I am sure Leon will share many stories about Bridger in
the next decade or so. Amos, who is described in his own chapter in the Crunchy
Granola Book, is still the star of so many of our homestead decade episodes. That’s
how it goes when a loved one dies. Those of us who have loved another animal in
our household know very well the intense feeling of affection for them as well
our human loved ones.
Here’s one for you Leon about Bridger in your family:
At one of those events at your house that involved lots
of family and friends on a brilliant summer day, your nine-year old daughter played
joyfully with the household pets including three dogs and a cat. Because Bridger
was the oldest and most obedient at the time she decided to teach him “tricks” –
jumping through hula hoops, racing through a child-designed obstacle course,
and with full exuberance accepting the “reward” of barking-screaming laughter
and big furry hugs. The young one did this training with so much enthusiasm that
her 14-year-old sister, who had been trying to be sophisticated among the ‘tweens,
wrestled with boring teendom or the pure joy of her baby sister and beloved
dog. We watched the moment of submission when the 14-year-old decided that she
deserved one more childhood fling and to Bridger’s happy surprise the two girls
unabashedly played, ran the course, jumped the hoops and rolled the earth with
their big furry buddy. It was a sight I will never forget.
It hurts so to let them go. Amos taught me so much about
living on beyond dying. I am so grateful to have had him in our lives as you
are with your Bridger.
So this little
blog today is a tribute to all who love and all who have loved a cherished pet
friend. May your memories be superb.
If you like funny stories and a couple of sad stories I hope you take a look at the book A Homestead Decade -How Crunchy Granola Changed My Life (Amazon Kindle, $2.99, for all types of reading devices). Thanks for stopping by.
Helene
