Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Sad day






Our dog died today.

How do I even begin to say how special and wonderful Tundra was? He was such a good friend. I know everyone has the best dog in the world, and that is- was- true of us too.
Tundra had a charming if sometimes odd personality. There are "trails" in the yard from where he would jog around the house. It didn't matter what the season was, he jogged around the house. He followed me upstairs, downstairs, in, out, wherever I happened to be going. He might be asleep on his bed in the living room, but if I went into the den to check emails or play on the computer, he came right in and lay down by my feet. If I went upstairs to my sewing room he followed up the stairs and lay on the only available floor space I have. In the kitchen he lay himself down right in front of the sink, it didn't matter if I was trying to wash the dishes, he wanted to be right there. I'm glad I never scolded him for that, because I would give my sewing machine right now if he was here under my feet.
Tundra loved winter- he adored snow. He would roll in it, tunnel under it, eat it. I think he was happiest in the winter.
Until now, my family are the only ones who knew that I danced with the dog. Yes, I admit it, I danced with the dog. He would dodge from side to side and when I called to him to come dance he would leap around and hop from side to side with me. It really was probably the least artistic or graceful dance the world has ever seen, but he loved it, and I loved to do it with him.

Last January I had some surgery and he stayed by my side from the minute I came home from the hospital. He even followed me into the bathroom to be sure I was okay. If someone came to the door he barked at them to leave me alone.
I am having a hard time believing that I will never look into those liquid brown eyes and see all the love in the world there, or stroke his softer than soft fur and hear him "purr" with pleasure.
Tundra had a wonderful quirk when he looked at you, he would smile and then wink one eye. Just last weekend a good friend was over and when I called Tundra my good ole boy, he said "he just winked at you!"
The wind just got a little colder, the clouds just got a little more gray, and the Christmas lights are dim.
I know we will get past this, but I also know that Tundra took a little piece of each of our hearts when he left today.
Good bye my sweet boy

I love you

16 comments:

Susan Freebery said...

OH, Mare, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart just breaks for all of you today. You are in my thoughts and prays.

Jeanne said...

I am so sorry to hear about Tundra. What a beautiful dog. Somehow they burrow their way into our hearts and become family. Pets are such a blessing and I hope your happy memories of Tundra bring you comfort and smiles after the initial grief has gone. You're in my thoughts and prayers, too.

Clare said...

Tha heartache and pain when we loose a pet is unbearable, but Rainbow Bridge is supposed to be one of the best places. Tundra is pain free now and happy.

Courage mon ami

Chris@Cats On My Quilts said...

So sorry to hear about your dog. I am devastated when one of our pets passes. Our last cat was 19 when she died. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Jen in KS said...

I am sorry about your loss, Mare, especially that it has happened around the holidays. We've lost three furry family members this year, so I know about missing their personalities and habits.

Nana's Quilts said...

Oh, I'm so sorry.
Marne

Quilter Kathy said...

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dancing, winking, loveable friend. There will never be another one like him, eh? Oh my goodness it must be so hard. I just dread the day when I have to go through this. Take care of yourself and I am sending you lots of cyberhugs and happy thoughts of all the wonderful memories Tundra gave you.

Leigh said...

Mare I am so sad for you,Jim and the girls. I will be thinking of you.

swooze said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose our faithful friends. Sending you warm hugs.

Sherry said...

I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. . . any words are never sufficient. My prayers are with you & your family.

Sherry

Sweet P said...

Mare, I'm so sorry for your loss. You wrote a beautiful tribute to Tundra. I will send a prayer your way for healing.

Elaine Adair said...

Oh dear - I am so sorry you have lost your friend. Your story is lovely and now I am remembering MY dear dog of so many years ago.

atet said...

I'm so sorry. Hugs from the cornfields coming your way. Isn't it amazing how much our pets touch our lives?

Kim said...

Oh I'm so sorry to hear that Tundra died. He sounds like he was a special family member. I was in tears the other morning when we woke up to snow remembering our poor Alex that we lost last March to diabetis and how he would run around throwing snow in the air with his nose. Keep your memories close to your heart- they will get you through this very difficult time.

Jenni said...

Oh so sad. I love my dogs so much that it kills me when they go. If only they lived as long as us - it isn't fair. I live alone, so my dogs are very special to me. Who else is there to talk to? Simon beagle is 11 now, and he is slowing down, and he follows me like Tundra did. I dread the day when he goes to the Rainbow Bridge.

Cathi said...

I'm so sorry about your loss. Your tribute to Tundra is very special.