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Thursday, February 19, 2009

Oscar Worf 7/20/93-2/18/09

I lost my best friend yesterday. My best friend with four legs.

Oscar had some kind of event this past weekend. The vet, our wonderful Dr. Weaver, thinks he either had a severe stroke or had a blood clot that went to the brain. Either way, the result was the same: he kept falling, couldn't walk straight, couldn't drink a lot, and really didn't recognize or interact with us. Our last interaction with him was Sunday night, when he licked our faces at bedtime as what I think was his goodbye to us. Dr. Weaver told us it was time, and we couldn't be selfish and keep him here only for us. We sent him to the Rainbow Bridge, and he passed peacefully in my arms. I know he's there with my dad, who always pretended not to like him but who would get him chicken biscuits when we'd visit. I know Dad will take good care of him till we get there.Oscar was one of a kind. He never caught on that he was actually a dog, and he educated these rookie dog owners in his ways. He instead considered himself more of a small person in a fur coat. He was mightily offended by any other dog who greeted him with the traditional "butt sniff" and preferred the company of people to canines any day.

And he always had to be in the middle of the action. If something was going on, he wanted to be in on it. Gathered around a table? You'd better have a chair for His Royal Lowness, as we came to call him. He was an experienced traveler and a shopper extraordinaire. He even had his own stroller (or royal carriage, as his dear Aunt Jill called it) in which he rode through the streets of Pigeon Forge, TN, Highlands, NC, Calhoun, GA, Roanoke, VA, and Man, WV, among other places. He visited the beach at Hilton Head, but he wasn't fond of the water. The waves kept chasing him.Oscar was a clown, and a constant source of laughter and entertainment for us. But most of all, he was a source of comfort and my confidante. He greeted me each day when I came in with a wag and a kiss. If I was upset, he licked the tears away... and he did that quite a bit in those dark days after my dad passed away. It didn't matter what kind of a day I'd had... he always wanted to play his version of fetch (three tosses and I'm through because I'm not a retriever, thankyouverymuch) or beg for a treat (Beggin Strips, please!) or bury a dog biscuit somewhere in the house to plan for the upcoming Dog Cookie Famine. I know we're going to be finding dog cookies around the house for months, if not years. And when he chose to "unearth" a cookie, he would stand and bark for you to get it for him, even though it was right in front of him. Yes, we were well trained humans.Oscar was simply the best dog on earth. We never intended to have a dog, but evidently God had other plans, and we needed Oscar as much as he needed us.

We miss him terribly. Last night it was hard to get to sleep, because I had become accustomed to his little rear snuggled up against my leg. And if you moved, he would slam his butt back up against you as if to say "perhaps you didn't understand... I'm sleeping here, up next to you." I had an entire half of a king-sized bed to myself whereas I'd become accustomed to only having a small area because the dachshund had to stretch out horizontally across the bed. I didn't like having that much room.

When the pain subsides, and I hear from others that it will, we'll begin to look for a puppy. Not, you understand, to replace Oscar, but to take this giant amount of love that he generated in us and give it to another. Oscar's legacy is that I cannot imagine not having a dachshund. We will love one again, but we will never, ever forget our little man, his place in our lives and our heart and what he meant to us.Goodbye, my little man. I love you so very much, and I miss you so much it hurts. I'll never forget you, and I'll be there to get you at the Rainbow Bridge one day. Enjoy those chicken biscuits you're getting from Dad till I get there.

Lend Me A Puppy

“I will lend to you for awhile a puppy,” God said,
“For you to love when she lives and to mourn when she’s dead.
Maybe for twelve or thirteen years, maybe for two or three,
However, will you, till I call her back, take care of her for me?
She’ll bring her charms to gladden you and should her stay be brief,
You’ll always have her memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn.
I’ve looked the whole world over in search for teachers true
And from the folk that crowd life’s land, I have chosen you.
Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take my dog back home again?”

