I lost my dearest Mocha Girl Dog on December 10th. This article gives me a great venue to pay tribute to her:
“1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.”
She left very suddenly at 9 yrs 8 months. She went from a very happy dog to a dead dog so fast that the smile remained. She did hate to be seperated from me, but she knew I would always return. She never, in her whole life, tore anything up in the house while I was away.
“2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.”
I trained her with patience, but she never needed much time to learn anything. She was always so willing to please.
“4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.”
I don’t recall ever being angry with Mocha, she never gave any reason. I did crate train her when she was young, but at about a year she had the run of the house all day.
“5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.”
She was my ultimate friend to listen to my frustrations, dreams, fears and yes even some crazy singing. I always enjoyed that “cocked” lab look.
“7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, and yet I choose not to bite you.”
I never laid a hand on Mocha and she learned very young not to put her teeth on human skin. It was a very respectful understanding.
“8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long or my heart might be getting old or weak.”
The only time I had to scold/yell at Mocha was after she got in the garbage. I didn’t yell until we started our training and I took a very angry, scolding tone. Yes, it frightened her, but it only took 2 times in about 3 minutes until she knew I was only warning her to stay out of the garbage. She never got into it again and even “reported” on other dogs that I would dog sit when they were getting in the garbage.
“9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.”
Sadly, she never grew old. She was young and spry and enthusiastic until her last second of life. She died in front of me with no warning and no option to save her. She even died on another day of mourning for me (12/10). It was almost as if she was smart enough to ensure that I didn’t have to add a day of sadness to my life.
I look forward to seeing Mocha Girl Dog at the “Rainbow Bridge.” She was my best buddy and she filled my house, to make it a home. Now it is back to being a house.
Thank you fellow FReepers for letting me vent a little.
My condolences on the loss of your companion. It sounds like she had a good and loving life.