By Marien Oomen
Where do I begin to tell the sweet love story of Fido? He was a ‘best friend’ to each member of the family. He left a paw print and his cuddly love in our hearts forever.
He had the most ordinary dog name. He was our Havanese Cuban dog and that’s why we thought Fidel suited him best… but Fido he was until his last breath at the age of 12.
A slip disc and arthritis reduced his quality of life. His last days were spent at the ICU and that’s when the vet recommended euthanasia. We could not think of bringing him back home in his sorry state; it was too demeaning to his dignity. Seeing him for the grand dog he was we sadly, and totally heart broken, agreed to let him go.
Coping With Loss
In spite of being an ‘older’ mom, it wasn’t easy for me to say the right things to my children who were at the time away from home. “Look beyond the present sadness. Something good is waiting on the horizon.” We all cried on Skype. My home had become huge and empty and I had excess love in my heart to give away.
Why do people live long and pets die young? Loving unconditionally doesn’t come easy to humans. Humans know to doubt, to mock, and to be cynical. Humans have to live long lives till they learn what true loving and giving is. But dogs learn to trust, love and obey from the very beginning.
To everyone, Fido was just a dog, but to us he was our furry comfort, our angel dog, ever understanding and ever caring. When our son passed onto heaven nine years ago, Fido comforted us on earth. When my mom passed away two years ago, Fido lent his furry warmth to my sad daughter. He didn’t bark as the neighbor’s dogs do. Every guest was welcomed with a joyous whelp. Fido slid all the way down the corridor, guiding them to their seats, absolutely thrilled. He honoured every guest that walked into my home, and maintained a decent distance from those who didn’t understand him.
What Humans Can Learn From Dogs
Fido never held grudges. He waited on his favourite chair when I left him for long hours. He never complained if his food was delayed, or if I remained at the computer when it was time for his walk. He disliked loud arguments and looked at those arguing with concern. He always made us smile after a long day. He never terrorized the birds that came to my garden. Sometimes he mistook a plastic bag flying down the road for a cat that needed some chasing! He would grin at the mangiest cat in the neighborhood, as he held no class differences, though he himself was higher bred.
Rest in peace. My gentleman dog.
