Last night at this time, I was doing the dishes and shooing Greta away from the dishwasher as I was loading the dinner plates into it. Tonight, I would do anything for a replay of that treasured routine. Around 9:30pm last night, Greta sought refuge under the desk-- our first clue that she was not feeling well. At bedtime, she struggled to get up, and we had to carry her to bed. She seemed restless and uncomfortable, and finally, around 1am, she stumbled downstairs. Curtis joined her, as she continued her restlessness. By 4am, I took my turn holding vigil. Holding her head in my lap, while she struggled to get comfortable, I whispered to her everything I wanted her to know. How glad we were that we chose puppy number nine that fateful day in 2001. At 7:30am, the girls awoke, gave Greta kisses and hugs, and took off to the playroom.
Curtis and I remained by Greta's side as it became apparent that today was the day we would say goodbye. We made an appointment for a vet to come to the house at 10am, but by 8:30am, it was clear that Greta would never meet that vet. In a moment that gave me the biggest glimpse of humanity I've ever witnessed, I held Greta's head in my hands as she left this world. Looking into those deep eyes as she passed is something I will never forget. Amazing how much of this life we can learn from a dog.
My friend Heather reminisced with me today, remarking that Greta was quite a mischievous puppy. In her puppyhood, she stole a knapsack lunch from a fisherman out at Shadow Cliffs and a loaf of bread from a picnic at Tilden Park, among other things. Today Heather said, "I like to think that the last thing Greta stole was one more month with her family." And truer words were never spoken. Greta did give us a great gift in this past month, as we were able to fully appreciate each day with her, to spoil her with treats without worrying about her waistline, to tell her how much we loved her silly ways. She was a wonderful dog, a naughty dog, a lovable dog, an aloof dog. She was our girl. There will never be another quite like Greta. So human in her actions and her love of her family.
With broken hearts, we say farewell to our first baby, our wedding gift to each other. A priceless piece of our first decade as a family. Run free in heaven, Greta! Let Papa spoil you with treats, and seek Annie, Kennedy, and Bowie for companionship. Godspeed, sweet girl.
5 comments:
My heart is breaking for you. I am so sorry. The first cousin dog, Greta was so sweet and spirited... I will remember her running at the family marathon, and stopping briefly to grab a hotdog from a group of people picnicing nearby. May there be lots of hot dogs in heaven for you and Papa, Greta!
hugs and kisses to you all. so hard... She was a very loved dog and had it all with you and Curtis. xoxo
Megan and Curtis.. Lots of tears flowing tonight as we hear the news .. There was the Christnas miracle and we wished there were more days and more months..lots of memories and I am happy that Kylie posted the funny incident of the hot dog. Know that you have the grey angel by your side, and hopefully will send you a buddy at the appropriate time..am holding my "earth angel" tonight a little tighter.. As the time of these wonderful creatures on earth is never long enough. Hugs and love... Joan
So sorry to hear that Meg, I know Greta will always be a part of your family. xxoo Theresa
Greta lies in your heart now and always will. Our Heaven must be filled with barks of welcome and Papa, there for the hugs.
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