July 14, 2010

Goodbye My Friend



Through all of life's ups and downs, one of the only constants in the life over the past 14 years was my basenji, Mulligan.  I watched him grow from a cute, mischievous puppy to a handsome mischievous hound.  And, he saw me through countless significant human events:  buying and selling houses, the start and end of relationships, changing careers, the diagnosis and treatment of serious health issues,  and the relocation to Florida.  Mulligan was always there.  When he was diagnosed with cancer three and a half years ago, we were fortunate to learn that one of the premier canine oncologists in the nation, Dr. Heidi Ward, is located here in Sarasota.  He responded wonderfully to the treatments.  But, the problem with cancer in dogs is that it always seems to reoccur.  Mulligan beat it three times.  Each time, you never would have known he was sick.  This photo was taken at the Paw Park in April, a few months before the cancer returned for a fourth time.  At the age of 14 1/2 Mulligan couldn't fight anymore and I said goodbye yesterday.  It never ceased to amaze me how many people, particularly in Sarasota, would stop us on walks, in the park or while we were driving to comment on Mulligan's regal, handsome demeanor.  He  was very special.  I will miss him very much.

11 comments:

Holly Diane said...

My heart goes out to you today...*big hugs*

Rachel said...

awww :-( Sorry about your dog.

Lois said...

I'm so sorry. What a handsome dog. I know you will miss him terribly. How wonderful that he had you to love and care for him!

Leslie D. said...

That hurts. A friend gave me a card once that said maybe the stars are really openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones shines down to let us know they're with us.

gogouci said...

So very sorry to hear of your loss of such a wonderful companion.

Unknown said...

Sorry for your loss and take care of yourself

Jim Klenke said...

I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like Mulligan was a fighter.

SRQ said...

Thanks, everyone. He was a tough little guy. A brave fighter. On to happier topics tomorrow.

T. Becque said...

I'm so sorry SRQ! He was indeed a cute guy. I know it's no consolation, but 14 1/2 years is wonderful to have a friend with you. I wish you peace.

kat said...

I'm sorry to hear such sad news. It happens to all of us who have dogs, although that's no real consolation to you...:( They become such a part of the family, and fourteen years is a good time though to have had together - and with many happy, funny and rewarding memories I'm sure, and that's what counts :)

Shannon said...

Belated thoughts being sent your way. I'm so sorry for your loss. That is the hardest part about our four-legged friends, they don't stay around near long enough. I have a 10-year old lab that I know I'll have to face that with soon enough and I can't even start to think of that without crying. Even reading about yours made me mist up.
I hope you are doing okay, it's a hard thing to go through.