Two days ago a friend of mine passed away from cancer. It is such a nasty disease — it seems to always win in the end…….I first met Karen about 18 years ago when I was showing my Lab, Reilly, in obedience and she was showing her Flat-coated Retriever Sadie in the same classes. I believe we first started talking on an out of sight stay and kept running into each other at obedience trials. Both our dogs and us became friends. In fact Reilly became madly in love with Sadie (he was neutered so no danger of “Flatadors” there). When they were together they ran around and played but he also flirted with her. She was the only dog he ever flirted with his entire life although when he met her daughter he tried to flirt with her until he realized it wasn’t Sadie!
Karen gave a lot back to the sport of obedience and taught some wonderful classes at our kennel club including a much in demand “attention” class. She also got involved in tracking, hunt tests and agility and she and I traveled to some events together. Even when her cancer reoccurred she remained cheerful and optimistic. In fact I still thought she would beat this round of cancer but realized about 2 weeks ago it wasn’t going to happen. On Friday, after a rally obedience trial, a little voice in my head said to call her house and see how she was doing. I spoke with her daughter who was here helping care for her and realized time was short. Fortunately they said I could come visit.
Even though I realized she was dying it wasn’t easy to see her in so much pain. I won’t go into all the details of our visit but I learned something by going — if you have a friend who is terminally ill, go see them NOW. Tell them what their friendship means to you, if you love them tell them so, give them a hug, say your good byes. You will be glad you did. I know I am.
On top of that, today is the 2 year anniversary of my precious Lily’s unexpected death. They say time heals everything but apparently in some cases it takes much more time than others. There isn’t a day I don’t think of her at least once. Her photos, leash and collar and ashes are right by me here on my desk. I just haven’t been able to move them yet. Her daughters Sprout and Sprite are here as a reminder of her but they aren’t her or much like her. I have a tribute to Lily on my web page and a link to a story about her here: www.dunnsmarshlabs.com/lasttunnel.html
So today I am missing my friend, Karen and my precious gift from God, Lily. I love you both and will never forget either of you.
