Trucker & Tina – best pals
It’s never easy saying goodbye to a beloved pet. Finding a way to make the last couple of days good goes a long way, though.
I met Trucker, one of 5 dogs belonging to Tina, a couple of years ago. He was the epitome of a “loveable lug”. Big, gentle, slow-moving, on the awkward side, he was happy to be at the back of the pack. He had lots of nicknames — Gramps, Bud Light, Bubba — and they all fit.
When he arrived in my home once again a couple of weeks ago, it was meant to be a transition. Tina is moving from Marfa (her home for the last 6 months) to New York. She planned to take 4 of the dogs, but for a variety of reasons it seemed like a bad move for Trucker, so he was going to stay with me.
Trucker in better days, with Jack Maverick
And I was looking forward to it. Dogs don’t get much more low maintenance than Trucker. He did have a tendency to wander, so Tina got him a collar that worked with my invisible fence just in case, but I really wasn’t too worried about things.
He had been behaving oddly for a couple of weeks before arriving, though, and really went downhill not long after he got here. After many difficult nights, we took him to the vet and came home with a diagnosis of kidney failure and a brain tumor. His time was up.
We got some drugs to make his last couple of days bearable and allow Trucker, Tina, and me to get some desperately needed sleep.
Trucker thoroughly enjoying his last meal
This morning, Tina and I took him to Longview Park, Trucker’s favorite place in the world. Friends Adam, Jenny, Sal, Rick, and Jilli were there to. For about 45 minutes he was happy as can be, trotting around and seeming to forget his aches and pains and confusion. Sal and Jenny brought him a burger and fries, which he enjoyed immensely.
Everyone said their goodbyes, and a little after noon today, he died peacefully and painlessly with Tina, Adam, and me holding him.
Bye, Trucker. You were an awesome dog, and we’ll all miss you.
Bye, Trucker
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh God, Julie, that just made me cry. So glad he had all of you around to have some wonderful last days!
Thanks, Jenny. It’s sad, no doubt. But Tina and I agreed that we should all have the opportunity to die so well — before things get hideous, surrounded by people who love us, and without pain.
Definitely one of those sad but sweet experiences. I feel fortunate to have had several.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
Your story brought tears to my eyes, what a great picture of Trucker at the park.
Thank you Julie for the wonderful post and for being such a huge part of these last few weeks. Trucker was blessed to have great friends and so am I. I would like to believe that him and Gary and Bear are now on a really lovely loooong walk together.
Julie and Tina: Very hard. Never easy. Trucker had a great ending thanks to you.
Susan, I’m keeping the Rainbow Bridge in my heart forever.
Your love of animals and care for your friend is top level in your pictures and your copy. It is a wonderful tribute.
Julie, You certainly have a gift for describing how things are. What a wonderful eulogy for the sweet and peaceful Trucker. May he rest in peace. Judy (Tina’s sister)
Julie, this is beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to document Trucker’s last few weeks. That last photo is worth a thousand words…
Best,
Jenny