Comments on DOG BYTES: The Passing of the Kate

Via a news video, I happened upon your farewell to...

2011-10-31T13:38:18.779-04:00

Via a news video, I happened upon your farewell to The Kate. And I thank you so much for your thoughts and words that gave me some "comfort” in that I have a “tribe” of like hearted people who share a loss. We just lost our Kayla - warrior, athlete, pal, neighbor to all... You describe our Aussie, our thoughts and feelings of myself and husband (early 60’s) almost exactly. Kayla passed away Oct 27, 2011 - just turning 17 years. Our most favorite vet (who took care of after hour emergencies over the years) at 10:30 PM – helped me say good bye to the best dog anyone could ever want. Kate’s last days were so similar to our Kayla’s and the vigilance we kept around her waiting for her nod to let us let her surrender. We will sorely miss her.
And thank you to Retrieverman for the poem to keep. I will add it to our Kayla mantel.

that' was a really nice dog !!! Pet Sitting Lo...

2011-09-23T02:43:07.503-04:00

that' was a really nice dog !!!
Pet Sitting Los Angeles<a

So sorry to hear about the Kate. Everything I'...

2011-09-18T22:34:24.232-04:00

So sorry to hear about the Kate.

Everything I've read that you've written about her has revealed her as a truly special dog.

I loved reading about the tennis ball game and how she used that game to impress that young man. Most people don't really get to see true canine genius at work. Our culture just isn't into it.

When the dogs I've loved have passed on, I continue to miss them for years and years. I never really get over it. I just learn to cope without them.

Two continue to haunt me in nearly everything I write.

I think Kipling got it best with "The Power of the Dog":

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie--
Perfect passsion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart to a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-term loan is as bad as a long--
So why in--Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?