Monday, November 21, 2016

End of An Era: Farewell My Pretty Boys!

It was with great sorrow last week that my family and I said our farewells to our ever faithful senior canine companion, Mavro.  It marked an end of an era of sorts, for we have enjoyed the companionship and oftentimes naughty antics of dogs for the past twenty or so years.  Our house has taken on a rather quiet emptiness now that both of our dogs are no longer with us.  

A rather fuzzy photograph, taken in 2007, of Kylo and Mavro (in the foreground) when both dogs were very much in their prime and at their most boisterous
Photo: Chronica Domus


Our beloved Kylo died five years ago.  We considered acquiring another companion for Mavro but by all appearances, he rather liked being the only dog in the household.  That also meant he was the sole attention seeker too, which suited him just fine.  Mavro became a calmer and more stoic dog, if that is at all possible.  He assumed a proud gait as I trotted around the neighborhood daily with him during our walks.  It was as though he was announcing to the world that he had claimed me for his own, ever the faithful guardian I suppose.

Both of our dogs were rescues and although we knew they were not purebred by any stretch of the imagination, Kylo strongly resembled a Eurasier in both temperament and physical appearance, and Mavro a Swedish Lapphund.

Chronica Domus
Content to be bobbing about on the water during the summer of 2007
Photo: Chronica Domus


Our sweet boys shared our lives to the fullest and always accompanied us on short excursions to the country where they enjoyed discovering the delights of rambling through mountains and rivers, bobbing about on the water in rented boats, and hiking high and low.    

We were fortunate to enjoy the company of each dog for fourteen years, which we've been told is rather a long lifespan for large breed dogs.   Of course, in reality, that's never enough time to enjoy the unconditional love that these animals bring into our lives.


Chronica Domus
Mavro with his graying snout sniffing at the spring tulips back in April 2015
Photo: Chronica Domus


Mavro had slowed down considerably during the past few years and found it increasingly difficult to maintain a good pace on even the shortest of walks.  We knew it was time to seek help earlier this year and approached our vet for a solution.  Pills and a new diet were prescribed and, for a while, we saw a marked improvement in Mavro's comfort level.  Then, two weeks ago, even leaving the house became problematic.  The hobbling had worsened and Mavro was deteriorating at an alarming rate. When he could no longer get up on his own, we knew it was time.

I will forever remember both of our good-natured loyal boys with love and affection, and will never forget their gift of unconditional love towards their human family.

Farewell my pretty boys and may you both rest in peace.

17 comments:

  1. Our dear unspeaking companions tell us volumes, and teach us even more.

    I had time today only for sending love through LAWN TEA, and I send you double and running over.

    r

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  2. Oh CD. I am so so sorry. There is something about animals that can touch us in a special way that only they can. It must be so tough right now but I am sure you will get to a point when you will smile when you think of them at how much joy they brought you. Especially as they both looked so rather cheeky and adorable too.

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  3. I am so sorry to hear this. We lost our dear Henry, aka Mr. Friendly, when he was 13 1/2 years old. It was devastating to us and we miss him still. Then, lo and behold, the next door neighbors got a dog and he looks just like our Henry, and has the same personality. It reminds me of the book The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. Sending you love and condolences for your loss.

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  4. Oh what a lovely tribute. Tears in my eyes. We are so lucky to have these companions. I do hope you will adopt at least one more rescue. There are so many lovely dogs who need homes. Yours is a fine one, obviously!

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  5. CD I'm so sorry you've now lost both of your boys. The only drawback to owning a dog is that their lives are so short in relation to our own. It is devastating to lose such a loyal and uncomplicated companion, I hope that you can have some comfort in your wonderful memories. xx

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  6. My deepest sympathy for your dear friend.

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  7. Dear CD,
    With tears streaking down my face, I send you deepest sympathies. It is the companionship, the daily fun and foibles, the mealtimes and the playtimes, the walks, the jaunts, the car rides and boat rides that become unforgettable. How lucky you, your family, Mavro and Kylo were.

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  8. Oh I'm so very, very sorry to read this CD. It is always so hard to farewell our pets. I'm sure you'll miss his presence over the Christmas/ Thanksgiving period too, they are such a presence in a house. Sending you lots of sympathy xx

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  9. Dear CD,
    Please accept my deepest sympathy on Mavro's passing. We have buried several beloved pets and know what a void they leave in their wake. I often think our pets bring out the best in ourselves. Perhaps at some point your family will think about adopting again.
    KL Gaylin

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  10. CD, I am so sorry to hear about your dog, Mavro. I know how fond you are of him, and how much you will miss his company. Your stories about him show just what an individual personality he had.
    --Jim

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  11. The loss of a pet is profound. I know you took such good care of both of them. As Jim says, your stories have shown us what a great guy he was, and how well you took care of him.

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  12. I am so sorry to hear of Mavro's passing. What a lovely picture that is of him smelling the tulips.

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  13. Dear CD,

    So very sorry to learn of Mavro's passing. This is a touching tribute to both your boys. My most heartfelt sympathies to you and your family.

    Spud.

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  14. CD,
    I'm so sorry for your loss. We have 2 rescue dogs, one large girl that will be 13 in March and is beginning to slow a bit. It's so difficult loosing furry family members.
    Best to you.
    xo,
    Karen

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  15. Thank you all for your kind words which are very much appreciated.

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  16. Very sorry for your loss CD. I'll never forget that awful phone call notifying me my pup Bandit's body being discovered. I cried like a baby for days. At least find solace in the fact that you provided Mavro and Kylo with a loving home.

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