It was just after going for a walk with the kids and all 3 dogs, I had let them in the back yard when we got home, and they were only in the back for 5-10 minutes, when I had Savannah go bring them back in. She came in and told me Duke wasn’t with Daisy and Dot.
So I went looking.
I ended up in the car going through the neighborhood calling his name out the window.
Then I headed toward 3600 w. and saw on the corner was a couple from our ward, Jeff & Joan Schnider, out for a walk together.
I told them Duke was missing and to keep their eyes out. Just then, Jeff pointed out onto the street asking if that could be a dog. So I drove over, and sure enough, my little Duke lay lifeless. I scooped him up in my arms. He only had a head injury from the look of him, he looked almost untouched.
I started sobbing and Joan offered to drive me home.
They were truly heaven sent for me, to be right there, right then!
I got home, got out of my car, and fell to my knee’s while holding him!
My poor little girls saw me, and Duke, and both were instantly crying as hard as I was.
Mark was sure wonderful!
He too was emotional over the loss of our sweet little Duke, but he also held things together, he was able to talk with the girls, and make some phone calls while I stayed in that same spot. I think I had to have been in some kind of shock. I refused to go in the house for about 2 hours.
That was one of the hardest nights of my life!!!!
I dont think I have cried SO hard in all my life!
The next morning Mark took the day off work, and when he got up he dug a 4 foot hole to bury him in. I had held onto him so long the night before it had gotten too dark to think of burial.
Anyway, when things were all ready, we had him wrapped in a blanket and we were able to say our goodbye’s. It was a hard morning! But I do feel that doing the burial had closer for me that I didn’t think would hit me for a long long time!
The rest of the day I felt…ok. Which was a BIG deal! Then today (Tuesday) I’ve felt good! I’m able to talk about my sweet Duke without falling to pieces.
Mark and I talked about it, and I was really confused as to why I felt the way I did. We think that while he was part of our family he got SO much love, and was so spoiled and NOT deprived in any way, that I felt no guilt feelings of “I wish I had loved him more” or “If only I gave him more attention”. Mark put it well when he said “He was a spoiled pooch!” So I know that we were a pretty good home for him while he was with us.
With our last dog Jasmine, I was in a depression for a month, and didn’t understand why for a while. She was an outdoor dog, and so wasn’t indoors the way that our little wieners are, and so when she died I had a HUGE guilt that weighed me down of “If only I’d played with her more” or “I should have let her in the house more” and so on. I felt terrible, like I didn’t offer her the love she deserved.
So, when we got Duke I swore I’d give them what they deserved! And their companionship and love to us has really done lots for me!
There is really something to be said for the love an animal has to give you!
For those who don’t have animals, its hard to understand, and that’s ok, I’m just venting.
I would like to take a moment to thank EVERYONE who has been here for us!!! We’ve had a tremendous amount of friends and family who have been wonderful to us during this time!!!
Thanks everyone! We LOVE YOU!
We have definitely felt your prayers! Thanks
News Blog, add Comments Here