“Need a resting spot for DUKE!”

Aug 17th “Need a resting spot for DUKE!”

When you have a very large animal – like a “Great Dane” and they are so old and weak and they have lived so long – that they are in their own way – what is the most humane thing to do – for them and the whole family?

This is what happened to us – Tom who lives in the city and even with two adjoining properties – there just is not enough room for “DUKE” a Great Dane to run and play – and now he is practically bed-ridden and has to stay in the house – his frail condition – you can never be sure that some other animal running wild in the city – just might jump the fence and attack “DUKE” and poor “DUKE” would be unable to defend himself – and unless someone was nearby to see – “DUKE” would be left to die in pain – all alone?

So, Tom called us – since we had acreage of ground and there was a nice high field – a piece of ground overlooking most of the areas around – that would make for a very nice – final resting spot for “DUKE” – that is if it is alright with everyone?

That weekend Ton and family brought old “DUKE” to our farm-et and took “DUKE” for his last walk – a walk that was very slow and tedious – I think “DUKE” knew that all his pain and suffering would soon be coming to an end – and that this “walk was the last farewell for him and Tom – all of their feelings were being passed on to the other and – after this walk only good and peaceful memories will linger on – forever. After all is said and done- “LIFE” is too short – no matter how long for some – and it is all about the good times that you can put into memories that will continue with you for all eternity. That’s what you are here for – after all – make the best of what you are given to work with – and carry on the good to the next frame of “LIFE” – the great “ here-after” or “Eternity” – if that is a better name?

Do “Animals” know when the end is so near? As I was watching how they headed for the hill area that overlooked everywhere – the breeze was just right and “Duke” was getting a sense that this is going to be his “NEW HOME” – not too long now – it is so hard for him to carry his large frame of bones on such a weak body – all the good old youthfulness he once had, has faded over the years – but he was thinking to himself – “I’m making this last good and perfect memory with my “Master Tom Aldrich” the one owner I loved so long and served so faithfully!”

As they were slowly moving around the top of the hill – I could see Tom positioning himself and “Duke” so that all the last comfort he could muster would be given to his faithful friend and most beautiful and talented dog – memories flooding his mind and thoughts almost turning into tears – he had to control his feelings – he had to show “Duke” that until his last breath here on earth – “LOVE” will be in every action taken, now. From the distance, I could hear the bullet and I knew, as well as all the rest of the family. Everything is peaceful and “Duke” will be waiting to see everyone again – when that “TIME” comes for all of us.