Friday
Jul232010
Rest Well, Mister the Dog
Friday, July 23, 2010 at 08:06AM 
Our beloved best friend, Mister the Dog, died peacefully on Tuesday, his head on Chris's knee, in the care of our kind-eyed vet. Mister was 16 1/2.
His health had declined so much that we finally knew we were avoiding the hard decision for ourselves, rather than for his quality of life. I'm very grateful to the warm folks at Austin Vet Hospital, especially Dr. Palvino, for sitting with us as we struggled with our decision, and gently let us know that it was okay to give Mister this gentle exit from a body that had lived long, deep, and well.
Still, I hear his paws on the wood floor occasionally, and every time I get up from my desk, I start to go down that hallway to check on him. Riding the waves of grief.
I've been deeply moved by the response from our friends and community. Mister touched so many lives, including avowed anti-dog people who found themselves strangely compelled by Mister's independent, dainty, polite ways. I've even heard from a few friends who said that their interaction with Mister inspired them to become pet-owners themselves. How did one orange, fuzzy creature find his way into so many hearts across the country?
Even though he lived a long, rich life, even though we spent all day working at home with him for his last years, even though we knew it was coming -- it hurts.
We miss our friend so much.
Reader Comments (8)
Tex.
Hug Chris for me today.
Thinking of you both and the ride of marriage, or being in love and loving others, like Mister...honoring you doing that with such grace, style and integrity.
Love love love, S
A loving tribute. He was a beauty and clearly very special!
Hugs to you!
he was well loved and having gone through this twice before I know you are missing him so....I am sorry for your loss. I am so glad you posted to the parade today..pets make such an impact on our lives
Such a beautiful photograph of a lovely dog! I can tell he was very special to you and well-cared for.
what a beautiful tribute in words and photos. i am sorry for your loss - i know it's hard.
I'm so sorry. We lost a beloved cat recently. As I get older, it doesn't get easier. Clearly he had a good life.
I was looking for song titles with the name Mister in it. I want to feature it in a video I'm making for my friend, Theodora's, new puppy named Mister.
I'm so sorry for your loss --- it does take a while for the pain to lesson. Luckily, the memories always remain.
Compelled to write this message as Mary Oliver is my favorite poetess as well.
Good luck!
Thank you so much, Marla, for your kind message. Seven months later, the waves of grief still visit, but the good memories certainly stay with me more powerfully than the sad ones.
I love knowing that there's a new puppy out there that shares Mister's name. Give him a good snuggle for me!