The close knit group of people who form Big Barks came together Valentine’s Day after two earlier losses hit their ranks; Monty, a pit-bull mix owned by Audrey, Tango, a “pound puppy” Great Pyrenees owned by Marsi and not too long ago, a Chi named Chili owned by Elizabeth and her hubby, Jack. Valentine’s Day, Elizabeth had to say goodbye to a second puppy from her household, a 3-year old Newfie named Syrus. That brought us up to three in about a week’s time.
A lot of us don’t even know the folks who post on the board in person, but we all have a common link, our love for our dogs. Big/small/hairy/black/brown/spotted/brindle/healthy/not so healthy…whatever shape or size available and many many different breeds. That is the common bond we share. Some of us have been fortunate enough to have actually met and become fast friends with people on the board. We talk as often as we can to inquire about the others “kids”.
When one of us experiences a loss or is going through a tough time or trying to make a tough decision, we’re all there, wearing those shoes and agonizing over what to do or not do. We’re all there wringing our hands and offering experiences and suggestions, tips and tidbits on what has worked for them or what their vet has said to them. Sometimes in the backs of our minds, we know what the outcome will be as do the owners of that precious soul buried deep in a failing body. Sometimes we say it, sometimes we don’t. There’s never any repercussion for voicing ourselves, just acknowledgement. Sometimes we fear the worst and enjoy the happiness when the result is the complete opposite of what we’d feared.
Ultimately, the bond of being a dog owner brought everyone together Valentine’s Day when one of us, the third of us in so short a time announced that she may be losing her boy, Syrus. The reasons behind their losses aren’t what is important, what matters is that we’re all connected virtually because of our dogs. And again, in such a short time, we all came together to offer condolences. Some privately had their own way of showing they cared by lighting candles in memory or in thought of that person and their loved bub. Others just wept.
We are a family of people who just care. People who get it; what it means to love and be loved back unconditionally. I’m proud to be a part of a group of people who “get it”. Being one who’s lost like all the others in the group I completely sympathize with the last three who just days ago said goodbye, until we meet again.
As Julie Church said, ‘I am joy in a wooly coat, come to dance into your life, to make you laugh.’ All our dogs have done this and now they’re patiently waiting on us in that place beyond the rainbow to do it once more.
Rest easy pups, all of you. Your jobs here have been completed.
well said..thank you
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