4 October 2016
So… a few weeks ago we had to say goodbye to our beautiful border collie, Max who we were superblessed to have with us for sixteen years.
What a privilege to have been called the owners of not only Max, but also his Mom and his Dad.
Hitler, his dad, we bought even before we got married. We were superblessed with not only the most intelligent dog, but also an awesome guard dog.
I found Cleo from a farm in Calitzdorp. She was to be a surprise present for my husband, B in the year 2000.
The children were still young and the three of us huddled together on the couch with her on our laps under a blanket. When B arrived, we surprised him with her and he loved it.
Hitler and Cleo had several puppies together. We sold all of them when they were of age. It was so easy to find good homes for them as they were absolutely beautiful. I could not find a clear photo of Cleo, but she was unique as she had one amazing blue eye and one brown.
Max was born in the year 2001 and he was the only one who had those amazing blue eyes. We just knew that he was a keeper.
As we are travelling so much the last couple of years, I have to salute my Mother, who came to live with us in a flat onto our house. She would look after Max and Max after her very well when we were away. She was a feeder, so we know why he survived for such a long time.
(Today, 5 October 2017, I am busy editing this post, as with the hack of my site, I have lost many photos of my articles…and have to keep updating again. Superblessed that I can…
Sadly, my Mom passed away in December, thought to be of Colon Cancer…but, we think it was more the fact of missing Max.)
Max was also blessed to have had some very good times with our son, Juan’s girlfriend, Katja and here is a pic…
Gratitude Katja for all the beach strolls and peaceful vibes.
Is it not just sad that our animal friends’ life span is so much less than our own?
Blessed to have found this story of Shane, a six-year-old, as the best explanation…
“A Vet had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle.
The Vet examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. He told the family that he couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As they made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told him they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, the Vet felt the familiar catch in his throat as Belker‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that he wondered if the boy understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. They sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”
Startled, they all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned him. He had never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, ”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The Six-year-old continued,
”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
- When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
- Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
- Take naps.
- Stretch before rising.
- Run, romp, and play daily.
- Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
- Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
- On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
- On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
- When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
- Be loyal.
- Never pretend to be something you’re not.
- If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
- When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
- ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
…We would be superblessed if we did!…