12 September 2012

C'est la vie...and death

God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.

~~ Voltaire (born François-Marie Arouet), French Enlightenment Writer, Historian, and Philosopher,
AD 1694 – AD 1778

.

The art of living well and the art of dying well are one.

~~ Epicurus, Ancient Greek Philosopher as well as the founder of the School of Philosophy called Epicureanism,
341 BC – 270 BC

We had some very sad news the other week. Many of you may recall I have mentioned Farmer Bob a few times on my blog. He owns the land, and the bulls, right across the street from where I live. Most of my daily walks, and many of my fun adventures, took place on his land. Farmer Bob was tragically killed in a car accident on the next road over from where we live. My human, K, had driven past the accident twice and had no idea it was her dear friend. He was beloved by many and will be greatly missed. He was a very wise and humble man who truly lived his philosophy on life, rare to find in this day and age. We are all deeply saddened by his loss, and it seems a bit more lonely out here now with him gone.

Silvius and I in our front yard reminiscing about, and missing, Farmer Bob. His property is just across the street, at the tree line.

RIP Farmer Bob. You were always so kind and good to all of us. We miss you!

Another full moon rises, and life continues on its path.

~~ MOMENT OF BEAUTY ~~

Strasbourg Astronomical Clock, [third clock on this spot; the first had been built 1352-1354, and the second had been built 1547-1574], circa 1838 – 1843 (Cathédrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg, Alsace, France)

Lucien Auguste Vérité, Astronomical Clock of Saint Peter’s Cathedral, , circa 1857 - 1866 (The Cathedral of Saint Peter of Beauvais, Beauvais, France)

Back to me...

K has been rather busy of late and per usual, my blog ends up at the end of her task list. I continually woof to K that my blog is, and should always remain, of utmost importance but then she grumbles about "work" and whatnot. Regardless, I have missed all of you and want to thank you for your continued thoughts, well wishes, and crossed paws. It really means a lot to me and I am very grateful to have such amazing, wonderful, kindhearted friends. I know all of your positive, loving support has helped me in my recovery. I am feeling better but have come to realize that my health will never fully recover. My hind legs have arthritis and although the medicine does help it is not a cure. My inner ear has gotten better, so my walking is much better and much more stable. I only slightly lean to the right now when I walk. My cough persists, although it has lessened considerably, and my wheezing comes and goes. I think this is just the new me. It makes me sad, and K very very sad, but we are doing our best to adapt.

Life has its ups and downs and you take the good with the bad. I strive to handle both with grace and dignity.

Everything changes and evolves. I'm down with that.

I love the new me! Because I am still me! Just a bit different, but nonetheless, me!

And, the new me gets to be outside leash free! Sometimes getting sick has its perks. I'm just sayin’…

38 comments:

WFT Nobby said...

Good to hear for you, but we are very sorry to hear about the loss of your farmer friend. Deaths in car accidents always seem so, well, unnecessary. Suka, we wish you all the best as you and K come to terms with the new you. Do make the most of that leash freedom, without overdoing the hind legs action.
Toodle pip!
Bertie and Gail (your caring friends).
PS Gail loves the clocks. She cycled through Beauvais last year, but is embarrassed to admit that she didn't go inside the cathedral.

Parsley said...

Sorry for the loss of your friend.

Dear Suka, we understand your health issues all too well and appreciate your attitude. Keep on keeping on. Enjoy every moment you can off the leash. :)

WFT Nobby said...

Correction to last comment
Meant to start with good to hear FROM you, of course!

tubby3pug said...

We are so so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, things like that break our hearts and remind us of the fragility of life.

Your attitude on aging is amazing and our mom needs to adapt it as well since 3 of us our seniors with some arthritis and some old dog coughing. We of course have already adapted hour wonderful attitude on changing and evolving because we are dogs and more advanced spiritually then humans (or at least mom thinks so)

urban hounds

FANCY the Red Standard Poodle said...

Hi Y'all!

Just so happy to hear you are feelin' better, if not your best. Leash free is definitely a big perk in my book! So sorry about the arthritis though. I know it's painful 'cause my Humans suffer from it. I often have to help my Human up from a cabinet or pick something up for her 'cause of "it".

