Our dog Spunky died today. He was an eleven year old Golden Retriever but moreover…he was our family. I brought this precious little puppy home to my kids when they were little. They named him Spunky after a cartoon character but he was hardly spunky! He was the laziest dog ever but that’s what was great about him. As a puppy, he would lay on Austin’s lap as he read. He was never chewing shoes or getting into mischief. He would only roll over if you’d rub his tummy and that he loved! It was as though he was sent to us to be a special friend. At the time, we had a sheltie named Eli who was my best friend. If you’re not a pet lover, you’ll think I’m strange and extreme, but if you are then you’ll completely understand. Eli and Spunky became our dynamic duo. They each would sleep, outside of Ashton and Austin’s bedrooms at night, guarding what was precious to us and to them. It’s as though they knew what their assignments were – to take care of their Buddy and Sissy (the kid’s childhood nicknames). Spunky grew and became a canine pillow. I have photos of Austin resting his head on Spunky’s tummy as he read. One day, Ashton was sobbing and Spunky came running and provided her comfort as she nuzzled her tear-soaked face in his furry side.
I have so many memories of him and they are all good ones. I couldn’t stay mad when he got in the pond and would stink and be muddy! His face got me every time because I swear he would smile! The kids would sneak him in, when he was dirty, and he would run and hide. The problem was, he got too big, to fit under their beds but he thought if his head was concealed then we couldn’t see anything else. I think he really thought he fooled us all these years! He loved to lie on top of anyone’s feet always using our shoes or slippers as pillows. He was my companion when I was cooking and I can still picture him in “his spot” on the kitchen floor waiting for a morsel to drop from the stove. For some strange reason, something always found its way to him…hmmm I wonder how!
I was thinking today, as we were driving home with him from the animal hospital, why do I love this dog so much? I thought, well he has been nothing but joy. He has never hurt me or my family. He has never tried to be mean or manipulative. He has never done anything but love us no matter what we looked like or felt like. When we left, he missed us and when we came home, he was happy to see us. It’s called unconditional love – that’s what pets give us. They don’t question or argue or stop speaking, they love their owners in a simple but wonderfully profound way. They are there with us in good times and bad – having a sense when we’re upset and knowing that we need their friendship and presence. I can’t count the times that Spunky was a comfort just by laying his head on my slippers, or my lap, as if to say, “I think you’re grand so it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.” Or, “I’m here, I know you’re upset but here I am because I love you.”
Today, I was crying, after I received the call that Spunky had died, and our cat Josie came running, jumped on my bed and snuggled beside me. Not long after that, she went to find Austin. (She really does think she’s a dog!) I could go on eulogizing our beloved dog but I think you get the point –we could learn a lesson from our pets. They think anyone is worthy of their unconditional love…that sounds like someone else I know.
Yesterday, we went to the animal hospital to see Spunky. He became ill suddenly. Just Friday, he was showing off his new haircut and we laughed at his pink bow from the groomers. Sunday morning, he couldn’t move and the vet said he had an infection that his old body could no longer fight off. Austin and I went in the room and the minute he heard us, he began to wag his tail. He couldn’t move but he had to say he knew we were there and he was happy to see us. We bent down and stroked him, rubbed his tummy and talked to him. I told Austin that I could tell he was smiling at us. His breathing was labored and somehow I knew he was going to leave us. I told him that his Sissy was at school and loved him so much. Ashton always took him to her room when she came home and he had a favorite spot in there too. Austin whispered, as we were leaving, "Goodbye my old pal.” He couldn’t have said it better.
I guess I am saying goodbye to the last part of my son and daughter’s childhood. Maybe the tears are for that as well but right now, I just miss our old pal…and his smile.
He is now buried beside Eli’s grave near the pond that they always played in. I may sound melodramatic but oh well, hurt is hurt. Who wants to forget something that was nothing but pure joy, funny personality, and a fixture of love, loyalty, and comfort for nearly twelve years? I guess Spunky taught me about life, about Christianity, about friendship, and about love and acceptance. I got all that from someone who couldn’t speak – in words anyway…he spoke volumes otherwise.
To Spunky Oatmeal Parsley (December 1998 – August 2009)…your family loves you and thanks you for your humble service to us …one and all. You are sadly missed.
*Special note: we heal through our stories- please feel free to share about your favorite pets and what they meant to your life too.
