Yesterday, the sweetest and most beautiful dog passed away. While I knew he was not going to live forever, I did not put it past him. He had already defied most odds. You don’t get to be almost seventeen years of age if you are a Labrador.
He came to us, the size of a pocket dog, one summer afternoon in 2007. He let it be known from day one that he would be devising the rules of engagement – the first week saw me sleeping on the floor with him sleeping on my nightgown. Because he followed Pepsi (our earlier labrador that we adopted from the Pepsi guesthouse) into our home, he got the unimaginative name of another drink – Coffee. I felt his pejoration of this gross travesty for some time to follow. Because he was not the color of coffee, he was black, jet black, including his eyes and nails. He steadfastly refused any training; his trainer whom our help referred to as ‘the man who comes to teach Coffee English!) gave up after two weeks. Being a parent of free-spirited children, I overlooked his transgressions also; what else are you supposed to do?
As he became stronger, he let us know who was in charge, especially during the walks. The sight of another dog would set him off yapping happily – the walker, our petite daughter, flying behind him at the end of the leash. I have never been a lightweight and yet I often tied myself around tree trunks with his leash when I sensed (rather than saw) that flight was imminent. It was rather galling to be at the other end of a dog’s leash with a tree trunk for stability.
Big black dogs are scary; those straining to come near you are scarier. We chose not to enlighten anyone that this was a toothless lion. That he just wanted to hug people when he thought he could. It was neither his fault nor ours if people mistook his intention. When he would stand at the gate and bark, people gave our house a wide berth which suited the inhabitants rather well. And he could bark till you gave in to whatever he wanted. How did we know what he wanted? Oh, we learned to understand dog-speak. His communication was always unambiguous while I believe our messaging was often lacking; he was generous in letting us know when we were wrong. The last three days, even when he was in extreme pain, he refused to stop barking – there was so much he needed to tell us, so much love to convey. Coffee remained a happy puppy all his life. The words Rest in Peace have no meaning where he is concerned. There was never any peace when he was around. His signature was joyful prancing. His most redeeming quality was his zest for living, his joy in his being – he truly personified Pablo Neruda’s –
Joyful, joyful, joyful,
as only dogs know how to be happy
with only the autonomy
of their shameless spirit.
It is often in hindsight you realize the true value of what you have lost. No one but your dog can make you feel that the sun rises and sets with you. I don’t think the sun rose today.
He is missed. And will be. Forever. Until we meet.
Yes, I believe in a heaven for all dogdom
where my dog waits for my arrival
waving his fan-like tail in friendship.
the perfect words for him!
so sorry ma’am, to hear that coffee has crossed the rainbow and entered dogdom. Every word fills my heart with sorrow. I remember seeing him for the first time when he had come ‘ visiting’ our office. (He was allowed only till the door cause he was such a strong and powerful dog that everyone was scared of him.) He was young and full of energy.
How time flies and it is hard to believe that he is no more.
Seventeen years is a long time and I can’t imagine your house with out him. I can understand your feelings very well cause this is exactly how I felt when our pet dog,Oscar, passed away.
I am sure coffee is in a much better place….happy. This is how I console myself when I miss oscar and this thought will help you ,too,to miss him a little less.
Tanu your words clearly indicate your love for Coffee…he was your constant loveable companion ..didnt really want anything in return but your love.
Though he is no longer physically with you but i am quite sure you will feel his loveable pressence for days and month to come…just be glad to have had him with you for so long…take care.
They fill our lives with unconditional love & joy, teaching us so much we could imbibe in our lives to make them richer!
For so little from us!
Angels sent to light our paths! Nothing prepares one for their going away… so happy he knew your love, happier, you knew him!
Can’t ask for a more fitting eulogy. Some prior karmic connection between that soul and yours. Unquestioning and unbounded love and need for you — that defined Coffee. They say the unconditional love of God comes in the form of a mother. It does. I would add that for you, it came once more in the form of Coffee. He will be missed.
Beautiful, poignant, touches the heart and so so true !
He was a good happy soul !
He will be missed but will also live in our hearts forever!
he , you and both your hearts are here ♥. he is alive through these words
Excellent words.
Don’t have words to describe my feelings……..
will always B in my heart…
sorry……
I understand ur feelings n feel love n care that u feel for ur dog.so sorry for ur loss.
love n feelings truly described by you for the loving soul. Whenever called he always came n sat down by my feet.will always miss him.
RIP
An elegy – sensitive and poignant. The feeling of loss oozes through Coffee’s each chores. He will continue to live with you.
What an apt ode to Coffee
I can very well feel what you are going through. Felt the same when Fudge, again a black Lab left us to shower his love on whoever he met in the after life.
One of my first memories of HV of Coffee was him chilling in the small park in front of your house – and how energetic he was! Barking back at our dog Sheru as they both shared whatever version of doggie-discourse that they seemed to have – but only when they were on two sides of the park fence.
I hope there is some comfort that Coffee lived a long and fulfilling life, surrounded by those who loved him dearly.
Sending you all my love, strength, and heartfelt condolences.
omg. anyone who has had a lab will completely agree with what u have written. my deepest condolences. the sun really sets when they go away.
I totally understand what you are saying. looking forward to meeting my marco at the gates of heaven. I am surevhe is waiting for me too, just like coffee.
You’ve worded your love for Coffee so beautifully Tanu.. I can well understand the vacuum you must be feeling without him.. Take care