Even I feel the sorrow in your voice about Farmer Bob. That is so sad...it feels so strange that life rolls on when we face the loss of someone close to us.

Y'all come back now,
Hawk aka BrownDog

Lakeland adventures with Lola and Milo said...

Hi Suka lovely to hear from you again.

I'm sorry to hear about farmer Bob.

I love the new you. you will always be you there can only be one Suka.

Did you manage to collect your awards ok. If not you can collect them here http://ian-mydogshebaslifestory.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/two-new-blog-awards.html

Take care Sheba.

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Sorry about your furry nice neighbour Bob -

I'm sure there were lots of happy tails greeting him as he made his journey -

As fur The Handsome SUKA - I'll just keep sending good vibes to KS fur woo!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: Woo MUST khonvince K that YOUR blog is one of THE MOST IMPORTANT parts of her day - after feeding and walking WOO!

Jans Funny Farm said...

We are sorry you have lost your friend and neighbor Farmer Bob. He sounds like a wonderful guy. We send purrs and pawhugs for you and for his family.

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

We're so very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. You will always remember him.

Suka...We're very happy to hear that you're feeling so much better. We were really worried about you. Getting old is no fun but you're handling it well.

:o)

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Suka and K, we are so sorry to hear about Farmer Bob, that is so sad. We also hope you are going to have many good days ahead of you. Thank you for your good thoughts for Phantom. We think he will be OK, just having another bad spell of tummy troubles.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Dachshund Nola said...

Great to hear from you! Sorry about your friend :(
We're very happy you're doing better!
Nola

haopee said...

Hey Suka. We're glad you are okay and I'm just fine having to hear that K is simply busy and everything is in top shape back where you live.

So K finally got a job ^^. That's just wonderful. I am happy for her.

I would've told you that I've moved from my old place and now I'm with a new pack of dogs. They are my sister's except for Chooey who I brought with me. Peanuts is with my beau and the rest of the pack is left with my mom.

This new pack stresses me out a lot. I have to deal with aggression, multiple scratches on my arms and legs, and whole lot of skin issues.

On the other hand, we are glad that your ear thing is better. Don't forget to consider including turmeric in your diet for the arthritis. It really helps.

Huggies and Cheese,

Haopee

White Dog Blog said...

So many changes. The loss of a good man in Farmer Bob's passing. A bit of age catching up with you healthwise. The passing of another season. As the very wise Dr. Seuss said, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." Imagine NEVER knowing Farmer Bob or not EVER running so far that K got mad. THOSE would be reasons to be sad.

Now you will develop new skills and interests that require your brain instead of strong legs...and it will be an entirely new adventure.Embrace the change. Swallow it whole. OWN it! Be awesome because you already are.

Anonymous said...

Suka,
Very sorry to hear about your neighbor Farmer Bob. It is sad when good peeps leave us. Hugs to all of you from The Roo Family.

Good to hear you are still doing okay. And that is a nice perk of being off leash! Keepin paws crossed that you continue to see little improvements and have many more good days than bad.

Waggin at ya,
Roo

Finn said...

Sorry to hear about your friend. Such sad news. I am glad that you are able to get outside now. You are right - you are still you!! And we love that you!!

Kirsten (peacefuldog) said...

Blessings to you all, and I am sure Farmer Bob is at peace. I hope your paws and your cough and your heart are all healing--enjoy that outdoor time.

The Daily Pip said...

Oh Suka, I am so sorry about your friend's passing. How tragic. I imagine things feel very different without him nearby.

Yes, everything does change ...we all change, but inside we are the same spirit. I get to be leash free outside, too. It's pretty fun!

Your pal, Pip

Mary Lou said...

Suka....
Please accept my deepest, most heartfelt condolences regarding your friend. Farmer Bob sounded like a sweet, kindly man.
"Everything changes and evolves." I like that!! A lot!! ;op
Love, Raelyn.... And Rose, my BEAUTIFULLY UNIQUE "Mystery Dog"!!

Donna said...

I sorry about ur friend. Also I sorry about ur coughs. I send u luv. (((luv)))

Duendes said...

Ola amigos,
sinto muito pelo seu amigo Bob...que bom voce esta melhor...sim voce é sempre bonito e bondoso .Nos sentimos um grande afeto por voce.
abraços e bençaos.

