NUMENON |
PONDERING CORE ESSENCE
NUMENON |
Almost exactly 11 years ago, we welcomed a puppy into our home. A mix of Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin breeds, Oliver was the original "Shitty Chin". He was overly territorial and stubborn, had a lot of warts, crooked teeth and bad hair days, and he certainly could be a pest underfoot. Of course, his schedule became our schedule. Despite the flaws, he ingratiated his way into our hearts, and most especially, mine. He lived to eat, sleep and walk. When awake, his primary adopted duty was to scavenge the outdoors for discarded food. He specialized in fast food, and he amazed me with his ability to (fairly consistently) find entire wild burgers and pizza slices in addition to the usual assortment of crusts and crumbs. Walk, we did. I was more than two years into my state of chronic back and leg pain, and almost a year post-surgery when he arrived. He needed to walk, and about all I could do was walk - and so we did. Thrice daily (becoming only twice a day in recent years, but for much longer, paced walks), regardless of weather; we walked. While he became King of his territory (wherever we happened to be), at least in his mind, I walked myself back into a reasonably good, functional state of health. And we continued to walk. I'll dare anybody to watch the short clip below without cracking a smile: Ollie greeted me enthusiastically every time I came home. He would remind me when it was time to walk or go to bed. He loved going out in the truck. He was just as happy to stay home and cuddle on the couch or sleep at my feet. He could be a real butt, but he could, on occasion, be adorably playful. He was really kind of unkempt and ugly, but somehow got by on his looks. He was seemingly always smiling, and that could make me truly smile. This past weekend was beautiful. It included perfect weather, unique family visits and boat rides, a concert and an actual date with A, and a comfortable and productive saltwater fishing excursion. Unfortunately, it suddenly and unexpectedly concluded with me having to choose to have Oliver euthanized. His period of pain was short; his life was long and comfortable. He was calm, and we were together, at the end. Thanks, Ollie. You really were a good boy! You did so much for me! Don't worry; I went for my walk this morning! Pondering the questions of core essence and finding meaning in unexpected ways
2 Comments
The McDonald family
8/9/2021 08:58:51 pm
The whole family was broken-hearted for you and your family when I told them the news. We love that we got to know Ollie when you let him stay here with us. He supplied us a lot of laughs and enjoyment. You spoiled him terribly. You gave him a great life and he was lucky he landed with you all.
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Steve
8/12/2021 08:46:38 am
He loved to visit you guys!
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Steve LachanceVia Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Michigan and now, back to New England! Archives
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