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Saturday, January 30, 2010

Birthday Wishes For A Prince Among Dogs

At night, when you look up at the sky,
since I shall be living on a star,
and since I shall be laughing on a star,
for you it will be as if all the stars are laughing.
You alone will have stars that can laugh!
And when you have got over your loss
(for we always do),
you’ll be happy to have known me.
You will always be my friend.
 -- Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince

I think we have come to that point here, after Hawk's quiet passing in the beginning of November.  It doesn't mean that we don't still miss him at times, but now, we can reflect on our happy memories together and smile or laugh.  No doubt this is what the big guy would prefer.  He never could stand to see anyone upset.  Today would have been his thirteenth birthday.

There's no denying it, losing a dog is one of the most painful things that many of us go through.  Most dog lovers can attest to that fact.  Still, I look back on the lifetime Hawk spent with us, and I wouldn't trade the pain of missing him for the many happy memories we shared.  I think of all the hard work that went into bringing him home with us.  I sure learned a lot of lessons about patience from that boy.  We couldn't raise our voices about anything without upsetting him a great deal, even if we were happy or excited.  Stopping him from doing things he shouldn't was a fine balance.  Convincing him to move past his fears was, too.  I am not a patient person by nature, but I learned to cultivate it with him. 

I was certainly richly rewarded for it, too.  Hawk didn't hold back in letting you know that he loved you or that he was happy with what he had.  I still sometimes walk into the kitchen and am surprised that I don't feel him bumping twice against my hip.  It was his way of letting me know he was there and happy to help with any tasting that might be required, or just in case I needed a fuzzy ear to rub.  He was tall enough that I didn't have to bend down to reach him.  As soon as your hand reached his body, a huge grin spread across his goofy face and his tail would gently wag.  He just had a way of making you feel as if you really mattered to him. 

As he got older, the brindle spots on his body began to show a lot of white.  Mr. Taleteller joked that it was because he liked to be scratched in these spots and we were wearing the color off the poor boy.  He certainly did love our attention.  He left with a little piece of our hearts, but I believe he left us with a piece of his in return.  We were truly blessed to share his life with him!

Blueberry Types for the Blog

21 comments:

  1. What a beautiful tribute and thank you for sharing it with us!
    Your loss is obviously still very raw. I dread the day when I have to say good-bye to our Max (or any of the others). I can't begin to imagine the pain but, like you, there is no way of avoiding it.
    Consider yourself hugged on this special day.
    With love
    C IN SOUTH AFRICA

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  2. What a beautiful boy! It hurts to lose them, but it's the great memories that keep us going. That's why we blog about them.

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  3. How terrible to lose such a sweet boy!! It is good that you can hold onto the good tumes though and acknowledge all the things he taught you. :(

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  4. A beautiful guy. I can see why you miss him so. You were lucky to have had him. I'm just sayin'.

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  5. Love works both ways - you were all lucky to have each other and have such lovely memories.

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  6. What a sweet reminiscence. Folks who can take the time to love and relate to animals share a whole world that is closed to others.

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  7. Your memories and telling of them are beautiful. I was choked up, for I too lost a dog last year. Like you, we mostly smile now, remembering his quirks, lovable unique habits, and even his 'not so lovable' unique habits. Funny, he taught some of his quirks, good and bad, to R. We love seeing them, knowing who originated them!

    Thanks for a glimpse of your Hawk. I hope that he's gliding high in the sky watching over you.

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  8. He sounds like he was a wonderful dog. I lost my collie two years ago and I still expect to feel him lean into my side when I am out in the garden. He was a gentle soul and I miss him. We lost our St. Bernard just months after losing him. She was full of mischief and kept us on our toes, that one. I can't imagine living my life without pets!

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  9. Hawk sounds like a wonderful boy. Hold on tight to all of those special memories.

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  10. This is one of the best descriptions I've read of what a dog means to people, and vice versa.

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  11. Thanks for sharing your beautiful tribute to Hawk.
    I know he lives forever in your heart.
    Take care
    Kisses and hugs
    Lorenza

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  12. Hey, Hawk, wherever you're practicing your food tasting techniques, you were so loved! I didn't get to know you, until today and I'm grateful for that. We do NOT forget you and many others who have touched our lives. It's been a pleasure to meet you, kind tall furiend. One of these days, you and I will be chasing bunnies together, over Illinois or Cali or anywhere we choose.
    Later, Hawk.
    Sincerely,
    Twinkie

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  13. What a beautiful tribute. Our hearts have been warmed by his memory.

    Kisses,
    Emma Rose

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  14. How beautiful. I dread the day that Lucky or Ben leave me. I know I will fall to pieces.

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  15. Aww, what a sweet post! The only time I've seen greyhounds are the videos you've posted, but I can see Hawk from your loving description.

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  16. What a lovely tribute to Hawk. Very touching gal.

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  17. Awww .. that's a perfect tribute to a beloved dog. Hawk knew he was loved for certain, and must have been so happy with you. Many of these spooky or overly empathetic dogs land up in less-than-ideal homes, as you know, so for Hawk to be with you was just so lucky for him.

    I know so well the pain of losing them. We've now lost four, one of whom died in his own bed, peacefully, in his sleep one night. I'm so thankful that my beloved Jim had that peaceful passing - my own prince among dogs, my heart dog. The other three were traumatic, though to be fair, one was just as old as Jim at thirteen and a half.

    It's part of the deal though, isn't it? You get their love and the supreme pleasure of sharing your life with them, and in return you care for them, and shoulder the burden of loss.

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  18. Love the quote from the Little Prince.

    Have you read the Art of Racing in the Rain? I think that you might really enjoy it (although I should say make sure you have a box of kleenex and a one of the girls near by for petting....

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  19. Bunny, First thank you for your thoughtful and supporting comments about my patient Steve. It's so amazing to me how kind everyone is been in the Blog community. So nice that there is so much love out there. I know I've come to a good place and am meeting some furfriends for life. And you're one of them.

    Second Hawk was beautiful. And how appropriate of a post for me to read about loss. My mom and dad are have to get ready to go to the wake, but just wanted to check the blog before we went to post a few thank you's. We'll finish the rest later. I'm the first dog for my owners and I just turned three. But my mom has lost an 18 year old and 15 year old kitty.I cannot even imagine losing Josie. I do not let my mind go there.

    You have so eloquently written about Hawk in your blog today. And your love for him and his for you. It's brought tears to my eyes. What a very nice tribute to Hawk. Happy Birthday Hawk. Long may the happy memories live and may you run forever up in heaven.

    How appropriate...Wish you were here....Woof soon. Much Love.

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  20. He really was a beautiful boy. And I'm sure like every dog that I have lived with, he changed you in ways that you'll recognize for years to come. So sorry you are missing him, but not that you had the chance...

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  21. A very sweet memory of him! :)

    //Shiney

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