STRAY

Grizzly Adam · Post by **Grizzly Adam** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 1:35 pm

His name was Stray. He came wagging into our lives last autumn. Boxer and Chocolate Lab. Full grown, but young. Bright of eye. Quick of foot. It was obvious someone had dumped him. It was just as obvious someone had beaten him.

Three weeks after our first acquaintance, Stray nuzzled my hand and danced away. A week after, he allowed me to pet him. Another week, and he'd come to my call. Two weeks more, and he was bouncing around at my feet like the barely grown puppy he was. In the months that followed, Stray never failed to escort me from the property; he never missed an opportunity to welcome me back. When I came through the gate, he was the first creature I'd see; when I drove away, his reflection was in the rearview mirror.

Stray went missing two Thursdays ago. I suspected thievery; I feared a car tire. Every nook was searched. All crannies were explored. No Stray. One day. Two days. Four. Eight. Sixteen. Yesterday.

After Easter dinner, I decided to search the woods west of the house, for vultures had wheeled in the sky on Saturday. I walked through the back yard and neared the timber, and--STRAY! It was Stray--Stray? Man has not seen more vivid a transformation than that which had overcome my friend. His eyes were dull and caked with pus. He staggered and reeled. His lips were shriveled. Each vertebrae and rib stood out in stark relief. His breath was wheezy and strained. His tail drooped--but slowly waved to and fro in greeting. As I petted him, he braced forward and jetted a bloody stream of thick urine upon the ground.

He would accept no food. A little water. I made him comfortable in an old chicken pen and rejoined my family. Thinking. Troubled.

The morning dawned bright but cold and windy. The shriek of the rusty gate hinge brought Stray struggling to his feet. I watched the feeble wag with a heavy heart. His back was hunched with pain. His breathing was shallow. He coughed. Blood on the ground.

We walked slowly. The morning woods was lively, but all was silent for a moment at the shot. I think my heart stopped for a moment too.

I buried Stray in a pretty little clearing. I believe he would have liked it. When I had arranged the blanket of loam over him, I restored the leaf litter as best I could. A large section of rotting log was set atop the spot.

The wind will breathe upon Stray's grave today, and the dew will kiss it in the moonlight tonight. Tomorrow there will be no sign that there in that glade was laid a dog once friendless--who found a friend--for a while.

No one who passes by will know.

But I will.

wabi · Post by **wabi** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 2:35 pm

Grizz,
My heart is heavy for your loss.
I've had to go through the same ordeal and I know the emptyness & guilt it brings to have to make the decision to end the suffering.

Boo · Post by **Boo** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 4:33 pm

Adam, that send a shiver up my back. As I look at my three girls and think about the other characters in the past that have broken my heart with their departure I understand your grief. Sorry, to hear what has become of your faithful pal.
Don

DaGriz · Post by **DaGriz** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 5:14 pm

My deepest sympathy!!

I can almost feel your pain.

Loosing a dog is very hard. Nothing gives you the unconditional love the way a good dog does.

maple · Post by **maple** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 5:15 pm

That must have been very hard on you. So sorry about your Stray.

chris4570 · Post by **chris4570** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 5:36 pm

Sorry to hear about Stray. A tough decision to make. Tougher to follow through.

fletch · Post by **fletch** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 6:22 pm

Sorry Grizzly I know it is tough. Pets are one of the hardest things to say goodbye to because you always wonder how much they understand you care for them and are trying to help.

Sliver · Post by **Sliver** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 6:29 pm

Sorry for your loss Grizz...

That story brought a tear to me eye...

HW · Post by HW » Mon Mar 24, 2008 6:45 pm

I am reading this post with my dog Buddy sitting at my feet. We rescued him from the pound last Monday. He too was a stray that found his way into our home. As you know, there is an amazing calm that seems to come over the dog as it enters a loving home.

It was great that he got to have a loving home to live in, even though it was far too short.

raydaughety · Post by **raydaughety** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 6:53 pm

I'm so sorry to hear about Stray. That decision is one that is extremely difficult to make but I'm sure that it was the right thing to do. Again, sorry that you're hurting buddy.

God Bless,

Grizzly Adam · Post by **Grizzly Adam** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 7:44 pm

Thanks, guys.

Esox · Post by **Esox** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 7:56 pm

I too am very, very sorry at your loss.... The fact that you took care of Stray the way you did says greatly about your character..... Take heart that you did the right thing...... all the way around....

I am proud to know you....

R.J. · Post by **R.J.** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 8:35 pm

Very sorry for your loss ... it's never easy losing a loyal companion

gunnutjay · Post by **gunnutjay** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 8:58 pm

Grizz, my condolences on your loss. Sounds like Stray was lucky to have found you, I'm sorry it wasn't for longer...

Cheers
Jay

saxman · Post by **saxman** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:08 pm

I'm sorry my friend,you did the right thing.
I went throught the same thing as a boy and have never gotten over it.
I can still feel it.

He will always be with you.