Tommy and Deuce, 2009
It has been a little while since I have blogged. I haven't had anything or anyone inspire me enough to be able to put words down, I suppose. I have been looking for inspiration, but I think that is where I went wrong. It isn't something I can just fabricate into a nice story. I have to mean it and feel it. I hope the readers feel that I mean whatever I say as well.
After a very tragic weekend for my family, I have been doing some thinking. Not at all about a blog or work, but rather our loved ones and our pets.
What happens to our pets after we pass? What do they feel, think or act like? Who do they become? Do they miss us? none of these thoughts were intentional, I assure you.
As I sat at my sister's house last Friday, all of us gathered to mourn the sudden passing of my brother in law, I watched Deuce, a 1.5 year old black Lab. He was my bright light in the situation. While everyone grouped off to discuss how the accident happened, the sad details or how my sister and her 4 kids will cope, I watched Deuce. I watched him pace. I watched him watch. And best of all, I watched him gallop and play and roll with the rawhide bone I brought him. I watched as he took the treats for commands.
He would stop to greet every new comer and there were a LOT of people coming and going, all bringing more and more things for the family that he was intent on sniffing. He happily wagged at everyone coming. I wonder if he wondered where his master was. and why he wasn't arriving for this gathering. Surely he did.
He would play with the Pit Bull puppy that kept crossing the street to see what was going on at our place. He would come lay by my feet and he would beg at anyone with food. But he always kept his nose pointed towards the street, his ears perked at each new noise that wandered by and his eyes alert for any new movement. Was it his Daddy he was looking for, or was he just keeping an eye out like dogs do?
In and out of the house he went. He didn't seem to slow for anything or anyone. He only took a rare occasional brief nap and it looked more like he was sunning himself than resting. He walked people to their cars. Maybe he was asking for a ride, perhaps to go get his Daddy. Maybe he just needed a break to feel the cool wind on his face through the rolled down window.
For those that haven't met Deuce, as I'm sure many of you haven't, I will tell you a little about him. Deuce belongs to my brother in law, Tommy. Deuce has been with him since he was a pup and has learned to do all that a good hunting dog should. He's been well spoiled and is a very good natured and well mannered black Lab. I always enjoy my visits to my sister's house to visit with him. His name is Deuce, 2nd in line to Ace, Tommy's other perfect black Lab, who recently passed from cancer.
The last time I was there (before this past Friday), when I pulled up to the house, Deuce went on alert. Guarding his Daddy and the motorcycle he was polishing. I said "Hey, Deuce!" and received immediate wagging and a friendly wet greeting on my hand. On that trip, I also dropped off Sleek Zeke, a cat from CHHS that my sister fell in love with through my blogs. She wanted to do her part for the animals, so she adopted him. Deuce chased him around the house and they immediately became instant friends, oddly enough. After I made sure Zeke settled in comfortably, we all gathered around the dinner table and talked about dogs, tires and cats. Good times. A now bittersweet memory is forever etched inside my head. Due to my pregnancy, that was the last time I saw Tommy with Deuce.
Tommy had an accident last Thursday night on his motorcycle that took his life. Amongst all the tragic things that come with losing a loved one, of which I will spare you, comes a great dog losing his loving master. Sadly, this has inspired me. It's beautiful to see Deuce living on for the family, as if nothing is wrong. His way of telling them, all is and will be ok. Staring at us all, open mouthed, tongue hanging out loosely with a little drool, even playing a little fetch with us.
Here at CHHS we sometimes have pets come to us due to a family member passing. It's heart breaking to know not all families are able to help out with those pets, but I'm also more now than ever, glad we are here to help. I am glad I was able to see this pet before a loved one passed. It may come as a relief to some that he handled it with style, beauty and grace. He uplifted us in a very needed way and kind of let us all lean on him for support. Well, me anyway...
Man's best friend...
Deuce is great!! I'm SO GLAD that he is there for my sister and the kids at this tragic time. And thank you all for your sympathies. They are greatly appreciated. 
