We lost our best buddy today.
Echo was eight, but seemed older,
and had been getting weaker and more lethargic, and less “himself” every day. A
visit to the vet on Tuesday confirmed that he was very sick, getting rapidly worse, and couldn’t
get better. He was put down peacefully at home the kind and gentle hands of our excellent veterinarian, with
Jake and I holding and petting and talking to him as he left. He was buried in a garden near in his favorite place in the yard, where he’ll be able to continue keeping
an eye on things here. We'll plant a tree there in the fall.
He’d been with us since he was just a little guy, lived
with us in at least four homes in two states, and accompanied us on countless
adventures. He was with us the first time we stepped foot onto what would become Tell the Bees, and while we were building our home and our lives in this place. There is no corner of this house and these woods that didn't know his furry paws and snuffling nose. There is no living thing on this land that won't know he's gone. It doesn't feel quite right to be here without him.
Echo was a good, good dog. He was big and handsome and
friendly. He liked chicken-watching, chasing racquet balls, rolling in the snow, and catching popcorn. Mostly, he liked being with us, enough that he'd lie underneath Jake's table saw or follow us from room to room. An observant fellow, he was wary of thunder, vacuum cleaners, small children,
and the occasional snowman. He picked raspberries with his mouth. His ears flopped in the cutest way when he
walked. He loved walks so much we learned to use code words when talking about going for hikes. He howled on command. He greeted us with wiggles and whimpers every single
time we walked in the door, whether we’d been gone all day or for just a few
minutes. Today included.
We shared lots of love and lots of good times, and are so thankful for having known him.
Echo helped us grow up.
He made us a family.
We’ll always miss him.
He made us a family.
We’ll always miss him.
All together now: Robertsoooooooooooonnnnnnnnn!
What a beautiful memorial for a wonderful dog. I remember what a fur ball he was when he was just a puppy and you brought him home to your place in Duluth (10th ave?). We will miss him dearly. Love you Echo.
ReplyDeleteM & J,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is, of course, broken for you. I'm sure my second favorite animal is in a (always winter) wooded wonderland where no one judges you for eating a little poop and there is always a critter to chase. I love your ode to Echo but it did not help with my tears (on the bus).
The best dog, he will be greatly missed.
Sweetness. We hold those memories forever. I'm pretty sure he and frijole are eating raspberries and forming a new friendship. If only in our hearts. Love them.
ReplyDeleteThe howl. The cute stingray ears. The laying on your feet. Echo you are a good dog. Watch over the farm. Know you are loved. M&J, he will be missed. Thinking of you guys.
ReplyDeleteM & J - We're so saddened to hear about your loss, but grateful we got to see Echo again this summer. I still remember the day he was born--Troy and I were in Duluth visiting shortly after we started dating. His mom called to tell him that Stormy and Sally's puppies were born. We were so excited that you wanted one of those puppies! We picked him up from Troy's dad at a truck stop when he was ready to leave his first home. He was the cutest puppy I had ever seen, and it was hard to give him up--even after just having him for a night--but we knew what a great life you would give him. On behalf of Stormy and Sally's extended family, thank you for giving Echo an amazing family and such a wonderful home. He was a lucky dog.
ReplyDeleteLots of love to you, Jake and Xan!