Murray's Mouth said...

Aw, so sorry for your loss but you have a great perspective! Keep up the good fight friend!

Anonymous said...

Hey Suka, Jet here. Hi Miss K.

Please accept our condolences on the tragic loss of Farmer Bob. How awful. Please keep wonderful memories of him in a pocket on your heart.

Suka, I your grace is exemplary. You are a wise teacher for all of us, K9 and human. We continue to send you wishes for ease and comfort as you move through your days. And... you are right, you are still you, just a continuously evolving you. You remain fetching inside and out.

Sending Jetty kisses and JJ hugs... and lovies from Mom. :)

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Dear Suka
I am so sorry to hear about your friend Farmer Bob. I know your life seems so different with him not being close to you anymore.
Such a sad tragedy.

And Suka- I keep sending good thoughts to you- that you will feel the best that you can.
love
tweedles

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear about your friend. Tragic. We say a prayer for him. Suka you take it easy pal and take care. Sending more healing paw. Have a fabulous Friday.
Best wishes Molly

Peggy Frezon said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your pal Farmer Bob. I'm sending out prayers for his family. And to you as you deal with health issues. I know you are loved and well cared for as you go through those ups and downs you mention.

Remington said...

Sorry to hear about your friend.... You are in my thoughts and prayers too! I hope you feel better soon....

TimberLove said...

Sorry to hear about your mate Suka. That's certainly a tragedy, prayers for those that knew him,

On a lighter side the new woo is certainly no less handsome! Hawoo wooo! Play bows Suka,

RA

Oskar said...

What a very sad situation.

Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar

Cotton said...

I be very sorry about that loss <3
Cotton

Jack & Moo said...

Hello Suka, long time no see, the mom in this house is too busy too!
We're so very sorry for your loss of a dear furiend, Godspeed, Bob. We believe he's watching over woo pups from a higher point of persepective. : )

And we're glad woo are feeling better. Moo's been under the weather, but she had a bad tooth removed & is on the mend....pawsonally, we think woo are as handsome as ever!

jack & moo

haopee said...

Hi again, dear Suka.

I just dropped by to say that I am having a dog book giveaway in my blog at http://www.mydogslove.me/2012/09/our-first-book-giveaway-follow-dog-home.html

If you're interested to join, please do so soon. As it only has 3 days left. I don't want to leave any of my friends uninformed.

Huggies and Cheese,

Haopee

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FANCY the Red Standard Poodle said...

Hi Y'all!

Just wanted to stop for a visit and to see how you are doing, Suka. Hope y'all are havin' a great week!

Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog

FiveSibesMom said...

We love you...new...old...in between! You are such a beautiful soul, Suka! We are cheering for your upturn in health, although not perfect, any good news is great news! We so agree about facing each day with dignity and dignity, but I think it's much harder on us hu-parents, right K? Now, Suka, while you are enjoying your perk of being off-leash...don't get a wild hair and travel down to that creek now, ya hear? And K...um, Suka needs more blog time! ;-) Just sayin'... (to borrow your phrase!) Hugs and kisses to Suka!

Scrappy Angel said...

Dearest Suka,

So very sorry about Farmer Bob. I bet you will miss him.

I totally am with you on this blogging not being at the top of the list thing. I get NO time at all for blogging anymore. My peep has way too much going on and I need to take a stand...

i am happy you are getting some off leash time, even though you are feeling a little better and life is not quite the same, your new normal will have some benefits like that fur sure! Perhaps ectra loves and treats as well:0

Katie and Cocco said...

We are so sorry to hear of your loss, Suka!

-Katie and Coccolino the mini pig

Chicco said...

Hey Suka,

I'm so sorry for your friend farmer Bob, a very very sad destiny :(
I'm glad you're feeling better Suka, and yes being different doesn't mean being bad. You'll be always for me a special friend, always :)
Don't worry if your humans don't have so much time for the blog, we understand, my humans are so busy too.
Have a nice day.
Woof, woof,

Chicco

Bailey Be Good! said...

Suka! I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I'm glad to hear that you are feeling OK, and will keep sending those get well wishes your way. :)

Many woofs & huggies to you, my friend! <3

~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)