Counter Surfers Unlimited
Goodbye to an old friend - Digger, 1987-2002
I've just lost my best friend.
I spotted him while walking down the long row of runs at the Ottawa shelter -
standing patiently, ears up, tail wagging - the only quiet one in the place. I
knew he was coming home with me.
While his parentage was questionable, the temperament was all lab...kind,
willing, a friend to everyone he met, canine and human. Endlessly patient with
puppies, foster cats, and every one of the rescues who have come and gone over
the years, bed warmer extraordinaire, with a zest for life that never diminished
even though he was well into his 15th year. I thought he would go on forever.
When he walked away from his food bowl Tuesday night, for the fifth time in 3
days, I knew something was terribly wrong and we drove into Ottawa to the vet
who'd treated him for the last eight years. Tests showed no abnormalities, but
when I went to see him Wednesday, his sunken eyes, hanging head and vacant
expression told me everything. The vet suspected a brain tumour and offered no
hope. We took a little walk, said goodbye to the young dogs who were waiting in
the truck, and returned to the room where he passed, peacefully, with his head
in my lap.
He was the one who led me to the world of Labradors, and who motivated me to a
second career in rescue.
I'll be planting a tree in his favourite part of the yard this spring, his ashes
will rest there. His spirit and memory will be with me always. Rocky and Cole
keep going to his favourite spots, sniffing and then looking up at me. I suspect
they miss him as much as I do.
Good bye old friend...sleep well.
Sharon, Rocky, & Cole
We support Labrador Life Line - they're saving Lives, One lab at a
time!!!