PUT TWO AND TWO TOGETHER
I remember the phone call like it was yesterday, but it was almost sixteen years ago. I thought it odd for my wife to be calling me on my cell, from hers, to talk to me about, or talk me into, getting a dog. I’m a little slow so I didn’t put two and two together. She was with the girls and they already had a puppy with them on their way home.
It would have been easier to defend myself on the merits of not getting a dog, due to all the work that goes into it, if the little guy wouldn’t have been so darn cute. Of course the kids inadvertently lied… the promises of watering, feeding, and cleaning up after the new puppy we named Larry was short lived.
Our oldest was a freshman in high school, the middle daughter was fittingly in middle school, and the youngest was five years old and in pre Kindergarten.
Larry seamlessly meshed with our lives and became part of the family, for better or worse. He was there through good times and bad. Turns out he was a better dog than I was a master…
The sixteen years between that phone call when the kids were young and yesterday seems like a lifetime in many ways. In other ways it seemed like a blink.
Our youngest doesn’t remember much of a life without Larry. And even though she didn’t have a lot to say about if we got Larry, she was the closest to him. She spent more quality time with Larry and Lola when she was still alive. She was the one that walked them and took naps on the dog bed with them.
When we’d have get togethers Larry was proud to sport his black bow tie. And if there was ever a gentleman dog, it was Lar. We even caught him a couple times sneaking treats out of the pantry and dropping one off to Lola before he’d partake on his stolen treat.
It’s a somber day without Lar. This is the first post I’ve ever done without him somewhere close by.
Larry was there growing old with us as we faced the challenges of raising children and yearning to fight the good fight in this fallen world. He got older faster… and yesterday was his last day here.
I’m reminded of many things in this process of grieving for our dog. First of all, this life is short, a breath like the Good Book says. Secondly I’m reminded that it’s good to love in all ways, it shows the heart of God. And thirdly, God can use anything, even a family pet, to teach and remind his children what their heart and action should be.
I should be so loyal, loving, and humble as Larry was… Sometimes loss can help us put two and two together…
Ed
Saturday, November 10, 2018 @ 12:10 pm
So sorry about your loss. Why is it that pets do that do us? They seem to be more of a loyal companion than most people. I wish I could get and keep a dog, but they are just too expensive for a poor man to do so. Still, every time I see a little doggie in the window I often wonder….
Minette
Saturday, November 10, 2018 @ 6:36 pm
Beautiful memories, thank you for sharing. I am glad I got to be a part of his life too. He and Lola would always steal my towels and run through the house, good times…. For such a tiny muffin, he leaves behind a large empty space. 🙁
Pam
Saturday, November 10, 2018 @ 6:50 pm
So very sorry for your loss, Floyd. God certainly does use our pets to teach us. Guess that’s why Chicken Soup for the Soul has published books like “What I Learned from the Cat” and “What I Learned from the Dog”. Praying for comfort for all of you.
Hazel Moon
Saturday, November 10, 2018 @ 7:12 pm
Losing a pet is almost worse than some family members – – sad to say. When Robert’s dad passed on, not a tear was shed, His remark to me, was I really didn’t know the man, for his dad was gone most of the time and spend little or no time with Robert.. . . but his tears flowed when we had to put down favorite dog, a dog that loved Robert so much, followed him everywhere and waited contentedly to see what he was going to do next. Our animals long lives are short as we count time. 16 to 20 years is about it for most dogs and even cats. It hardly seems fair that we have to part with them just as we are finding our own age is creeping up. I do believe there must be a place in heaven for animals. Otherwise, why would the lion and the sheep lay down in the same meadow? Floyd, I know it was difficult to write this post, and I understand your grief. Love your daughters and your wife as they are also sad at this time. 🙁
Dikkon Eberhart
Saturday, November 10, 2018 @ 7:45 pm
As are the others, Floyd, I am sorry for your loss of Lar. May you and your family be blessed for your love of him and for your understanding of the boost he gave to all of you during his years with you. Thank you for sharing this mess age with us.
Martha J Orlando
Sunday, November 11, 2018 @ 5:52 am
Larry certainly became a part of your family and your circle of love, Floyd. He was a blessing, and it is absolutely right to grieve his loss. I’ve been there and done that too many times to count. May God’s love bring you all comfort and peace as you mourn Larry’s passing in the days, weeks, months, and even years to come.
Cheryl
Sunday, November 11, 2018 @ 10:22 am
Oh, Floyd! I am SO sorry for this deep, deep loss! My heart goes out to you and your dear family during this time of grief. God bless and comfort your hearts. I am praying for you.
Betty
Monday, November 12, 2018 @ 3:45 am
Oh my, I’m in tears. I’m so very sorry for your loss. We should all be so loyal, loving, and humble. I adore the photos too. I have severe allergies to pets, or I’d have one for sure. But, don’t think I could stand the inevitable loss. . .
Betty J Draper
Monday, November 12, 2018 @ 7:09 am
I have been hinting pretty often that we should get a dog or a cat. Ace thinks we travel too much but we share a house with our son and family and they have a dog that we keep when they are gone. They would do the same for us when we are gone so I keep telling him that is not a valid reason. It is incredibly hard when you lost them, my heart is sad for you and your family. Our son and family lost their dog they had since getting married, their children grew with a dog so it was a sad house when Fender died. They got another one, it had some kind of immune system disease and they had to put it asleep, another sadness. They bought a 2 year old one, an Airdale, great with children but drives me crazy because she is always under my feet when I cook. I keep teasing Ace, Christmas is coming, maybe Santa will bring me a pet, he does not think I am funny. Again, sorry for the loss of your pet.
bill (cycleguy)
Monday, November 12, 2018 @ 2:21 pm
I had several dogs when i was a child but they ended up being hit by cars because we lived so close to a major road. We restrained from getting one but I gave in when someone showed one to our girls and when i saw it my resistance was done. I am partial to Alaskan dogs-Husky, Samoyed, Malamute. This was part of the latter and we had Samson for about 6 months. He turned out to be my dog as I was the only one who could handle his size and would play with him. We finally found a home for him, someone had lost their dog and they wanted a big one. He was 7 months old and weighed 65 pounds. They got what they wanted. We have no had one since. Jo and I can’t agree on one and I would be the one who would end up with the responsibility of taking care of him. Besides, our grandson is allergic to dander. Whew!
Jo
Tuesday, November 13, 2018 @ 6:53 am
This makes my heart hurt. Larry was a sweetheart! So hard to lose a member of the family. Again you made me cry. Hugs to everyone in the family!