Now, Jayden was like our dog. John, the neighbor, happily shared him with us. We would bring him treats all the time and he would even wait outside Mom's kitchen door, anticipating another goodie.
The day before Christmas, we were all getting in the car when I noticed John and a friend carrying something heavy in a blanket. It first occurred to me how it looked like a dead body but I quickly brushed it off because why would someone do such a thing in broad daylight. I did point it out to Mom, who said the same thing I was thinking. As we were driving up the back alley to take out the trash, there we saw John and his friend, crouched in the backyard, crying over the blanket.
It was Jayden.
It was a big pick-up truck, and it happened really fast.
I never ever bawled and cried that much or that long in my life. We threw ourselves to the ground next to Jayden's body. It was surreal. He felt warm in the cold weather, but he lay flat, lifeless.
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| Sunnier, warmer times with Jayden. |
The death of a beloved pet has a raw and gritty quality to it. Unlike humans wherein we are able to—albeit momentarily—mask, delay, and manage the pain via elaborate ceremonies before we bury our dead (that, alongside an unwavering faith in the afterlife), with pets, you face death right in the eye. (Do dogs go to heaven? It makes one ask these questions and want to believe even more in life after death). As in the case of Jayden, we sat next to him in the yard for more than an hour, bawling our eyes out; got inside the house; waited for John to gather more friends to help dig a hole; and when they were done, we went outside again to gather around as Jayden was laid to the ground. It was surreal, and it happened really fast.
True, over the last few days and weeks, new experiences have emerged, new memories have been formed—but I will always vividly remember that day.
So sorry about Jayden. My friend's Golden died in a similar fashion last Christmas. :-(
ReplyDeleteAs for dogs going to heaven, have you heard of Rainbow Bridge (http://www.petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm)?
Dear Mariel,
ReplyDeleteIt was a bitter holiday for me and my family. My mother passed away last December due to heart attack. It was so sudden. Mom was recently promoted and many felt regrets. Our family spent the saddest Christmas and New Year's Day because for the first time mom was no longer with us. We tried our best to feel better as we helped each other in the kitchen preparing food like we used to have when mom was around.
Hope all is well with us,
Karina
Karina, oh dear :( I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, what a deep, deep loss. I only hope you and your family feel better as time passes. My earnest condolences.
ReplyDeleteGracie, just published your comment. I'll check out the link, thanks. Oh, that must have been heartbreaking for your friend :(
ReplyDeletePS—
ReplyDeleteJust read it, awww...