He fancied that he heard us say “Dear Lord, Thy will be done,
For all the joys this dog will bring, the risk of grief we’ll run.
We’ll shelter her with tenderness; we’ll love her while we may
And for the happiness we’ve known, forever-grateful stay.
But should You call her back to You much sooner than we’ve planned,
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If by our love we’ve managed Your wishes to achieve
In memory of her we loved, please help us while we grieve.
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We’ll get yet another dog and love her all her life.”

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

That was beautiful. He was a special little man who was clearly very much loved.

{{HUGS}}

benne said...

There are not enough words to describe how much we love them and them us.

Anonymous said...

That was a sweet tribute. I will keep oscar in my thoughts and alive forever. Best wishes, Rhonda

Anonymous said...

We just opened our home and hearts to two precious dachshunds. I can't imagine life without them. I hope your pain subsides soon and you can remember all the wonderful times you shared together with joy.

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear about your loss. We just now have a new puppy after 10 years without a dog. I can feel your pain and won't lay platitudes at your feet. I will just say, cherish those funny moments he gave you. He sounds like he was a great dog!

Anonymous said...

Hugs to you and Richard... yes Oscar was quite the little man. He protected us all very well from the evil UPS man, the evil mail man, the evil garbage men.... but still a wonderful little man to have around..

Kathe said...

I'm happy that you're looking ahead, because that is where you'll see him again. Eight years into my friendship with Walker, who followed Max, who's waiting with my own father at that bridge, he's had big paws to fill, so will your next little friend. I know you'll find another heart-stretcher in time. Meantime, here's a hug from us!

Jackie's Stitches said...

What a moving tribute to Oscar! Your words are so very eloquent. I know that he misses you as much as you miss him. ///hugs///

Ria said...

That was really beautiful.

TeresaB said...

You said it all very well. He was loved, that's the most important thing any of us can ever say. {{HUGS}} my friend.

Anonymous said...

how wonderfully put. i do urge you to look for another, another smiling face and wagging tail in your life. another dog to train to his taste. you can tell him all about your Oscar. The one that broke the mold! The Original! i waited far too long to get dogs again... but i'm glad i did. they teach us so much about life and what's important.

Unknown said...

aweeeeeeeeeee that is way to awesome Jean.
I totally know exactly what you are going thru. its hurts like hell and not a day goes by that I dont miss "my" Tasha.
Oscar was so loved and that showed by his LONG life.
We are all hear for you when you need a shoulder :)
Lots of love

Lindsay

Anonymous said...

We'll never forget our GFKL mascot...and we'll miss you, little guy. But we'll meet someday, and I promise to bring Beggin' Strips (because I know the whole Tony Stewart thing wasn't your fault).

Tammy said...

What a special friend Oscar was. I am sorry for you that he isn't with you any more. Hugs.

Natalie Rush said...

What a beautiful tribute. I'm glad to have gotten a chance to show Oscar a new treat and get to know him a bit. The little story at the end is nice...God has a plan and he sure give us these great being to share our life with. I hope God's next puppy finds you and know that God has a plan so sometimes you may not think your ready but he thinks you are. :)

God bless you and keep you in his grace.

Nat.

PS..Jackjack and Abby send their puppy kisses.

Anonymous said...

Jean, I send my love to both you and Richard and I know how hard this is for both of you. I feel as tho I have known Oscar since you have always included me in talking about him and telling me the funny stories. Buddy, Tweaky and I will say a prayer for you and keep Oscar in our thoughts. God Bless and remember the Little Man forever. Rose

Anonymous said...

Jean,

That was a lovely tribute. Oscar was well loved & is smiling down on you now. Hugs to you & Ridhard.

Debbie

robynt said...

