Part of me wonders if I should post this or not as most people tend to save their blogs for less personal, more professional stuff. Oh well, I’ve never been one to stick to the rules that closely.
After 7 years, we have to put our dog Rudy down today. It was a difficult decision, one we’ve been delaying for quite a while but we realize it is the one we need to make. Having never really had a pet before, I was unaware of the attachment and affection you feel for these creatures. Rudy, a Jack Russell, was the runt of the litter. We named him Rudy after the movie by the same name and discovered the meaning of his name is tenacious. So appropriate. Like most terriers, so I’m told, he was very territorial, very full of energy. For the most part he was quite content to snuggle with one of us on the couch and until recently in a bed at night. Rudy always brought smiles from people when we gave him cbd oil for dogs and took him for a walk and like most dogs was thrilled to have his owners come home.
My greatest memory of Rudy comes in having him be my personal golf ball retriever.
No doubt my short game will suffer as a result of his absence.
I post this here for a few reasons. First I remember a few years ago Miguel Guhlin sharing the loss of his father on his blog (sorry Miguel, I couldn’t track down the post, if you’d like to share, please put it in the comments and I’ll update this). This is in no way compares to that but I did remember how grateful I was that Miguel shared a piece of his soul as I had been reading his stuff for a while. That’s part of what makes blogging different for me. I read people, not just their ideas.
I’ve had the privilege of having Alan Levine present to my students and teachers on a number of occasions on his wonderful work of 50 Ways to Tell a Story. I have heard many times the story of Dominoe and in the back of my mind wondered what it would be like to tell the story of a dog that used to be. Now I know.
Finally, I write this because many know that I often speak about my dogs in a love-hate way. I’ve shared photos of them, told stories about them and they’ll even had a place in both my classes and in the Edtech Posse podcasts. We live in this strange world where we share not only the great ideas we have, but our lives. I guess that’s part of community. Thank you for all the kinds words. I feel very blessed to be associated with people who I know are offering their heartfelt thoughts.
Rudy, you’ll be missed.
I am so sorry, Dean. I have been in your shoes, and I know how hard this is. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and pictures with us…you are right about this community. We are much more than our tools. Thinking of you and your family….
Thank you for sharing your story Dean. My cousin just put down her Jack Russell after 15 years. She was always running away, always feisty and always picking fights with all the other dogs in the neighborhood, esp. the bigger ones.
And even though my cousin lived states away from her dog (the dog lived with her mom in Florida) she was very very attached to her. She used to call on the phone to “speak to her.” I laughed like crazy when I learned that, but it just shows her character.When she came home to her mom’s for a visit, pretty much the first family member she looked for was her dog.
I sent her a card, but don’t know what else to do. I’ve always wanted, but never had a pet, so I can’t be as understanding or as helpful as I’d like to be. I know a dog is never just a pet. 7 years is a long time. 15 years is a long time.
Take care,
Shannon
ps. On a totally unrelated note, thank you for your Powerpoint Extreme Makeover video. I’m trying my best to stick to your no bullet strategy.
Thanks for posting this. Rudy’s personality jumps right out of your words and images. I hope your family can find comfort in each other and your many memories of Rudy. Take care of yourselves.
In sharing your loss, you’re reminding us that we’re real people… building authentic relationships. That’s a critical thing to remember, no matter what you’re teaching or learning.
With well wishes to you and yours,
Rodd
I’m really sorry to hear this Dean. I know it can’t be easy for anyone in your home right now.
I know how much my four-legged (and feathered and furred) kids mean to me. I still can’t listen to Tim McGraw’s “My Old Friend” without choking up when I think of my girl Shadow. Our rescue from the Humane Society in Hawaii, she was my best friend for more than 13 years. My best memory was when she was a puppy, she had one ear that stood straight up and the other kind flopped halfway. Her favorite activity was gecko hunting on our walks. She would get so excited when I would lift up old boards to find them.
I hope that the memories help you through. And don’t let your golf game suffer. I think Rudy would be very disappointed!
Take care,
John
Thanks for sharing Dean. I think it is important for our PLN’s to realize we are real people with real lives and we don’t just exist in a virtual world. I think our PLN grows stronger by sharing these personal thoughts once in a while.
