Huck our Boy

Where do I begin with this post? The joy or the pain. I guess a little of both is a good start.

Eleven or twelve years ago our dog, Duchess, gave birth to puppies on Thanksgiving Day. Well as luck would have it, Randy and I were in Wisconsin with family and had to turn around. Our dear neighbors were watching her and went through the pain of her delivery... it is something they will never forget and neither will I. She lost three but had three. They were adorable and not a single one looked like their mother. They all looked like their father who was a Golden Retriever. There was a Golden girl, a black girl and a black boy. We found a home for the black girl I had candidly named Jill. And I just could not separate from the other two, they were a part of my family. The boy I named Huckleberry Finn and his sister, Bailey Lynne. They have been two partners in crime and love ever since. We have been through the ups and downs of illnesses, wrong doings, barking at night, escaping under and over fences, dancing with us to music in the kitchen, loving us non stop and always loving one another.

When I found out I was pregnant, I thought immediately that Huck would be Caleb's dog. You know, boys stick together. But the day we brought Caleb home, I found out that Caleb was Bailey and Huck's boy. Caleb is now eight and he and those dogs have traveled many miles on foot and paw on adventures in the backyard and on trips to the lake. If you saw one you saw three, they have been inseparable and always look out for the other. Their love for Caleb has shown in everything they did. bailey sleeps by his bed and Huck slept by his door. Best friends they are and always will be.

So with so many close calls throughout their wonderful and crazy life, we were devastated yesterday when Huck came in from chasing the chickens, a past time he loved but not really allowed to do, and he was having a very hard time breathing. I immediately grabbed my cell and called the vet and explained what was going on. I truly thought he had swallowed chicken feathers and just could not get them past. We had to quickly get him to the vet after she heard his breathing and said,"He is in trouble, get him here." Caleb and I worked quickly and I must admit I was aggravated. I have been very sick and we had wanted to take everyone to the track and walk, but NOOOO, Huck had to go and hurt himself. On the way to the vet I knew something was not right, but just figured he had eaten a stick and it was lodged. We arrived and got him into the exam room where Dr. Rasmussen helped and at first thought it was an allergic reaction. Then it seemed more serious and Dr. Ragan was brought in. All in a matter of 25minutes I was having to make a decision on Huck and his life. His breathing was worse and they were baffled. After a chest X-Ray, it seemed his lungs were filled with fluid. He was struggling worse to breathe and surgery was an option, but 30 mins. away and it was not something they felt he could make it to or through. So looking at Huck whose eyes were full of questions and love and pain, it was made. I have been through the loss of many pets, but was very prepared for them. This one I was not and not ready to let him go. He was a family member and I felt like I was giving up on him, but yet I knew it was the right thing. He had gone out doing what he loved... loving us and life.

Caleb and I spent the rest of the evening in sobbing states and the tears would flow and stop and flow again. Today has been full of tears and digging. Something Huck loved doing. He is at peace now and Caleb and I are trying to find our peace with this life change. I must say that bringing him home was therapeutic for me and knowing that he is with those who have always loved him helps tremendously. Perspective is gained at times like these and it hits you square in the face. As I went through images last night I kicked myself for not taking my three beautiful dogs and making images of them in the studio. Part of the reason is their fear of lights, but now I only have in my head what I have wanted on print.

Huck was a lover and adored us, even when we were upset with his actions. This morning as I came down the stairs I missed his 'gotta go potty dance' and the tears welled up. I do not know when the pain will ever go away, but he lives with and through us. Bailey and Sadie are aware things have changed and after the funeral this afternoon it was apparent that they know. I felt it only fair for them to say good bye and they did. I am so thankful that the animal world still respects one another in the deepest of ways.

Huck old boy with the most expressive eyes and love to fetch and roll in the snow... we miss you and thank you for choosing us as your love.

We did find out through autopsy that what caused his episode was a heart attack.