Posted on 12/13/2012 12:16:20 PM PST by golux
I, SILVERDENE EMBLEM O'NEILL (familiarly known to my family, friends, and acquaintances as Blemie), because the burden of my years and infirmities is heavy upon me, and I realize the end of my life is near, do hereby bury my last will and testament in the mind of my Master. He will not know it is there until after I am dead. Then, remembering me in his loneliness, he will suddenly know of this testament, and I ask him then to inscribe it as a memorial to me...
(Excerpt) Read more at eoneill.com ...
And posting also if I may in honor of the many beautiful memories of the dogs I knew best, on and off the farm: Happy, Seurat, Wings, Heidi, Melon Collie, Bear, Renoir, Bach, Marie and my heart, Kate.
Thanks to Joe 6-Pack for the thread which brought it to mind. Reading The Last Will, and re-reading it from time to time since I was a boy, has given me great comfort and happiness. May it do so for you. Enjoy.
Golux
I love you Nick.
I’m Still Here
Friend, please don’t mourn for me
I’m still here, though you don’t see.
I’m right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone but I’m always near.
I’m everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I’ll never wander out of your sight
I’m the brightest star on a summer night.
I’ll never be beyond your reach
I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach.
I’m the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.
I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you’ll see that the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking there’s no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.
I’m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I’m the smile you see on a baby’s face.
Just look for me, friend, I’m everyplace!
Author Unknown
RIP Nick.
Darn, now I have seven dogs to hug, and two more next week (not counting the random ones I see).
I am sorry for your loss. This piece will help. And has there ever been a dog so balanced and human as a border collie mix? I’d say maybe, of course. I’ve known many and have different favorites... But I bet Nick could light up the sourest face in a room. Rest in Peace for now and see you on the other side buddy!
I still miss our late, great, Golden Retriever, Prior Lake Jake. The massive dog grew to 125 pounds at 18 months and our vet suggested trimming back his chow, a proposal reinforced by his near tipping over the duck boat while lunging for a downed mallard.
Jake loved to swim in Prior Lake and would take a dip every day if allowed to. He developed a fondness for tissue paper and would bite the end of the toilet roll and string the paper around the living room table.
In the winter months, when the lake was settled with ice fishermen, Jake liked nothing better than to check for the legal number of crappies and walleyes as well as the contents of the fisherman’s beer cooler. Miller Lite was his favorite.
Jake developed a fast growing cancer on his lower jaw at age eight and the vet said surgery wasn’t possible. Jake lived for one last winter and, when our son got home from college the mighty dog took one last swim before we had him put down. I think about him all the time.
One can never read Blemie’s Last Will & Testament too often. We took his advice and followed our wonderful Bo with a new puppy. Someday Sumo will grow up to become a wonderful dog. Even at 15 weeks, the signs are there. He loves us and we love him back. His antics make us laugh and his silliness makes us smile and his head is covered in the softest fur imaginable.
We chose a similar breed with the exact opposite coloration. He can follow Bo, but not replace him. I intend to live the next decade in complete denial of the terrible shortness of a dog’s life. I know that when we die, all the dogs will be waiting for us.
Now I have to go and rescue the cat from the new pup! Don’t blame the puppy, though. That cat enjoys being chased and goes out of her way to provoke it.
I am so sorry. Dogs are indeed special and some dogs are more special than others.
Here’s a ((hug)) from a fellow dog lover who will one day be in your shoes... :(
Thanks for posting. I first read this years ago. And now as an owner of an increasingly deaf 13 year old Sheltie, I can relate.
One thing I had to laugh at, though. Even though he was writing through his dog - and far from a young man - Gene still had to take a shot at his father (”the old man”) and his pitiful addiction to bum real estate.
Thanks for posting. I first read this years ago. And now as an owner of an increasingly deaf 13 year old Sheltie, I can relate.
One thing I had to laugh at, though. Even though he was writing through his dog - and far from a young man - Gene still had to take a shot at his father (”the old man”) and his pitiful addiction to bum real estate.
Bump
At the end of this month, my mini-poo Spence will be 17 years old. He and I have been together since he was three months old and a better dog, I just can’t imagine.
The time is coming increasing near where I’m going to have to make the most God awful decision a dog owner ever has to make. When I think of the love he’s given to our family, the goofy stunts he’s pulled and the joy he’s brought to the family, especially me, I start to tear up. The only thing that Spense really hated was being alone. He was never destructive, he’d just turn his back to you for a short while and then forgive you and everything was okay.
Because of that, I’ve made it clear that I want his ashes placed inside my casket and Spence will spend eternity with me, as it ought to be. We took a lot of walks, and played so much when we were both younger, I can’t think of a better way for us to be when we’re gone.
I am so sorry, E. Prayers for you... I know it is a really bad day for you. Hugs, Mom
Dog love is eternal (1940 obit!)
So here’s to Nick, who we never knew. God Bless him and all who loved him.
And to our beloved departed pooches, in no particular order:
Kobe (GSD), Walter (English springer spaniel) Duke (GSD), Duchess(Collie), Tiger(GSD), Heather(Collie), Muffy(Pug), Baron (GSD),Dumpy(Pug), Snuggles(Pug), Butkus (English Bulldog), Ditka (English Bulldog), Jack(Yellow Lab) & OLay (short for Old Lady)(white Shepherd)
A virtual lifetime of rescued dogs and endless memories. Every one holds a special place in our hearts. One couldn’t replace the other, yet they all are part of our family story. Rather, the are part of the chain...the kiddies remember events based on which pooches were around. And our herd of furry dearly departed are truly missed.
On the other side: dogs are not children. Check out someone who lost a dog, then spend time with someone who lost their child. I’ve been through both, and it’s not at all the same thing. One of my friends lost her daughter 17 years ago, and we all gather to mourn & remember every year, If you and your pals are gathering to mourn a dog after 17 years, you may need professional help.
Fire away, “pets are just like children” groupies.
I'm going to need this thread someday all too soon. In memory of Heather, Wren, Merlin, Magic, Scupper, Bryant, and Lily as well.
Dogs are the best.
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