Thursday, September 27, 2012

Scout: 3/15/05 to 9/27/12

Heartbroken...


My Scout died this afternoon at about 2:25 p.m. It was a stubborn upper respiratory infection, possibly along with something else. All efforts to save him were in vain, but we tried.


Scout chose me as his own when he was just a baby. He attached himself to me with no uncertainty about it. My lap belonged to him ONLY. If I were going to give any of the other dogs any particular attention, I had to give him his attention first. 

He was smart and obedient, and a creature of habit. Once a routine was set, it was set in stone. We did not alter any daily routine if we could help it. And if we had to alter a routine, he would look at me with a slightly disappointed expression. I could almost see him shaking his head and hear him "tsk-tsk"-ing. But he always forgave me.

He was usually up for a game of tug of war with a stick. All it took was for me to say, "Gimme that thing!", (with nothing in my hand) and he'd start looking around for something to run and get before I could. That's how the game started. So I'd make sure there was a stick or toy handy; he'd run to get it, and then he'd tease me with it. I'd tug, and he'd tug. Finally he'd let go; I'd throw it, and say, "Gimme that thing!" And we'd do the whole thing over again.

He was born with a naturally cropped tail. But he was also born with a hip and/or spine deformity. He was a very fast runner (almost as fast as his mother and sister) until he was about 4 years old. Then he started slowing down a bit. He was still pretty fast, though. And as long as he didn't get cold, his hip/back didn't seem to bother him. As long as he got regular exercise, he didn't seem stiff. But if the weather was bad, and he hadn't been for a good walk or run for a day or two, then he'd be a bit stiff for a while.  Since I was also born with a bad spine and hips, I always thought it was appropriate that he was my dog. He started getting a lot of gray hair a year or two ago. It happened very quickly; something else the two of us had in common.

I'll miss him. It's been a hard, tear-filled evening. Tomorrow I'm going to buy some bulbs of some kind -- maybe daffodils -- to plant beside his grave.

Miss Little Bit will miss her big brother. I have a feeling she's going to be extremely spoiled for a while. 

Eler Beth has been my right hand the past few days -- as she usually is. She helped me give him medicine, coax him to eat and drink, and watched out for him when I had to sleep or do something else. Thomas has shown that he's just a big softy when it comes to the pets; he was as concerned as the rest of us.  Scout died right before Thomas had to leave for work, so Andrew came home early from a friends' house to dig the grave for me.

It helps to write this and to look at his pictures. These are the three that I had handy on the computer. I'll try to find a few more to post.

It's going to be hard to sleep tonight. 

10 comments:

Paula said...

Lori I'm so sorry to read about your precious Scout.

Donna. W said...

I'm so sorry. I am so thankful for the Internet, though, because I can see pictures and videos of my beloved pets that are no longer with me. Death comes for us all, whether human or animal. Those of us who remain can only shed a tear and remember the good times.

betty said...

Oh Lori, I'm so sorry :( hugs to you. We love these little pets of ours so much and they become such members of our families. He sounded like a wonderful dog and I know you will miss him so much.

again, I am so sorry

betty

Beth said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, Lori. It's never easy. I'm glad Thomas and the kids are providing such support for you. Sending love and hugs.

Barbara In Caneyhead said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

Groping for something to say that doesn't sound trite. Coming up with nothing. I care. I'm sorry.

Ken Riches said...

Always tough to lose a member of the family, sorry for your loss.

ADB said...

Very sorry to hear of this, Lori, if rather late. You'll meet Scout at the Rainbow Bridge.

Lisa said...

I'm so sorry to hear you lost your Scout. My heart goes out to you - it is so difficult to go through the loss. Keeping you & your family in my thoughts.
Lisa

Lisa said...

I'm so very sorry you lost your sweet Scout. He sounds like a very special little man. You'll meet again one day. Keeping you in my thoughts during such a difficult time.
xxx
Lisa