September 3, 2014
OK, it may seem silly to some, but a whole post dedicated to Scout's Birthday! And the fact that we are celebrating our 14th with him makes me both happy and sad. Everyday is a gift...not all Goldens live this long.
Scout was born on September 3, 2000. When we first met Scout, it was love at first sight! We found a really nice couple, Jim & Cathi, in Jamestown, RI who were first time breeders. They took such great care of Scout those first 8 weeks, he even came to us all house trained! Scott and I were married on October 22, 2000, we honeymooned and rushed home to pick up our puppy! We even went back to our wedding photographer to have new pictures taken. Wedding photos were never on display in the house, but you better believe this was!
He has brought nothing but joy into our home since the day we got him. As the years have passed, he never once complained about crying babies or sleepless nights! He loves his pack and strategically places himself so he knows where everyone is, nothing gets by him. He loved it when the boys were still in their high-chairs...he laid on the floor at their feet praying for food. Most of the time he got some. He still keeps close tabs on what's going on for dinner...he sits under the dinner table, then gets up to put his head in your lap, pleading with his big brown eyes and drooling for just one little bite...and another.
When we decided to go on our road trip there was no doubt he would be joining us. He really rallied the entire trip and loved being in close quarters with us. Besides, how many of his friends have stood on the edge of the Grand Canyon?
Since we have been home, we have seen the decline. Nowadays, he spends most of his time sleeping. His hearing isn't too good anymore. Sometimes he doesn't even hear the door open so I quietly approach him and give him a soft pat. No more wild, excited, whimpering greetings, no more jumping when we come home...it's more of a mellow, tail thumping on the floor welcome.
Where he once used to fly up and down the stairs, he now needs gentle encouragement to hop on down, one step, then a rest, then another step and about 3 minutes later, he is finally down the stairs with us guiding him the whole way so he doesn't stumble. It would be safer for him to sleep downstairs, but, he has always slept beside our bed, switching from one side to the other during the night. I used to lay in bed in the morning and say his name until he thumped his tail on the floor, now I need to join him on the floor because he can't hear me.
At night, if he needs a drink, I usually get up and bring it to him so he doesn't have to drag his old body up. I get down low and watch him drink and I know he appreciates the small gesture.
Our walks are shorter in distance, but, longer in time. I go at his pace, because it is his walk, not mine. I make sure we don't go too far because although he doesn't know it, I know we have to turn around and I don't want him hurting later.
He always loved going for a ride in the van. I would take him everyday to drop off the kids at kindergarten. He sat up front with me and everyday he got a big smile and usually a treat and a nice pat from Mrs. Woodworth. Going to Dunkin Donuts, the bank or pharmacy drive thru always made his mouth turn into a faucet. The drool just poured out because any window we drove up to would produce a treat for him. He spreads joy wherever he goes and makes everyone he meets stop and smile. I have now removed one of the backseats from the van to give him more room. It's no longer safe for him to sit in the front seat, and, it's not so easy to get in there either.
So, happy birthday, to my beloved Scout. If you think he is "just a dog", you just don't understand.
OK, it may seem silly to some, but a whole post dedicated to Scout's Birthday! And the fact that we are celebrating our 14th with him makes me both happy and sad. Everyday is a gift...not all Goldens live this long.
Scout was born on September 3, 2000. When we first met Scout, it was love at first sight! We found a really nice couple, Jim & Cathi, in Jamestown, RI who were first time breeders. They took such great care of Scout those first 8 weeks, he even came to us all house trained! Scott and I were married on October 22, 2000, we honeymooned and rushed home to pick up our puppy! We even went back to our wedding photographer to have new pictures taken. Wedding photos were never on display in the house, but you better believe this was!
Since we have been home, we have seen the decline. Nowadays, he spends most of his time sleeping. His hearing isn't too good anymore. Sometimes he doesn't even hear the door open so I quietly approach him and give him a soft pat. No more wild, excited, whimpering greetings, no more jumping when we come home...it's more of a mellow, tail thumping on the floor welcome.
Where he once used to fly up and down the stairs, he now needs gentle encouragement to hop on down, one step, then a rest, then another step and about 3 minutes later, he is finally down the stairs with us guiding him the whole way so he doesn't stumble. It would be safer for him to sleep downstairs, but, he has always slept beside our bed, switching from one side to the other during the night. I used to lay in bed in the morning and say his name until he thumped his tail on the floor, now I need to join him on the floor because he can't hear me.
At night, if he needs a drink, I usually get up and bring it to him so he doesn't have to drag his old body up. I get down low and watch him drink and I know he appreciates the small gesture.
Our walks are shorter in distance, but, longer in time. I go at his pace, because it is his walk, not mine. I make sure we don't go too far because although he doesn't know it, I know we have to turn around and I don't want him hurting later.
He always loved going for a ride in the van. I would take him everyday to drop off the kids at kindergarten. He sat up front with me and everyday he got a big smile and usually a treat and a nice pat from Mrs. Woodworth. Going to Dunkin Donuts, the bank or pharmacy drive thru always made his mouth turn into a faucet. The drool just poured out because any window we drove up to would produce a treat for him. He spreads joy wherever he goes and makes everyone he meets stop and smile. I have now removed one of the backseats from the van to give him more room. It's no longer safe for him to sit in the front seat, and, it's not so easy to get in there either.
So, happy birthday, to my beloved Scout. If you think he is "just a dog", you just don't understand.
You are loved!
Rest in Peace
Scout
September 3, 2000
October 31, 2014
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