My Dad died 12 years ago this spring. He was 78 years old, had drunk too much, smoked too much and been sickly most of his life. The coroner’s report said he died of pneumonia but the truth is he died of terminal humanity.
Six weeks later, my wife and I were married. It was a gloomy, rainy day so our outdoor ceremony was moved indoors. When we came to the part of the ceremony where we paid tribute to my Dad, who had a total crush on my wife, my older brother played on the piano an interpretation of one of Dad’s favorite hymns, “The Lord’s Prayer”. As he did, the sky started to clear and the sun came out. The rest of our festivities got to happen outdoors.
Just a few weeks later, back visiting my home town, my wife and I decided to drop in on the Humane Society (where we had adopted our two dogs, Roofuss and Pogo). As we walked down the aisle, my wife spotted a puppy that was in a kennel just to my left, about eye level. When the attendant opened the door, the puppy climbed out of the cage and nestled himself in the crook of my arm. There was no discussion; we adopted him on the spot.
My wife told me he was a birthday present; we named him ‘Steinway’ because that’s what she wanted to buy me (but the most we could afford was a puppy).
Yesterday, just a week after his 12th birthday, we had to say goodbye to Steinway. After living a dozen years with no health problems more serious than a flea on his behind, he suddenly became ill with a very high fever. Twenty-four hours later, he was beginning to experience respiratory failure. After a long discussion and lots of tears, we agreed as a family that it was time to let Steinway go. We said goodbye to him at 6PM last night
Many people have written tributes to their pets; my words will pale in comparison. Even so, I loved Steinway. I never approached him that he didn’t wag his tail at me. I seldom went anywhere around the house that he didn’t follow me. He was an affectionate guy who would’ve spent the whole of his life being petted. He was the only sheepdog I’d ever met who had no herding instincts at all. The closest he came to sheepdogdom was that, with a full coat, he actually looked like a sheep.
Lobo - Me And You And A Dog Named Boo - For Steinway
Earth, Wind And Fire - I’ll Write A Song For You - For My Wife
Jim Nabors - The Lord’s Prayer - For Dad
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Nice Music to listen and remember your pet and family.
To Bless their memory in song is rest at best.
Byron, Los Angeles
I discovered and enjoy your blog
via Lee’s Music You Possibly Won’t Hear Anyplace Else.
My own dad died ridiculously young - over 25 years ago now, unbelievably - and i remember how devastated my son was when our pet cat had to be taken to the vet’s and put to sleep. He was four years old at the time and I remember how painfully aware i was that this was his first exposure to the death of someone or something close and the process of learning to grieve.
Props.
It can be so difficult when our furry friends have to leave us. The Texas Gal and I have been there, too many times, and send good wishes your way. Nice song choices.
Thanks so much for the kind words…MJ@F45