This afternoon we had our beloved old golden retriever Jazz put down.
He had slowly lost much of the use of his back legs over the last few months, and a few days ago he mostly stopped eating and let us know clearly that he was done with this old, joyfully-used-up arthritic old shell of a body. He became more peaceful in the last few days than he had in perhaps the last year or two.
Such a great soulfulness he had, I feel he'll come back as a monk or spiritual leader of some sort.
He had nothing but love for all beings. Please give your animolecules an extra hug in his honor.
I'm not sure how I'll paint without him. He was my studio companion.
We love you, Jazzy Wazzy (aka "Wazzle Dazzle"). But you always knew that.
After we made the dreaded appointment with the vet, The Husband took Jazz out for a last romp at Chautauqua Park. Jazz got to get his feet muddy, go out on a windy trail, and roll in weeds--three of his very favorite things to do.
I thought it would be hard for me to watch this video (I saw it after we put Jazz down), but I find it soothing, and fascinating that instead of just running around having fun, Jazz really seemed to be surveying his "kingdom" (it's a trail he's run along many times in his life) and taking it all in very deliberately and consciously.
Most of the video is just him standing and looking. At about 1:27 he decides he needs to go roll around in the weeds.
More art on my website: jalapfaff.com
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26 comments:
I really appreciated this post. My parents own a golden retriever, but if I'm honest, she really owns me. She has all of my heart, and this post just made me remember what a grip she has on me. I feel for you and your loss, as I'm convinced there are not many dogs that can love quite like a golden.
Also, I love following your blog. I am an artist myself, and share a love of animals too. I really enjoy the many positions your cats get into - cracks me up. I also have a blog, feel free to drop by sometime: www.designvelocipede.com
Thank you for sharing your animals with us.
Jala, I am so sorry to hear all this. It is just horrible, to say goodbye to the member of our animal family! I feel like crying just thinking about it. Beat wishes for peace and comfort.
I'm so sorry to hear your sad news, supportive cyber hugs and strong shoulders are here should you need them. Take care of yourself my friend.
Thank you for this farewell to a wonderful dog. I watched the video and it was very moving especially that moment when Jazzy falls so happily into the long grasses and looks so content and at peace. Farewell Jazzy. x
You know I love Jazzy, too. For the past 13 years (90 dog years), he's been a best friend and goddog to 4 of my dogs and helped say goodbye to 3 of them.
They're all waiting for you in the tall grass, Jazzman.
precious, precious soul. We're all crying now.
Jazz, a patient, soulful, loving, faithful companion. There is a hole in the world, shaped like him, feathered tail and all.
My heart goes out to you Jala - to both of you! - very heart wrenching to lose a beloved pet, like Jazzy - I'm very moved by these photos and the video - what a darling, noble soul!
jala, i'm so sorry your jazzy is gone. i can relate to the peace you feel, mixed of course with the sadness and pain. your post certainly celebrates his life and your love for him. i hope the pain of his loss will be dulled by his lingering presence in your heart.
Oh! What a sweetheart he was. I am so sorry.
He does has such a soulful face. So sorry. My first dog after getting married was a golden. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I have three big mutts and they have such a space in my heart, I dont know what I would do without them.
I came to your blog from Bye Bye, Pie's comments. Just wanted to let you know my heart breaks for you. Jazz was a beautiful dog. I have had to do the last vet visit more times than I care to count. On the 25th it will be a year that my beloved springer spaniel went for his last visit due to a brain tumor. I think of him every day. Best wishes to you.
Such a beautiful pup. He will always be with you.
I am so sorry for your loss, but not for the 13 (or is it 14?) years he was loved by you.
Here from BBP. I'm so sorry about your beloved Jazz. I know the pain of losing a beloved pet. He will always be in your heart.
Jala, I'm so sorry for the loss of your precious Jazz! I hope the memory of his love gives you comfort.
I'm not able to watch your video, but he was a very beautiful boy.
God Bless.
Jala, really share your sadness but your words are strangely comforting and I'll save them for when the time comes for ours to go to the tall grass as Sam says.
So sorry for your loss, Jala. What a sweet dog.
What a beautiful tribute, it looks like he was a wonderful friend!
And I love your artwork - came over from BBP..
Sweet and soulful, Jazzy--so sorry for your loss Jala.
I cried some tears watching your Wazzle Dazzle on his last walk in his kingdom. Really special doggy.
Dear Jala, I was sorry to hear about Jazzy. He seemed such a beautiful dog. I can relate. We had three dogs up until this year, now we have none and I spend all my time looking longingly at other people's dogs. I know for now it's not the right time, but I am not sure how long I can be without. I hope you are doing OK.
i'm so sorry for your loss jala .
I have been sick and out of town for the past week, and missed this sad news! I'm so sorry to hear about Jazzy, Jala. That decision we have to make on behalf of our beloved animolecule is never going to be easy, even when it so clearly the right choice. The real comfort is knowing that we gave our beloved companion a great life and loving home for all those years.
Hugs to you, and I hope you are doing better.
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