Monday, November 4, 2013

Goodbye MacDuff



 This evening we had to say goodbye to our beloved companion, MacDuff.  He was a courageous fellow, but he had come to the end of his road. He was 13 1/2 this September, and he lived longer than either of my previous Scotties.

We had been treating him at home for some health issues; our vet was very good and dedicated to work with us.  MacDuff had basically gone blind over the past year, and he had arthritis in his hips and some liver problems.  But late last week he took a bad turn for the worse; vomiting, diarrhea, and labored breathing.  In addition, we discovered a lump at the base of his throat, which the vet said almost certainly indicated lymphoma.  Some further tests would have confirmed that diagnosis, but at his age, it would not have made a difference.  He was not a candidate for surgery, and we would not subject him to treatments that would have briefly prolonged his life, but not given him a better quality of life.

The vet's office was kind enough to wait until our son could get home from Greensboro where he is working, so we were all three there to say goodbye.  Will was ten years old when we got MacDuff, so they literally grew up together.  We used to refer to MacDuff as Will's "little brother."  :)

Geographically, the furthest MacDuff ever traveled was to the North Carolina coast, but metaphorically speaking, he traveled many miles with us.  He followed us quietly around the house each day because he always wanted to know what we were doing and he wanted to be with his people.  This weekend, that was not the case, which was a big indication of how badly he felt.

In the evenings, our big routine was to "greet" Will and Pops (Mr. Forest Manor) at the top of the basement steps when they got home from work.  When Will came home to visit from college, MacDuff was always so glad to see him.  When Will was in high school, he and my husband went to Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico for two weeks.  I felt so much better knowing that MacDuff was here to keep me company and protect me while they were gone.

One of the best things about MacDuff is that he was blessed with the "happy gene."  He truly was the best-natured little chap.  It is true that some dogs smile, and he seemed to smile and grin all the time.  :)  Oh, how we will miss that!  Once again, I am so grateful God created dogs in such a way that they can be wonderful friends and companions to us, and all they ask from us is food, water, exercise, and lots of love.  In return, they give us so much joy and loyalty.

Rest in peace, MacDuff, and I truly believe we will see you again one day.  You were the best.

Denise

20 comments:

  1. Oh Denise I was so sad to hear this. I know how special he was to you and your family. I know he is at Rainbow's Bridge. Sending you hugs, my friend. xo

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  2. Dear Denise, Oh I am so so sorry to learn of your loss. It is so difficult. May you find him waiting for you on the Rainbow Bridge! https://rainbowsbridge.com/poem.htm < such a good poem, always makes me cry

    Hugs,

    Michele

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  3. So very sorry you have lost your special friend and companion. Sending warm thoughts and hugs your way.

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  4. Oh Denise, how sad your family must be. He just looked like such a sweet, fun companion. You will miss him. Thirteen years is a long time. We lost our Max in June. He was 15 and had been with us for 14 years. We still miss him and expect to see him sleeping in his bed. You will find yourselves looking for him, too. I' ll say a little prayer.

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  5. I'm so sorry Denise, I know how sad and hard this is. My thoughts are with you, please take care.

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  6. So very sorry Denise. It is so hard to loose a beloved pet, I know your pain all too well with recently having to say goodbye to our kitty, Mikey. Thankful for all the time we had with them, and you like us will hold close all the sweet memories!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  7. I am so very sorry for y'alls loss. I'll be thinking of you. {hugs}

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  8. I am trying to write this with tears rolling down my face. He was such a precious and special little dog. This just breaks our heart; we all love our pets so much. God speed sweet little boy. Love you all, Mom

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  9. Dear Denise,
    I am truly sorry for the loss of your faithful and loving pet. I know he will be so missed by you, your hubby and Will. Yes I do believe that you will meet him again. My thoughts and prayers are with you and a big hug is sent your way. xo

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  10. Denise, What a beautiful tribute to sweet MacDuff. I could feel the deep love coming through and you painted such a picture of him that made it easy for me to say how glad I was to know him. I know how special dogs are in our lives and I am afraid we will be facing a similar situation way before we are ready. We are all so much better off for having these good friends in our lives. Bless you and your family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Judy

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  11. I know losing your sweet MacDuff was hard. I am thinking of you. Love, Bonnie

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  12. I'm saddened to read of your loss Denise. I know what a huge hole is on your heart. McDuff will be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for you.
    Sending {{Hugs}}
    Rose H
    xx

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  13. I am so very sad for your loss! I know the void one of these treasures can leave! Cathy

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  14. I'm so sorry to hear about your darling McDuff! I know your heart is breaking and I've been where you are. Thank you for coming to see me and your condolences.
    Take care,
    Shelia :)

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  15. Oh,Denise, What a sweet tribute to you MacDuff. I'm so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and your family.
    xo Babs

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  16. Oh Denise, I'm so sorry to hear about MacDuff. Our four-legged family members are so hard to say goodbye to and I know he will be missed. Thinking of you and doggie hugs and kisses from Chloe & Gracie. xo

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  17. Your vet sounds very compassionate. I'm sorry to hear about your MacDuff. :(

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  18. No No No!! I am just getting here. I am so sorry to hear about sweet MacDuff. He was just a beautiful dog. I think I've told you that that happens to be a very favorite breed of mine. I know you have lost a part of the family, Denise. I'm so sorry.

    And I'm doubly sorry to be late. I had one of those historical productions last week, and it had me whirling in a state of crazy.

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  19. Oh Denise! Tears are streaming down my cheeks. What a lovely devoted companion your dear MacDuff was! It is my hope that your wonderful memories of him will provide you comfort during this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    God bless you MacDuff!

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  20. Always a sad time. We have not been through it with a dog but certainly have with our 2 Siamese cats. Thanks for birthday wishes. I see you have not posted since 4th November. Hope all well.

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