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Thursday, July 14, 2022

The Goodbye



 Snow melts from the temple eaves,
and the first tears of spring
fall to the stones.

RIP Ladron, my PTSD service dog.
August 2008-July 12, 2022
She made my world sane.



The picture of the Kosho-Ji temple in Fukukusa comes from https://terebess.hu/zen/sojiji/koshoji.html

I hope that it's OK to use it here.

Music from Sir James Galway, with Nakasendo.

The Five Minute Friday prompt this week is PROPOSE.

I cannot propose an end to winter
beyond faith
that there is spring.



39 comments:

  1. Soo sooo sorry for your loss, Andrew. Years of life and service packed into one huge punch of loss. Boo hiss. Soo hard. Hang in there. (from Jane Williams... can't get my url to be accepted)

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  2. I'm so sad to hear about Ladron, Andrew! May the Lord comfort you as you miss her presence with you.

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    1. Lisa, thank you. I never had parents nor siblings to mourn; this has been my hardest loss.

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  3. Sir James Galway is one of your favorites. Suiting for your post.

    You must have found a document with the August 2008 date, I was offby one-year in our other posts.

    Ladron was and still is a God send. Zig Ziggler did a book on lesson with his dog. Ladron helped us be kinder to one another, accept better what could not be changed, trained other pack members so she & I could get rest & you felt cared after. All by the guidance of Angels. Praise and Glory to God for a gift Earth couldn't provide.
    -Barbara

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    1. Dear Barb, this is a lovely affirmation and testimony. Thank you.

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    1. Andrew, I don't even come close to your poetry skills but I'm simply returning the favour.

      A dog just knows
      when something's not right
      A dog just senses
      When your heart's in a fight
      She may not have the words
      Her voice is not heard
      But her love makes it all
      Seem somehow alright.

      A dog can just sit
      And let you fall in a heap
      A dog can bring you comfort
      When you just need to weep
      She may not have the words
      Her voice is not heard
      But her paw on your hand
      Allows you to go back to sleep

      A dog will just stay
      By your bed when you're low
      A dog will not budge
      And somehow she just knows
      She may not have the words
      Her voice is not heard
      But her presence is a comfort
      When your body needs to slow

      A dog is a friend
      Who is kinder than most
      A dog is a companion
      About whom you must boast
      She may not have the words
      Her voice is not heard
      But her love keeps you sane
      So let's raise a toast

      To Ladron

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    2. Perfect for the personage Ladron.
      I always forgot to count her as a pack member, she was more a help mate and ypur poem is right on target.
      -Barbara

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  5. Oh so sad, so much more than a trusted companion. 😢

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    1. Fiona, Ladron made me whole again, after the longest of wars.

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  6. Sorry for your loss. I'm glad you had a good time with him while he graced your home. Cheers to the morning! Knowing we have eternal rest with loved ones is reassuring in times like these.
    Jennifer

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    Replies
    1. Jennifer, thank you so much
      ..and 'graced' is exactly the right word.

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  7. "Well done, Ladron, good and faithful servant."
    I have a candle lighted for you, my friend. You are being surrounded in love.

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    Replies
    1. Oh, Karen, thank you. This has been so hard.

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  8. I am so sorry for your loss. What a gift your dog was to your family. Deirdre FMF#11

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    Replies
    1. Deirdre, she was, and her memory remains, a gift. Thank you so much.

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  9. Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your prayers. We feel them, and they help.

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  10. I'm sorry for your loss. Grief is grief, no matter if it's for a human or an animal.

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    Replies
    1. You're so right. Grief is indeed grief, no matter the cause.

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  11. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort as you miss your faithful friend.

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    1. Kym, thank you. Ladron formed a part of me, and led me past the nightmares of PTSD.

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  12. Andrew, I'm so sorry. You must be heartbroken.
    Beautiful tribute to Laron--short and simple, but very touching.
    Sending hugs and prayers for comfort and peace.🙏❤️

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    1. Grams, thank you. The hugs and prayers are felt, and so appreciated!

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  13. I can only begin to imagine the heartache in losing a faithful companion in life. What a fitting tribute to Ladron, who has walked alongside you through so many of the trials of life. Sending a hug.
    ~ Cindie

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    1. Cindie, thank you for this. I still look down to my left as I walk, for that was Ladron's place.

      Now there are two Chihuahuas, Cocoa and Latte, whom she trained, walking there, to be my support.

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    2. And Belle, the Ausie Shepherd.

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    3. Not forgetting Belle! She is more Sylvia's protege, a soft encourager.

      The Chihuahuas take after Ladron, fierce and imperious.

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  14. So sorry Andrew. 😪

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  15. so sorry that you lost a good pup.

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    1. Annette, thanks. There will not be another like her in this world.

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  16. Oh ... Ladron. You have spoken of her often. What a companion she's been to you. I'm sorry, Andrew.

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    1. Linda, thanks. Ladron was my North Star in a decade of night.

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