Beginnings can be bittersweet. They are often brought on by change, and in our situation, it was the passing of our beloved dog Jake, our ever present companion. Michael’s father passed away almost two years ago, before that it was his mother. Not long ago, Sandy’s aunt De passed, before that her father and other relatives. We are at the age in life when our friends and family are older and end of life is ever present.
Beginnings-Jake
Jake was doing very well for his 11-1/2 years. He developed a slight hacking cough that was attributed to his allergies. Sandy returned from visiting her relatives in Vermont and had acquired COVID. A few days after she returned, Jake developed respiratory symptoms. Initially we thought he might have contracted COVID. After about a week, his symptoms weren’t improving so we took him to his veterinarian. A chest x-ray showed a lung mass and they couldn’t suggest any significant life lengthening treatments. We took him to a specialist who confirmed it was probably lymphoma that was compressing his lung and affecting his vocal cords. For a week we tried aggressive medications, but his respiratory distress only worsened. The specialist did not believe surgery or chemotherapy would provide any benefit.
He had plenty of narcotics and steroids to keep him comfortable, but on Thanksgiving day we had to euthanize him because of his severe breathing difficulty. We were emotionally gutted. This was one of the most difficult things we ever went through in our lives; probably because of how quickly the symptoms developed and because we had been traveling with him 24/7 for the last 7 years. We accept the greater plan and eternity, but losing our best friend and companion was extremely difficult.
To Be Alive
Michael’s father, Jim took his children to the S.C. Johnson & Son Wax Pavilion in Racine, Wisconsin in 1966. They created a short film that was initially shown at the New York World’s Fair in 1964. The film won an Oscar and inspired IMAX. It was less than 20 minutes long and was projected on three 18 foot screens.
The film was about the wonders of life from birth through adulthood in America, Africa and Europe. Nothing like this had been done before. Compared to today’s cinematography, the film is very basic, but back then it was refreshing. Somehow, that zest for living and acceptance has been ever present. Loss seems to be an instigator of reflection that can lead to change.
It has taken a few months to write this post because the pain of his death is still very raw. Slowly we gave away his unopened dog food, treats and beds.
Out of habit, we still forget and save some food on our plate for him. He is greatly missed on our daily walks.
Beginnings
We spent the last 7 years focused on RV travel throughout the United States and Canada. There is still so much our Airstream has in store. Alaska is on the horizon. Being a six month trip, it will take some planning. With Jake gone, our international travel interests open up again.
It has been so long since we’ve been to Europe. In the past we’ve enjoyed scuba diving, african safari, golf, tour bus and cruise getaways.
We won’t get another dog for a while, and know there will never be another one as special as Jake. I don’t remember the last time we went to a movie or a play, took a long walk on the beach, took a long hike, or just slept in late without having to let him out. So far we’ve kept our life pretty much the same as before, but we are slowly making changes with our new freedom.
Even though it’s been a few months since Jake’s passing, we think about him daily and what a beautiful living being he was and are so grateful we shared our life with him. He truly enjoyed every day.
