Sunday, February 15, 2015

Saying goodbye to a friend

Mick the Wonder DogIt is with much sadness that I write that my friend, Mick the wonder dog has perished.  Like his owner, Mick had been on a steady decline.  Mick wasn't up to many of the walks that he commonly enjoyed and these were steadily scaled back and when Mick was unable to participate as a walker I bundled him in a blanket and pushed him around the block in a baby stroller.  Sadly, he did not have a heart attack; with much anguish we made the decision to terminate his life when he reached the point where he was no longer able to hold down water (and had lost much weight by this time).  As odd as it may sound, I believe Mick knew in the weeks leading up that the end was coming; he spent many hours curled up near my wife and I clearly wanting to be included as part of the pack.

We adopted Mick from the Mohawk Hudson Humane society (known locally as the Menands Animal Shelter) when he was around 2 and he was a member of the family for over 14 years.  With a touch of stubbornness, he was a perfect fit to this family.  We enjoyed his persistent reminders around 5pm when he would quickly pace around the house to attract attention that it was time for his favorite dog food, Beneful (wet chopped blends).  Mick was a faithful companion on numerous walks; I would speak to him often to relate that I like some enthusiasm from my dog... and he was enthusiastic.

Mick's aura remains with us and we continue to feel his spirit throughout the house; you were greatly loved and will be missed.