October 28, 2010

Good Night, Sweet Prince (guest post from Lovin' Man)

Ladies and gentlemen,

I'm afraid I have some very sad news for you. The brightest light at the Dreaming Bear has gone out.



This morning Luke, our yellow lab of seven years, passed away after being ill for several days. Anyone who came into The Dreaming Bear in the last four years would probably remember having to step over Luke to get into the shop or having to endure being sniffed over. Luke often assumed the difficult role of making sure the carpet didn't float away, a task he was uniquely suited for. During children's birthday parties in the art studio, Luke often showed his true colors, which turned out to be hot pink with green glitter as he patiently allowed paint-splattered girls and boys to pet him. He was gentle, loyal, kind, lazy, and beautiful.

I love Luke not just for who he was, but for the kind of person I was when I was around him. He made me a better and richer man for having known him, and I will always be grateful that he took me under his wing. It was Luke's world, we just lived in it.



I also want to thank the kind people at the Cedar Rapids Animal Hospital, especially Dr. Weber, and the thoughtful staff of the Eastern Iowa Veterinary Specialty Center, including Drs. Streeter and Graf, for doing all they could to try to help Luke.

Luke is survived in death by a "suspicious chicken" and two inconsolable parents, for whom Luke was a constant blessing.



On My First Son

by Ben Jonson


Farewell, thou child of my right hand, and joy ;

My sin was too much hope of thee, lov'd boy.

Seven years thou wert lent to me, and I thee pay,

Exacted by thy fate, on the just day.


Oh, could I lose all father now ! For why

Will man lament the state he should envy?

To have so soon 'scaped world's and flesh's rage,

And if no other misery, yet age !


Rest in soft peace, and, asked, say, Here doth lie

Ben Jonson his best piece of poetry.

For whose sake henceforth all his vows be such

As what he loves may never like too much.



10 comments:

sara said...

I am sincerely crying for you. Dogs are the sweetest, most loving creatures. I know it will come someday for our beloved sadie and I cannot even fathom it. So so sorry. Love and prayers to you today:(

Biz said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. My mother just had to deal with this a week ago. Our pets are our furry children. I hope you find peace.

Candylei said...

My first time to your blog. I am so sorry to hear about your dog, Luke. They are the best of friends all of us dog owners know that. I smiled when you said his job was holding the rug down.
Thinking of your loss,
Candylei and Sir Salty

Kathryn Dyche said...

I'm so very sorry. This post had me in tears. It's hard losing a pet, especially as they become so very much part of the family. Bug hugs to you all.

rosebud101 said...

Don't we all live in our pets' worlds. I'm sorry for your loss.

roc said...

oh i am so sorry for your loss. it is never easy to lose our pets. they are such important members of our families. god bless you all during this difficult time.

Kira - oopsicraftmypants.com said...

:( I'm so sorry for your loss and heartache. Luke sounds like he was a very special dog.

Rona Gregory said...

Hi I found your blog via another so my first visit too. So sorry to hear your loss. A beautifully written piece tho, i too loved the job of holding down the rug. Moved me to tears. Just remember tho, Luke will always be with you in your hearts.

Ro xx

Jennifer Richardson said...

Here are my tears
to add to the soft peace
cradling your furry boy
...carried, I believe,
to a sweet snuffly place
where one day he will
bound up to greet you again
in a place of brilliance
and light.
-Jennifer

Karin Bartimole said...

I am a new visitor to your blog. I am so very sorry to come and find that you are going through such a painful loss and time of sorrow. With time, may your days be filled with the memories that bring you joy, images of delight, and feelings of warmth deep in your hearts. I know I've never felt the love, nor loss, than I did with my one companion Frida. She will forever be with me, as I'm sure Luke will be with you. A bon voyage in your crossing over Luke, and blessings to your two legged guardians in life... ❤ Karin