After having a hissy fit about something and nothing yesterday life has a way of reminding you what really matters. Tonight I lost my faithfull friend Harley a Cavalier who I have had for almost 10 years. I lost my fatehr 5 years ago and never had a chance to grieve because my marraige was breaking down at the same time, Harley was there for me through all of this and was the only thing I got when I got divorced. Never treat friends for granted and never fall out over stupid things.
I fell like I've lost a child and he will be sorely missed. RIP mate.
/quote]
When I walked away from my old life in 2000, I moved in as a lodger with a landlady. At the time, I was in the depths of depression and didn't really know what lay ahead. Everything in my life seemed to suggest that there was no way out - everything was a negative - nothing inspired me. In the midst of madness, my landlady then hits me with a contract to sign. Nothing to do with the rent here.....it was to do with DOGS. She wanted to keep two dogs IN the house. Fck me, that was all I needed - dogs and dog shit! It's a long story from here, but ultimately, she and I became an "item". And though I tried to deny her for many months, dogs finally entered my life. What a lucky fck I was!
Not only was my landlady about to heal my madness though her understanding (she was actually in Uni to finish her therapy course), but she introduced me to the sheer pleasure of owning a dog. And though I could never thank her enough for what she did for me, it was the introduction to dogs that had the biggest impact on my life. We rescued our first one from the RSPCA, but sadly, the Alsation mix had to be put down. We only had her three weeks, but the pain of losing her was beyond words. A few weeks later, we were back for another. This time, it was a Collie mix that adopted us. What fun this dog was. Again, it's too long a story for here, but my landlady and I had to part - the dog stayed with her. I didn't know just how much I could miss a dog. She sent me a picture of him which now sits proudly next to the TV. It's very difficult not to get emotional when you see such a wonderful creature. The bond between us was so special...so unique. But at least I now know what the future holds, I know what lays ahead. I see a place in the country, far far from poker. I see an ex poker player and his wife...I see a dog. Did I say dog? I see more than one....I see lots of dogs. From all the personal dreams and desires that I once had, having dogs as part of my life has overtaken all of them.
Sorry for your loss - I know how you must feel.