UPDATE MAR.31, 2010: Guido passed on last night to run free in the pastures and meadows on the other side. He was a good and sweet dog… and really remained an overgrown puppy all his life. Always wanting to sit on my lap any chance he could.
A few years ago Mum fell in the backyard and fractured her arm while I was at work. Both Guido and Janya lay on each side of her until I returned home. They kept her immobilized which was a good thing.
Though over the last few months he hobbled around he still managed to smile… until 2 days ago. Though I will miss him I am glad his passing was relatively quick… and that I got to sit with him last night as he made his transition.
ORIGINAL POST OCT. 23, 2009:
A couple of nights ago while I ate dinner I heard muffled barks from the back. They sounded like they were Guido’s barks… though the seeming distance of the sound sort of threw me off. Had Guido dug under the fence and trapped himself in the neighbor’s yard?It wouldn’t be surprising as Guido is getting on and is not as sprity as he once was.
So, armed with a flashlight I set out back to investigate. The sounds came from the shed where he slept. I pointed the beam of light in and discovered that he had somehow gotten his head stuck between two slats in the ground and was desperately trying to get it out. I went in and freed him. Poor guy… though relieved he was still shaken by the experience so, I stayed for a bit to calm him down with a little TLC.
Somehow this triggered recent memories of tending to Mum as she grew more and more dependent toward the end. It struck me for the first time how much of a privilege it was to be able to care for her in her waning days. At the time it was occurring my mindset was geared more toward how best to tackle the challenge.
So, in a strange and round about way this week I am counting Guido for illuminating this appreciation to me… that it was a privilege.