Monday, August 16, 2010

Frisker Mochrie R.I.P.O.S. (Rest In Pursuit Of Squirrels)

Deb: Frisker is not afraid or in discomfort anymore. He was really only in distress for a total of an hour while we got dressed in the middle of the night and took him to the emergency clinic. We said our goodbyes quickly, both of us through leaden hearts and drenched eyes. It took only 20 seconds and he had his reward. His reward for twelve-and-a-half years of faithful service to our hearts.

He added years to our lives by making us sit down with him and play when we entered the house stressed. He made us laugh on more occasions than we can count and he melted us every time he picked out his toy for the day. He was even a hero. Our hero to be sure, but his sister Fanny’s hero when he saved her from drowning in the pool. Fanny had not been with us long––she was still a pup––and for him, I am sure, she was a pain in the butt. But when we heard him wailing––a sound he had never made––we ran outside to find him leaning over the pool’s edge trying to pull her out of the icy water with his paw. He was terrified of the water, which made his heroic act that much more special. I’m sure right after he saved her and she ran over to steal one of his stuffed babies for the umpteenth time, he thought, “What the hell did I do that for?” But he couldn’t help it. His instincts kicked in. And so have ours. Our instinct to stay close to home and mourn him. To give him his due. To stop our world and feel his absence.

We are following our instinct to go about our business, then break down when the moment overwhelms. Our son is a camp councilor this summer, so the poor guy is struggling with the fact that he was not here when Frisker, his boy pup, left us. We will have a little service and bury Frisker’s ashes when Luke comes home. We will put them in amongst the cedar trees where Frisker happily wiled away the hours, his snout peeking out from the foliage, his fat little arse burrowed in the cool dirt.

I just took up his bowl this morning from its spot and it was as if he had just died all over again. But with the bowl tucked away, we put another foot forward. And we focus on wee Fanny who is confused and unsure of herself. She still runs out the door, stops, turns around, barks and waits for him. She loved him as much as we did. And more than that, he was her Yoda, her role model. He was a good boy. He was a good Frisker. As Colin posted on Facebook: “He was a serious dog who brought serious Joy into our lives.

Frisker Mochrie
R.I.P.O.S.

23 comments:

  1. Deb - Love and hugs. And, more love and hugs.

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  2. Sorry too hear about your dog Frisker. My heart goes out to you and your loved ones. It is very hard to lose a pet and expecially one that is near and dear to you,and that you have grown up with. Again sorry to hear about your loss. Sending prayers and love your way to you and your family

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  3. Thank you so much Rigel and Lyndsie for your prayers and hugs and love. I will take them all.

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  4. Oh Deb, I'm so sorry. I know how important he was to you.

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  5. Thanks so much Katrinka, very much appreciated.

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  6. Deb, I'm so sorry. We always have animal family members, but this is certainly the hardest part. I can tell Friskers was well-loved.

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  7. Thank you Hart, he was well loved. I appreciate your condolences.

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  8. I'm so sorry to hear of your family's loss Deb. It's hard to say goodbye to family pets when they are such faithful companions. I hope Fanny adapts quickly, it's hard enough to say goodbye but I've found it's just as hard watching the other pets adjust to the change in dynamic. Rest in Peace Frisker.

    Elle

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  9. Deb, I am very sorry to hear about Frisker. I know what you are going through. This past summer we lost Chance who was 16 1/2 and Bear who was 14. They were inseparable in life. When Chance went first, Bear followed a couple of months later. They both had full happy lives, but I am selfish I want them back with me.
    I can still see them running around the backyard and sleeping by our feet.
    I'm sending you and your family a big warm hug to try to help you through this. Hug Fanny for me too. I know the little girl is totally lost and confused right now.

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  10. Chance and Bear? I love their names and that they loved each other so much. I see an empty spot too, by the pool, under my feet when I am working, and at the foot of our bed. I am sorry for your loss of your two wonderful creatures. 161/2 and 14 is so great. What kind of dogs were they?

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  11. Deb both were rescue dogs, what some people consider throw aways. Jack found Chance as a puppy on the side of the road after he had pulled himself out of a pool. He was part Chow, part Shepherd, part spaniel and what ever else god decided to throw in the mix. Bear was given to us by a neighbor who's dog had puppies and they didn't want them. Bear was mostly a black flat haired retriever. He was a big baby with a big heart. He never started a fight but he did finish a couple.
    They both filled our lives with Joy and Love and yes sometimes aggravation for many a year.

