This past weekend, we lost one of my favorite little buddies. Our dog, Scout, passed away on Saturday afternoon. It was random, sudden, and totally shocking. He was only 22 months old (for those of you not so quick in math, that's just shy of 2 years old...almost 14 in dog years...way too young). We are so, so sad.
If you have known me for long, you have seen my transition into the world of dog-lovers. Well, to be more specific, Scout-lover. While I am much softer towards all animals, Scout had found a way to make me really love him (when I formerly had no interest in loving an animal).
We invested in him. We trained him. We spent countless hours trying to teach him not to eat dad's socks, where to go to the bathroom, and how to love on the new baby we were bringing home. And due to the nature of my work environment, I took Scout with me. So we spent our days together. How could I not grow to love him?
I am not comparing our loss to the loss of an actual human, but there are certainly parallels that exist. Scout was loyal. Perhaps more so than many people that we know. He frustrated me to no end some days, and yet he taught me how to extend grace at the end of it (children, anyone?). Being dog owners taught Jamie and me about sacrificing for others. Being more responsible. Planning ahead. He was my sanity and sense of normal when we brought Hammond home and nothing was normal. I came to find joy in watching Scout do things that made him come alive - swimming, hiking, running, playing with other dogs.
Scout swimming after tennis balls last weekend in NC
Scout was a part of our family, and without him here there is a piece missing. We are going to miss him so much. But we are also so thankful for a happy, smiley baby boy to help us keep things in perspective and to give us laughter and smiles in the midst of our sadness. I know he will miss his buddy, but I'm also grateful that he still has such a child-like mind (and memory!).
You may call me crazy, and you may not understand - he was just a dog. Trust me, I've been there before. But, I'll leave you with one last thought - Scout taught us how to have a greater ability to love. And that can never be a bad thing.
10 comments:
i'm so sorry. :(
Waaaahhhhhhhh! Oh Molly, this just makes me cry even more. Pregnancy hormones + dog lover = hot mess. No, the loss isn't quite like a human loss, but it hurts nonetheless. He will always be your first "baby." I am so sorry!
OH MY GOSH Molly. I am so so so so so sad to read this.
Our then eight-and-a-half-year-old dog (Roxxi) got a bad cancer diagnosis back in January and we were wrecks over it even though she's had a good life so far. I can't imagine what pain you're dealing with. You and your fam will be in my thoughts.
Oh, Molly! That's so awful! I am so sorry to hear about this and will miss Scout very much. It's sad to think that his lanky waggly self won't sniff around Unboundary again.
:(
You + Jamey are definitely in my thoughts and prayers.
unbearably sad. i'm heartbroken for you. sending prayers.
Oh Molly I am so very sorry. I have tears streaming down my face for the sadness you must feel. They truly are part of our families.
molly, i am SO sorry. this is so so sad. i can't believe it! thinking of you guys :(
Molly, I am heartbroken for you guys. I'm so so sorry. Please know that Danny and I are thinking of you. I know that you will remember that guy forever. He will remember you too.
thanks so much for all the sweet words. we are heartbroken, but grateful for our smiley (& naive) baby boy who has kept us laughing throughout all of it! scout will definitely be so missed.
Heartbreaking we love you Molly!
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