Baby left us today, after over 14 good years of service. She was a great dog and an even better friend and member of my family. She was a better friend than most people I have known. She was loyal and faithful and we always knew we were looked after with her around. I think we could all learn a thing or two from how she conducted herself, and the dignity with which she carried herself. I brought Baby home when I was 18 years old, and through the years she never stopped amazing me. I am a better father because the time we shared together. She was a strong advocate for her breed and her interactions with numerous people led them to also become Pit Bull owners. She would never hurt a fly, and some of my favorite memories of her were her gentle approach to interacting with my infant son and our other little dog Boogie. My heart hurts with her departure, but she left us the way she lived; with strength, courage and dignity. Her death came quickly. It began this past Saturday with a trip to a friend’s cabin on Maristone Island. She again advocated for her breed through her interactions with our friends infant son and the resident cats. During our stay there, she enjoyed the warm fire, prolonged rest on the couch, views of the Sound and Olympic mountains, and her final meal consisted of delicious ribs. However, during our stay it was apparent that her health was on the decline. We left Maristone and headed south on the 101 to Ocean Shores. Our first stop was on the ocean beach that she had enjoyed so much over the years. She enjoyed a final stroll along the beach as we watched the sun set. It was an especially beautiful evening. She spent the next three nights on the couch next to the fire. She was not eating and her mobility was waning. The car ride home today was quiet and our arrival home signified the end of her time on this planet. She could no longer stand or lift her head and her breathing was labored. We made the difficult decision to send her off with the same dignity with which she lived. This past week felt fitting for her departure. We had planned to leave her home but our arrangements changed last minute, and so she made the trip with us. It was really good quality time together as a family and a fitting way to spend her last days alive. I can only hope that my own passing is as peaceful as hers was. Nonetheless, our home and hearts feel a little less full tonight. We miss and love you Baby.
Posted on: Fri, 02 Jan 2015 01:31:01 +0000