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  12. Sorry to hear of your loss, Deb. Frisker sounds like a real champ.

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  13. Aw, Deb, this almost brought tears to my eyes.. My doggie is 14, and her eyesight, hearing, etc. is starting to go and the arthritis is getting worse so I know it can't be an awful lot longer. Every time I'm home (she's at home with my parents) I make sure to pet and hug her extra. So sorry for your loss, your puppy sounds amazing. <3 <3 <3

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  14. Just life, Chance and Bear sound like wonderful characters and they were clearly so meant to be with you!
    Kassy, 14 years is great and it sounds like despite some issues, she is hanging in there. Thanks for your sympathy.
    Rayna, he was a real champ indeed. Thanks for your words of comfort.
    Elle, it seems that Fanny might be starting to understand which we are so happy for because it was heartbreaking to see her looking for him. Thanks for the comforting words.

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  15. I'm so sorry for your loss, Deb. We lost our Dexter a few years ago after 14 wonderful years, and it broke all of our hearts. I hope you can take some comfort in the many memories you have and in the joy that I'm sure Fanny brings you every day. - Anne (sorry, I can't seem to log in, so I'm using the Anonymous profile)

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  16. So sorry Deb. We've been there, and it is so heart-breaking.
    I made a scrapbook of memories after we lost Sky, and made copies for each of my kids. We enjoyed reminiscing all the happy times. Like you, I wrote about her, and that helped a lot. One morning I woke up to Sky nuzzling me, sniffing in my face like always, only to realize she had already died. But I'm telling you, it was real. Even though she had been suffering terribly, I agonized over the decision to put her down. That morning, she showed up to let me know she was okay.
    Friskers will always be a part of you. There is some comfort in that.
    (hug)
    hollye

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  17. Thanks Anne. It is wonderful that you had Dexter for 14 wonderful years. And yes our dear little Fanny is still with us thank heaven. It is so odd hollye that you would say you woke up to Sky nuzzling you because dear friends of ours said that they experienced their dog coming to them for weeks afterwards. We have not found that. But I will walk into a dark room and think the shorts on the stool is him or see a shadow and think it's him. How I wish it was. Thanks both of you for the lovely messages. Seems we have a lot of animal lovers who read our blog. I knew there was something about all of you that I loved! xo

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  18. Dear Deb,
    I am so sorry. Mojo, my Bulldog, and I send you Love and WooF's.

    Frisker's life story is so wonderful and thank you for sharing it. Tears will flow for weeks. Places you went to together, the quiet and still of the house. The JOY he brought you, in time, will turn into a wonderful, peaceful, fun time blanket of memories to cherish forever. Hugs xo

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  19. Deb, Colin & Luke - I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for your wonderful postings about Frisker, in tears both times, I enjoyed reading and sharing and learning about his wonderful demeanor - sounds like he was lovely and well loved. Take care of each other and revel in your memories. I'm sure that Fanny needs you all now as well and that in itself will be of some comfort.
    Love Sandy

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  20. Deb, sending love and hugs to all you guys. I've been where Luke is, and it's always heartbreaking. My soul grieves to think that I'll be losing my Max (boxer/black lab mix) someday, I just cherish every moment I get to spend with him. Our pets unconditional love certainly enriches our lives, and even touches our very souls. I wouldn't trade Max for anything in the world.

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  21. Thank you Sandy. Well we're even because I was in tears writing them. Thanks for your kind and comforting words. We have been all over poor Fanny like a cheap suit.I'm quite sure the poor thing needs a break already! Ruth, Max sounds like a doll. We have had boxers in my family growing up. My Aunt and Uncle have had 6 and a dear friend has a lab. What a great combo that must be. Cling to him for sure. You will have many years with him. Thanks also to you for your kindness.

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  22. Deb, so terribly sorry. These little souls come into our lives to love us and sometimes tire us out but always to enrich us. I can't type this without the tears falling as I have two darling pooches of my own and love them dearly. Frisker was a much loved doggie, that much is clear. R. (((xox)))

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  23. Thanks Rosina for the sympathy and the kind words. It's been one week today since we lost him. Still cannot believe it.

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