Change is eternal, forever, and loss and gain, like grief and love, are parts of the same thing. When a dog goes, as Rose has, the lives of the other dogs all change, as does our need for them. Dogs, like other animals, mirror our lives, mark our passages, reflect our emotions of the time.
My relationship with all of the other dogs has changed. The same is true for Maria. Lenore is now my Ride-A-Long dog, she goes everywhere with me. One thing I love about my new health care practitioners is that they are all delighted when you bring a dog. Curiously, I don’t like to bring dogs everywhere I do. I’ve rarely done it, and I’ve never seen the need for it. Dogs don’t need to be everywhere. But Lenore is a dog you can bring anywhere – massage, spiritual counseling, chiropractor, naturopath. She comes in, wags her tail, circles around, drops to the floor, goes to sleep. I find myself taking her everywhere these days – when I go shopping, look at possible new home. I’ve never really done this with a dog before.
Like Rose did, Lenore watches my shoes, and knows when I am going to the car or the pasture. She is very trustworthy.
Izzy has a new role also. Maria often brings him to the Studio when she is making her quilts, streaming pieces and potholders. He curls up quietly in a corner or under a table and is a quiet presence. He doesn’t bark or get excited when trucks go by. He and Maria are closer.
Frieda is happy in her role as protector of the farm. She sits in front of my study when I write. She patrols the front and rear yards. She goes with me when I take photos. She is ever vigilant, quieter, a wonderful and loyal and protective creature. She and I are closer. In a way, all three are working dogs, in a different way than Rose. All three are calmer since she is gone. Lenore and Frieda sleep close to one another, which is new. Izzy likes the additional attention he can get. The three dogs all have clear and distinct roles. It is a very happy time for the dogs and for us in this way.
When a dog leaves us, a part of our life is rearranged. Dogs, like other animals, mirror our lives.