Long Drive For A (Happy) Shampoo.

I'm thinking how often we measure relationships out by using physical, or emotional "markers"....in spoonfuls of gifts--the watches I gave him; the rings he gave me; the events we attended together(were they plays and concerts, or football and baseball games?).
In this relationship,I've measured it in the dogs we've held dear; the nights filled with snuggling animals deciding which of us in the "pack" is more "Alpha" (no mystery here, Hansoo wins every time).Other nights, filled with fear(like the time we rushed "Louie" to a local animal-emergency-clinic because he appeared to be having a heart attack(gasping, his chest heaving with labored breath). It was not. It was something called a "reverse-sneeze". All was well a few hours later.) Some nights were filled with dread(like the night we had to put "Frisco", our sweet Aussie to bed, knowing it was the very last time she'd look us in the eye.(Spleen cancer, spread throughout her body, no chance at life).(Note: This is detailed in in this blog's Archives, January 2008)
The good inherent in having companion animals still outweighs all the hurt we feel, when we lose them to time, and to God.
Saturday's visit to faraway Marietta(actually Kennesaw area), was well worth it, too.
The Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta helps doggies and prospective "parents" everyday, and we were grateful to take our German Shepherd, "Afton" out for a shampoo, and to donate a bit to this great organization made up of even greater folks. We explained we were there to celebrate Louie's life, by donating a few dollars, and supporting their (dog-washing day at Red Bandana Pet Supply Store) event.
I was struck by the compassion immediate in each volunteer as we described adopting "Louie" from GRRA in 1998, all the great times we had with him, and then losing our adopted baby, "Louie" just over a week ago(last Friday, July 2nd).
Saturday was the first day I did not cry.
Even when the volunteers did cry, as I told of singing to "Louie"(I never told them the song was "Lean On Me")as he was put to sleep a final time, I did not cry.
As Hansoo and I drove off, "Afton", still rambunctious from her shampoo looked back.
I didn't.
I'm still trying to go forward.
Peace, kids.

Endowing Louie's Death, With Meaning.

Oh, this is still so difficult.
I had the great pleasure of my cuz Gigi's company, and got to meet her new life-partner, the very gorgeous, exotic, quiet(did she have the choice of speaking, when cuz Gigi and I are together?!) Natalya. What a great couple they make!The food, the love shared between us, the time well-spent was gratifying, and uplifting.
But still.
I live in a too-quiet house, and miss the sound of one squeak-toy after another being squeezed by a big-mouthed Golden Retriever named "Louie".
"Afton", our calmly affectionate German Shepherd, misses him too.
Started sleeping in his doggie-bed. Carries his toys around.
Nestles at night, next to his "blue-dog"(which still smells like the tobacco-y,baby-powder-y scent that was The Lou), a ratty old toy that used to look like a floppy-eared-dog.
I know he had a great,long life.I know I should be grateful.
And God knows, there is more than enough (large, larger) tragedy in this world, than my losing my best buddy, "Louie".
But right now, it still hurts.
However, tomorrow(Saturday, July 10th), the GRRA(Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta) is holding a "Doggie-Wash" at the Red Bandana Pet (Supplies) Store, in Marietta on Dallas Road.
10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
We'll be there, with our "Afton", for a shampoo for her, and to donate to the great Rescue Group from whom we adopted our beloved "Lou".
For just 12 dollars you can give hope--- and give life --- to doggies(Goldens, Labs, etc.) they (GRRA) rescue from being sentenced to death, at Animal Control.
To donate, or to simply see updates and news from GRRA, check out the link on this page, to Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta.

Maybe writing and sending cards to others(I bought a bunch of cards the other day, thinking now is the time to re-connect with those I seldom see), and donating $$ and time to worthwhile causes, will help me feel better.
Give his death, a bit more "meaning".
Peace, kids.