MEMORIAL POST PROMPTS SURPRISING REPLIES
by Dan Sayers
S ocial media can be surprising—in a good way. Amid the barrage of brags and the bashing of judges, users occasionally manage to send posts that are thoughtful and measured. Sometimes these posts generate a lively discussion on topics ranging from feeding and fertility to the future of the dog sport inAmerica. Responses can be every bit as illumi- nating as the original post, if not mo- reso. Such was the case when I posted a simple memorial to my recently departed senior. The sympathetic replies from hundreds of Facebook friends took me totally by surprise. Saying “goodbye” to an old dog is never easy, particularly when it’s an- nounced in a public forum. So when I decided to post the passing of my old Irish Water Spaniel, “Kurre,” (pronounced “Curry”) on Facebook, I understood that the public memo- rial would reach many of her puppies’ people. What I couldn’t have predict- ed, however, was just how many users would empathize with the loss. Kurre had been strong and resolute her whole life. But over the last few months, an accelerated weakness of her hind legs had slowed her down considerably. As her 13th birthday approached, Kurre could no longer
bound onto a grooming table. In- stead, she’d learned to wait—no small feat in and of itself—to be lifted for her grooming sessions. And instead of jumping up onto her favorite chair, a set of diminutive steps allowed easy access to her Crate and Barrel throne. Runners and area rugs were placed on the hardwood floors, and a set of non-slip socks improved her thrice daily walks. Those socks proved to be a blessing for us both. They improved Kurre’s mobility outdoors and gave me more time to enjoy our slow-mo- tion strolls together. When Kurre began to limp on her left front leg, she was outfitted with a doggie wheelchair. However, the aluminum and canvas contraption proved useless for a dog with only one good leg. Though she remained stoic
in the face of this latest indignity, I finally accepted that Kurre’s once proud body was failing her. She’d all but lost her ability to walk. So, as we slumped together on the dining room floor, I promised Kurre that she could leave this world with her dignity in- tact. Choking back tears, I called the vet’s office and made arrangements for her to come to the house at the end of the day. When the vet and her as- sistant arrived, Kurre greeted these final visitors with plenty of kisses and a wagging tail. She seemed to enjoy the attention, oblivious to the finality of the moment. I, on the other hand, was suddenly overcome with doubt. I privately wondered, “Was I doing the best thing for Kurre?” Though I’d prepared myself men- tally for this moment, my heart was
52 • T op N otch T oys , A pril 2019
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