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Beam's Blog of Writing and Other Things.

Never Gets Easier.

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by
RadiantBeam
, September 20th, 2012 at 06:37 PM (2504 Views)
I'm taking a class this semester, Intro to Communication and Information. It's one of my requirements for that new journalism major I'm working on, and this week we spent some time dissecting a phone conversation between two people. We came to the conclusion, from watching how they communicated, that they weren't particularly close friends. The guy was in trouble, and the other person wasn't jumping to help him.

I find it ironic that we discussed that, considering the text I got today from one of my best friends IRL.

They had to put her dog down today. His name was Maverick. He was a boxer, and he was only six years old. He died of internal bleeding brought about by cancer. The vets couldn't get it to stop, and it happened without any warning.

I offered everything I could think of. Gave her the same empty apologies I'm sure she's heard from other people, told her I was free for the night and free tomorrow after two if she wanted to talk or hang out. I called my mom after we talked and asked her to send my friend a message, just to let her know she was thinking of her.

And I'm still kicking myself because I feel like I didn't do enough for her, when a part of me knows that I've done all I can right now. All that she'll let me do, since she's with her family and trying to be strong for her little brother and sister, who have never experienced death before.

And I'm sad. I'm sad for her, and I'm sad for Maverick. He was a good dog. I knew him through his puppy years, right up until he got so big that he could put his paws on my shoulders. God knows he wasn't the smartest dog I ever met. Hell, he was a damn stupid, simple dog.

But he was the gentlest, sweetest, kindest animal I've ever known. Not a visit to her house went by where he didn't nuzzle himself into my lap because he thought he was a lap dog, and he wanted my attention. He might not have been smart, but by God, he could love, and he gave that love so freely.

All I can hope now is that it was a quick, painless death for him. At the very least, if he felt any pain, I can only hope it didn't last long, because the thought of him suffering makes me want to weep.

Rest in peace, big guy.
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Comments

  1. Gabriulio's Avatar
    Rest in peace, Maverick.

    I don't generally like dogs, but by your description I feel bad about him without even knowing the guy.
  2. Lycodrake's Avatar
    I've only recently had a dog (well, now, 3) consistently around, but my grandparents (mom's side) had a golden retriever, and they recently had to put him to down due to a health issue (it happened so soon, and I honestly can't remember the medical reason).
    His name was Duke and he was a thoroughly silly and affectionate dog.
    My grandfather misses him dearly. So do most of my cousins.
  3. Mr. House's Avatar
    *ears, tail, and head droops*

    Rest in peace Maverick. I hope you enjoy dog heaven where all the dog bones, frisbees, and tennis balls lie.
  4. Heroslayer's Avatar
    It never does.

    I hope your friend and her family are okay. My sister in law had their family dog go a few months ago and she was sad for a while. Be there when you can be there. That's all I can really say.
  5. Enhance's Avatar
    Gave her the same empty apologies I'm sure she's heard from other people
    But you can at least see it's a normal reaction.

    It sucks that it's more like a tradition now that not much people put their heart into, just throwing the words that are polite to be said.
    Your apologies weren't empty, because you did feel and do feel for the dog and the owner. Your state now itself is what makes your apologies not worthless, and I'm sure she knows that as well. I don't think much people shared your feelings telling the apologies.
    Still, it's only right to get over it and move on.

    Dog heaven is a good place.
  6. Aiden's Avatar
    What more can I say?

    It's painful. I've lost two myself. I've been there as best as I could when my (former) best friend lost their own.

    It just... it's never one of those things that gets easier to help someone with. If you can help at all.

    And the apologies will always seem empty.

    Still, it's better that you tried to do something, anything, to help, than just sitting back and not being there at all.
  7. Neir's Avatar
    Shit happens. And really, even if it's the same consolations she's gotten by the truckload, it's all you can do. You can't say "well I'm MORE sorry!"

    Also, it's about the matter of your actually offering condolences. Not everyone does.