Photo ©Garth Buckles
Day before yesterday, legs unsteady, he led Garth on a slow walk, no leash. I wondered what had become of them, walked up to the corner and waited. There they came.
Yesterday, he let us know he was ready. Our hands on him while the vet administered the dose, we cried, cried some more as she placed him in a basket, tucked him in like he was sleeping.
Garth carried him out to her van, we waved goodbye, then took a long walk. We’ll keep talking about him, keep seeing him everywhere we look, keep crying. We’ll get through it.
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R.I.P. 10/16/20
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100 words
RetroFlash
Barbara BucklesArtist, writer, storyteller, spy. Okay, not a spy…I was just going for the rhythm.
I call myself “an inveterate dabbler.” (And my husband calls me “an invertebrate babbler.”) I just love to create one way or another. My latest passion is telling true stories live, on stage. Because it scares the hell out of me.
As a memoirist, I focus on the undercurrents. Drawing from memory, diaries, notes, letters and photographs, I never ever lie, but I do claim creative license when fleshing out actual events in order to enhance the literary quality, i.e., what I might have been wearing, what might have been on the table, what season it might have been. By virtue of its genre, memoir also adds a patina of introspection and insight that most probably did not exist in real time.
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RetroFlash
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moving, well written
Barb, I’m so sorry you lost your sweet Charlie! That picture of him is precious, it breaks my heart. 💔 As you say, you’ll get through it, but it is never easy. Sending hugs!
Thanks so much, Suzy…feeling the hugs.
What a sweet tribute to a sweet dog, Barb. They do let you know, and crying together helps get out the feelings. Yes, hugs to you and Garth.
Thanks, Mare…every hug helps.
Bebe, I hope there’s room in your heart for another doggie. I’m sure there’s one out there waiting to rescue you.
Hi Dee, Charlie was such an integral part of our family…we miss him so much it hurts. Inherent in love is the risk of pain. We knew that going in, and in time I’m sure we’ll be willing to take the risk again. There will always be room in our hearts for more love.
So sorry, Barb. The loss of a beloved pet is always very hard, probably more so in these pandemic times. Sending you my sympathy and hopes for healing,
Thanks so much, Laurie…having a hard time this morning and your words are a balm.