Thank you so much for writing this. Although I never met Oscar, I felt like I knew him after reading your tribute. From one dog lover to another, I know what you are going through after I lost my beloved Cocker Spaniel, Heidi, to cancer. We were lucky to have her with us for 9 years and when we had to have her put down it was one of the most difficult things we have ever done. But we knew she was suffering and it was necessary. Doesn't make it any easier though. I still think about her but now have my 2 Chows who have helped to mend that place in my heart - they will never replace her but they have created their own spot. I often joke that it took 2 dogs to replace Heidi. So be careful when it is time to look for that next puppy - you may come home with more than 1.
Robyn

Anonymous said...

Oh, Jean - what a sweet, funny, touching tribute to Oscar. A co-worker just came in and asked me what was wrong - I'm blubbering at the computer. Oscar was one of a kind - isn't it amazing how much these little furry friends touch our hearts? I had a preacher once who said animals don't have souls - ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME? - I heartily disagreed with him then and still do - how can any creature give so much unconditional love without a soul?

You and Richard have had Oscar as long as I've known you - I will hold that picture and look forward to seeing the new addition when you're ready.

Love you!

Debbie Boys

Jill said...

Jean- that was a wonderful and fitting royal lowness tribute. I'm here if you need me. {{Jean}}

Anonymous said...

Jean,
That was a beautiful tribute to Oscar. He was as lucky to have had you as you were to have had him.
These next few days will get a little easier. I hope Oscar is sharing his chicken strips with my Daisy!

Carola said...

Oh dear, that's beautiful. You made me cry, remembering the kitties I've lost and my dad.

Hug
kariola

Anonymous said...

Wonderful tribute Jean. My mother is helping your dad lapsit all of those dachshunds. She promised me...

Oscar was your little man...and still is.

Sandra La Knitalian said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. A big HUG to you.

I hope at some point you can find another sweet doxie to heal the hole in your heart.

1to1 said...

What a touching tribute...may your memories fill the emptiness that you are feeling.

Anonymous said...

Jean and Richard,
I can tell from your writing that Oscar was more than a pet, he was definitely one of the family who loved you dearly. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, but know he is with God in heaven and probably right at your Dad's feet or in his lap looking down upon you two with love and thanks for all you did for him in our life. May you have peace in knowing he is safe and that Oscar's love will always be in your hearts. Warmest regards, Gail

Courtney said...

That was a wonderful tribute, it brought tears to my eyes. It is amazing how our little fur children bring out the best in us.

Nancy @ the Jersey Shore said...

Oh Jean...I knew this would have such an impact on me, I had to visit when I was prepared. That was so touching, my heart aches for you but I smiled through my tears, seeing your memories of Oscar stories in my mind. I wish you comfort and when you are ready, I know the perfect pup will find you. Oscar will send her to you when it's time. Much love...

Deborah said...

Jean. I am so very sorry! I read your tribute with tears in my eyes and re read again today, with tears again! I will be thinking of you and your very special little guy.
Prayers and cyber hugs
Deb in Pittsburgh

cliff said...

As you said, there's no way to replace a beloved companion. Instead, you're acting in honor of Oscar when you get another puppy--you're saying, "Oscar was so good to us that in his memory, we're going to try to offer another puppy a chance to have the most wonderful life possible." I know it's a bleak time as you try to find a new balance, but just remember... somewhere out there is a puppy whose life won't be as good until you find him...

momsue84 said...

What a beautiful tribute! Just wonderful! Thank you for sharing and directing me to your blog.

geeky Heather said...

{{{Jean}}}

I'll never forget HRL's effectiveness as (potential) burglar alarm and chief UPS inspector.

I'm so happy to hear that eventually you'll have another special (but in a different way) little guy to lavish your love upon.

Luciana DeVito said...

It's never easy to lose such a precious thing. God gives them to us as blessings as precious treasures which we are responsible for. I agree with you no dog will ever replace one we loved and lost...as I work with rescues (puppymill rescues and abandoned dogs) though, I do urge people to adopt (http://www.petfinder.com is a good place to start) and as soon as they feel they are able.....because another will never take the place of the one we lost, but the emptiness in our heart (which will not bring them back) can be replaced with love and knowing we saved a life.

飯糰夾蛋Karen said...
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