RIP Gilgamesh

Species8472

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Last Tuesday July 14, 1730 hours i put down the best dog i have ever had. Had the vet come out to the house and told him i have to be the one who does it otherwise you can leave and i'll do it my own way - just as painless but would have been messier. Vet agreed and set up the IV. I pushed the sedative and then 15 minutes later the toxin.

Have owned dogs all my 62 years. Don't ever remember not having one. Gilgy was the best of them. Could run like the wind, swim like a fish, track anything. Recovered deer and bear for me and others countless times. Ran countless coons and coyotes to ground. He was a Rotty/Walker cross and seemed to have inherited the best parts of those two breeds. He had just turned 15 in June. Was still spry and still taking coyote watch until 2 days before the end. He got into some dead something at the cottage the weekend before and whatever parasites he picked up his immune system at 15 couldn't handle it. He was still out swimming that weekend.

I trusted that dog more than any person i have ever known and that includes every member of my family. He always unconditionally had my back.

A few pics:

8 weeks old:

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In his prime:

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Headed off-grid into the back country:

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One of many deer he recovered (as you can see he pre-dates my beard and long hair):

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Two old guys snoozing (we did this almost every day of his life from 8 weeks old on):

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For the first time in my life i am without a dog. It has taken me a week just to write this tribute. Have not grieved like this ever before for anyone or anything. I am not ready to get another and don't know if i ever will be.

Buried him beside the deck in the backyard right next to where he stood watch for coyotes virtually every day of his 15 years. Will mount a plaque of some sort on the deck beam next to his grave when i think of something appropriate that can fit on a plaque. Will also mount the remains of the 2 license plates from my youngest daughter's car that he chewed to pieces because he just didn't like them.
 
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I have an idea of how you feel. I had a Rez dog for 17 years. Very clean, fussy eater, always with me. Never found him after a walk one evening. Two young guys that worked at my shop spent a couple of afternoons quading the countryside, but no trace. I told my two little girls that he must have gone straight to heaven. Over forty years since he passed, and I still miss him.
 
^^That is rough man. I am grateful that i was there for the end and that i was the one to end it for him in his time of need. It was my duty to do that and to hold his head in my lap as i did it. To tell him as he died in my arms to forget about being bored in heaven and to instead head to Valhalla where he belonged.
 
Sorry for your loss.


“The Power of the Dog”


There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
But when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie–
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years that nature permits
Are closing in asthma or tumors or fits
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers, or loaded guns
Then you will find–its your own affair
But–you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will
When the whimper of welcome is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone–wherever it goes–for good,
You still discover how much you care
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way
When it comes to burying Christian clay
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ’em the more do we grieve;

For when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short time loan is as bad as a long–
So why in Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?


Poem by Rudyard Kipling
 
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Have not grieved like this ever before for anyone or anything. I am not ready to get another and don't know if i ever will be.

My most sincere Condolences.
At 67, and having never been without a dog I've been there far too often, and can relate.

You gave him a most wonderful life which I am certain he appreciated.
In doing that you well indicated the size and shape of your heart.
Give it a little time, but please consider what I have to say next.

You are among a very special kind of people.
The kind referred to as Dog People.
In time it will ease your pain of this matter should you get another.
Out there somewhere is a pup looking for just the kind of Man you are to spend a wonderful life with.
Please consider giving him that opportunity.

He has now crossed, and I wish for him the rest he truly deserves.

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And I truly believe you will see him again:


RIP Gilgamesh
 
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