This is a wonderful tribute to Rudy and I thank you for sharing it. Bringing something personal like this to your blog helps to define your character beyond what I have learned from you as an educator. That said… 😉
Heartfelt, to be sure. My dogs have always been members of the family. Losing them to old age, illness or accidents is hard. My children have learned to love animals because of our relationships with out pets (including birds, cats, rodents and other assorted critters).
Thanks for sharing this – it kindles wonderful memories of past and current pets!
Dean, I am so sorry. It’ll be a hard one. I understand sadness over the loss of a beloved pet. I posted a similar tribute when I had our dear cat Quita put down. Just had to. Hang in there… http://www.halcyon.com/arborhts/mahlness/2007/10/for-quita.html
Sorry to hear about Rudy and the tough decision you had to make. I remember the day you brought him to Central. With a shag bag full of balls and two of us hitting balls, old Rudy tried so hard but just couldn’t keep up. But “he really liked that.” 🙂
Definitely a good memory.
Dean,
I am very sorry for your loss. I got my first dog the day I signed my first teaching contract, as my parents would never let me have one at home. From that moment, I was in love and that dog has lasted longer than many of my relationships. I felt touched when you wrote about the dog waiting for you to get home, because there is just no other feeling for me that is duplicated by that. I was very touched by your post and feel that showing this side of you is part of why social netowrking is effective. Behind the avatars and intellectual writing are real people and I appreciate that I got to know you a little better today.
Thanks for sharing,
George
I’m so sorry for your loss. About 12 years ago, we had to put our chow down and it was heartwrenching to us. I still miss him but have great memories of our time together. I hope the good memories you have help you when you are missing him.
I was wondering how your day was going. It is amazing the connection felt to the animals in our lives and I feel for your loss. Thanks for sharing, it’s a great tribute.
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your memories here. I just love the video of Rudy “shagging” for you. Pure Jack Russell! It does get easier. This helped me when we lost our nearly 17-year-old Pom, Marti: http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm and this poem, too: http://www.chanton.com/prayer.html
‘A man’s best friend!’ Thank you for sharing and being ‘real’ and knowing what really matters in life!
IT is amazing how our pets become such a part of our household and lives and families.(and even extended families)
I’m sorry for your family’s loss. He looks like a real trooper 🙂
I’m sorry to hear about your loss.
I do agree with you that after reading and exchanging with edubloggers for a while, you realise you follow people, not just their ideas. Thank you for sharing a piece of your personal life.
Very sorry to read about your loss, however I appreciate reading about these important matters of life and appreciate you sharing your views!
I feel you a hundred percent on this. People who don’t have pets never really understand how close you get to them. It really is just as bad as losing a human friend – even worse sometimes, because you spend every day with your dog and then suddenly he’s not there. Especially true with Jack Russells. They’re not a pet, they’re a lifestyle choice.
Gutted for you, truly i am. Kind of you to share your feelings though and I enjoy your blog! Thanks
Dean,
I’m so sorry about Rudy. I’ve always had dogs and completely understand how they become your children. It’s such a difficult time that never really heals but just feels less raw as time goes by. You gave Rudy a great life and he returned the favor by being a terrific buddy! He’ll always be a loving part of you and your children will always speak of him fondly in the future with their kids. So sorry! Thanks for sharing this. ~Lee
Sorry to hear about your loss Dean. Your post and video brought back memories of our family dog, Mindy. When I was younger Mindy used to retrieve golf balls and baseballs from a very long distance. If they went into the bush, she would find it 🙂 Today when I play ball and someone asks me how I learned to hit so well, I had her to thank for that. It was Mindy that ran after those balls day after day helping me get stronger at the sport. I miss those moments too! Thanks for sharing your post, it was nice to bring back some fond memories!
Dean, wow, sorry to read this. Dogs are so darn cute, like kids that never grow up and frustrating. Our teacup poodle actually whines until we scoop up his poop, leaving us to wonder if he actually even knows it came from him! It’s as if he was so human, he knew he’d offended the mores of our peculiar pack culture.
Thanks for sharing about my Dad. Here’s a link:
http://www.mguhlin.org/2007/10/in-memoriam-1-year-later.html
It’s my old blog.
Warm regards,
Miguel Guhlin
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