A blue-eyed, red-furred view of the world!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

The end of an era

Human Assistant again --

It wasn't a very long era, it's true ... about 45 months.  Longer than JFK's presidency, shorter than Carter's, and even that wouldn't have been as long as I thought it would last.

But while Tucker was with me, it was definitely his era.

My buddy didn't make it through the night.  He became just conscious enough to whimper about the pain somewhere in his belly; his breathing was becoming more labored; and his blood pressure wouldn't come up - which would cause him to go into cardiac arrest before long, the veterinarian said.

I let him go.  I stroked the side of his face and the top of his head like he really liked.  If he could feel the pain, maybe he could feel that too.  And while I watched his face, everything else stopped.

Everything changes so fast.  Yesterday he slept next to my bed and woke me up in the morning and woood at me to hurry up with food and was in everydoggy's way all day.  And today, none of that.

No amusing thumpety-thumpety running from the kitchen to his crate in the living room for his Human's Leaving the House treat.  No liver-colored nose under my wrist to get my hand off the computer mouse and onto the food scoop.  No mostly-obedient poking around the front yard late at night while I take the trash barrel to the curb.

What was my life like before all that?  I can't remember, and it was such a short time ago.  So very few years stand between now and my life before Tucker.  But I can't see what occupied those years because Tucker's presence stands so tall that it blocks my view.

I cherish the playfulness you showed only to me, buddy.  The humor that you wouldn't share with other dogs.  Oh damn, Tucker.  I'll sure miss you.

   -- Ed

48 comments:

TimberLove said...

soft husky woooos to you in this painful time, may the old father bless, guide & comfort you & yours,

RA

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Mom and I are sitting here making those faces - akthually she's khrying whilst I paw this -

We are sorry for your loss and his loss too

BUT you gave him the gift of love and kharing enough to let him go -

All of us khan only hope/wish we get humans that will do that fur us when it is time -

We'll light a khandle fur him tonight - I'll ask my SibeStas akhross The RB to be nice fur now -

Please tell him to ask fur Taltia, LadyGray, and Kyrye!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Her Mom

The Army of Four said...

We're so very sorry to hear about Tucker - but at the same time, so grateful to you for the beautiful life you gave him!
Love,
Ammy

Flurry and Aja said...

We are so sorry for your loss and the sadness that you must be feeling today. Tucker will be waiting for you when you cross over to the other side and it will be a grand reunion on that day. For now, I am sure he is frolicking with all the angels, pets, and children in Heaven, happy to have earned his wings.

Lots of woos coming your way today.

Carol, Aja, and Flurry

Maddox said...

Oh sweet Tucker!!!! Goodbye, goodbye, you were a beautiful boy, thank you for sharing your lives with us. :*(

Thor said...

Oh, Ed, we are so, so sorry!! Tucker will be truly missed by everyone, even those of us who never actually met him. Candles will be lit here, and hugs and woos sent to you. Tears flowing here.

Woos,
Thor, Smoky, Bandit, Malayko, and their mama, Stacy

Indy said...

Ed, I'm so very sorry. I have no doubt you did the right thing. Thank you for sharing Tucker's wonderful personality with us. We will all miss him too.

Jack & Moo said...

We send sad woos to you over Tucker. Far, far too little time together here. We'll light a candle for him and woo to the North tonight.

jack a-roo & miss moo

Anonymous said...

Lots of love and sad woos for you. Godspeed Tucker. We will miss you!
Hugs,
Sitka

Teddy Westlife said...

Ed, I'm so sorry to hear about Tucker. He knew you loved him to the very last second though. I send my best gentle purrs.

D.K. Wall said...

Ed - It crushed me to read your message on FB earlier and I was stunned. We simply have no words that can help, other than to tell you that we are crying for you. But Tucker appreciates the life you gave him, I have no doubt.

Our candle is lit and we have asked The Herd at The Bridge to welcome Tucker with open paws.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Mr. Ed! I am so very sorry to hear about Tucker....

Khady Lynn said...

With tears flowing, we want to tell you how very worry we are. Tucker had a wonderful life with you and knew how very much he was loved. Our hearts are aching along with you.

May Tucker wear his silver harness with great pride. There will be many at the bridge who will greet him with play bows.

Godspeed Tucker, we will miss you.

Holly and Khady

houndstooth said...

We are very sorry that you had to let a dear friend cross the Bridge. There just never seems to be enough time together! Our hearts go out to you.

Bunny and her mom

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I am a friend of Khyra
And I did not know Tucker, but Khyra told us about him.
And I am so sad now with you, because I know your heart is breaking for the big hole and empty feeling that is engulfing you.
Tucker sounded like the bestest friend and you did the most kind thing for him- and you gave him relief knowing you would hurt so much.
I know you cannot remember what life was life before- but all you need to do is remember that Tucker is thanking you.
I am lighting a candle tonight for Tucker and for you-
and I had to tell you I am sorry and we are crying too
love
tweedles

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

I am so sorry for your loss. The happiness you shared with Tucker will be yours, always.

BeadedTail said...

We heard about Tucker from our furiend Khyra. Even though we didn't know Tucker, our hearts are breaking. We're very sorry for your loss and you are in our thoughts.

Sadie, Angel, Isabella and their mom Sharla

Jeannie and Marvin said...

I am so sorry to read this post, although we didn't know Tucker, I wish we had.

Your post moved me to tears.

Many sad hugs to you.

Jeannie and Marvin in Scotland

Donna said...

Rest in peace, Tucker. Woof woof. Good dog.

Stella said...

Our sympathy to you in the loss of a beautiful pal.

Kisses,
Stella

Yas said...

Hello! We just came from Khyra's.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Run free Tucker!

Maxx

Teddy Bear said...

