No Regrets in Final Goodbye… Harley worth every second
One of my friends, Kristine James, sent me and others a note yesterday letting us know that her Golden Retriever, Harley, is nearing the end of a long and beautiful run with one great owner. Any dog owner knows that’s the never welcome and always too soon price we pay for giving it all to a canine partner. Somehow though, it’s also a beautiful thing when the owner puts into words how she’s feeling. With permission, here’s the note that came from Kristine, and a few photos of Handsome Harley.
Dick Ellis
“Yesterday Harley had a visit with Dr. Emily at Adams Marquette Vet Clinic. It came as no real surprise... the prognosis... I had felt the growth under his neck and having already lost our Golden, Dusty to Lymphoma, I knew what I was going to be told. Though the actual words crushed me.... My Big Daddy Dog, Harley has very limited time left.
Harley is ready to fish again and dressed for the part.
There are only 2 options with Lymphoma. Chemo which has no guarantee and can be miserable or Prednizone which will hopefully slow the process. Unfortunately Harley is somewhat advanced and in an aggressive stage. Dr. Emily said it could be a week but it could be 6 weeks if the medicine works well. He ate well last night and this morning and drank water. I made chicken thighs for him and will continue to spoil him.
For all of you who know him and even some of you who just love the best friends you can ever have.... Harley is not only gentle giant of a Golden Retriever, but he is a true gentleman and lives up to the name "Handsome Harley". He has had a wonderful life. He has been a daddy 5 times and produced beautiful babies. And I have been blessed with one of his daughters who I truly believe has kept him young. Harley will be 13 in May. That is 91 in dog years, yet last summer he produced one last beautiful litter. Not bad for 84. Harley has made many friends and was my dad's favorite companion... now my mom says he was really her dog... LOL. One thing Harley wasn't... unloved.
Handsome Harley earned his nickname just by being born.
Harley had many experiences. He ribboned in UKC through Horicon Marsh Hunting Retriever Club where we both made many friends. He was a Therapy Dog at the VA and it is my hopes his daughter, Kassie, will follow in his footsteps. He survived falling through the ice on my river several years ago and won the hearts of over a half dozen Neshkoro Fireman with his rescue. But most of all, he has truly been MY best friend. He has been there for me whenever I needed a hug... a kiss... a head on my lap just letting me know he loves me.
So now I take a final journey with my Big Dog. I cry as I write this, but I know in my heart Harley has had a wonderful life and has no fear of his future. I will take him for walks... throw some bumpers... and give him MY best as he has given me. And when the time comes... he will let me know and I will hold him when he finally sleeps. I will not let him suffer. He will have dignity. And when he finally rests he will join all the ones he loved and loved him both animal and human.
One lucky dog…one lucky owner. Harley and Kristine always had each other.
Thank-you for letting me share this with you. I will now start to CELEBRATE the time we have and enjoy every second I have...and NO regrets... and either does Harley.”
Kristine