Death & Friendship

the power of life

It’s been a rough week for our family. Last Thursday poor young Trouser was euthanized. Recently he’d had some nasty aggressive moments, particularly an unprovoked attack on Molesley, and a horrifying bite to the arm of one of our friends. Apparently the aggression was the result of a brain lesion, and it was clear Trouser was becoming increasingly dangerous.

So the time eventually came. The vet and vet tech came to the house, and with reassuring words, they began their work quietly and respectfully. It took over an hour for Trouser to be sufficiently sedated to give him his final shot. It was one of the most difficult experiences of any of our lives, including the vet. But he was in peace as he took his last breath. We cried hard and long, and we continue to suffer. We buried Trouser in the yard, planting a beautiful fragrant rosebush in his honour. Our heartbreak at his absence is viscerally felt.

Yesterday we were surprised when a vase of exquisite pink roses was delivered. They were from friends on Medium (!), from Eric Griggs and his Bent Willows crew— James Finn, Kay Bolden, Gwen Saoirse, BFoundAPen, Chloe Cuthbert.

Thank you to those thoughtful and gracious folks! I can’t say how deeply Allan and I have been touched; your gift is a treasure to us. And thank you to the many people on Medium and Facebook who’ve offered support to us in our grief. Your friendship is a powerful solace, a reassurance of life’s power over death.