We are so so sorry to hear about your Tucker. Our furry ones have a way of capturing our hearts forever.

Love,
Teddy Bear

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

We don't know yoo, and we didn't know Tucker ~ but we do know how painful it is losing sumbuddy yoo love. Please accept our sincere condolances. RIP Tucker.

Dakota and Georgia said...

We've come over from Khyra's page, and we're so sorry to hear about Tucker's passing. We know the pain of losing a close furfriend but find peace in the thought that one day we will meet again at the rainbow bridge. D&G

Molly the Airedale said...

We just came from Khyra's blog. We are so sorry to hear about Tucker. Our hearts are breaking for you!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Maggie Mae and Max said...

Khrya just told us the sad news about Tucker. Mom and me are so sorry for your loss and we are sending puppy prayers to you and your family.

Maggie Mae and Mom

the magic sleigh said...

We came over from Khyra to give woo our husky woos at this terribly sad time fur woo. We will be sending Husky vibes to help Tucker adjust to his silver harness, run free sweet Tucker! May we all met one fine day, running together.
~husky kisses~
-Kira The BeaWootiful

Ina in Alaska said...

Dear Ed, I am stopping by from Khyra's blog. Sending love to you from Alaska. Tucker knew he was loved and safe. When they leave us it is never really the same. Hang on to the happy memories. We care. Hugs from Ina and the Poodle Pack: Ginger, Toby, Jeter & Halle the Glamour Diva xoxo

Sheila and Bob said...

Kyra told us about your loss.
Run free Tucker, healthy and strong until we all meet again.


Hamish & Rescue Sophie &
Mom & Dad
Sheila & Bob

How Sam Sees It said...

We are so sorry to hear about your loss.

Sam

Jans Funny Farm said...

We came by from Holly's House. We are so sorry for the loss of your Tucker. It is so hard to say good-bye to our furries. We send warm purrs and tail wags.

Chrissie said...

Mr. Ed, I'm sure grateful to you for givin' a Good Dog such love and admiration. Tucker knew he had it good and responded in spades. I send you my best Big Mancat purrs and have confidence all the Sibes who've gone before will welcome him with joyous woos.

Your friend,

Angus Mhor

Lacy said...

sad woofs, soo sorry for ur loss...i know all to well the empty feeling you have now..me has my paws crossed and RIP Tucker, run with the wind..

a sad,
rocky
bear
angel lacylulu
and mama

KT and Easton said...

We heard about your loss from our dear friend Khyra. We are so sad to know this news. You and Tucker are in our thoughts - God Bless.

KT and Lady

Anonymous said...

We heard the sad news from Khyra. You and Tucker obviously shared a beloved connection. You're boith in our thoughts and prayers.
- The Bumpass hounds and Kitties

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this – the last battle – can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me ‘til the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its’ last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close – we two – these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
- Anonymous

Sychoberians said...

So sorry for Tuckers passing and your loss of a great friend.

We heard the news from many of the blogs, which shows how many people you and Tucker affected.

Wishing you all the best

Remy and Flash

Angel said...

Mr. Ed, you gave Tucker the 45 best months that anydoggy could ever have. Our sympathies on his passing.

the booker man said...

dear mr. ed,
i am visiting from miss khyra's bloggie. me and asa and mama are very sorry to hear that tucker had to go to the bridge so suddenly. you loved him so so much to the very end, and that is the best thingie any doggie could evarrr ask for. we are here for you and are sending hugs 'n gooey nose kisses.
*woof*
the booker man

♥I am Holly♥ said...

We just came from Khyra's and heard the sad news about Tucker. We are so very sorry for your loss and send gentle vibes to you at this time of sorrow. Lots of love, Debbie and Holly

Steve, Kat, & Wilbur said...

Sad woos from us. Tucker was a lucky pup to have an era with you.

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

Khyra told us of the loss of Tucker. We can see you loved him very much. We do believe he is waiting for you over the bridge. We are sending out soft purrs for you ot help you feel better.

Tucker said...

hello - I came over from Khyra's bloggie. I'm very sorry for your loss. I'm sorry I never found your blog until now. Tucker will be missed.

woof -
Tucker (the great dane)

Amy / Layla the Malamute said...

I came from Khyra's, Holly's and the Thundering Herd's blogs. I'm so, so sorry to hear about Tucker. I read back a bit into the blog and he seemed like such an awesome boy. I'm really very sorry for your loss, but being able to remove his pain and standing by him was the best gift you could have given.

Sad Woos,

Amy & Layla

Asta said...

Our hearts break for you ..the feeling your words convery are so familiar..so painful..I'm glad you had this time with Tucker who sounds lie such a special friend

sad smoochie kisses form Asta love from Ami

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

We are so very sorry for you loss...we read about Tucker on Khyra's bloggie and we know how special he was to you...

We'll be thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers...

Sad barks,

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanny

Princess Patches said...

We didn't get to know Tucker well, but know how much you will miss him! We are sooooo sorry that he had to go to the Rainbow Bridge. Run free, Tucker and play with all our pals who arrived before you!

Aire-hugs,
Penny & Patches

Southbaygirl said...

WOOOOOOOOOFFFF..... sending woofs, purrs,hugs and prayers your way on the loss of Tucker. Rest in Peace Tucker.

Velcro, Kodak, 3 Perf, Blossom, Skye and mom Penny

The Daily Echo said...

Ed -
I am so sorry to hear of Tucker's passing. We let our Meeka go that same evening. I was told about Tucker and it was comforting to know Meeka would not be making his journey alone. I'm quite certain he met Tucker on the way and they met their old friends at the bridge together. I know your heartache and the emptiness you are feeling. How honored we were to be able to spend time - even though it seemed so short - with such amazing friends.
Andrea