Thank you, Rhyder.
Tonight is my last night with my old dog. For twelve years, Rhyder has been by my side. When he first came into my life, I didn’t plan for him to be with me for long. My intention, when I saw him on Craigslist - a soulful looking, 3 year old, Mini Aussie X Brittany spaniel mix - was to give him a temporary place to couch surf while on his way to a permanent home. But when my young Aussie, Rhodie, and I went to meet him, it was as if two long lost friends had been reunited. The joy they felt in being together was effervescent and palpable. With the two of them together, it was if a supernova had been born.
Fast forward twelve years… Rhyder has been the single, most consistent, ever-present, living being during the most rewarding, challenging, happy, and sad period of my life. And tomorrow, when Ryder’s failing 15 year old body is relieved of its earthly duties, an era will end, a sparkle will dim, and nothing will ever again be the same.
What can I say, in these final moments, to a dog who has been so steadfast in his loyalty to me, our dog family, and my dog-infused life? From the depths of my broken heart, I feel love and gratitude and so, to my beloved Rhyder, I simply say… “thank you.”
Thank you, Rhyder, for recognizing, in Rhodie, your soulmate and friend. Never before have I seen two dogs display such joy in meeting and in the friendship between them that ensued. I am sure you and Rhodie were best friends in a former life because of the way you recognized and loved each other from the start.
Thank you, Rhyder, for carrying on after Rhodie so suddenly died. Rhodie left us without any warning in January 2018, seven years after the boys first met, a life that was most likely stolen by hemangiosarcoma. I have often felt that the loss to Rhyder must have been at least as bad as the riveting shock and sadness that gutted me. Not since his days with Rhodie has Rhyder pranced so happily and played so joyfully. Yet, he has carried on, dutifully meeting, greeting and welcoming the many dogs that have entered our life. But there was never to be another Rhodie. I know that when Rhyder leaves tomorrow, he will be welcomed into the spirit world by his best friend, Rhodie, and, in that image, I find peace.
Thank you, Rhyder, for being my “puppy trampoline.” How you love puppies! You were born to be the big, fun, reassuring brother to all the puppies that have been part of The Canine Connection world. When introduced to puppies in my training programs, you always let those silly puppies jump on you, bite you, and bounce off you. Puppies loved you, Rhyder. Thank you for loving them back and for helping so many Canine Connection puppies learn that bigger dogs are fun, safe, and cool.
Thank you, Rhyder, for being a friend to all. If there was a lifetime achievement dog award for “best supporting actor,” it would go to you. In the last thirteen years, so many dogs have come into my life, my business, and home - clients’ dogs, foster dogs, new dogs destined to become part of our family. With few exceptions, you accepted them, tolerated them, supported them, and been a friend to them. You were never jealous or pushy or mean. You shrugged off their oddities while sharing your space and your toys. You never needed to be the big shot, the center of attention. You were always happy to let others claim more than their fair share of attention and time. Thank you, Rhyder, for being a generous, forgiving friend to all.
Thank you, Rhyder for being Rudy’s support system. When I committed to helping Rudy, an unclaimed stray from the Camp Fire, I didn’t imagine he would come into our lives with debilitating separation anxiety. Rudy’s ability to learn to be on his own was supported by you. Your presence soothed him as his panic over separation was gradually replaced by a sense of safety and calm. Rudy doesn’t know that tomorrow your steady presence will be gone. I know that he will feel your loss as much as I will. I hope your spirit will guide him as he confronts a new meaning of “home” without the security of his best supporter and friend.
Thank you, Rhyder, for those deep, bright eyes that melted me every day of our years together. Thank you, for always shining bright. Thank you, for your endlessly sweet and happy spirit. Thank you for being my shadow, trotting or shuffling behind me (depending on my pace), whenever I moved from here to there, even when it meant waking and moving from a sleepy state and comfy spot. Thank you, Rhyder, for not chewing up ALL my shoes. Thank you, Rhyder, for being a beacon of light and love in a sometimes dark world.
Tomorrow, I will look into your beautiful eyes for the last time, with gratitude for all you have brought to this world, for all the ways you filled my life and heart with joy. Tomorrow, your earthly sparkle will fade and the heavens will have a new, bright star. Thank you, Rhyder, for sharing your time on earth with me. While it has been too short, I will love and cherish you, every minute of our life together, and every memory….forever.