Three weeks ago we went to cabin for a week and spent our time hiking, napping and exploring with Raleigh and Flynn. It was Gregory's fall break from teaching and it just so happened to coincide with Raleigh's 9th birthday on October 14th. We decided it would be a great way to celebrate her birthday and life. On Sunday, two days into our vacation, Raleigh become extremely ill and I was worried that she wouldn't make it to her birthday only two days away. I held her all night and prayed for two things; that she would make it to her birthday so just the two of us could go on a hike and that when it was Raleigh's time, her last moments would be at the home she's known all her life. Somebody was listening, because the next day Raleigh bounced out of bed and was eager to get out and play.
We went on our birthday hike through a wilderness glowing green with moss and ferns. As we hiked higher the air turned silver from clouds streaking in through the trees. We heard birds hiding in the treetops until we reached the crest of our hike and the sounds of birds were far below. We had ascended to a height that birds dare not consider and we pushed on. Raleigh led our expedition with an eager trot and maintained a close eye on me, looking back every ten to twelve steps to ensure I was keeping up. When I stopped to tie my shoe or fiddle with the camera, she came back to grab the leash and pull me onward. My pants became a gauge of the time; in the first half hour the underbrush had soaked the cuffs, as it started to rain the dampness climbed to my shins, my knees and soon my thighs until my pants weighed three times their original weight. Water ran off Raleigh's fur and when she "did her boogie" the effort of the rainclouds looked meager in comparison. The rain didn't bother us, we just pushed onward breathing a little harder due to the elevation and our exhilaration. When we made it back to the car, I cut open a watermelon (my birthday present to Raleigh) with a pocket knife until red juice was dripping down the front of her while water continued to pour down the back of her.
It was my favorite hike I've ever shared with Raleigh. Her look of devotion afterwards told me she might feel the same.
A week ago, Raleigh stopped eating. I tried every trick in the book (you know the one) and any tricks that I plan on putting in the next book. She adamantly refused all food. Despite an empty stomach, Raleigh was getting sick rather regularly. Yet she still wanted to go for our nightly walks, so we continued those. As we reached each street corner Raleigh stopped grabbing the leash to "hold my hand" as we crossed. I asked her again and again, but she just continued looking forward. Her message was clear, she was okay to walk alone. She waited for my "ok, go!" and trotted slightly ahead of me.
On Tuesday night Raleigh walked with vigor and rolled in the green grasses soaked in rain with her usual joy. When we returned home, we cuddled on the couch for a few hours. I read a book with one hand and concentrated on massaging her with the other. Slight groans of contentment stopped when I turned a page and continued when Raleigh nudged my hand and I returned to my work. In the middle of the night Raleigh became extremely ill and it was obvious our shared time was coming to a close.
I gently carried Raleigh to the guest bed, her favorite napping spot and called a veterinarian to come to the house. We lit some candles and cleaned Raleigh up then spent hours cuddling her and telling her what a good girl she is. Raleigh's gaze stayed fixed on my own until the veterinarian gave her the first injection to ease her pain and slowly make her consciousness fade. Raleigh stretched and groaned with pleasure as the pain lifted from her body then returned her gaze to my own. I urged her to go find Jackson, Chloe, Baxter and the dogs of friends that we had known. However, I kept repeating, "Go Find Jackson." Before she lost consciousness, I told her for the last time, "ok, go!" Raleigh looked at me, took a deep breath, exhaled and fell asleep.
We were blessed to have Raleigh for the extra months and we had our best summer and fall ever filled with adventure. We are very grateful to Two Rivers Veterinary Clinic and the Veterinary Cancer & Surgery Specialists for making it possible for us to have the extra time with our loving, intelligent, funny, loyal and beautiful companion. A piece of me has died with her but a piece of her will always live within me.
Thank you to everyone for your support and prayers. Mine were answered, I believe in part because I wasn't the only one making the request. I would like to propose a toast to Raleigh. Please fill your dog's Kong with treats and vegetables like I'd do for her and tell your dog's it's in honor of my girl.
I'll end with a song that I used to sing to her:
You are my sweet little girl.
You are not just a dog.
You're one quarter dog.
And one quarter girl.
You're one quarter boy.
And one quarter squirrel.
I love you my, girl.
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