cancer and nothing could be done to save her. Next to my wife and daughter, I cannot think of anyone who was closer to me. She was my shadow, always following me around the house. She sat with me in my office, next to me watching TV and slept next to my side of the bed on her pillow. We walked daily.

It may seem like a strange post, but for those who knew me, she was a major fixture in my life. Also, for some, you will recognize her because you saw us together somewhere around town. There were also the countless students who knew her, as well. And, for all those wonderful dog lovers, you appreciate how the loss of a pet can affect someone.

I wanted to write something brilliant, a tribute to her. But, after several draft, it falls short. But, I must admit, the act of writing something helped me feel better about the loss. Still, it is muddled.

Maybe in the future, I might try to craft an obituary or a remembrance. But, for now, this is it.

Goodbye, my beloved Paisley. R.I.P.

3 thoughts on “She is gone

  1. We lost our beloved wonderful Border Collie, Patches, 5 years ago this coming July. Milne and the Friday afternoon Cobourg railfans knew Patches. In fact, Milne was the only infrequent male guest to our home who Patches made friends with almost immediately. Patches died very suddenly in his 12th year from Cancer and I can’t tell you how much he is still missed. When Patches passed away, I found the following verse on the web and I will leave it with you with my condolences.

    She is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
    You are her life, her love, her leader.
    She will be yours, faithful, and true, to the last beat of her heart.
    You owe it to her to be worthy of such devotion.

    Author Unknown

  2. Hi Rob,
    Currently I have two dogs and I don’t know what I would do if something happened to one of them. Actually I do know because four years ago we our dog George who was with us for 10 years. We greeved for about a month and then started the process of acquiring another dog. Then shoertly after that we had a second dog. I love my two dogs now as much as I did George. This process worked for us and I think you should have your time but getting another dog really helps to really heal the wounds.

  3. I was fortunate to have met Paisley on several occasions. She was such a happy dog, excited to meet people and was always looking for a pat (and probably a smile)

    I am looking at a plaque on my office wall. I hung it after I lost a favorite pet –

    He asks me no questions

    He tells me no lies

    And when I address him

    Looks straight in my eyes

    Content with a little he never despairs

    But in all my troubles he willingly shares

    He asks me so little

    He gives me so much

    Then always let sympathy

    Dwell in my touch

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you Rob.

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